We just received these pictures from Dr. Stanley, who's currently in Kenya. These are the first looks at the land that Tumaini is helping Muia's family to acquire.
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Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Saturday, March 8, 2014
24 Hours
In 24 hours, Peggy, Cindy and Marites will be starting their 26.2 mile journey. In reality, that journey started months ago. A marathon, we've learned, is so much more than just the 26.2 miles. Running requires life adjustments and sacrifices. These ladies have given so much and are now so close to finishing their task.
Because of so many people's generosity, this run will now be celebratory run. They are now blessed to know that their efforts have not been for naught...Muia and his family will have a new home.
Please pray for them:
Because of so many people's generosity, this run will now be celebratory run. They are now blessed to know that their efforts have not been for naught...Muia and his family will have a new home.
Please pray for them:
- Strength and stamina to complete the race
- Protection from any injuries
- Peace in their hearts
- Joy in knowing that they've been using by God for His greater purpose
- Port-a-potties that are clean and have short lines
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
YOU Did It!!!
You have all reached the goal!!! In fact, you blew right past it. We currently sit at $9,047 raised, which doesn't count money that had been pledged but not yet paid.
If you sense a lack of emotion in this post, it's because I'm still dumbstruck. We actually reached the goal on Sunday but I'd held off on posting so that we could, 1) Confirm the totals, and 2) Notify Dr. Stanley and Rose in person, which we were able to do last night.
Now, Tumaini has the "good problem" of determining how best to use the additional funds. As Dr. Stanley shared with us last night, one of Tumaini's preferences is to invest in more sustainable solutions. In this case, that may mean helping the family to start a crop or with some livestock. Or, perhaps the mother and/or older children will receive vocational training. The staff in Tumaini will assess the family's situation and determine the best course of action.
Now, Tumaini has the "good problem" of determining how best to use the additional funds. As Dr. Stanley shared with us last night, one of Tumaini's preferences is to invest in more sustainable solutions. In this case, that may mean helping the family to start a crop or with some livestock. Or, perhaps the mother and/or older children will receive vocational training. The staff in Tumaini will assess the family's situation and determine the best course of action.
Please continue to check back here (blog or Facebook) for further updates. This has never been just about raising funds. Through this money, a family will be saved and their lives transformed forever. We plan to provide updates at least until the family is settled in their new home. For all of your contributions and prayers, that's the least you should expect and what we hope to provide.
This coming Sunday is the Marathon. Please pray for Cindy and Peggy as they complete this task!
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Fundraising Progress
As I'd reported here (http://milesformuia.blogspot.com/2014/02/valley-christian-church-overflowing.html), we had an amazing outpouring of support for Muia's family at church last Sunday. And now....the numbers are in.
[Cue drumroll....]
We have now $5,629 toward the goal of $8,500. Even as I look at the tally and check each of the names and amounts, I have a hard time believing the total. Much of that total was from members of Valley Christian Church but there we also received surprise contributions from San Diego, Palos Verdes, Sierra Madre and even from as far as away as Virginia. I say surprise, but, to be honest, every single donation comes as a surprise. I wish I could fully convey how encouraging and inspiring it is to witness such an outpouring of faith we've seen in the people's responses.
In my study time this morning, I read:
Thank you all for your support and continued prayers. May God be glorified "in many acts of thanksgiving"! We're 2/3 of the way there....please pass the word so the blessings may continue to abound.
[Cue drumroll....]
We have now $5,629 toward the goal of $8,500. Even as I look at the tally and check each of the names and amounts, I have a hard time believing the total. Much of that total was from members of Valley Christian Church but there we also received surprise contributions from San Diego, Palos Verdes, Sierra Madre and even from as far as away as Virginia. I say surprise, but, to be honest, every single donation comes as a surprise. I wish I could fully convey how encouraging and inspiring it is to witness such an outpouring of faith we've seen in the people's responses.
In my study time this morning, I read:
The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver....For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God.
2 Co 9:6–7,12
Thank you all for your support and continued prayers. May God be glorified "in many acts of thanksgiving"! We're 2/3 of the way there....please pass the word so the blessings may continue to abound.
Miles for Muia Video
Here's a video that we shared with our church last Sunday, Feb. 16th. Please feel free to pass it along.
To support Muia and his Family: http://grouprev.com/milesformuia
To find out more about Tumaini: http://www.tumainiinternational.org/
To support Muia and his Family: http://grouprev.com/milesformuia
To find out more about Tumaini: http://www.tumainiinternational.org/
Thursday, February 20, 2014
20 Mile Training
Last Friday, we watched Spirit of the Marathon, which is a documentary that followed runners preparing for the Chicago marathon. I think Peggy and Cindy found comfort in knowing that they're not alone in our struggles, doubts and feelings. Several people interviewed remarked that the marathon is the ultimate test of the human will and and of our bodies. Whether you're a record holder or a novice, there comes a point when you hit wall and at which you must push through.
Yesterday, Cindy and Peggy ran 20 miles. Each had a number of reasons why they shouldn't have run or shouldn't have finished. They pushed through and they did finish. It certainly wasn't easy. It wasn't by sheer will, rather it is by faith. By faith they responded to a need; and by faith, they have been equipped.
Please continue to pray for these two awesome ladies as the marathon nears (2.5 weeks!).
If you are interested in donating to support Muia and his family, for whom they're running, please click here.
Yesterday, Cindy and Peggy ran 20 miles. Each had a number of reasons why they shouldn't have run or shouldn't have finished. They pushed through and they did finish. It certainly wasn't easy. It wasn't by sheer will, rather it is by faith. By faith they responded to a need; and by faith, they have been equipped.
Please continue to pray for these two awesome ladies as the marathon nears (2.5 weeks!).
If you are interested in donating to support Muia and his family, for whom they're running, please click here.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Valley Christian Church: Overflowing Blessings
Yesterday, during our Sunday services, we "spotlighted" Miles for Muia, which included an 8-minute video (which will be shared shortly) and invited people to find out more after each service.
The response was overwhelming. After each service, the tables were crowded with people wanting to know how they can help. By the end of the day, more than 45 people/families (that we know of) had signed up to help, many of whom gave us money on the spot. Many others just handed us cash as they walked by. (For those who aren't familiar, Valley isn't a large church. On a typical Sunday, we may have 300 people between the two services.)
The Valley family has, again and again, proven their faithfulness to His calling and been generous with His gifts. But it would have been unfair to expect too much of them. Had I dared to form an expectation, I'm sure it wouldn't have been this great. Once again, I underestimated God's and His people's faithfulness.
Each response was special and touching but, I couldn't help but to be affected by some more than others. There's the girl who donated $2.60 - she will not be denied the opportunity to help this family across the world. Then there's the man who handed over a crisp $100 bill and asked for no acknowledgement. I was told of a woman who left the service in tears and felt compelled to give $400, in faith. Or maybe it was the couple who had just made a large donation to support the youth at our church and committed to donate another large donation for Muia's family.
In the end, each name on the list of contributors meant something special. Each person responded in love to God for this family they've never met. In the end, it wasn't the number of dollars that overwhelmed me. What humbled me was the realization that we put out a call for help and the church responded so resoundingly, "Here we are!"
The response was overwhelming. After each service, the tables were crowded with people wanting to know how they can help. By the end of the day, more than 45 people/families (that we know of) had signed up to help, many of whom gave us money on the spot. Many others just handed us cash as they walked by. (For those who aren't familiar, Valley isn't a large church. On a typical Sunday, we may have 300 people between the two services.)
The Valley family has, again and again, proven their faithfulness to His calling and been generous with His gifts. But it would have been unfair to expect too much of them. Had I dared to form an expectation, I'm sure it wouldn't have been this great. Once again, I underestimated God's and His people's faithfulness.
Each response was special and touching but, I couldn't help but to be affected by some more than others. There's the girl who donated $2.60 - she will not be denied the opportunity to help this family across the world. Then there's the man who handed over a crisp $100 bill and asked for no acknowledgement. I was told of a woman who left the service in tears and felt compelled to give $400, in faith. Or maybe it was the couple who had just made a large donation to support the youth at our church and committed to donate another large donation for Muia's family.
In the end, each name on the list of contributors meant something special. Each person responded in love to God for this family they've never met. In the end, it wasn't the number of dollars that overwhelmed me. What humbled me was the realization that we put out a call for help and the church responded so resoundingly, "Here we are!"
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”NOTE: We are confirming the contributions collected and committed (some pledged and will provide the money at a later date). Based on the contributions we in hand, we may already have enough to look into purchasing the land.
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8)
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