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!"

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isa 6:8)

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.

16 Miles!

Yesterday, 2/1/14, Cindy and Peggy ran 16 miles.  We had used a handy site (www.mapmyride.com) to pick out a route based on distance (16 miles) and elevation (minimal, in this case, ~119 feet).  It wasn't until we drove out to the starting point for the route that we realized just how far 16 miles is.  Thankfully, the weather was beautiful (60 F with a slight breeze) and the route along the Santa Ana river was almost perfect.

Aside from some discomfort in their legs (I mean, who wouldn't have discomfort!?!), they did marvelously.  Now, a day later, they feel great.  We're all greatly encouraged as they get closer to the marathon in both time and distance.

Here are a couple of pictures:

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

To get an idea of the route in 3D (thanks to Google Earth!)

Back to Training

Last week, Peggy and Cindy resumed their training.  Last Saturday, seven weeks after Peg broke her ankle, they walked/jogged eight miles.  Her ankle/foot feels fine.  The soreness stems mainly from painting (up and down a step ladder) than any of the training.  Peggy continues to wear the brace prescribed by the doctor.  In addition, she has been using compression socks, which many runner favor.



Praise God!  Cindy and Peggy are more determined than ever to finish the marathon.

We had another surprise donation of $200 last week, raising our total to $1,882, or 22% of our goal.  We're not sure how, but we've little doubt that the goal will be reached.

Year End Update

A couple of months ago, this journey started -- one that will end with a home for Muia's family.

• Peggy and Cindy had been training until Peggy's injury.  They hope to resume training in January.
• Peggy, thankfully, did not require a cast.  Now, about 5 weeks after the injury, she's able to walk without the boot.  She will need the brace for the indefinite future, including during the actual marathon.
• Marites, our cousin in N. California, wants to run the marathon and has been training with her husband Gil and on her own.  
• We're closing in on 10% of the fundraising goal.

Fundraising can be distasteful.  I know we're all bombarded with pleas, especially at the end of the year.  However, one of the blessings during this journey is to witness the response from unexpected places.

• A niece and nephew who chose to have the money that would've gone to their Christmas presents be redirected to the fund.
• A 90+ year old aunt who's giving so much more than the monetary donation.  (She wakes up before dawn each morning for hours of prayer.)
• Friends from church who've donated money and even jewelry to be sold for the fund.
• High school friends who've expressed an interest supporting this effort.
• People we don't know and/or who choose to remain unknown.

UPDATE: (Thanks to Paul, the Director of Tumaini in Kenya, I got these updated pictures of Muia today!)

For those who may be wondering, the donations go to Tumaini Ministries and is tax-deductible.  If you're so inclined, you may donate by clicking below.