Hey Guys-
I can't wait to give you the race report. BUT... I have some video, audio, and photos I'm working on, so until I can find my technologically savvy friends... stay tuned...
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
My Story
In 1998, while I was in college, I received the news I had Reactive Hypoglycemia.
For 10 years I had the illness which affected my body more and more with each passing year. Running any more than 2 miles was not possible for me.
I prayed for healing. But it never came.
And so I accepted it. Fallen world, sister. Life went on.
May 2008 rolled around. I went to the Amazon River with an organization named Amazon Medical Missions. This was my second year to go, as a nurse, serving the lovely people who live in the jungle along that mighty River.
God spoke to my heart on the floor of my ship's cabin: "Why do you think Me so small?"
Three months later I landed in Tijuana, Mexico to again serve as a Nurse, this time with Teen Mania. Myself and another nurse served 800 missionaries that week who crossed the border to minister to the people there. To say God was present and moving that week feels like an understatment. In our clinic, we saw amazing acts of a moving and living God, including healings, deliverances, and divine appointments. The praise for God in that place by His people was so magnificent, He couldn't help but be welcome there, and in turn, show up and do His thing. To say it was magical, well... it was.
By the end of that week I became a little sick. "Not a little sick," Fran the other nurse reminds me. "Alot sick. You were one sick puppy." I was. I had some sort of violent gastrointestinal attack along with dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Fran and a man named Rob, both who possess an amazing faith and belief in the power of God, both mighty prayer warriors, came alongside me and prayed for healing. I remember Fran saying, "All is well within Beth. Her whole body is healed, all is well. All sickness must flee in Jesus's name, in Jesus's name. All is well within her." I remember then throwing up and tasting something so foul in my mouth, grateful to feel release.
The next week I landed in Alaska. This time for a fun vacation to visit my dear friend, Jana. After the Tijuana sickness finally dissipated in my body, I realized a day later that something within my body felt different.
I realized I felt whole- in a way I hadn't realized I'd been broken. Meaning my body felt so different, the best I could describe it was remarking "I feel whole." I hadn't realized, after feeling broken for 10 years, what feeling whole could feel like. It felt very different. It felt very good.
I was afraid to believe I had been healed of hypoglycemia while in Tijuana. After you live for something for 10 whole years, it's hard to believe it can be gone in an instant. I did fasting blood glucose checks, skipped meals, and confirmed I was in fact, healed. I knew it within my spirit, I just had to know it within my mind.
I no longer had hypoglycemia.
I prayed to God about it. I asked Him if He had, in fact, healed my body. He said, "many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord."
I was free!
About that time I was approached about running a half-marathon. My answer to that challenge had always been no, hypoglycemia wouldn't allow my body to handle it. Now that excuse was gone.
And then God brought to mind my wonderful friends in the Amazon, Mike and Susie Dempsey. Mike and Susie, along with some others, have given their whole lives away to move to Peru and spend their days giving all they have to serve the jungle people and tell them about Jesus, the One who makes all things new. I'd been wanting to bless them for awhile.
So the idea was born within my spirit to run the Half Marathon to give God thanks for the amazing miracle that is my body. And to use the run to raise funds for Amazon Medical Missions. And to conquer fear. And to strengthen my inner man, as times are getting fierce.
So, come Sunday, with His help, I will run 13 miles into glory. Not for myself, but for the God who healed me. Jehovah Rophe. My friend, Jesus. I won't do it in my own strength, though the training has strengthened my body. I will do it with the living, breathing, pumping life force of Jesus that lives within me. The same power that drove Him all the way to a Roman cross for you and for me, to suffer all the punishment of all the sin of the entire world before He died and rose again. That power that conquered death and set every single one of us free who believe in Him and admit we are in desperate need of Him- that will carry me to the finish line. That healed my body.
He is alive, friends. Make no mistake, He sits on a throne but He is also very near. He sees you. And me. And He is not small.
If you don't know Him, get to know Him. He is always available and always listening. Start by praying to Him. Telling Him you need Him. Telling Him you've messed up and deserve the death your sin gave birth to. Telling Him you're so glad He took that death for you and that you want Him to come into your heart and make you new. You want Him to be, finally, Lord of your life, your whole life. Make you alive and able to understand for the first time. There is no condemnation in Him. Absolutely none. In fact, He's been waiting for you from a long way off for awhile now. He's been waiting for you to come home. So he can throw a garland around your neck and celebrate His child who has come home and found shelter in the arms of His great, great love. To receive you in. And cover over a multitude of things.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
He will meet you there. He will reveal Himself to you. He is no respector of persons. He knows no bounds and is not held by any wall. My God saves!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. And for those of you who have been supporting me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I run for you tomorrow, too. As you have sacrificed financially to give to Amazon Medical Missions, I will sacrifice my body tomorrow to honor your pledge. And together, we will bless people we've never seen who live halfway around the world. And together, we will help carry out God's mission that "many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord!"
"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul."
Psalm 103
For 10 years I had the illness which affected my body more and more with each passing year. Running any more than 2 miles was not possible for me.
I prayed for healing. But it never came.
And so I accepted it. Fallen world, sister. Life went on.
May 2008 rolled around. I went to the Amazon River with an organization named Amazon Medical Missions. This was my second year to go, as a nurse, serving the lovely people who live in the jungle along that mighty River.
God spoke to my heart on the floor of my ship's cabin: "Why do you think Me so small?"
Three months later I landed in Tijuana, Mexico to again serve as a Nurse, this time with Teen Mania. Myself and another nurse served 800 missionaries that week who crossed the border to minister to the people there. To say God was present and moving that week feels like an understatment. In our clinic, we saw amazing acts of a moving and living God, including healings, deliverances, and divine appointments. The praise for God in that place by His people was so magnificent, He couldn't help but be welcome there, and in turn, show up and do His thing. To say it was magical, well... it was.
By the end of that week I became a little sick. "Not a little sick," Fran the other nurse reminds me. "Alot sick. You were one sick puppy." I was. I had some sort of violent gastrointestinal attack along with dehydration and heat exhaustion.
Fran and a man named Rob, both who possess an amazing faith and belief in the power of God, both mighty prayer warriors, came alongside me and prayed for healing. I remember Fran saying, "All is well within Beth. Her whole body is healed, all is well. All sickness must flee in Jesus's name, in Jesus's name. All is well within her." I remember then throwing up and tasting something so foul in my mouth, grateful to feel release.
The next week I landed in Alaska. This time for a fun vacation to visit my dear friend, Jana. After the Tijuana sickness finally dissipated in my body, I realized a day later that something within my body felt different.
I realized I felt whole- in a way I hadn't realized I'd been broken. Meaning my body felt so different, the best I could describe it was remarking "I feel whole." I hadn't realized, after feeling broken for 10 years, what feeling whole could feel like. It felt very different. It felt very good.
I was afraid to believe I had been healed of hypoglycemia while in Tijuana. After you live for something for 10 whole years, it's hard to believe it can be gone in an instant. I did fasting blood glucose checks, skipped meals, and confirmed I was in fact, healed. I knew it within my spirit, I just had to know it within my mind.
I no longer had hypoglycemia.
I prayed to God about it. I asked Him if He had, in fact, healed my body. He said, "many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord."
I was free!
About that time I was approached about running a half-marathon. My answer to that challenge had always been no, hypoglycemia wouldn't allow my body to handle it. Now that excuse was gone.
And then God brought to mind my wonderful friends in the Amazon, Mike and Susie Dempsey. Mike and Susie, along with some others, have given their whole lives away to move to Peru and spend their days giving all they have to serve the jungle people and tell them about Jesus, the One who makes all things new. I'd been wanting to bless them for awhile.
So the idea was born within my spirit to run the Half Marathon to give God thanks for the amazing miracle that is my body. And to use the run to raise funds for Amazon Medical Missions. And to conquer fear. And to strengthen my inner man, as times are getting fierce.
So, come Sunday, with His help, I will run 13 miles into glory. Not for myself, but for the God who healed me. Jehovah Rophe. My friend, Jesus. I won't do it in my own strength, though the training has strengthened my body. I will do it with the living, breathing, pumping life force of Jesus that lives within me. The same power that drove Him all the way to a Roman cross for you and for me, to suffer all the punishment of all the sin of the entire world before He died and rose again. That power that conquered death and set every single one of us free who believe in Him and admit we are in desperate need of Him- that will carry me to the finish line. That healed my body.
He is alive, friends. Make no mistake, He sits on a throne but He is also very near. He sees you. And me. And He is not small.
If you don't know Him, get to know Him. He is always available and always listening. Start by praying to Him. Telling Him you need Him. Telling Him you've messed up and deserve the death your sin gave birth to. Telling Him you're so glad He took that death for you and that you want Him to come into your heart and make you new. You want Him to be, finally, Lord of your life, your whole life. Make you alive and able to understand for the first time. There is no condemnation in Him. Absolutely none. In fact, He's been waiting for you from a long way off for awhile now. He's been waiting for you to come home. So he can throw a garland around your neck and celebrate His child who has come home and found shelter in the arms of His great, great love. To receive you in. And cover over a multitude of things.
"If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
He will meet you there. He will reveal Himself to you. He is no respector of persons. He knows no bounds and is not held by any wall. My God saves!
Thanks for taking the time to read this. And for those of you who have been supporting me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I run for you tomorrow, too. As you have sacrificed financially to give to Amazon Medical Missions, I will sacrifice my body tomorrow to honor your pledge. And together, we will bless people we've never seen who live halfway around the world. And together, we will help carry out God's mission that "many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord!"
"Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
The LORD works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses,
his deeds to the people of Israel:
The LORD is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;
for he knows how we are formed,
he remembers that we are dust.
As for man, his days are like grass,
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the LORD's love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children's children-
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.
The LORD has established his throne in heaven,
and his kingdom rules over all.
Praise the LORD, you his angels,
you mighty ones who do his bidding,
who obey his word.
Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,
you his servants who do his will.
Praise the LORD, all his works
everywhere in his dominion.
Praise the LORD, O my soul."
Psalm 103
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Week 11: Training Resumed and Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $890.00.
Well, I'm resting on my couch after completing the 10 mile run for today. 10 miles! I never thought I'd say in my life that I actually ran 10 miles. In fact, last December as I stood on the sidelines of my roommates running their own marathons, I said (out loud even), "I will never have the need to run like this."
Never say never.
Well, the race is 1 week from today! I'm getting really excited. Three months of all this running, and I am ready to finish this. I am ready to meet the goal that I've been training for. I am ready to cross the finish line and see what all God will do and has done. I thought to myself today while I ran, "I can't believe my body is able to do this now. I can't believe it can run this far. This is how I know God is real." And it just makes me love Him so much more.
I was a little scared with getting the flu last week and missing an entire week of training, that having to huff it 10 miles today would be a little bit difficult. My alarm went off this afternoon from a Sunday nap, and I must have snoozed it 4 times wanting to delay having to run that much. I got in the car with my roommate, Melissa, who is also running and when we arrived at our running destination and started to exit the car, I quickly jumped back in, closed the door, and said, "I don't want to run 10 miles today." I didn't, honestly. Who does, really? :)
But God did it, y'all. Every time my stomach ached or my feet ached or my calf muscles ached, I just turned it over to Jesus and asked Him to make it new and do His thing. I read Isaiah's words before the run and meditated on them during it, and they kept me going on the difficult stretches:
"For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." (41:13)
"He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath....
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind." (Isaiah 40, The Message)
I just kept thinking about how God doesn't get tired out, doesn't have to catch His breath. I kept thinking that Christ is in me, so His energy is available to me! And every time I got tired, I told Him I was waiting on Him, waiting on Him so He'd renew my strength. And He did. He's so good, y'all. This ten mile run was, I think, my best run so far. Now that is a testimony to the God we serve!
Okay, I run very little this next week to "taper down" and rest and prepare my body for race day. So, if you think about it, pray for race day. Pray for good weather and an able spirit and body. And- for the whole reason of all of this- that many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord!
Blessings, friends
---Beth
Well, I'm resting on my couch after completing the 10 mile run for today. 10 miles! I never thought I'd say in my life that I actually ran 10 miles. In fact, last December as I stood on the sidelines of my roommates running their own marathons, I said (out loud even), "I will never have the need to run like this."
Never say never.
Well, the race is 1 week from today! I'm getting really excited. Three months of all this running, and I am ready to finish this. I am ready to meet the goal that I've been training for. I am ready to cross the finish line and see what all God will do and has done. I thought to myself today while I ran, "I can't believe my body is able to do this now. I can't believe it can run this far. This is how I know God is real." And it just makes me love Him so much more.
I was a little scared with getting the flu last week and missing an entire week of training, that having to huff it 10 miles today would be a little bit difficult. My alarm went off this afternoon from a Sunday nap, and I must have snoozed it 4 times wanting to delay having to run that much. I got in the car with my roommate, Melissa, who is also running and when we arrived at our running destination and started to exit the car, I quickly jumped back in, closed the door, and said, "I don't want to run 10 miles today." I didn't, honestly. Who does, really? :)
But God did it, y'all. Every time my stomach ached or my feet ached or my calf muscles ached, I just turned it over to Jesus and asked Him to make it new and do His thing. I read Isaiah's words before the run and meditated on them during it, and they kept me going on the difficult stretches:
"For I am the LORD, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you." (41:13)
"He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath....
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind." (Isaiah 40, The Message)
I just kept thinking about how God doesn't get tired out, doesn't have to catch His breath. I kept thinking that Christ is in me, so His energy is available to me! And every time I got tired, I told Him I was waiting on Him, waiting on Him so He'd renew my strength. And He did. He's so good, y'all. This ten mile run was, I think, my best run so far. Now that is a testimony to the God we serve!
Okay, I run very little this next week to "taper down" and rest and prepare my body for race day. So, if you think about it, pray for race day. Pray for good weather and an able spirit and body. And- for the whole reason of all of this- that many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord!
Blessings, friends
---Beth
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Hope
"Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31:
Isaiah 40:31:
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Week 10: Training Interrupted
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
As I began week 10 of half-marathon training, influenza reared its ugly head.
But, on to better things, I'm feeling better and hoping to resume running tomorrow.
So, less than 2 weeks, friends!! In less than 2 weeks I'll be in Dallas at the starting line.
I have never done this before. I've never run a race. I've never run with this many people on either side of me. I'm already fighting the feelings of claustrophobia. But here's the thing:
What I want most on December 14th is for Beth to be stripped away and for God to be glorified. Pure and simple.
God on High, God of the Angel Armies, The Alpha and Omega, Shepherd, My Friend Jesus, and Jehovah Rophe HEALED MY BODY.
Seriously.
I have been healed of hypoglycemia!
"For I am the LORD who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
So, let's get busy running, friends!!!!!!
As I began week 10 of half-marathon training, influenza reared its ugly head.
But, on to better things, I'm feeling better and hoping to resume running tomorrow.
So, less than 2 weeks, friends!! In less than 2 weeks I'll be in Dallas at the starting line.
I have never done this before. I've never run a race. I've never run with this many people on either side of me. I'm already fighting the feelings of claustrophobia. But here's the thing:
What I want most on December 14th is for Beth to be stripped away and for God to be glorified. Pure and simple.
God on High, God of the Angel Armies, The Alpha and Omega, Shepherd, My Friend Jesus, and Jehovah Rophe HEALED MY BODY.
Seriously.
I have been healed of hypoglycemia!
"For I am the LORD who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
So, let's get busy running, friends!!!!!!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Week 9: Training Complete (And a Mighty Lesson Learned)
Well, this is a little late, but...
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
Week 9 of training finished smoothly. This week marked actually a 3 month training mark, as I trained some weeks prior to actually starting week 1 of this training program. 3 months of running day after day left me this week, well.... less than enthusiastic to get back on the treadmill for another day. So, in the name of fortitude and being able to last to the finish, I declared a bit of a treadmill Sabbath.
The good news is that right when I was experiencing feelings of runner's burnout, there was a break in the training schedule this week. The schedule advised running a 10K race this week, and, therefore, allowed for a few more rest days than usual and a shorter distance on my long run day. God's so good like that. So, I actually only missed one day of training, but it was a much needed running sabbatical to finish this thing out strong and make it to the finish line.
And the break proved fruitful. I ran really well on the long run day and was actually looking forward to getting back out there and feeling my feet hit the pavement.
Rest is ESSENTIAL along our journeys. Of life, of faith, and along missions of purpose. It's so easy for the driven-nature of me to forget this. I actually only took the days off after much encouragement from some dear friends and reassurance it would be okay. "God, you know I'd go all the way for you (even if it kills me).." I realized while I ran at the park this week that the root of all this is a God-pleasing spirit. Much like a people-pleasing one. I find myself so often eager to please God that it can be at times unhealthy. God used this week of training to reveal this to me and teach me a better way. I can't please God. I can't do enough right to be in right standing and have Him smile upon me. He just does and that's what grace is. I've been holding such a wrong spirit about me for so long. It was so good to finally cast it out and throw it off in the middle of my long run day this week.
"It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved." Romans 11:5.
Reading this passage this week drove my running lesson home to my heart. It is by grace we are saved. It's funny how I still have to peel those layers of legalism and rejection off to really wrap my heart around that truth.
But here's the hope, friends. We are God's. I am His daughter. So, even when I stumble and believe falsehoods and even walk in them for awhile, He will ALWAYS be faithful to steer me back aright. He will always correct the lies to fashion within me the truth, the truth that transforms and breathes hope.
So, I'm really grateful God called my heart to rest this week. And in so doing, He cast down a stronghold!
Run for Life friends! And don't forget to take sabbaticals along the way...
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
Week 9 of training finished smoothly. This week marked actually a 3 month training mark, as I trained some weeks prior to actually starting week 1 of this training program. 3 months of running day after day left me this week, well.... less than enthusiastic to get back on the treadmill for another day. So, in the name of fortitude and being able to last to the finish, I declared a bit of a treadmill Sabbath.
The good news is that right when I was experiencing feelings of runner's burnout, there was a break in the training schedule this week. The schedule advised running a 10K race this week, and, therefore, allowed for a few more rest days than usual and a shorter distance on my long run day. God's so good like that. So, I actually only missed one day of training, but it was a much needed running sabbatical to finish this thing out strong and make it to the finish line.
And the break proved fruitful. I ran really well on the long run day and was actually looking forward to getting back out there and feeling my feet hit the pavement.
Rest is ESSENTIAL along our journeys. Of life, of faith, and along missions of purpose. It's so easy for the driven-nature of me to forget this. I actually only took the days off after much encouragement from some dear friends and reassurance it would be okay. "God, you know I'd go all the way for you (even if it kills me).." I realized while I ran at the park this week that the root of all this is a God-pleasing spirit. Much like a people-pleasing one. I find myself so often eager to please God that it can be at times unhealthy. God used this week of training to reveal this to me and teach me a better way. I can't please God. I can't do enough right to be in right standing and have Him smile upon me. He just does and that's what grace is. I've been holding such a wrong spirit about me for so long. It was so good to finally cast it out and throw it off in the middle of my long run day this week.
"It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved." Romans 11:5.
Reading this passage this week drove my running lesson home to my heart. It is by grace we are saved. It's funny how I still have to peel those layers of legalism and rejection off to really wrap my heart around that truth.
But here's the hope, friends. We are God's. I am His daughter. So, even when I stumble and believe falsehoods and even walk in them for awhile, He will ALWAYS be faithful to steer me back aright. He will always correct the lies to fashion within me the truth, the truth that transforms and breathes hope.
So, I'm really grateful God called my heart to rest this week. And in so doing, He cast down a stronghold!
Run for Life friends! And don't forget to take sabbaticals along the way...
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Week 8: Training Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
These are two of my friends from the Amazon. Christian is on the right. He's a native Peruvian who works with Mike and Susie while going to college. He is one of our vital translators that bridges the gap between us and our Peruvian friends along the jungle. There are a few more translators like Christian, and often they have to quit pursuing their college education for extended times to work and raise money to continue their studies. When I learned how much it cost for them to go to college, my mouth almost dropped wide open. It costs next to nothing compared to our schooling here in the States, so these young men sacrifice and work very hard for Amazon Medical Missions to raise the funds necessary to get an education. They always amaze me with the bucketloads of patience they possess. It's no small thing to translage for an entire team of Americans and an entire village all day long. They are always ready and patient and able, though. They might be some of my heroes.
Phillip is in the picture above on the left. He's an American from Michigan who started out going to the Amazon much like me. On short term mission trips. Then God just captured his heart for the jungle and he chucked his full time nursing career here in the States and sold out to travel to the jungle, live there full time, and be an important part of Mike and Susie's team. Phillip is a natural servant. So naturally a servant, that you often wouldn't notice all he does behind the scenes. He might also be one of my heroes.
These are just two people who make up an amazing group for the work going on in the jungle. Maybe you should come along with me sometime to the jungle and meet them too :).
Today I ran 8 miles. 8 miles! I tell you, I'm not sure how people who don't know Jesus push themselves to these extremes. Because I will raise my hand and say I needed Him to run those 8 miles today- very much. I couldn't have done it on my own strength.
So here's the thing. 8 miles is the longest I've run so far. Usually on Sundays, my long run days, I rest up. I get a good night's sleep, go to church, eat a light lunch, and then come home and sleep again until I go run. Today, though, I just felt sluggish. I really didn't want to get up y'all, and go run those 8 miles. It's turned a bit cold here and the idea of staying in my bed just sounded better. In fact, I could think of about 5000 things to do that sounded better. And my sometimes running partner was unable to come along today. Also, my MP3 players all simultaneously weren't working today. So not only was I facing the longest distance yet, but I was going it without my familiar comforts and aids that help make it happen.
So, I shamelessly went over to my neighbor's house and asked for some prayer, y'all. Okay, because I just don't feel like one of these natural runners. And honestly I can feel a bit whimpy with big challenges. Then I called my friend, Ingrid, with the hopes she would pray for me, too. Both of these dear women did pray for me. Then I felt better and hit the road to do some running.
Though the first two miles were a bit rocky, I kept thinking of the words of the prayers of my two friends. And their words gave me the peace to keep running. And I was wide open to hear God's voice without the distraction of my IPOD or another runner. And though He didn't speak a whole lot, He imparted His presence to me. He let me know He was right there, running with me. And I'd say for a few of those miles today, He carried me right through them. And I crossed today's finish line having run the whole way- by His grace and power at work within me.
So, today in the training, I learned about the need of the prayers of others in our lives. And I learned that sometimes that means we have to cross the fence to our neighbors and ask for it. But God moves through the prayers of His people, and I have always found comfort and strength in that.
So, 8 miles down... 5 more to go!
Okay, friends, time for a little plug. I'm now 2/3 of the way through the training. One more month to go. So far, $710.00 has been raised for this mission. And that was raised by 3 people.
My unofficial goal for this run, if I imagine one, is to raise $1500.00 for Mike and Susie through my running. So, I'm almost halfway there. Which is where you come in. I seriously don't want to get to the end of this and feel like I could have done more for more people to give to bless the jungle people. My friend Phillip sent me a letter this week telling me that just about 10000 people were served by Amazon Medical Missions last year. Over 600 of them accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. 600 more people who will walk the streets of heaven with you and with me! What if there are more out there, more just waiting to be liberated and know how deeply they are loved by a God above? I know there are more. I have met them. So, let's join together and sow a harvest that will reap eternal benefits. It's not like the money we fork out every day for things that disappear in an instant- this giving will have an impact for all of time.
So, if you've been feeling led to give, go ahead, we have one more month to go!
These are two of my friends from the Amazon. Christian is on the right. He's a native Peruvian who works with Mike and Susie while going to college. He is one of our vital translators that bridges the gap between us and our Peruvian friends along the jungle. There are a few more translators like Christian, and often they have to quit pursuing their college education for extended times to work and raise money to continue their studies. When I learned how much it cost for them to go to college, my mouth almost dropped wide open. It costs next to nothing compared to our schooling here in the States, so these young men sacrifice and work very hard for Amazon Medical Missions to raise the funds necessary to get an education. They always amaze me with the bucketloads of patience they possess. It's no small thing to translage for an entire team of Americans and an entire village all day long. They are always ready and patient and able, though. They might be some of my heroes.
Phillip is in the picture above on the left. He's an American from Michigan who started out going to the Amazon much like me. On short term mission trips. Then God just captured his heart for the jungle and he chucked his full time nursing career here in the States and sold out to travel to the jungle, live there full time, and be an important part of Mike and Susie's team. Phillip is a natural servant. So naturally a servant, that you often wouldn't notice all he does behind the scenes. He might also be one of my heroes.
These are just two people who make up an amazing group for the work going on in the jungle. Maybe you should come along with me sometime to the jungle and meet them too :).
Today I ran 8 miles. 8 miles! I tell you, I'm not sure how people who don't know Jesus push themselves to these extremes. Because I will raise my hand and say I needed Him to run those 8 miles today- very much. I couldn't have done it on my own strength.
So here's the thing. 8 miles is the longest I've run so far. Usually on Sundays, my long run days, I rest up. I get a good night's sleep, go to church, eat a light lunch, and then come home and sleep again until I go run. Today, though, I just felt sluggish. I really didn't want to get up y'all, and go run those 8 miles. It's turned a bit cold here and the idea of staying in my bed just sounded better. In fact, I could think of about 5000 things to do that sounded better. And my sometimes running partner was unable to come along today. Also, my MP3 players all simultaneously weren't working today. So not only was I facing the longest distance yet, but I was going it without my familiar comforts and aids that help make it happen.
So, I shamelessly went over to my neighbor's house and asked for some prayer, y'all. Okay, because I just don't feel like one of these natural runners. And honestly I can feel a bit whimpy with big challenges. Then I called my friend, Ingrid, with the hopes she would pray for me, too. Both of these dear women did pray for me. Then I felt better and hit the road to do some running.
Though the first two miles were a bit rocky, I kept thinking of the words of the prayers of my two friends. And their words gave me the peace to keep running. And I was wide open to hear God's voice without the distraction of my IPOD or another runner. And though He didn't speak a whole lot, He imparted His presence to me. He let me know He was right there, running with me. And I'd say for a few of those miles today, He carried me right through them. And I crossed today's finish line having run the whole way- by His grace and power at work within me.
So, today in the training, I learned about the need of the prayers of others in our lives. And I learned that sometimes that means we have to cross the fence to our neighbors and ask for it. But God moves through the prayers of His people, and I have always found comfort and strength in that.
So, 8 miles down... 5 more to go!
Okay, friends, time for a little plug. I'm now 2/3 of the way through the training. One more month to go. So far, $710.00 has been raised for this mission. And that was raised by 3 people.
My unofficial goal for this run, if I imagine one, is to raise $1500.00 for Mike and Susie through my running. So, I'm almost halfway there. Which is where you come in. I seriously don't want to get to the end of this and feel like I could have done more for more people to give to bless the jungle people. My friend Phillip sent me a letter this week telling me that just about 10000 people were served by Amazon Medical Missions last year. Over 600 of them accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of their lives. 600 more people who will walk the streets of heaven with you and with me! What if there are more out there, more just waiting to be liberated and know how deeply they are loved by a God above? I know there are more. I have met them. So, let's join together and sow a harvest that will reap eternal benefits. It's not like the money we fork out every day for things that disappear in an instant- this giving will have an impact for all of time.
So, if you've been feeling led to give, go ahead, we have one more month to go!
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