Because things have been somewhat prolonged, I wanted to give everyone an update on the status of the Marathoning for Meru fundraising project.
We officially raised $829! I am so thrilled over the generosity of our friends and family. Thank you so much!
I have been working with ASM Director, Tom Samson, in Kenya, finalizing a budget detailing where every penny of this money is going. I tell you, when the pledges and then money started rolling in we had to re-work our little budget and expand it many times. How exciting to have to expand it to include more individuals on the waiting list!
As I've read through the stories of individuals needing assistance, I've been overcome with emotion at the tremendous need. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and even discouraged - knowing there is so many people you want to help, but knowing it's impossible to help them all. But, by God's grace, we thank Him for the money He's placed in our hands through you. And we pray that the Lord will direct us to those most in need, that His character will be glorified through the way these funds are used.
One story that recently touched my heart was of Phineas.
Phineas is 14 years old. He comes from a poor family, whose parents rely on casual labor jobs to pay for their living expenses. Due to a lack of funds, Phineas had to drop out of school last year as his parents could not afford the school fees. Just this last November, Phineas was hit by a speeding car that broke both of his legs. His parents were unable to come up with enough money to pay the doctors to fix both of his legs at once. Their local Adventist church helped them raise 6,000 Kshs (Kenya Shillings) which enabled one of his legs to be treated and as a result it was saved. The church went on to raise another 10,000 Kshs but by that time his other leg had already begun to rot. Eventually, his second leg was amputated. Phineas still has an outstanding medical bill at the hospital of 90,000 Kshs. He is also in need of a wooden leg.
Although we don't have enough to help him fully, I hope to secure enough funds for him to be provided with a wooden leg. This is just one individual who will be touched by your generosity.
There are many more. There are women whose husbands have died from AIDS, leaving them with small children, without sustenance to provide for them. There are orphans in need of basic items like food and clothing; school fees and a uniform, and supplies.
Some of these beneficiaries will be helped with a one-time donation - like Phineas. Others will be assisted through a long-term program of helping them start a business so they can survive and hopefully thrive on their own, allowing them to pay back into the beneficiary fund. This is the ultimate goal of ASM.
Thank you for making this possible. The money should be sent over in a week's time and I will continue to keep you updated on the results of your donation, with pictures and more stories.
God bless you for your donation.
