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!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Where it all began
Hey Friends,
If you're new to this blog, I just wanted to give you the link for the very post written on here about why I'm running. Just go here:
http://runningforglory.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-i-am-running.html
and you can find out what all this is about!
Also, if you feel led to give to the cause, the info on how to give is on the top righthand side of this blogsite, written in navy blue colored text. You can always e-mail me with any questions, too, at: Beth10@comcast.net.
I pray mostly you find hope in my testimony that I now run with a healed and whole body in a way I never thought possible. That alone is glorifying to God by its own witness!
Blessings---
Beth
If you're new to this blog, I just wanted to give you the link for the very post written on here about why I'm running. Just go here:
http://runningforglory.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-i-am-running.html
and you can find out what all this is about!
Also, if you feel led to give to the cause, the info on how to give is on the top righthand side of this blogsite, written in navy blue colored text. You can always e-mail me with any questions, too, at: Beth10@comcast.net.
I pray mostly you find hope in my testimony that I now run with a healed and whole body in a way I never thought possible. That alone is glorifying to God by its own witness!
Blessings---
Beth
Week 7: Training Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $710.00.
Well, friends, seven of the twelve weeks of training are now complete. It's funny how at the beginning of the training it felt like some huge monster that would be so hard to overcome. And now as I round the downward slope of it all, part of me will be sad when it's over. I can actually say I have enjoyed the training process. It's been teaching me alot and has cultivated alot of discipline within me. This week I realized how God is using it to teach me about perseverance, and I'm so thankful for all the layers the training holds within me. Not only is it a testimony of a miracle that's called my body, but it's doing some pretty cool things to my spirit as well.
I'm getting excited for race day. I'm excited as I imagine what that day will be like. I wish dearly some dear people I love could be there on the sidelines, but Dallas is a long way away from them.
This week I hit the 7 mile mark. My roommate, Melissa, is also training, but seeing as how she is a Speedy Gonzalez runner and 21 years old, we don't usually run together because, well, she leaves me in the dust. But Sunday for the 7 mile day, we went to the park together and ran. She did run ahead of me and at about mile 5 lapped me altogether (talk about humbling), but it was so good just having her there. I ran better and we prayed for each other, and it was good. I ran a STEADY 7 miles, friend. My goal of late has been 10 minute miles (because I'm a slower runner, yes I am, I know it), and Sunday I did the 7 miles in 68 minutes. But what was so great is that I felt like I could have kept running and along the way my body felt steadily strong. I kept a steady pace and it was a great run. I felt great afterwards with no soreness. That is a testimony to the training, I believe.
Well, I still need your help, though. There is still alot of money to be raised. This week I've been working on some flyers for work, and I'm going today to a T-shirt place to see about getting a T-shirt printed for race day. (More to come on that later). But the closer this thing gets to the finish line, the more fervent my desires become to raise more money for the Amazon. I want to know all this work and running hasn't been in vain and just for me. I want to give as much to Mike and Susie at the end of it as I can.
So, if you still want to give, there is still plenty of time. December 14 is still about a month away.
Thanks for the prayers, guys, I can feel them within my body week by week.
Run for Life!
--Beth
Well, friends, seven of the twelve weeks of training are now complete. It's funny how at the beginning of the training it felt like some huge monster that would be so hard to overcome. And now as I round the downward slope of it all, part of me will be sad when it's over. I can actually say I have enjoyed the training process. It's been teaching me alot and has cultivated alot of discipline within me. This week I realized how God is using it to teach me about perseverance, and I'm so thankful for all the layers the training holds within me. Not only is it a testimony of a miracle that's called my body, but it's doing some pretty cool things to my spirit as well.
I'm getting excited for race day. I'm excited as I imagine what that day will be like. I wish dearly some dear people I love could be there on the sidelines, but Dallas is a long way away from them.
This week I hit the 7 mile mark. My roommate, Melissa, is also training, but seeing as how she is a Speedy Gonzalez runner and 21 years old, we don't usually run together because, well, she leaves me in the dust. But Sunday for the 7 mile day, we went to the park together and ran. She did run ahead of me and at about mile 5 lapped me altogether (talk about humbling), but it was so good just having her there. I ran better and we prayed for each other, and it was good. I ran a STEADY 7 miles, friend. My goal of late has been 10 minute miles (because I'm a slower runner, yes I am, I know it), and Sunday I did the 7 miles in 68 minutes. But what was so great is that I felt like I could have kept running and along the way my body felt steadily strong. I kept a steady pace and it was a great run. I felt great afterwards with no soreness. That is a testimony to the training, I believe.
Well, I still need your help, though. There is still alot of money to be raised. This week I've been working on some flyers for work, and I'm going today to a T-shirt place to see about getting a T-shirt printed for race day. (More to come on that later). But the closer this thing gets to the finish line, the more fervent my desires become to raise more money for the Amazon. I want to know all this work and running hasn't been in vain and just for me. I want to give as much to Mike and Susie at the end of it as I can.
So, if you still want to give, there is still plenty of time. December 14 is still about a month away.
Thanks for the prayers, guys, I can feel them within my body week by week.
Run for Life!
--Beth
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week 6: Training Complete
Amount raised so far for Amazon Medical Missions: $710.00.
Well, a pretty uneventful week of training is complete. This is the half-way mark of training. After 6 weeks and 6 miles, I am half the way there. This week was nice because the running schedule actually provided a little break in the running which was great to renew,refresh, and gear up for the last 6 weeks of training.
If I had to recall to you the most pressing lesson I'm learning right now with the running, it is one of perseverance. My current job stinks, and I've been looking for another one after much prayer and for several months now. And God said to me the other night after I have repeatedly hit dead ends on the job search: "Beth, I desire for you rest. I desire for you peace. I desire for you good. I desire for you perseverance."
This is a season of perseverance. With running and working and all that God uses to thread it into the fiber of me.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5
Or as the Message translation says it, "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
So, that, my friends, is pretty good stuff!
Happy persevering today, if you find yourself in some of those places!
---Beth
Well, a pretty uneventful week of training is complete. This is the half-way mark of training. After 6 weeks and 6 miles, I am half the way there. This week was nice because the running schedule actually provided a little break in the running which was great to renew,refresh, and gear up for the last 6 weeks of training.
If I had to recall to you the most pressing lesson I'm learning right now with the running, it is one of perseverance. My current job stinks, and I've been looking for another one after much prayer and for several months now. And God said to me the other night after I have repeatedly hit dead ends on the job search: "Beth, I desire for you rest. I desire for you peace. I desire for you good. I desire for you perseverance."
This is a season of perseverance. With running and working and all that God uses to thread it into the fiber of me.
"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." Romans 5
Or as the Message translation says it, "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!"
So, that, my friends, is pretty good stuff!
Happy persevering today, if you find yourself in some of those places!
---Beth
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Week 5: Training Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $690.00
This week ended with a training mark of 6 miles. I ran the 6 miles today, and it couldn't have been a more beautiful run, as well as it held a few surprises (the biggest one being I actually ran 6 whole miles).
I went to where I usually go for my long runs, but this time I ran the opposite way than what I usually do. I couldn't get over the beauty I'd been missing running in this direction. The light was more beautiful, the angles on the lake and with the cedars were more picturesque, and it made for a more joyful run.
Y'all, my body just ran 6 miles. (Let me clear my throat, now). My body just ran 6 miles. Without stopping.
This would have been impossible not too long ago. I hadn't eaten lunch either when I started running at 6:00pm. I've learned I run better on an empty stomach, so I lightly snack the meal before big run day and then load up after the run on carbs and protein. So that whole skipping a meal thing, too, before my healing, would have been impossible.
"There was no medicine and there was no doctor."
I was healed by God y'all. I don't know how. I imagined today as I ran Lap 4 that perhaps He just spoke the Word. And my body was released from a sickness that bound me for ten years. Now, it runs free. And as a nurse who looks out at sick people all day looking for a miracle, I'm not sure why I'm one of the lucky ones.
To say I wasn't much excited about lapping the same course six times today is a bit of an understatement. I was not at all excited about lapping the same course 6 times today. But when I got there, and that light and that lake were just so beautiful, something in me got a little stronger. And then while I was running, I looked down, and something really surprising had occurred.
Today someone had written in chalk the following words along the paved path I run on Sundays:
"Run."
"Go!"
"6." (the number of miles I had to run today).
"Don't Give Up."
"Act Silly."
"Finish."
"Run!"
Nope. I'm not even kidding. I figured out it appeared to all be for some scavenger hunt that had taken place there, but it blessed this girl's socks off.
So, with those words, the light, and the awe-inspiring nature coupled with the awe-inspiring miracle called my body, I ran those 6 miles with some glory today, friends. I wish you could have been there. After Mile 4, I could just feel Jesus get excited and celebrate with me. He knew I pushed farther today than I ever have, and He wanted to glorify the Father just as much as I did.
6 Miles.
In a healed and whole body.
7 more to go...
Praise God I have a healed and whole body. I want everyone to know---
My God Lives!
---Beth
This week ended with a training mark of 6 miles. I ran the 6 miles today, and it couldn't have been a more beautiful run, as well as it held a few surprises (the biggest one being I actually ran 6 whole miles).
I went to where I usually go for my long runs, but this time I ran the opposite way than what I usually do. I couldn't get over the beauty I'd been missing running in this direction. The light was more beautiful, the angles on the lake and with the cedars were more picturesque, and it made for a more joyful run.
Y'all, my body just ran 6 miles. (Let me clear my throat, now). My body just ran 6 miles. Without stopping.
This would have been impossible not too long ago. I hadn't eaten lunch either when I started running at 6:00pm. I've learned I run better on an empty stomach, so I lightly snack the meal before big run day and then load up after the run on carbs and protein. So that whole skipping a meal thing, too, before my healing, would have been impossible.
"There was no medicine and there was no doctor."
I was healed by God y'all. I don't know how. I imagined today as I ran Lap 4 that perhaps He just spoke the Word. And my body was released from a sickness that bound me for ten years. Now, it runs free. And as a nurse who looks out at sick people all day looking for a miracle, I'm not sure why I'm one of the lucky ones.
To say I wasn't much excited about lapping the same course six times today is a bit of an understatement. I was not at all excited about lapping the same course 6 times today. But when I got there, and that light and that lake were just so beautiful, something in me got a little stronger. And then while I was running, I looked down, and something really surprising had occurred.
Today someone had written in chalk the following words along the paved path I run on Sundays:
"Run."
"Go!"
"6." (the number of miles I had to run today).
"Don't Give Up."
"Act Silly."
"Finish."
"Run!"
Nope. I'm not even kidding. I figured out it appeared to all be for some scavenger hunt that had taken place there, but it blessed this girl's socks off.
So, with those words, the light, and the awe-inspiring nature coupled with the awe-inspiring miracle called my body, I ran those 6 miles with some glory today, friends. I wish you could have been there. After Mile 4, I could just feel Jesus get excited and celebrate with me. He knew I pushed farther today than I ever have, and He wanted to glorify the Father just as much as I did.
6 Miles.
In a healed and whole body.
7 more to go...
Praise God I have a healed and whole body. I want everyone to know---
My God Lives!
---Beth
Monday, October 20, 2008
Why In The Heck Am I Running 13 Miles?
This is Mike and Susie.
Ever come home to watch the news, feel yourself growing with anxiety because the world seems like it's going to pot, and then wondered what in the world you could ever do about it- only to then resign yourself to kick your feet up on your recliner with some bon bons in utter defeat? (or maybe that's just me). Well, here's something you can do. I've gone to Peru, I've seen the work, and your giving will make a difference and will rescue people who desperately need rescuing. So, keep reading...
Mike and Susie are the founders of Amazon Medical Missions located in Peru. They met and married and several years later felt the call of God to sell everything, move to another country, and tell the people living in remote villages along the Amazon River about how God cares for and loves them mightily.
Having been to Peru for the last two years and serving alongside Mike and Suzy, I can tell you they are the real thing. They have sold out, bearing the cost of such work physically, mentally, and spiritually, but have triumphantly led many, many people to faith in Jesus and have promoted better lives for thousands of people.
Oftentimes, when back at the boat after a day of working in the villages, I glimpse Mike and Susie as they dine with us or sit and tell stories with us. And my heart safely knows they are people who have sacrificed it all for the sake of others.
"This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. This is the very best way to love. Put your life on the line for your friends. " John 15:13
For the last two years I’ve been trying to figure out a way to bless Mike and Susie. When God healed my body after a ten year long struggle with hypoglycemia, I wanted to thank Him and glorify Him by doing something with my body it could never do before and thereby bless the work in the Amazon. That is why I will run the Dallas Half Marathon come this December.
I wrote Susie recently and asked her if she had any prayer requests. She responded back with this one:
"For Christian teachers to come teach in our school to our around 65 students next year." Mike and Susie have built a school where they are living in Peru to serve the little children there.
Susie also tells me this week,
“We are rebuilding the pueblo of Monte Calvario (Mt. Calvary) giving all families there a new home. We still have a ways to go, but would like to see that project completed with a couple more building teams at the beginning of the year.”
This is one thing your giving will impact. You can see a photo below further down this blogsite of the homes along the Amazon and imagine that the need for a new home is substantial and absolute as time goes by. Our homes in America endure for decades. These people work tirelessly to reconstruct new roofs for their homes every several months and the structures of their homes is not such to last very long. It takes workers and muscles, but finances as well for supplies.
I asked Susie to write you a letter after I wrote her about what I was doing. Here is her reply:
“A note from Mike and Susie Dempsey, founding directors of Amazon Medical Missions.
When we left the States to live probably the rest of our lives in the Amazon jungle of Peru, we had to trust the Lord for everything, especially to bring us helpers. We have been amazed ever since at the variety of ways that help has materialized.
Take Beth, for instance. She had struggled a long time with hypoglycemia, (low blood sugar), and the Lord finally set her free of that disease. The first thing she wants to do is to show her appreciation to Him by helping other people who are suffering in the Amazon with many debilitating sicknesses and disease by giving financially through Amazon Medical Missions. When God gives such great gifts so freely, people just want to give, too.
It is our most sincere prayer that you will honor Beth’s difficult labor of love in training her body, mind, will, emotions... the essence of who she is, to accept the challenge of running the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon this coming December. You all know that this is not going to be easy for her, but she has her mind made up and her heart set to do the deed and I believe that she will do a great work for the Lord through this.
We pray that by this unselfish act of Christian love displayed by Beth, you, too, will be challenged to look for a work God is doing somewhere in the world, even in these dark days of uncertainty for our nation, and make the decision to serve Him in some creative way just as Beth has done.”
I would like you all to pray for this mission which will be completed December 14, 2008. I would like you to ask God if you are to be a part of it by giving financially. I have raised $690.00 so far, but this was donated by two people. A certain doctor who has given of his life for years to go to the Amazon, teach, serve, and treat countless patients gave a big chunk of the above amount. I couldn’t believe when I received his donation. To think of how much of his life he has given, I was amazed he’d also give so much of his checkbook. I am inspired by him.
If you feel led to give, there is a little diddy on the top right hand side of this blog page detailing how you can give. Basically you can pledge any dollar amount you wish per mile I am running- 13 total. Even if it's just $1 per mile. Whatever you feel led to do. You can also e-mail me at Beth10@comcast.net with any questions.
Please help me bless our friends living along the River. You can see them below in some photos to catch a glimpse of their majesty. These fellow brothers and sisters, moms, and dads may be poor currently. But with your funds enabling Mike and Susie to do more work, they will come to know Jesus and find hope that they will be future rulers in heaven. Won’t you help me? (okay, now I feel like one of those horrible “Feed the Children” commercials- yes, I did. But that’s how much I love the beautiful Amazonians. With all my heart). I’d love to share in this with you. Because it's really not about a race or me or running. It's about furthering God's work in a place where souls desperately need freedom, mercy, and life abundant!
And keep me in your prayers- I’m busy running every day. And most of all, I am blessed to have a body that is ABLE!
To Him be the Glory!
--Beth
**For Mike and Susie- Isaiah 53:11-12:
"After the suffering of his soul,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors."
Monday, October 13, 2008
Week 3: Training Complete
Amount raised so far for Amazon Medical Missions: $690.00 Please see the little diddy to the right of this page for info on how you can give.
When God first healed me of hypoglycemia, I first had a hard time believing it had actually happened. I prayed to Him for confirmation of the healing. Then I heard the song within my spirit that goes something like this: "Sing a new song unto our God/ A hymn of praise unto our Lord/ Many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord."
At work last week, my patient, Mr. B. and I got into a discussion about exercise. He started asking me about my own exercising habits, and I shared with him about my half marathon training. As he wanted to know why I was running a half marathon, I got to tell him all about my former sickness, God's healing of it, and now my desire to run for the people of the Amazon. He listened and tried to refute my story by asking me, "wasn't there some kind of medicine you took or doctor you saw to get better from your hypo---, hypo--, what was it?"
"No, sir. I took no medicine and there was no doctor in Tijuana. I was healed of hypoglycemia, something I'd struggled with for years by God alone. There is no other explanation." You can't refute the truth when faced with it. This man didn't care much for God, but after my story, he made some comments that led me to believe I left him wondering about this God after all.
This week I took a bad spill at work and fell on my back. It wasn't so good. I was hurting pretty badly after the incident. The night before I fell, though, I had a dream while sleeping. I dreamt that I was in a car with Dr. Bob, the doctor I go to the Amazon with. I had dropped he and his wife off at some store and then was left in the car alone to go park it. As I looked out at the parking lot, I had the sudden realization I was somewhere seedy. Somewhere evil. I went to lock my doors, but two men jumped into my car, one in the front seat, one in the back. I knew they were bent on evil towards me. I remembered in my dream the words of Isaiah 54, and I began to speak Scripture at them. The man in the back seat fled the car. The man up front stayed for awhile, but after repeating the same scripture to him over and over he eventually fled.
When I hurt my back this week, I suddenly grew fearful of how it might affect my run. Then I thought about having a healed body and desiring to use it for a purpose for God. I realized He wouldn't heal me of one illness to have a testimony for others, just to leave me suffering with a permanent back injury.
So I hopped on the treadmill that night, sore and hurting, but speaking scriptures about healing and thanking Jesus he was taking care of my back.
Today, my back doesn't hurt anymore. I've gotten to share with some other people about my run and the Amazon. And I had a triumphant week of running this week. I'm up to five miles for the training and so thankful to God that this new body of mine is able.
This run, friends, it is a testimony. Many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord.
Please keep me in your prayers.
And help me in supporting the people of the Amazon. I'm doing the running, now I need all of you to flex your checkbooks and give, give, give! (Shameless, I know, but it's fun asking for money when you're not asking for yourself!!)
I'll have a post up in the next few days hopefully about Mike and Suzy.
Stay tuned.....
When God first healed me of hypoglycemia, I first had a hard time believing it had actually happened. I prayed to Him for confirmation of the healing. Then I heard the song within my spirit that goes something like this: "Sing a new song unto our God/ A hymn of praise unto our Lord/ Many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord."
At work last week, my patient, Mr. B. and I got into a discussion about exercise. He started asking me about my own exercising habits, and I shared with him about my half marathon training. As he wanted to know why I was running a half marathon, I got to tell him all about my former sickness, God's healing of it, and now my desire to run for the people of the Amazon. He listened and tried to refute my story by asking me, "wasn't there some kind of medicine you took or doctor you saw to get better from your hypo---, hypo--, what was it?"
"No, sir. I took no medicine and there was no doctor in Tijuana. I was healed of hypoglycemia, something I'd struggled with for years by God alone. There is no other explanation." You can't refute the truth when faced with it. This man didn't care much for God, but after my story, he made some comments that led me to believe I left him wondering about this God after all.
This week I took a bad spill at work and fell on my back. It wasn't so good. I was hurting pretty badly after the incident. The night before I fell, though, I had a dream while sleeping. I dreamt that I was in a car with Dr. Bob, the doctor I go to the Amazon with. I had dropped he and his wife off at some store and then was left in the car alone to go park it. As I looked out at the parking lot, I had the sudden realization I was somewhere seedy. Somewhere evil. I went to lock my doors, but two men jumped into my car, one in the front seat, one in the back. I knew they were bent on evil towards me. I remembered in my dream the words of Isaiah 54, and I began to speak Scripture at them. The man in the back seat fled the car. The man up front stayed for awhile, but after repeating the same scripture to him over and over he eventually fled.
When I hurt my back this week, I suddenly grew fearful of how it might affect my run. Then I thought about having a healed body and desiring to use it for a purpose for God. I realized He wouldn't heal me of one illness to have a testimony for others, just to leave me suffering with a permanent back injury.
So I hopped on the treadmill that night, sore and hurting, but speaking scriptures about healing and thanking Jesus he was taking care of my back.
Today, my back doesn't hurt anymore. I've gotten to share with some other people about my run and the Amazon. And I had a triumphant week of running this week. I'm up to five miles for the training and so thankful to God that this new body of mine is able.
This run, friends, it is a testimony. Many will see and hear and put their trust in the Lord.
Please keep me in your prayers.
And help me in supporting the people of the Amazon. I'm doing the running, now I need all of you to flex your checkbooks and give, give, give! (Shameless, I know, but it's fun asking for money when you're not asking for yourself!!)
I'll have a post up in the next few days hopefully about Mike and Suzy.
Stay tuned.....
Monday, October 6, 2008
Images from the Amazon
This is my lovely Amazonian-styled self :), with Dr. Bob, and Michael from my 2007 team
A jungle woman who proudly showed off her jungle kitchen. Dissatisfied with your kitchen and thinking of a remodel? Imagine cooking here!
This is what a church building in the jungle looks like.
Praying with some kiddos in one village to receive Jesus into their hearts.
Enjoying an afternoon together.
Some children in the one room schoolhouse of their pueblo
Hanging out by the river
This is the boat I embark on each year and stay on while we work each day in the villages. This is our housing for the week when we travel to Peru- it's one of my favorite places!
The jungle along the Amazon
Jungle life
Training Week 2: Complete
Amount raised so far for Amazon Medical Missions: 690$. Directions are over on the top right side of this blog if you want to give!
Sunday completed week 2 of training. After a week with just a few challenges, the training was a tad more difficult, but with God's help, another week of training is done!
Yesterday on my long run day, my body felt nauseated, and I wasn't breathing as well as normal. It just wasn't a peak running day. By the fourth mile, I was struggling and ready to be finished. Suddenly, three little boys filled the path riding bikes and trikes and enjoying the park. One of the three little guys sailed in front of my on his trike and rode right in front of me for a while for a little stretch. As I looked at him riding in front of me, he had a green little t-shirt on, tattered blue jean shorts, and a head full of black hair. He had mocha colored skin and was riding barefoot.
He was a visual reminder to me in that moment of why I'm running. When I was in the middle of a moment where I thought I couldn't run anymore, I was reminded of the little children of the Amazon River. I thought about how your donations will go to work for them to help them have a better life.
That's why I'm running.
And it's why I need your help. The amount of money raised so far has been given by two very generous people. It's a large amount, but just given by two. Think of if all of you donated what little you can, how that amount would grow. Here are some pictures from my times in the Amazon so you, too, can see why I'm running and what your giving will go towards:
This is what it's all about! And each and every time I run, I am reminded that I am running in a healed and whole body! It's a miracle, and I'm so happy to use my new vessel to bring glory to Him and aid to His people in Peru! Keep up with me on this journey, I know God's going to continue to do great things!!!
Sunday completed week 2 of training. After a week with just a few challenges, the training was a tad more difficult, but with God's help, another week of training is done!
Yesterday on my long run day, my body felt nauseated, and I wasn't breathing as well as normal. It just wasn't a peak running day. By the fourth mile, I was struggling and ready to be finished. Suddenly, three little boys filled the path riding bikes and trikes and enjoying the park. One of the three little guys sailed in front of my on his trike and rode right in front of me for a while for a little stretch. As I looked at him riding in front of me, he had a green little t-shirt on, tattered blue jean shorts, and a head full of black hair. He had mocha colored skin and was riding barefoot.
He was a visual reminder to me in that moment of why I'm running. When I was in the middle of a moment where I thought I couldn't run anymore, I was reminded of the little children of the Amazon River. I thought about how your donations will go to work for them to help them have a better life.
That's why I'm running.
And it's why I need your help. The amount of money raised so far has been given by two very generous people. It's a large amount, but just given by two. Think of if all of you donated what little you can, how that amount would grow. Here are some pictures from my times in the Amazon so you, too, can see why I'm running and what your giving will go towards:
This is what it's all about! And each and every time I run, I am reminded that I am running in a healed and whole body! It's a miracle, and I'm so happy to use my new vessel to bring glory to Him and aid to His people in Peru! Keep up with me on this journey, I know God's going to continue to do great things!!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Training Week 1: Complete
Amount raised for Amazon Medical Missions so far: $690.00
(Keep giving, friends, I want to bless the socks off of Mike and Suzy!!)
I just finished Week 1 of the official half marathon training. I've been in some pre-training for about 4 weeks now to get my body ready. God is so good, I feel like there are a million things I could tell you about all I'm learning with the running.
My favorite one: Today was the first long run. Each week for training, throughout the week you do a series of run days, rest days, cross train days, and on Sundays you run longer than you have before. This Sunday was 4 miles, then it will be 5, 6, all the way up to 10. With today being my first long day, I wanted to go to my favorite spot to run: a park nearby with a beautiful lake and tall cedars all around the trail to surround you. My friend, Ingrid, came along with her dog, Nya. Nya wasn't behaving very well, so for awhile I ran on my own. As I ran mile 3 and realized that my body felt so strong and so good, I really just wanted to drop to my knees. Because I remembered just last summer running close to three miles would end in my hands shaking like crazy, my mind reeling, and my body screaming for some sugar. Not this time. It kept going, healed and whole. I wanted to just drop to my knees on that trail and give God the glory. Sometimes I walk through daily life forgetting my body is a testimony of a living, breathing miracle. Today I remembered and all of me cried out to give Him the glory.
The training is teaching me alot. This week, mainly about perseverance. There have been those days where I've thought I couldn't run all the way to the target mileage. I told myself each time to run a little farther than from where I wanted to stop. Then I'd run a little further, and a little further, until... I'd make the goal. And at the end I was always glad, I kept running. It felt so good. And with the training I'm learning that every victory past the "I really don't want to be running right now" mindset, makes the next time a little easier. God is teaching me about pressing on, past when you want to.
There are so many parallels to this running compared to life. Maybe God has called us all to run marathons. He calls us to a finish line that at times seems unattainable but at other times is calling our names and pushing us to keep going. My training schedule calls for days of rest and periods of running less. But always the goal is to condition your body to go farther and to push past limits you thought you couldn't- with the end goal of making it to the finish line.
When I think about my walk with God, it seems there are plenty of those long-mileage seasons- where it's difficult, and He's pruning and refining me, often through difficulty and challenge. And then come the restful seasons where I delight in Him and life is set on coast. But always, there is a finish line in the distance.
I'm learning alot. Mostly, though, I am amazed every day I get out there and run by the healing work God has done in my body. It makes me want to run strong for Him. And tell you all about how He is alive and He is working and He does the unthinkable. If you don't know Him, lean in a little farther. All of His power is big enough for your unbelief and your hard places. And He is gentle and lacking in condemnation but full of love.
Thanks for supporting me, guys. Keep me in your prayers, as there's still a long way to go! Be blessed, today!
(Keep giving, friends, I want to bless the socks off of Mike and Suzy!!)
I just finished Week 1 of the official half marathon training. I've been in some pre-training for about 4 weeks now to get my body ready. God is so good, I feel like there are a million things I could tell you about all I'm learning with the running.
My favorite one: Today was the first long run. Each week for training, throughout the week you do a series of run days, rest days, cross train days, and on Sundays you run longer than you have before. This Sunday was 4 miles, then it will be 5, 6, all the way up to 10. With today being my first long day, I wanted to go to my favorite spot to run: a park nearby with a beautiful lake and tall cedars all around the trail to surround you. My friend, Ingrid, came along with her dog, Nya. Nya wasn't behaving very well, so for awhile I ran on my own. As I ran mile 3 and realized that my body felt so strong and so good, I really just wanted to drop to my knees. Because I remembered just last summer running close to three miles would end in my hands shaking like crazy, my mind reeling, and my body screaming for some sugar. Not this time. It kept going, healed and whole. I wanted to just drop to my knees on that trail and give God the glory. Sometimes I walk through daily life forgetting my body is a testimony of a living, breathing miracle. Today I remembered and all of me cried out to give Him the glory.
The training is teaching me alot. This week, mainly about perseverance. There have been those days where I've thought I couldn't run all the way to the target mileage. I told myself each time to run a little farther than from where I wanted to stop. Then I'd run a little further, and a little further, until... I'd make the goal. And at the end I was always glad, I kept running. It felt so good. And with the training I'm learning that every victory past the "I really don't want to be running right now" mindset, makes the next time a little easier. God is teaching me about pressing on, past when you want to.
There are so many parallels to this running compared to life. Maybe God has called us all to run marathons. He calls us to a finish line that at times seems unattainable but at other times is calling our names and pushing us to keep going. My training schedule calls for days of rest and periods of running less. But always the goal is to condition your body to go farther and to push past limits you thought you couldn't- with the end goal of making it to the finish line.
When I think about my walk with God, it seems there are plenty of those long-mileage seasons- where it's difficult, and He's pruning and refining me, often through difficulty and challenge. And then come the restful seasons where I delight in Him and life is set on coast. But always, there is a finish line in the distance.
I'm learning alot. Mostly, though, I am amazed every day I get out there and run by the healing work God has done in my body. It makes me want to run strong for Him. And tell you all about how He is alive and He is working and He does the unthinkable. If you don't know Him, lean in a little farther. All of His power is big enough for your unbelief and your hard places. And He is gentle and lacking in condemnation but full of love.
Thanks for supporting me, guys. Keep me in your prayers, as there's still a long way to go! Be blessed, today!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Through the Winds!
There is a hurricane in Texas today.
The storm surge is supposed to be hitting the area where I live any time now. Wal-Mart was congested the last few days, gas pumps had mile long lines, and everyone is in for cover to their homes, not getting out as much as possible.
My roommate, Fran, just came in to my room. She said, "You know, it's amazing." She opened up my blinds and said, "Look. There are crazy winds out there, stuff's getting blown around and the rain is coming down, and we're just safe and sound in our house. I was just thinking, thank you, Lord for the safety and shelter of this house. I'm just vacuuming and the storm is not touching me. It makes me think of Paul in Acts when he said, 'All this-- it doesn't move me. Who I am in Christ is not moved by all this on the outside.'"
A few months ago, I was reading through Psalm 16, taking it verse by verse. Verse 1 says, "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." I prayed and spent some time on this verse. I asked God what that really was to look like in our lives. I received the following image in response to my prayer:
I was inside a tent, which was sitting outside somewhere. I had a lantern in the tent which I was holding up over myself, as I was tucked in my sleeping bag, poring over the Word of God in my Bible. Outside all around my tent were fires raging around me- widespread, tall fires. But in my tent I was safe, the fires weren't touching me, and I was existing safely and warmly there, reading God's Word.
It was such a powerful image to me. That though storms and fires and difficulties rage all around us everyday, if we remain in Him, seeking after the Word of God, these momentary sufferings can't touch us. The storms can blow all around us, and we can be safe.
Training for my half marathon officially starts next week. I've been pre-training the last three weeks, though, to get my body ready for the next 12 weeks. Some days have been harder than others. What God is impressing on me most recently is the importance of leaning into His Word, while earnestly praying and seeking Him. As I continue the training for this run, taking things a day at a time, I want my mind and inner man during the outer physical struggles to be like that tent in the midst of the fires- safe, secure, steadfast, and unshakeable. Because I want to keep running this race!
"I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got.... I'm staying alert and in top condition."
1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)
I hope this finds you blessed friends- and diving into the shelter of God's Word!
Beth
The storm surge is supposed to be hitting the area where I live any time now. Wal-Mart was congested the last few days, gas pumps had mile long lines, and everyone is in for cover to their homes, not getting out as much as possible.
My roommate, Fran, just came in to my room. She said, "You know, it's amazing." She opened up my blinds and said, "Look. There are crazy winds out there, stuff's getting blown around and the rain is coming down, and we're just safe and sound in our house. I was just thinking, thank you, Lord for the safety and shelter of this house. I'm just vacuuming and the storm is not touching me. It makes me think of Paul in Acts when he said, 'All this-- it doesn't move me. Who I am in Christ is not moved by all this on the outside.'"
A few months ago, I was reading through Psalm 16, taking it verse by verse. Verse 1 says, "Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." I prayed and spent some time on this verse. I asked God what that really was to look like in our lives. I received the following image in response to my prayer:
I was inside a tent, which was sitting outside somewhere. I had a lantern in the tent which I was holding up over myself, as I was tucked in my sleeping bag, poring over the Word of God in my Bible. Outside all around my tent were fires raging around me- widespread, tall fires. But in my tent I was safe, the fires weren't touching me, and I was existing safely and warmly there, reading God's Word.
It was such a powerful image to me. That though storms and fires and difficulties rage all around us everyday, if we remain in Him, seeking after the Word of God, these momentary sufferings can't touch us. The storms can blow all around us, and we can be safe.
Training for my half marathon officially starts next week. I've been pre-training the last three weeks, though, to get my body ready for the next 12 weeks. Some days have been harder than others. What God is impressing on me most recently is the importance of leaning into His Word, while earnestly praying and seeking Him. As I continue the training for this run, taking things a day at a time, I want my mind and inner man during the outer physical struggles to be like that tent in the midst of the fires- safe, secure, steadfast, and unshakeable. Because I want to keep running this race!
"I don't know about you, but I'm running hard for the finish line. I'm giving it everything I've got.... I'm staying alert and in top condition."
1 Corinthians 9:26 (The Message)
I hope this finds you blessed friends- and diving into the shelter of God's Word!
Beth
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Check Back
The first post below details why I am setting out to run this race. Please check back periodically for updates, inspirational quotes/stories of others, and anytime you feel the urge to send some encouragement- well you can always comment below each post and add that as well! I have a feeling I may need it along the way! And I'll post updates along the way of how much $$ is being raised on behalf of AMM.
Click "here" to link to a post I wrote last year on my other blog about my roommates running the whole marathon (God Bless 'Em!) last year in Dallas!
Click "here" to link to a post I wrote last year on my other blog about my roommates running the whole marathon (God Bless 'Em!) last year in Dallas!
Why I Am Running
Well, friends, with the creation of this blog, this makes it all the more final. No backing out now!
After some consideration- and an honest to goodness fight overcoming some fear- I have decided to run the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon on December 14, 2008. There are several reasons I want to do this. In a nutshell: God healed my body of something I had thought I'd have to live with my whole life. I love Mike and Suzy Dempsey and believe with my whole heart in the work they are doing for the people who live along the mighty Amazon River in Peru. And I love Jesus. As times are getting fierce, I want to strengthen my inner man to be able to continue to stand for Him and to give Him honor with my strengthened body.
In August 2008, I travelled with Teen Mania to Tijuana, Mexico. I was one of two nurses on the trip, there to provide medical care to the over 800 people from the United States who went on the trip to build houses for the people of Tijuana and share the love of Jesus with the people in so doing. It was an amazing trip. I saw God move in ways that stunned me silent and had me recollecting Jesus's ways in the New Testament of healing diseases, setting captives free, and releasing people from darkness and oppression. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).
We saw amazing things happen that week in Tijuna that forever altered my faith and belief in the now-present power of Jesus. But by the end of that week I became sick and very ill. The last two days of the trip were not so fun. Fran, the other nurse on my team, and Rob Graham, a paramedic on the trip prayed for me strongly. I remember Fran especially, spending concentrated times in prayer over me, and proclaiming during one of those times as she touched my body that, "All would be well in Beth, all disease must flee, in Jesus's name." You can read my healing story "here."
My excuse for not running marathons or half marathons was always my hypoglycemia. Now the excuse was gone. Still I didn't feel a need or desire to run that great of a distance- I'd always thought perhaps those people were living on a fringe that I just didn't need to be a part of. But something pulled at me when more of my friends were contemplating running this year's marathon. Something pulled at me and said, "What if?"
I have struggled with fear a great deal in my life. It has held me back one too many times. And living in a world where fighting evil seems to become a little more commonplace every day, I desire to strengthen my spirit and be able to stand for Jesus against our fierce and relentless enemy- the one who so often tries to steal, kill, and destroy. I want to gird myself up and strengthen my fighting man.
Last- what made this finally not so much about me and created a living, fire-breathing purpose within me was thinking about Mike and Suzy Dempsey. Mike and Suzy live in Peru. They used to live in the United States doing regular jobs like you and me. Then, God called them to Peru- to tell His people there about how He loves them and to use Mike and Suzy's knowledge and talents to provide for the people's basic medical, educational, and economic needs. Mike and Suzy packed it up, went to Peru, and never turned back. They wage a daily battle furthering the work of the kingdom. I have gone to the Amazon for the last two years and been fortunate to be a small part of that work. I believe in it and them with my whole heart. And since I left Mike and Suzy this last May, I've been trying to figure out a way to bless them.
***SO, HERE IT IS***: I'm running 13 miles one morning come December. You can help me, and thereby really help Mike, and Suzy. You can pledge a dollar amount per mile as you desire, with the knowledge that every dollar raised goes straight to Amazon Medical Missions, the organization the Dempseys started. You can pledge $1 a mile, 5$, 10$. Whatever is on your heart.
And I will run the race. I will run for Jesus. I will run for glory and in HIs amazing power that went all the way to the grave, to death and back for you and for me. In the power that healed a once broken body and has now set it free.
It won't be easy. I'll need your encouragement and your support. But I can't help and imagine on the days I won't want to go out and run, the days that every step feels like a struggle- that Mike and Suzy are waking up, putting their feet in front of them, and continuing to go forth with everything they have for a love that is worth it.
Will you help me, friends? Will you give to their great work and help me run for the kingdom? I hope so! I really want to share it with you! Please, please, please keep my running in your prayers- as well as the work in the Amazon.
God Bless---
Run for Life!!!
Beth
After some consideration- and an honest to goodness fight overcoming some fear- I have decided to run the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon on December 14, 2008. There are several reasons I want to do this. In a nutshell: God healed my body of something I had thought I'd have to live with my whole life. I love Mike and Suzy Dempsey and believe with my whole heart in the work they are doing for the people who live along the mighty Amazon River in Peru. And I love Jesus. As times are getting fierce, I want to strengthen my inner man to be able to continue to stand for Him and to give Him honor with my strengthened body.
In August 2008, I travelled with Teen Mania to Tijuana, Mexico. I was one of two nurses on the trip, there to provide medical care to the over 800 people from the United States who went on the trip to build houses for the people of Tijuana and share the love of Jesus with the people in so doing. It was an amazing trip. I saw God move in ways that stunned me silent and had me recollecting Jesus's ways in the New Testament of healing diseases, setting captives free, and releasing people from darkness and oppression. Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12).
We saw amazing things happen that week in Tijuna that forever altered my faith and belief in the now-present power of Jesus. But by the end of that week I became sick and very ill. The last two days of the trip were not so fun. Fran, the other nurse on my team, and Rob Graham, a paramedic on the trip prayed for me strongly. I remember Fran especially, spending concentrated times in prayer over me, and proclaiming during one of those times as she touched my body that, "All would be well in Beth, all disease must flee, in Jesus's name." You can read my healing story "here."
My excuse for not running marathons or half marathons was always my hypoglycemia. Now the excuse was gone. Still I didn't feel a need or desire to run that great of a distance- I'd always thought perhaps those people were living on a fringe that I just didn't need to be a part of. But something pulled at me when more of my friends were contemplating running this year's marathon. Something pulled at me and said, "What if?"
I have struggled with fear a great deal in my life. It has held me back one too many times. And living in a world where fighting evil seems to become a little more commonplace every day, I desire to strengthen my spirit and be able to stand for Jesus against our fierce and relentless enemy- the one who so often tries to steal, kill, and destroy. I want to gird myself up and strengthen my fighting man.
Last- what made this finally not so much about me and created a living, fire-breathing purpose within me was thinking about Mike and Suzy Dempsey. Mike and Suzy live in Peru. They used to live in the United States doing regular jobs like you and me. Then, God called them to Peru- to tell His people there about how He loves them and to use Mike and Suzy's knowledge and talents to provide for the people's basic medical, educational, and economic needs. Mike and Suzy packed it up, went to Peru, and never turned back. They wage a daily battle furthering the work of the kingdom. I have gone to the Amazon for the last two years and been fortunate to be a small part of that work. I believe in it and them with my whole heart. And since I left Mike and Suzy this last May, I've been trying to figure out a way to bless them.
***SO, HERE IT IS***: I'm running 13 miles one morning come December. You can help me, and thereby really help Mike, and Suzy. You can pledge a dollar amount per mile as you desire, with the knowledge that every dollar raised goes straight to Amazon Medical Missions, the organization the Dempseys started. You can pledge $1 a mile, 5$, 10$. Whatever is on your heart.
And I will run the race. I will run for Jesus. I will run for glory and in HIs amazing power that went all the way to the grave, to death and back for you and for me. In the power that healed a once broken body and has now set it free.
It won't be easy. I'll need your encouragement and your support. But I can't help and imagine on the days I won't want to go out and run, the days that every step feels like a struggle- that Mike and Suzy are waking up, putting their feet in front of them, and continuing to go forth with everything they have for a love that is worth it.
Will you help me, friends? Will you give to their great work and help me run for the kingdom? I hope so! I really want to share it with you! Please, please, please keep my running in your prayers- as well as the work in the Amazon.
God Bless---
Run for Life!!!
Beth
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