Exciting news
from the three of us in Liberia- we are running the London Marathon in order to
raise funds for the work of Samaritan’s Purse in Liberia! We will
be using this blog as a place to share our reasons why we are running, the
projects we are supporting, and our journey along the way as we prepare to run
26.2 miles! Come along with us!
But first, let
us introduce ourselves-
Introducing:
Jamie Laird
I love to run for several reasons but mainly
it is my alone time with God, a chance to leave the stresses of the day and
enjoy the beauty that He created. My role with SP is that of support for my
husband Rusty, the construction manager for the ELWA Hospital project. Most of
my time is spent overseeing the schooling of our three teenage boys and caring
for our 4 year old and 1 year old twins that we adopted from Liberia. It has
always been my desire to have a large family but I never dreamed that God would
move me half way around the world to complete this dream. In all our “spare”
time we enjoy spending time at a local orphanage playing with the children and
helping to supply needed items.
The London marathon will be my third
marathon, my most recent marathon being here is Liberia. For me, this is an
opportunity to feel part of the team and to be involved with SP’s work. My hope
is by raising funds for Samaritan’s Purse, I can contribute in a small way to
the projects here in Liberia.
If you are from
the UK, my fundraising page address is:
If you are from
the US/Canada, my fundraising page address is:
Introducing:
Joni Byker
Growing up on a
farm in Iowa, I remember spending hours as a kid exploring through the tree
grove around our farm. With a walking stick in my hand, I would pretend I was
in Africa, searching for people so I could tell them about Jesus. God
made that desire and dream a reality- more of a calling, really! As
time went on, He also gave me a desire and gift for photography, and my dream began
to include using that gift to glorify God and share His story on the mission
field. I have now spent the last eight years doing just that- using my
passion for photography to share what God is doing through photography and
video.
For the last six
years I have been privileged to work with Samaritan's Purse in Liberia. I have
served in various roles- hosting teams and volunteers, managing our adult
literacy program, and more recently, managing our SP funded projects and
communications. After following God's call to the mission field in
Liberia, I have been challenged and stretched in every way, and running the
London Marathon will do that very same thing. If you have ever met me, you
would know that running has not been part of my repertoire. Even so, I want to use this amazing
opportunity to continue to share about how God is transforming the lives of
Liberians every day through Samaritan’s Purse projects. By His Grace,
through His Power, for His Glory.
If you are from the UK, my fundraising page
address is:
If you are from the US/Canada, my
fundraising page address is:
Introducing: Kendell Kauffeldt
Serving as Country Director for Samaritan’s Purse in
Liberia for the past nine years has not only been a great privilege but also a
great challenge. It humbles me to know that in a small way we have been
able to help those that have suffered so much. I love the work that we are
doing. Seeing transformation in beneficiaries and communities makes the
challenges worthwhile. I work with some of the most amazing staff; they are
passionate to help, very competent and inspire me every day. I am so
thankful.
So you might be asking what does this all have to do
with running. Well those that know me will agree that for me to run a
marathon is a seemingly impossible challenge, and truly it is, but the
challenge of running a marathon pales in comparison to the daily challenges
many Liberians face every day and so I will run the marathon. I am
inspired by my staff and their passion for the work that they do, and so I will
run the marathon. I truly believe that the projects that Samaritan’s Purse
is doing in Liberia are making an eternal and physical difference and so I will
run the marathon.
I must mention our team. I am thankful that I am not doing this
alone, Jamie is simply amazing and you will get to know more about her through
this blog. Joni a gifted photographer and leader and now a runner- and is
my training partner. Lastly, our coach, Bev, who will make sure that I
complete my first marathon. A marathon is a great challenge but it
is also a great privilege that I am getting to run the London marathon to raise
money for Samaritan’s Purse work in Liberia. I hope you will join our
team.
If you would like to support Kendell:
And are from the US/Canada:
Are
from the UK:
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