The fund raising letter from JB

“but 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

June 1, 2010

Dear friends,

In 1987, I ran my first (and only) marathon.  Janet and I had been married just over five years, our son Todd was two, I had hair, and I was determined to run, run, run! And run I did. Now, a mere 23 years later… On December 5, 2010, my daughter Amy and I will join thousands of runners at the California International Marathon in Sacramento. You may ask yourself… can he still run? Or maybe you are asking yourself… why is he telling me this?

The answer: To give purpose to my efforts in running 26.2 miles! I will be running in support (spelled: fund raiser) of the Ishimwe Center. Founded by Faith and Roger Shaw, Ishimwe is a home for abandoned children in Rwanda. Yet it isn’t just a ‘home,’ but rather a family setting of love, nurturing, and caring support for kids. Our family has known this amazing couple for at least ten years, and these folk are the ‘real deal’. Their hearts, minds and souls are passionate for Christ and for ministering to the kids in Rwanda. Your support would help immensely. I would also ask for you to pray for the kids, the adult caretakers, and, Roger and Faith. Their leap of faith in providing a home for 20 kids is amazing and inspiring. Just knowing that they have an army of faithful, loving prayer warriors here, who are holding them up in prayer, would also give great encouragement!

I hope you will consider supporting Ishimwe through my participation in this marathon. Any contribution will help the work of Ishimwe and 100% of the money raised will go directly to supporting them. I’ve enclosed a pledge postcard for you to return if you choose to participate, or you can email me at johnb409@pacbell.net.  Funds won’t be due until after I finish the race (and I plan on finishing!).

The next 6 months will be a time of preparation for the run. Between now and the race, I estimate I will log approximately 500+ miles in training. If you are interested in following the journey, I’ve set up a blog (Ishimwerunning.blogspot.com). I will post updates weekly on my progress. You may get a taste of what it takes to complete a marathon.

Thank you for considering my request for your support. If you have any questions about the Ishimwe Center or about running, do not hesitate to contact me, or go to Ishimwe.org to read about the Shaws’ vision and work.

So will you join me in supporting Ishimwe?

In Christ’s love!

John Boyden

Cell: 408-839-5025

PS – Lao-tzu (c 604-531 b.c., and possible runner?) said “The longest journey begins with a single step.” My paraphrase would be that “every journey begins with a single prayer.” Whether you can support Ishimwe financially or not, please join me in praying that God will work through Ishimwe, that He will get the glory, and that He would also grant me strength and health to run the race before me. – JB