Girl #2

My 2nd daughter has always had a sense of justice. Ever since she was a toddler we have noticed that she always desires for things to be right and fair for everyone. It hurts her heart when it's not. As a two-year-old, this wasn't always a good thing because she didn't always KNOW what was right and fair...it was simply her PERCEPTION of WHAT SHOULD BE. As her parents, we prayed that her sense of justice would eventually lead her into a compassionate heart.

We are seeing that God is molding her heart into one of compassion for those less fortunate. She & her friend, distraught by the lack of clean water in Haiti, decided to do something about it. Their first idea was a lemonade stand, but since that wasn't going to make $3000 (what it takes to drill one well for a village), they came up with a grander scheme. Her friend's mom & I were so proud of them, yet a little cautious because we knew their grand scheme would take time & planning for both them and us and it would stretch us beyond what we are normally comfortable doing as service work. We both prayed about it and said, "If God doesn't close the doors, we'll go for it with you." Well, God didn't close the doors. He opened them VERY WIDE! The date they chose just happened to be the. only. Saturday. without another meet or already scheduled activity for both families. The church got behind them 110%. The ministry they chose to send their money to, Starfish Ministries (a ministry to the country of Haiti run by members of our local community) got behind them 110%. And on and on.

So, THIS SATURDAY, two little 12-year-old girls are speaking to over 100 walkers/runners at their Haiti Water Project - a 5K Fun Run/Walk around our community. Here are the details from the advertisements we created:

Two 7th grade girls, Faith Elgersma & Bethany Ball, with a heart for serving others & their great God, are planning and organizing a walk & 5K run to raise money to drill a well in Haiti. All proceeds from the event go directly to Starfish Ministries, a ministry run by members of our local community. Their goal is to bring relief to Haiti. This is your chance to participate in a community event focused on conquering thirst, bringing hope, and giving glory to God.

When: Saturday, September 29, 2012
Time: Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Where: Meet at Bethel CRC, 1105 Liberty St., Lynden

What: a walk/5K loop around our town. A speaker, prizes, treats, and more will be part of this very exciting local effort!

Why: Because two girls believe that our community CAN make a difference, one step at a time.

How to register: Sign up at Bethel CRC or email friendlyfootstepswater@gmail.com.

Cost: $10/person or $25/family. Make checks payable to Starfish Ministries and give to Faith Elgersma or Bethany Ball. You may also pay on the day of the event.

Donations also accepted.

Want more information? Just email friendlyfootstepswater@gmail.com!

Soli Deo Gloria!

They wrote letters to local businesses and have raised OVER $3000 so far, PLUS they have received gifts to give away as raffle prizes at the day of the event. Over 30 local businesses have donated money or products for this cause. Several other friends, friends-of-friends, relatives, and church members have donated, bought crafts, given of their gifts. All because two little girls with a sense of justice decided to do something about it.

I'm so proud of them. We'd love to have you join us on Saturday. Let's see how God pulls this all together, shall we? 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning. Bethel CRC. See you there if you can!!