“I believe God made me for a purpose,” said Olympic runner Eric Liddell, “for China. But he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel God’s pleasure.”
Even as Toby and Wendy competed in the Ironman Madison last year, they decided to do it again this year. But this time they decided to do it for a purpose: helping a church in China near the birth-town their adopted daughter Katie. “After seeing pictures of these Chinese worshippers meeting outside, God placed that church on our hearts,” Toby said. “That would be our goal. We know that raising $25,000 for a church building in Wushan, China will be challenging in this economy. But, God has a plan and nothing is impossible with Him.” (Praise God, they are well on their way!) Wendy added, “This is a place where Katie’s birth parents could find themselves in.”
An anonymous donor will be giving $1 for every $3 that is given. Toby and Wendy want to raise $25,000 of the $31,000 budget the church needs to build a new house of worship. They also hope to finish in the top ten in the Ironman Competition to raise money through the Janus Charity Challenge. Janus, an investment management firm, contributes to the beneficiaries of the top fundraisers at each of the races. (Last year teammate Stan Smith raised money for and awareness of FCA-E through the Janus Charity Challenge!)
“This was a way to give something back that’s in our heart,” Toby said.
“And because training can be very selfish,” Wendy added. “The first time going in, you don’t know what you don’t know, but after the race last year we learned what we would do differently,” Wendy said. “But while you are doing it you think: No matter how sick you feel, no matter what goes wrong… you are going to finish what you started,” Wendy said.
Toby and Wendy are also on the waiting list for another child, but this one will be a child with special needs. What amazing people are on Team FCA-E!
Thanks for the tip, Toby! And thank you and Wendy for your service in the Kingdom!
(Much of text is quoted from knowmore.typepad.com: http://knowmore.typepad.com/know_more/2009/06/to-china-with-love.html.)
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