“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary...”

(Isaiah 40:31)

The eventual winner of a marathon often gets off to a slow start.  It’s all part of the strategy.

With just a few kilometers before the finish, suddenly an inconspicuous runner back in the pack begins to pass his competitors one by one.

This highly disciplined and determined runner gives one final Herculean thrust - and just meters before the finish line he overtakes the leader and wins the gold.

I have a feeling this is God’s strategy as we more into the last leg of our race to reach our goal - to be debt-free by December 31, 2008.

We started out the year with just over $3 million in loans.  In the past 8 months over $600,000 has been given.  That’s awesome, and we’re so grateful.  At this pace, however, we’re going to lose the race against time.

God seems to have designed us to run marathons.  How often it seems when we're about to collapse, suddenly, He breathes a second wind into our lungs.  Then with supernatural strength we’re able to “run and not be weary,” and go on to win the prize.  We’re counting on God to do that again in our home stretch.

So let’s intensify our praying and let’s give as God leads us to give.  May our faith arise and may our momentum accelerate.  And let’s rejoice as each gift arrives, whether big or small.

How wonderful it will be to soar ahead with all that God has called us to do in Jerusalem, free from the weight of debt!

What a victory celebration we’re going to have as we reach our goal in 2008!