shalom kazoo

03/23/2026

Reminder!

03/22/2026

Yesterday I ran 14 miles with the group; then I ran four more.

A fellow runner said the BEAST was coming out in me. I replied it was more like desperation!

Lord willing, I am running in the Boston Marathon on April 20 to raise funds for the new SHALOM home FURNISHINGS! SHALOM serves adults living with developmental, intellectual and emotional disabilities though the love and wholeness of Jesus. I am running a marathon to furnish this new home!

I am feeling GREAT about the fundraiser! God has really blessed the efforts of so many through small gifts and large! Thank you! LET’S FINISH THIS!

I am feeling great physically, although my running endurance has suffered a great deal because of the cancer killing treatment! I struggle with that. My confidence is shaken. I am not sure what pace to run. One fellow runner says his marathon strategy is to start slow, then run slower! This could work! I will do my best to honor the Lord and SHALOM! LET’S FINISH THIS!

I also admit feeling scared! “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You! In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid.” (Psalm 56:3-4) Working on this.

Only one hard training week to go, then I taper for three! Which means each week I cut the training mileage by about 20-30%. The week before the race I will run about one third as much as I am now. This allows the body to rebuild and be ready for the big day.

What a privilege to run together for SHALOM! I am so proud of our SHALOM community and so many who have joined this marathon with prayers, encouragement and gifts!

Praises – I remain injury free! I have a Boston bib number (25812) and start time (soon after 11:00 am)!
I had the joy of seeing one of my Physical Therapists from when I had Plantar Fasciitis two years ago! She is also a runner! I thanked Alyssa for not doubting that I could get into Boston. She said, “At least we didn’t say it out loud!”
I received an award for “Grand Masters Male” from my running club (Kalamazoo Area Runners), basically recognizing me as old and trying hard!

Prayers: that we finish well – training, tapering, fundraising and the marathon.
A new fundraising total will be in the April issue of the SHALOM newsletter, along with app information to follow me in the race!
Wisdom as I begin the process of deciding the marathon running pace to aim for.
That I remain injury and illness free. I have a friend who got the flu about three weeks before his marathon. That hurts!
Above all, that God is glorified in all we do! “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God!” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

SHALOM!
Checks written to SHALOM (memo – FUNDRAISER) mail to PO Box 265, Kalamazoo, MI 49004; or by card see the link in the comments! THANK YOU!

PICS: Me and Alyssa; running buddies; fundraising progress through March 15; old man award; bib number, wave and corral; Boston Marathon start schedule.

03/22/2026

SHALOM's field trip to Gull Lake Ministries!

03/19/2026

We’re sorry, but maple syrup has been sold out!

03/15/2026

Well folks, we were live and now I cannot find it on FB! I am so sorry - I feel like such a novice! I might have messed up!

But here is the Boston Marathon route showing how far along the Furnishings Fundraiser we have come (pic below)! Thank you, Lord! And thank you everyone who has participated by praying, giving and encouraging along the way!

We are at $60,869! That's like being almost 19 miles along the marathon route of 26.2 miles! I praise God for your support! Let's run to the FINISH LINE!

Next live feed will be April 19, the NIGHT BEFORE THE BOSTON MARATHON! I will try to do a live event from near the START LINE the night before. Also, a brief live feed from the start line area just before the race on Monday the 20th! And hopefully a brief live feed DURING the race, and at the end.

Online giving link is in the comments. Or send a check to SHALOM (FURNISHINGS in the memo), PO Box 265, Kalamazoo, MI 49004.

Thank you, and SHALOM!

03/13/2026

Shalom Maple Syrup is now at the Connection Depot! $10/pint. It’s turning out to be a short sap season, so stop by while supplies last. Fridays & Saturdays, 9:00-3:00.

03/08/2026

We ran in the rain for half of the 12 miles.
There was no joy in Mudville, just misery.

Lord willing, I will be running in the Boston Marathon on April 20 to raise funds for furnishings for a new SHALOM home! That’s in just six weeks! Will you support this cause by running with me?

I wanted to run 14 miles because that’s what my training plan said to do. I yielded to 12 because I was miserable, joyless, wet and flat out of gas. I had run 46 miles for the week, and that’s all I had!

When I just run, I feel good about where I am at. But when I look at my running watch, my slower pace, my higher heart rate, think about my hormone blocker slowing me down and I compare myself to the pace and performance of others, I get so discouraged. Lord, I need a miracle!

The miracle’s been had! All this running is not about me! I have been given a testimony! I have people I am serving! I run for a great organization, SHALOM! I am privileged to represent SHALOM in a world-class event, the Boston Marathon! And so honored to have the Lord running at my side, with names of those supporting our cause on my prayer card and on my shirt!

Miracles still happen. Our faith can see them. Our misery cannot see them. When I feel sorry for myself, I am blinded to what God has to offer me. When I keep my EYES ON THE LORD, I see Him at work!

“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:12b -13)

I’m working on it!

THANKFUL: I was invited to First Reformed Church, Portage, this past week to share my “Boston Testimony!” It caused me to review what God has been doing and how He continues to work through many people! Thankful for this opportunity to glorify God and for their enthusiastic attention and response!

REQUEST: These are the hardest training weeks. I not only get very tired, but I’m very sick of it! Injuries happen more often during this time. Three weeks until tapering. I need encouragement and gas in the tank! Keep my eyes on the LORD and on the goal – the Boston Marathon finish line! But especially eyes on the bigger picture – furnishings of love for the new SHALOM home and the people who will live there!

Please share the cause and run the journey with me to Boston!
Checks (memo to FURNISHINGS) should be written to SHALOM, PO Box 265, Kalamazoo, MI 49004. The giving link for cards is in the comments. THANK YOU FOR RUNNING WITH ME! LET’S KEEP GOING!

PICS: Just me along Gull Road. And look, ball cap and shorts weather!

03/06/2026

Open 9:00 - 3:00!

03/03/2026

Please mark your calendars, share this flyer, and invite your loved ones! 💙April 9, 2026💙

03/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DhdEhFWuc/

Two weeks ago, Night to Shine, created by Tim Tebow, took place all around the world. Check out his video sharing why this event is so special and take a look at our SHALOM Kings and Queens!!!

✨✨✨Share your pics in the comments.✨✨✨

03/03/2026