Joy in Motion: WEEK 11
We Were Never Meant to Move Alone
Sometimes two weeks of joy simply need to be wrapped into one BIG celebration!
Together, we have reached our Joy in Motion goal of 10,000 kilometres. We have also exceeded our original fundraising goal of $10,000. And now, we are thrilled to announce that every gift made from now until the end of September will be matched! We are confident we will reach $20,000, with God as our helper.
We have already seen what can happen when we move together. Now we cannot help but wonder: How much farther can we go, and how much more hope can we carry?
This week, I read these words in Isaiah 35, paraphrased so vividly in The Message: those with “limp hands and rubbery knees” will be energized. I can personally attest to that after a crazy meniscus tear this summer!
Some days, moving felt difficult; other days, it seemed almost impossible. But others walked beside me, encouraged me, and made the path forward a little easier. Family and friends even rallied around me, adding to what I had saved so I could buy the right bike and bike rack. Because of their generosity, I am riding again!
God’s provision has been abundant. But the real gift was not merely the equipment or even the ride. It was realizing, once again, that I did not have to do it alone.
That same thread runs through the stories of so many who joined Joy in Motion this summer.
Russel & Ingrid served on the inaugural Board of Directors for Joyful Living, Joyful Giving. For them, Joy in Motion is deeply personal:
“We loved Ray, and helping carry his dream forward through Joyful Living, Joyful Giving means so much to us. You had us at ‘Ray’s Pull Up Your Socks!’ and at the opportunity to support charities that care for vulnerable people.”
- Rusel & Ingrid
One of this summer’s sweetest moments for them came from their youngest grandson. At the bottom of his birthday wish list, he wrote “Grandma hugs.” Those two little words felt especially meaningful this summer, and yes, he received plenty of hugs
Sometimes moving together means carrying forward the dream of someone we loved. Sometimes it is found in the simple gift of presence, one hug at a time.
For Alina, moving meant travelling with a close friend, discovering new places, and trusting God with the road ahead:
“I joined Joy in Motion because I’ve been inspired by someone who continually says YES to others. How could I not say YES too? This summer, travelling and experiencing new places with a close friend made the journey even more special. It gave me time to reflect on where I am and where God may be leading me next. Even amid uncertainty, I’m learning to appreciate the present, keep moving forward, and trust Him with what comes next. To me, living the good life means not simply living for yourself but humbly serving others as Christ calls us to.”
- Alina
Her words remind us that we do not need to know exactly where the road leads before we take the next step. The journey becomes richer when someone travels with us.
For Pam, it began with a walk and a conversation with her granddaughter:
“Joy in Motion began for me with a July walk and a conversation with my granddaughter. Since then, we’ve discovered new ways to move and have had a blast doing so together! Our doctor says, ‘Movement is medicine,’ but medicine only works when we take it. Each step has fuelled our hearts, minds and bodies with joy and given us a beautiful new way to serve others together.”
— Pam
Movement may be medicine, but community is often what helps us take that first step and then another.
This is also what we desire for the people served by Ally Global and Cycle 5 to Survive. We want them to know they are not alone. Others see them, believe in them, and come alongside them as they move from surviving to lives of dignity, hope and flourishing.
Movement will look different for every person, every body, and every age. We can walk, ride, paddle, pray, encourage, or give. Each of us has something to offer, and none of us has to do it alone.
We have passed 10,000 kilometres. We have exceeded $10,000. And now, with every gift matched until the end of September, this is our chance to go even farther together.
We have already reached our goals.
Now, let’s see how much more hope we can put into motion, all for the awesome and majestic glory of God.
