Immersed in God's protection & understanding, Edward endured a very difficult race as he wrestled with an attack of cold-induced asthma. He said he felt that God was whispering to him to "keep going, finish out the course, don't worry about time- just push on." He witnessed several of his fellow Kenyans drop out of the race & 2 were hospitilized due to the conditions. Boston left its imprint of fleshly frustration, disappointment, confusion, and defeat. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom has removed Boston's stains and imprinted and sealed His guidance, purpose, faith, hope, and abundant love.
For an entire year, Edward trained, with rigorous effort, twice a day to win the Boston Marathon. Running alongside caliber athletes and coached by an experienced Olympian, Ed set his sight's on Boston's opportunity to lift any financial struggles for his family. We entrusted in his diligence and fasted with faith that God would reward his preparation. In all belief, we know the purest intent of his ability to utilize a platform of success to give God all glory.
Emotions flooded within as we witnessed Edward struggle across the finish line, coughing deeply & almost collapsing from the effects of asthma. Gasps for air suddenly flashed images of "defeat", as Edward whispered to us "I lost it." Due to inclement weather, Eddie's year stride paralyzed his ability to show the gift of speed within him. Immediate response of injustice and unfairness flooded our thoughts.
Let us preface the difference of our culture's influence: 1- We are taught that as we put forth our time, our money, and our talents that we will be rewarded for our efforts. YEt the truth that flows throughout Scripture reaps a harvest of eternal reward with our Creator and our Savior not in rewards of this world. Edward believes deeply in this Truth. 2- Opportunities in our culture swing wide in endless volumes. When one door closes, another opens--right?! Well, in other parts of the world, 'opportunity' is defined by a full stomach not by merits of career aspirations and hierarchy of success. An opportunity such as Boston is a rare dream, scarely lived.
So, imagine our brokenness for Edward--knowing the plight of struggles he has faced and the embrace of such a prestigous race--as he stumbled across the finish line 74 overall, 62 in division. Questions bombarded our hearts: Why, oh Lord, did Edward run this race in great pain? For his stride was not just to finish, but to win. His heart was centered to give you all praise. Why had everything worked out for him to run for him to experience cold-induced asthma? You control the weather Lord, why such a blistering day? We sought you in prayer, Lord- Is this your answer of 'reward'? What about the uplifting of his family?
Back to our culture--give/take, invest/reward.
Edward is a man of unwavering faith and serves as a constant example of diligence & perseverance. James 1:2 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." Job had everything taken from him, but in 1:21 he says, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
Even though discouragement was knocking on all of our doors, God graciously allowed hope and faith to take its place. God is Sovereign & reveals His justice time and again. Our reward is eternal and the things of this world are temporally gained. We believe in God's ways. The faithful Gracia Burnham stated, "When we are weak, Christ has the opportunity to be strong. When we are shattered, he can then go to work reassembling us. When we are defeated, he lends us his victory. When we are dispirited, he infuses us with his joy."
Eddie stated that now he sees God is freeing him for the ministry in Ngong. He commits his life to how God will continue to use him for HIs glory. Edward's body is being regained to fullness & with a grateful heart we continue on this path to work together in Ngong. He has stated that he will continue praying over God's direction to use him in competitive running and is eager to go in whatever direction God leads.
