Eduardito

Through Cycle4Compassion, a very special little boy is sponsored.  His name is Mainor Eduardo, and he lives in El Salvador.

Eduardito with some gifts I was
able to send him in February

Some of you may remember how I chose him to be the recipient of the fundraiser, how I had his soon-expiring child packet, and how I knew that he was mine.  I am so glad that Cycle4Compassion provided a way for me to sponsor him.  He has been such a blessing in my life.  

His sweet tutor helps him write me letters.  For the past two years, he asked me to pray for his mom's job in almost every letter.  He told me recently about how his friend and brother also have sponsors who love them :)

Eduardito (as he likes to be called) enjoys going to the beach and local pool with his mom and brother.  He goes fishing with his grandpa.  He draws me beautiful pictures and thanks me for every single thing I send him. 

Through his local Compassion project, he learned about Jesus and accepted Him into his heart!  

This is Cycle4Compassion, friends, a child learning about Jesus, responding to His free gift and continuing in a relationship with Him.

As Eduardito continues to attend the project, he continues to learn about Jesus.  He is encouraged that God has a plan for his life.  I believe God does have a purpose and plan for Eduardito's life, and I am so excited to see it unfolding!

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If you would like to learn more about or donate to Cycle4Compassion, please visit Cycle4Compassion 2014! or e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

Cycle4Compassion 2014!!!

Well, the time is coming for the third annual Cycle4Compassion!  I am so excited for what this year will hold.

Here's some of the highlights from the last two years:

Cycle4Compassion 2012 

The bike-a-thon began in 2012.  After going door-to-door for donations, I rode twenty-five kilometers in the rain with my dad and sister.  It was the hardest bike ride ever!  It was also very rewarding, though.  God led me to sponsor Eduardo in El Salvador with the funds raised.

(The ride: Cycle4compassion  Sponsoring Mainor Eduardo: Mainor- Part Two)


Cycle4Compassion 2013

The ride was easier last year than in 2012 but the actual fundraising was more difficult.  I went door-to-door as I did the year before, but hardly anyone was home or wanted to donate.  The night before the ride, I was about $90 short.  I prayed that God would provide.  I woke up the next morning and checked for online donations - none.  I went to church, but no one handed me donations.  I came home and found out that my grandma's friend had donated!  That combined with after-the-ride donations brought me to a total of $582!

(The ride: Cycle4Compassion: an Update!)


As I said above, I know Cycle4Compassion 2014 will be amazing too!

Stay tuned - I will be posting later this week about Eduardo.

Until then though, would you please check out my fundraising page and prayerfully consider donating?  I can't do this without you!  Thank you so much!!

Cycle4Compassion 2014! (fundraising Page)

Pretty Exciting Post Today!

A very sweet Compassion employee has followed along a bit with Cycle4Compassion.  She wanted to write a post about Cycle4Compassion!  It's pretty amazing.  And really exciting!

I hope you will hop on over here - “cycle4compassion – How Riding a Bike Can Help a Child” | Create Compassion  And while you are there, check out the rest of createcompassion.org cause it's pretty awesome!

An Update on Cycle4Compassion!

Thank you for following along with Cycle4Compassion 2013!

On September 30, 2013, I rode 25 kilometers on my bike. Together with my family, I cycled down the Clarence bike path. It was a beautiful day, and the weather was warm. We completed the 25km in just under two hours! It was wonderful to have such a nice ride, especially remembering last year's rainy one. (read about that one here - Cycle4Compassion: "Brake" the cycle of poverty: But we kept on...The Ride 2012)

At the end of my ride, I totaled the donations that you and many other sponsors gave to help children in poverty. It amounted to a grand total of $590.90! That is almost $100 more than was raised last year!
I cannot ever thank you enough or express how grateful I am for you and your support!

One hundred percent of the donations was given to Compassion International. Specifically, this will provide Eduardito with the many things he needs to grow and develop. Through the Compassion project where he lives in El Salvador, he receives Bible teaching, schooling, recreational activities, medical check-ups, and instruction in poultry farming. Eduardito is being educated in a way that will release him from poverty. I am very excited about that.

Your support has reminded me that together we really can change the world! Throughout the year as I receive updates from Eduardito, I will always remember you. After all, it is because of your selfless act that Eduardito is given the chance to learn and grow in a place where he is loved.

I am thrilled that, together, we can help release children from poverty in Jesus' name! Every dollar counts, especially to a child in need. Your prayers made it all possible.

THANK YOU!

Cycle4Compassion: an Update!

Well, it is time for another Cycle4Compassion update!

On Sunday, my family and I cycled 25km.  We chose a different path from last year.  (Want to read about the crazy ride last year?  Love is an Action: Cycle4compassion)  It was a great path, paved and level.  It made me wonder if Eduardito's roads were as good as the bike path.  The ride was pretty easy, and we did it in two hours.

However, the fundraising was tough.  On Saturday, I was $90 short of Eduardito's sponsorship for a year.  I didn't know what I should do.  We decided we would ride on Sunday like planned, but I wasn't sure if the donations would come in.  But God was faithful!  Before we rode, donations amounted to over the $456 needed!

This is just a quick update though, and soon I will tell more with photos :)

Thank you soo much for your support!!!  Your prayers and donations are so appreciated!  I can't thank you enough! :)

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If you would like to donate still, I am accepted donations through October 7, 2013.  You can give at Cycle4Compassion

An Update on Cycle4Compassion!

There are just a few days left of Cycle4Compassion!  It is exciting as it nears the end, and the donations are tallied.  What is even more awesome is seeing the impact that it had when looking back.  Throughout the year, letters and photos from Eduardito remind me that all the fundraising, all the time, all the effort was more than worth it!  

Even now, just thinking about the couple days I have gone door-to-door this year.  I have been impacted.  The people who generously gave.  The dogs that scared the living daylights out of me!  It is always incredible to meet new people!

I will ride 25 km on this Sunday, the 29th of September. Please pray for good weather and a safe time!

Thanks to all of you , so far $270 has been raised! That is about half of the total needed and one quarter of the goal. We're part way there, and I know God will be faithful to provide the rest! I will continue collecting
donations until October 7.

Thank you all for your generous donations! Every dollar, every cent, counts. It matters to that lil guy in El Salvador - Eduardito.

Thank you! God bless :)

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If you haven't already, would you please prayerfully contribute to Cycle4Compassion?

You can view progress or donate on my fundraising page Cycle4Compassion

Thank you for caring and sharing. Together we are changing Eduardito's life!

Eduardito Sends Big Hugs!

Recently, I received a letter from Eduardito.  He is sponsored through Compassion by Cycle4Compassion.

This is what Eduardito wrote with the help of his tutor.

My Christian Learning

I learn about God at my project
What year did you accept God in your heart? 2012
My favorite bible story is Noah's Ark
My favorite bible verse is Psalm 23:1
What is your favorite song to sing at the project? A little star in the sky I saw.
What I have learned about Jesus and I like the most is: He helps me.
When I pray to Jesus I do it for my family.
Who is your favorite character from the Bible? Samson

Dear sponsor Elisabeth, your child Eduardo sends you a big hug.  He wants to thank you for your pictures, your letters, stickers, the letter yellow page, and the envelope.  Eduardo says that he is fine with his mother and brother.  His mother works by selling food in a cafeteria near the swimming pools of town.  He says that he would like you to pray that his mother does well with her sales.  He tells you at the kindergarten parade he dressed up as a bear.
Love,
your child,
Eduardo

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Eduardito is learning lots and growing up to become a fulfilled, Christian adult.  Your support is providing him with school and many learning opportunities.  

Please continue to support him so that he can grow and learn.  Support my Cycle4Compassion ride, please, and Eduardito will continue to learn and grow!  Thanks! :)

You can view progress or donate on my fundraising page Cycle4Compassion

Thank you for caring and sharing.  Together we can change Eduardito's life!

59 Days

I have 59 days to raise $1000.

There are a couple ways that could happen:
1. 59 people donate $17
2. 24 people donated $38
3. 17 people donate $59
4. 40 people donate $25

or

5. many people donate what they can.

I like #5.

Okay, you say, back up - what do you need $1000 for??

I guess I got ahead of myself, huh?  Well, Cycle4Compassion's goal this year is $1000.  Every single dollar will go to sponsor Eduardito (Mainor) and a new child through Compassion.

But I am not asking you to just donate money, I am asking you to sponsor me, to support my ride.  Sometime in September, I will bicycle 25km.  Rain or shine.  Sprained elbow or not.  (read about last year's ride: Love is an Action: Cycle4compassion)  I will ride to "brake" the cycle of poverty.

Through Compassion sponsorship the cycle of poverty will be "braked." stopped. halted. in Eduardito's life and in the life of another child (who I have yet to choose to support).  It will also be broken. shattered. unrecognizable-ized.  That's right, when Eduardito is an adult, people will see him and not know that he grew up in extreme poverty.

Eduardito wants to be a doctor when he grows up.  The ratio of people to doctors in El Salvador is 625 to 1.  With the generation Compassion is raising up, it will change.

Please pray for Cycle4Compassion: "Brake" the cycle of poverty and for Eduardito.

And please, think about how you can help.  You too can ride and get sponsors.  (It's so fun.  You won't regret it!)  By that, you can raise awareness and help Eduardito.  For details on that, please visit Cycle4Compassion: "Brake" the cycle of poverty: What Do I Have To Do?

To donate, go to Cycle4Compassion (for tax-deductible donations, please e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com)

Thank you!

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."  - Jesus

Your Support is Changing His Life!

As you may know, Cycle4Compassion has started up again!  Cycle4Compassion is an individual bike-a-thon.  Anyone, anywhere can ride just a couple kilometers and by that, save a life!

I will be riding 25km later this summer.  If you are interested in sponsoring me or riding, please visit Cycle4Compassion.com or e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

MY COUNTRY'S INDEPENDENCE

My country independence was in September 15th of 1821

The typical custom that I wear is (the boy one. It is like a western outfit.)

We celebrate the Independence day eating typical dishes. My favorites are Pupusas and Orgeat Juice.

The volcano that is nearest to my house is Ilamatepec, Santa Ana.

The acticities that I like to do in the independence day are: Decorate my school and project

Answering questions:

Dear sponsor Elisabeth, Mainor sends a hug and thanks for your letters and the folder with coloring pages of car and the stickers. He is well with mom and brother and he thinks it is not a nice place for having a baby and he doesn't like it.  (He is referring to Jesus' birth in the stable.)  He says he is thankful for life. Do you have pets? He asks your prayers for his mom business and thanks for the band-aids, with love, Mainor.

Because of your support, Mainor's life is changing.  He is being released from poverty.  Please consider helping this young boy!

 

(all donations are secure, through PayPal)

Cycle4Compassion

As some of you might remember, last year I organized an event called Cycle4Compassion.  Well it is that time again!

For those of you who don't know, Cycle4Compassion: "Brake" the cycle of poverty is an annual bike-a-thon fundraiser.  Through it, we raise money to sponsor Mainor Eduardo in El Salvador.

It is an individual event, so anyone anywhere can do it anytime (before October, that is)!  That means you can participate too!  All you need to do is sign up, plan your ride, enlist sponsors, and ride!

I will be posting more about this as times goes on, and I hope that you will participate too.  It is a lot of fun.  By doing this, we can change lives!  I can't do this with out you :)

For forms and more information, please visit cycle4compassion.com or e-mail me at lizzie4compassion@gmail.com

From Her Perspective

Hello!

Today, my sister Belle is going to share her thoughts about cycle4compassion.  Cycle4compassion is a bike-a-thon to raise money to support a Compassion sponsored boy, Mainor.  To read more about cycle4compassion please to my page dedicated to that HERE.

Tell me a little about yourself.   

 My name is Belle.  I am nine.  I like to ride my bike, swim, play guitar, and help my grandparents. 

 What did you think about cycle4compassion before you rode?

 I thought that it was a cool idea to get sponsors to raise money for Compassion.  I also thought that it would be cool if we could sponsor a kid, which we did!

How did you feel when you asked people for donations? 

 I was very nervous.  I actually screwed up a little.  I was really happy when people donated. 

Tell me about your ride.

I rode fifteen kilometers, which was four times around our block.  The last time around nearly killed my legs.  Every time I went up a hill, my right leg really hurt.  When it got hard, I remembered that I was helping Mainor.

What did you learn by participating in cycle4compassion? 

 I learned that hard work is good.  I also learned that every dollar counts.

Change a life!
Lizzie :)

What I Learned By Going Door-to-door

Hello!

To get sponsorships for my cycle4compassion ride, I went door-to-door to ask for donations.  I had never done this before, so it was a new experience for me.

The first time, I rode my bike for over an hour.  I only got about half of the block done, but I had over $200 in donations.  It was really encouraging.

The couple at the first house I went to were really sweet.  As you can imagine, I was quite nervous, even though I memorized what to say.  I stepped inside the door while the lady went to get the money.  Apparently the man realized I was nervous, because he told me not to be.  He told me it was a good cause to raise money for.  I know that God used that man to reassure me.  Now I won't say I wasn't still nervous, but I was not as much.

The second time I went door-to-door was after I came home from camping.  Because I had sprained my arm, I could not ride my bike.  So, my mom drove me around.

That day I met two fellow sponsors.  It was so cool to see that there were Compassion sponsors near me.  I could tell that they loved their sponsored kids.  From what they said about their sponsored children, I think they probably write to them as well.  I am so glad that there are other sponsors in my area.  One day when I have a letter writing party, I will invite them.  I would really love to get to know them and their sponsored kids.

While I found going door-to-door easier than asking people I know for donations, it still taught me a lot.  It taught me that God is good all the time and He really does work all things together for good.

Being able to see the people God led to give was awesome.  One lady gave one dollar.  She was so sweet though, and it was all the small bills she had.  She stopped watching a seventies skating movie to find it for me.

All in all, I am glad I went door-to-door.  I can't wait for cycle4compassion next year and to see how God brings all things together to continue sponsoring Mainor.

Change a life!
Lizzie :)

It is that time again!  For more information on how you can participate in Cycle4Compassion this year, go to cycle4compassion.com

And the results are in...

Hello!

I know you all have been patiently waiting to see how the results for cycle4compassion worked out.  Sorry, if took me so long to let you guys know.

For those of you who do not know, my sister, dad, and I rode 25km on September 22, 2012.  This was to raise money for Compassion International.  You can read more about that HERE.

For the results--

I got thirty-six sponsors by going door-to-door and family.  My little sister got four sponsors.  And my older sponsor got one.  That equals forty-one sponsorships!

My older sister and I rode 25km each.  My little sister rode 15km.  All-in-all, we rode a grand total of 65 kilometers!

We raised enough money to sponsor Mainor for one year and give a graduation gift to Mabel for college!

I am so happy with the outcome of cycle4compassion.  It really shows that when we all work together, we can change lives.  While I do have some changes in store for next year, I think it is amazing that this much happened the first year.  God is so good.

I plan on setting up a page where all the posts about cycle4compassion, Mainor, and Mabel will be linked to.  So stay tuned for that :)

And if you participated or gave, thank you soo much!  You have truly changed Mainor and Mabel's lives!!

Change a life!
Lizzie :)

Mainor- Part Two

Hello!

First of all, I want to thank you all soo much for your prayers for Mainor.  As you may have seen, I wrote that prayer is powerful.  And it is.  God tugged on someone's heart to sponsor this precious boy.  And she sponsored him.

I am now the proud sponsor of Mainor!!  All the kids always tug on my heart, they are all so cute.  But with Mainor, it was different.  Maybe it was because his mom works, so he is probably alone all day.  Or maybe it was because his house is made of dirt and mud, and it floods in El Salvador.  But one thing is for sure, it was God.

HAPPY FOURTH BIRTHDAY, MAINOR!!

While I have not collected all the money from my ride, once I collect it I will have around $548!  I will use $456 to sponsor Mainor.  I have not decided how I will donate the rest to Compassion, but I have some ideas.

Thank you so much for praying for a sponsor for Mainor.  Please keep praying for him, that God will bless and protect him.

Also, please keep praying for Sharmin.  Her sponsor has not found her yet.  But, I know that God has someone special in mind for her.  If you are that special person, e-mail me lizzie4compassion@gmail.com  I will let you know how to start your sponsorship.

Change a life!

Lizzie :)

Cycle4compassion

Hello!

Remember when I wrote about the Compassion fundraiser?  Well last Saturday, my dad, sister, and I rode 25km.

It was raining in the morning, but we decided to go on as scheduled.  We got ready and went to the Erie Canal bike path. 

at the beginning

We put on our rain ponchos on and started out.  I thought the path was supposed to be mostly blacktop.  I was wrong.  Like really wrong.  It was like fine gravel and sand mixture.  And it was soaked.  If you biked in the center, your tire would leave an inch indent.  Under the bridges was paved, though.

It was really hard.  We went about 10km an hour, which is only 6 miles per hour.  It was just a little path, and there were drop-offs on each side.  The one side was rocky down to the canal.  The other side had a bunch of trees down the slope to a road or something. 

We stopped once to take off our rain ponchos, because it appeared to stop raining.  It was noon before we got half way.  We stopped, took some pictures, and had a quick lunch.

half-way

My arm started to hurt, because I had sprained it when I fell off my bike while I was camping.  I did not feel like riding much more.  But we had to go on.  So we went.

Not ten minutes later, we stopped to put our ponchos back on.  It was really cold and kinda breezy and raining.  We were going so slow.  I would have liked to go faster, but I think it would have worn me out. 

Because it was so hard to bike, we walked our bikes for a while.  It was easier but not faster.  We got to one of the bridges and got back on our bikes.  It was refreshing to ride on the blacktop. 

When we still had 5km left, I wanted to walk the rest.  I think we all did.  But we kept riding.  Finally in the distance, I could see our truck!  I went as fast as I could, which wasn't very fast at all.  We made it.  It was so nice to get in the truck and get warmed up.

I'm not going to lie, I wanted to quit many times.  But, then I would think about all the people who donated to Compassion because of my ride.  I would think about the lives I was changing.  I couldn't quit.  And I am so glad we didn't.  It was a lot of fun, and I wouldn't change it if I could.

Soon, I'll get the final tally of how much we raised.  You'll never guess how much.  God is good.

Change a life!

Lizzie :)

Compassion Fundraiser

Hello!

I can't believe that summer is practically over!  I've been busy camping, hanging out with friends, and lazing about. 

To finish up summer, my dad and I planned a bike-a-thon.  It is called Cycle4Compassion.  I am so excited about it.  The best part is you can participate too.  It is an individual event.  All you have to do is fill out a form, enlist people to sponsor you, and ride!  You can ride 15 or 25 kilometers.  And you can have an awesome t-shirt for $10.  The money raised through sponsorships will go to sponsor children with Compassion International.  Compassion is a holistic child development organization.  Their mission is to "release children from poverty in Jesus' name."  You must register and ride by September 30, 2012.  However if you cannot do it by this day, let me know.  I am sure we can work something out.  Since I cannot post pdf's on here, you can e-mail me for the forms.  I am going to be riding 25km around September 22.  I am looking for sponsors as well.  So my e-mail is lizzie4compassion@gmail.com if you'd like the forms.

Change a life!
Lizzie :)