THANKS TO THE GENEROUS FAMILIES AT BEARSPAW CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, WE HAVE REACHED THE SUMMIT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF HOPE!

Several weeks ago, I challenged the elementary students to raise $5000 for Hope. This comes out to approximately $20 per student. Then I challenged the secondary students to do the same. Prior to this challenge, BCS families had donated $25,000 to support the Peacock family. We still needed $20,000 to purchase the van along with covering the taxes. The students rose to the challenge and exceeded their goal! Two parents matched the goal of $10,000. for the ultimate summit.

As of today, $45,000 has been raised and the specialty van for Hope has been purchased! She can now easily be transported. We anxiously await her first visit to BCS.

To God

Be The Glory,

Great things He has done!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Ephesians 3:20 (NKJ)

For several days, Lexa, a grade 3 student, asked if I would be in my office during lunch. Since I frequently have lunch meetings, I asked if she could stop by after lunch. Her teacher allowed her 5 minutes to come to my office and she was beaming. I assumed that she had an idea to fundraise for Hope. As I inquired how I could help her, she smiled and said, "Since you are going to climb that big mountain with a heavy backpack on, I thought I would rub your shoulders." I was deeply touched by her sensitivity to my comfort. Little did she know, that I've recently had physio appointments for my shoulder. Plus, I LOVE massages! As this little girl was rubbing my shoulders, I knew God had sent a special blessing my way as a source of encouragement.

Later that evening I found out that my friend had prayed that I would receive a special blessing that day. I never cease to be amazed at the way God answers prayer!

Mrs. Cossette asked if I could come to her Grade 1 classroom because Kalysse had a special surprise for me. I entered the room with anticipation and immediately noticed Kalysse hiding something behind her back, trying to contain her excitement. She pulled out a little ziplock bag filled with money. I commented on how heavy the bag was and estimated that it contained $60. I could tell I had underestimated my guess by the uncontrollable delight from the students. When I asked Kalysse how much was in the bag, she showed me a sign that said $137 and some change. "WOW, I am so proud of your effort and I know Hope's family will deeply appreciate what you did for them," I exclaimed.

Creativity and teamwork equals success! Carson and his friends came up with a heartfelt script to describe Hope's journey over the past few months. After boldly sharing the story with generous neighbours, Carson gave pipe cleaner bracelets made from to all who donated as a thank you gift.

A MOUNTAIN OF HOPE continues to grow!

I am so excited and blessed to report that what started as my dream to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and raise funds to help purchase a van for Hope Peacock, has now been embraced by so many students and parents here at BCS. God has stirred the hearts of so many and they are responding with generosity and compassion.

This week I had the opportunity to visit with some of the elementary students and hear about the creative and inspiring ways they are raising funds for Hope; while sharing her story and God’s amazing provisions for her and her family with friends, churches and neighbours. I have also received stories of sacrifice and inspiration through emails and phone calls.

Here are just a few of the things our amazing BCS students are doing to share their time, money and hearts with Hope:

Creative boys in Grade 4 are selling duct tape wallets and purses they designed and made.

A Grade 4 student returned a birthday present so that she could donate the money to Hope.

Students are walking dogs, baby-sitting, raking lawns and holding bake sales. 

A father of a grade 5 student is paying his daughter to give him piano lessons.  (She is an excellent pianist)

Students are asking their parents for additional chores and sharing their allowances.

A group of students are collecting Pennies for the Peacocks!

A touching message from a Junior High parent:

Now about this dream to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro! Wow!! Sounds super cool, and I know you will do it! My daughter just gave me all of her money, and so I thought you'd like to hear the impact your story and encouragement had on her. Hope has been in our prayers since we've known about her struggle. So J. just came downstairs at 11:00 tonight and gave me $100, and said can I give this to raise money for Hope? So she'll be bringing it in tomorrow. This is all of her birthday money, we don't give allowance usually, so it's everything she had. She has a real heart for missions this young lady, her and I are always the ones with tears rolling down our cheeks when we hear of or see children in need.  God Bless!!

During chapel time, I was sharing my dream of climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with the students and then challenged them to help me raise money to purchase a van for Hope.  I asked the students to raise their hand if they felt they wanted to help Hope and her family. 

(Quote from Jaret's mom who teaches at BCS)

 "There was Jaret sitting in the front row, eyes on Mrs. Huffman, attentive as ever, and the first one to raise his hand, and one of the only ones in his Kindergarten class.  My heart was full and it brought tears to my eyes. When Jaret got in the vehicle after school he was so excited to tell me about chapel. He was telling me like he forgot I was even there. It was cute. His enthusiasm for hearing that Mrs. Huffman is going to climb one of the biggest mountains in the world was just bubbling over. He then told me that he needs to empty his piggy bank when he gets home so he can give all his money to Mrs. Huffman to buy a van for Hope. He was so excited and went straight upstairs to his room to empty his piggy bank. In fact, his friend Kira came to the door but he told her he would come and play later because he was counting his money to give to his friend, Hope. When Kirra saw what Jaret was doing, she wanted to help Hope too. So, Jaret helped her count her money in her piggy bank to donate to the cause as well. How can my heart not be full when I see how giving my son is and that he wants to help someone in need? Okay, getting teary just writing this..."