Miles Family Vacation

After hearing of Bruce’s recent diagnosis of Stage 3 Pancreatic cancer and a predicted prognosis of 15-18 months, my heart has become burdened to find some form of appreciation to the Miles family and all they have meant to me throughout my life. I’m not sure I can ever fully express how beautiful of a blessing they have been to me, whether it’s been through the excitement of receiving hand-me-down clothes from Mandy in elementary school, thinking I had some magical connection with their family as a little child because we both had family members with the name of Eric(which to me, at that age, was practically like being related), watching the interaction of Bryan with Ugandan kiddos trying to convince them all to become Broncos fans, hearing Donna’s laughter at, well, of course herself, and her millions of Donna-isms, or listening to Bruce speak God’s truths of love, grace, and faithfulness into my life since a child. This family has been a beautiful picture of being made into beauty from ashes after the death of their son and brother nearly twenty years ago, they’ve shown faithfulness in the ugliness of Bruce’s health issues and transplant, they’ve been a family that’s been my real life example of Job. But we know that our God is a God that gives and takes away. Not only have they proved faithful in the difficult times when God takes away, but they’ve also out-shined and succeeded in the many ministry’s God has given them to be a part of, whether it’s pastoring and shepherding a church for 31 years, being involved in planting churches all around the world, creating sermons to be translated to reach those that might otherwise be unreachable, or teaching at Frontier School of the Bible. Their lives have been a true testimony to the verse, “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24

 Upon learning of Bruce's diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and the doctor's prognosis, the family conferred and decided that they needed to take what could be a last vacation together and to make it memorable, especially with the grandchildren. It was decided that they would take a trip to Disney World. When I learned of their desire to take this vacation, I was moved to initiate a way to encourage the family through helping make this trip a reality financially by creating this GoFundMe account. Bruce and Donna, and Matt, Mandy and the kids will be there from May 11-21, while Eric and Bryan plan on being there for the first part, leaving the 16. Not entirely sure of the cost, but I would estimate this trip to be around $10,000 which includes airfare for eight, hotel stay, a few days spent at Disney World and a photographer to capture some beautiful moments in pictures on the beach together. I would love to set the goal at $20,000 to cover any extra expenses, whether that be medical or otherwise. We serve a big God, one that performs miracles, and “will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:19, so I don’t think $20,000 is too far fetched. I hope and pray that you all would join me in supporting a final family vacation for the Miles to show our love and appreciation to them.

Thank you in advance for your donations. I can’t wait to see how the Lord is going to provide beyond our expectations. Please share this with any and all you can think of in order to help reach our goal.