I have known Doug and Peggy Reaser for quite some time. It was my husband, Rob that met them while attending college at K-State. Rob was on the same dorm room floor with Doug and there was a group of the guys that all hung out together. We had the opportunity to attend church together for awhile when we lived in the Kansas City area. Now, we keep in contact mainly via Facebook, but we have watched their children grow up through the years in pictures and Christmas letters we have received from them. I was delighted to hear from Peggy when I asked people to share their Inspiring Hope Stories. I think Monica has truly been an inspiration to Peggy and to the people God has placed in her life. She has a big heart and love for God’s people and took a leap of faith to serve with Reach on Purpose to Kenya this summer. This first story is from Peggy’s perspective. Later, Monica will share her side of the story.
So here’s Peggy’s side of the Story about her daughter Monica…
This story starts in January when our daughter, Monica was accepted to do an internship in Kenya this summer. She’s a freshman at Manhattan Christian College this year. The day she found out where she was placed we also found out that one of our son’s best friends (who practically grew up in our house) also had applied and was placed in the same remote area of Kenya. They had no idea that they were both applying. They also didn’t really get to pick where they were going. This gives me such comfort to know she will have a brother with her all summer. They won’t be directly working together, but will travel together and see each other some. This is a God thing and He answered prayers before I even prayed! The other issue is she had to raise over $6000 and we were not in a position to help her. I have been asking her for months, what would happen if she didn’t get the money? She kept telling me not to worry that God would come through.
When Peggy sent me the story, She had just received a text from Monica that she was 100% fully funded! The timing of my Facebook post came right when Peggy had heard from Monica that she was fully funded. This compelled Peggy to share this story. Her hope and prayer is that it might boost your faith that God always provides and to see that He is always working behind the scenes to orchestrate just the right scenario to build our trust in Him.
When I asked Peggy some questions about her experience, this is how she responded….
Heidi: How is God using you to Inspire Hope in the lives of others?
Peggy: Hopefully by being an example of peace while Monica is away.
Heidi: What are the everyday miracles that you are experiencing in your life by following God in your walk with Him?
Peggy: I watched God provide for Monica’s funding. More than we could have imagined! I know He provided the way for our ‘adopted’ son to go with her!
Heidi: How has God moved you outside of your comfort zone?
Peggy: By having to trust Him while our daughter goes out of the country. Parenting not only Monica, but also all of the kids has definitely put me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to trust Him!
Please pray for Monica and her team this summer as they reach out to the people of Africa to show them the love of Christ and please pray for the Reaser Family while Monica is away for this longer period of time. You can follow Monica’s Story on Facebook at “Monica Reaser’s support for Kenya!”
The Reaser Family
Praying for all of them! Great story!