9 minute read
Written proof: Kindness makes a difference
A LETTER of gratitude Yes, kindness makes a huge difference
By Vincent Kituku
With all COVID-19 related challenges, the war in eastern Europe, and the punitive increase in prices of available consumer goods, especially the price of gas, it is easy for caring people, like donors, to not think of the good they do for the less fortunate or whatever humanitarian causes they support.
An email from Faith, an orphan we started supporting in 2013, shows how each donor’s contribution makes a difference. Here is what she wrote to her sponsors, Steven and Nancy: “… I write this email with great gratitude to you for being my academic facilitators for eight years. When I first joined high school in 2013, I was not sure I would make it till the end. You made me realize that there (is) no definition for impossible. You took me through those four years and even another four for my university studies. Through Dr. Kituku, you became the light in a darkness that I didn’t know how to escape from. I am pleased to inform you that I have graduated from Maasai Mara University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Public Administration. I am lucky to have had you in my life because honestly, I wouldn’t have made it without your continuous support. You ensured that I had school fees at the very first day of school which is rare for most students. Every single day I pray that God blesses you in great abundance, gives you breakthroughs and fulfills your hearts’ desires. I cannot repay you for the great good that you have done to me. Only the good Lord above can. I hope that He opens opportunities for me because I owe it to you and to the world to become a success and help another child facing these challenges. I hope that I’ll be able to meet you in person someday, it will be a great honor. Have fulfilling days full of God’s blessings, grace and favor. Thank you very much.”
Faith
Faith’s appreciation reflects the tens of hundreds of vulnerable children whose lives have been transformed and many others you are still transforming from abject poverty to hopefulness and being productive citizens of the world.
I have read that message many times. We are touching and transforming lives. I receive seven or more pieces like this a month. After Faith’s sponsors got that message, they decided to sponsor a boy and a girl! I wrote to Faith and told her that her success has led to two other needy students getting sponsorships. n
Faith, a young Kenyan woman, graduated from Maasai Mara University with the help of sponsors in the Treasure Valley. She wrote her sponsors a deeply felt letter of thanks for all they’d done. (Courtesy photo)
Dr. Vincent Muli Wa Kituku, motivational speaker and author of “Overcoming Buffaloes at Work & in Life,” is the founder and executive director of Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope, a non-profit organization that raises tuition and fees for poor orphans and other children from poverty-stricken families in Kenya. Contact him at vincent@kituku.com or 208-376-8724.
Vincent Kituku
YOUR Daily Bread Dealing with the high price of fuel
By Terry Frisk
After carefully planning my 2022 spending budget, I was completely caught off guard with the sudden surge in gasoline prices. Gas prices have increased from an average of $3.40 per gallon in December to $5.00 per gallon as of when I wrote this article. The tank of gas that cost me $70 in December is now over $100! This not only affects my own transportation costs but also adds to the cost of other goods and services, resulting in higher prices for about everything we purchase. In times of hardship like this, I take comfort in the words of the Apostle Paul who faced many hardships but insisted that we have the power to overcome adversity.
“In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4 12:13
I am taking steps to reduce my fuel consumption by 1/3 in order to reduce my fuel cost back to a level before the price increases. Here are some ideas for reducing your fuel consumption which have helped me achieve my goal: 1. Maintain your vehicle – Keep your engine tuned, fluid levels full and tires inflated to the recommended pressure for maximum performance. Remove any excess weight from the vehicle. I used to carry a 100 lb. toolbox in the back of my truck in case I needed tools. I found that I rarely needed more than a handful of tools on the road, so I replaced the toolbox with a small tackle box with only a few tools.
Also, wash and wax your vehicle’s exterior regularly. In an episode of the television show “Mythbusters,” the crew measured the gas mileage of on extremely dirty car and compared it with the mileage of the same car after it was cleaned. The car was benchmarked at 24 miles per gallon when it was covered with dirt and mud and achieved 26.4 miles per gallon after it was cleaned, a 10% improvement! They attributed this to less wind resistance, improving the aerodynamics. 2. Consider alternative energy sources – While the price of electric vehicles has declined in recent years, most of us still cannot afford the relatively high price. They will hopefully continue to become more affordable over time. However, there are other traditionally gas powered devices for which electric alternatives exist. With improvements in battery technology, battery powered lawn mowers rival gas models for performance and are now similar in price. 3. Improve driving habits – Avoid accelerating too fast from stops. I remember my driver training instructor saying to acceler-
ate as if there is an egg between your foot and the gas pedal. Also, anticipate stopping and remove your foot from the gas pedal in advance to avoid hard braking. Speed also significantly impacts your fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy disclosed that vehicle fuel economy declines at speeds above 50 mph. While the amount of decline varies by vehicle, each 5 mph above 50 mph increases the average fuel cost by $.35 per gallon based on a fuel price of $5.00 per gallon. So, if your average highway speed is 70 mph, you could reduce your cost by $.35 per gallon by slowing down to 65 mph. For a vehicle with a 20 gallon Terry Frisk fuel tank, this is a savings of $7.00 per tank. The DOE provides a calculator to determine the cost for your specific vehicle at www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp. 4. Plan your trips – Organize your errands to reduce the distance you drive. You may not be able to reduce your commute to work, but you might be able to complete errands on your way home from work to reduce special trips. Also, plan your trips to avoid peak traffic times. Waiting on traffic consumes more fuel. 5. Avoid excessive idling – Many newer cars shut off the engine automatically when the car stops and restarts it when the brake is released. If you are waiting at a drive-up window for longer than 30 seconds, shut off your engine to avoid wasting fuel. 6. Measure your fuel consumption – Most vehicles have a trip odometer that you can reset each time you fuel up. Each time you fuel up, calculate the miles per gallon by dividing the number of miles driven since the last time you refueled by the number of gallons it took to fill your tank using the calculator on your cellphone. Challenge yourself to increase that number each tankful. It doesn’t appear that we will see relief from high fuel prices anytime soon. However, your efforts to reduce your fuel consumption will help maintain your budget, reduce emissions released in the environment, and conserve resources for the next generation. Take care and may God bless! n Terry Frisk is a partner in the firm B2B CFO, providing financial advisory services to small businesses. He also counsels individuals on personal financial matters through the Cathedral of the Rockies Budget Counseling ministry. He may be contacted through e-mail at terry_frisk@msn.com.
Sometimes you need help. Sometimes you need hope. We provide bo . irthright®
Unplanned pregnancy support that is; Free, Confidential, Non-Judgmental. Here for You.
1530 W State St, Suite A Meridian, ID 83642 208-342-1898 www.birthrightofboise.com 24 hour support 800-550-4900
Medicare Help
Are you turning 65 soon, new to the area, or want to review your current plan?? NEW Idaho ‘Birthday Rule’ could save you money!
Call me for the help you need regarding anything Medicare. Matt Faller Medicare Insurance (208) 258-1470 Commercial/ Residential Services:
Window cleaning • Pressure washing
Mowing services • Gutter cleaning 10% OFF
Kasey Long (208) -336-7986
The following information is provided by Wednesday’s Child, an organization that helps Idaho foster children find permanent homes.
Aliana, 14, is a one-of-a-kind teen who truly embodies the definitions of fortitude and resilience. Wise beyond her years, she is very skilled for her age at communicating her needs and has already put a tremendous amount of thought into what she wants for her future and the qualities she hopes to find in her adoptive family.
Aliana has been blessed with a magnetic personality and the ability to get through the difficult times in her life by focusing on the positive things around her. She has a wide range of interests, with a few of her current favorites being sports and shopping. She works hard in school and already has big plans for her future, with a goal in place to become an anesthesiologist. This kind and compassionate girl prides herself on being a good friend and someone others can rely on when they are struggling.
Throughout all the hard things she has been through, Aliana has kept a great sense of humor and hopes to find a family that enjoys laughing and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. Her ideal family will love to travel and explore new places, and she can’t wait for those adventures to begin. A Spanish-speaking family who resides in the Treasure Valley area and has other children in the home would be Aliana’s idea of the perfect fit for her; however, she is really open to any kind of family makeup.
Idaho Wednesday's Child hopes that reading about Aliana has given you a glimpse into all that this special young woman has to offer. If you believe that you can provide this deserving teen with what she wants in a family, inquire about her at www.idahowednesdayschild.org. n For more information on the Idaho Wednesday's Child Program, visit www.idahowednesdayschild.org, or contact Recruitment Coordinator Shawn White at swhite52@ewu.edu or cell 208-488-8989 if you have specific questions.
Aliana
Turn Your Beautiful God-Given Brains on Everybody!
A Podcast for Deeper Christianity
@uncensoredunprofessor uncensoredunprofessor.com
AGENCY In busine since 1936
•Franklin Village Subdivision
Franklin Blvd. and Cherry Ln. in Nampa Phase Nine - Move-in ready Homes by September
New Homes Available!
•Heron Ridge Subdivision
Greenhurst and Middleton Rd. in Nampa 208-209-2313
Mission Statement:
To honor God and serve our community by treating our clients with respect, honesty and integrity; using the resources with which God has blessed us in pursuit of their best interests. 203 11th Ave. S. • Nampa, ID • 208-466-7821 www.BrandtAgency.com
