Running with Purpose
Four years ago, Muriel Gonzales moved from the Philippines to Surrey, Canada, with big dreams and a desire to build a new life. Along the way, she built a deeper relationship with God and seized an opportunity to use her passion for project management to serve others. Read her insights below as she helped lead Stride, POGI’s recent fundraising fun run, with a vision to bring hope to more children and communities.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11–13
This is the passage I hold on to as I navigate life here in Canada.
I’m Muriel Gonzales, a Filipino with big dreams who moved to Surrey four years ago to start a new life. I pursued further studies to work toward my goal of becoming a project manager, a career path close to my heart because I find deep fulfillment in bringing people together through trips and events.
A year ago, Buena reached out to ask if I would be interested in helping organize a fundraising fun run for POGI Foundation. The opportunity immediately caught my attention. Coincidentally, I had planned a running event with my classmates for a project management course. Running was already part of my regular routine, and I had participated in several races. More importantly, I connected deeply with POGI’s mission to plant hope in children’s hearts through education, outreach and relief efforts. I believe that experiencing God’s love through these initiatives can give children something meaningful to hold on to as they grow.
Although I felt intimidated by the thought of leading an event for the first time, I felt in my heart that I was being called to do this. And so, with faith, I said yes.
Challenges are inevitable when organizing an event, but this experience taught me that obstacles can also strengthen my faith in God. From finding a venue and attracting participants to navigating a last-minute food truck cancellation, securing sponsors and dealing with unpredictable weather, there were plenty of challenges along the way.
Praise God, because He answered our prayers. We secured a venue that didn’t require costly road closures, welcomed 60 amazing participants, and found a food truck that unexpectedly came through on race day without requiring a deposit. We also secured financial and in-kind sponsors and were blessed with perfect weather.
I look forward to welcoming both familiar and new faces next year and hope we can reach even more people. As part of this initiative, we plan to launch a community run club and organize group hikes early next year.
I’m honored to use the gifts God has given me, including my love for running and project management, to serve others and glorify Him.
With gratitude,
Muriel Gonzales
Stride 2026 Project Manager
People of Grace International Foundation
Ways to Give
Online: bit.ly/pogigift
Cheques to ICMS: Please include a "separate" note – For People of Grace International
Contact: 604-240-5096 or peopleofgraceintl@gmail.com
Donations in the US and Canada are tax receipted by ICMS (International Christian Mission Services).
2026 Goals
People of Grace International complies with CRA/IRS guidelines for non-profits through our relationship with International Christian Mission Services (ICMS). ICMS has direction and control of the resources donated to ICMS on behalf of our ministry and holds us accountable for the work we do.
