I stood at his grave… and made a promise.

Not just to remember him and plans we had

but to continue what he started.

My name is Isaac, I was born in Jengre Seventh-day Adventist Hospital.

My mother was born there. She worked there. My sister was born there. Family and Adventist heritage abounds there in epic proportions!

Jengre is not just a place to me—it is where my story began.

It is a place of healing.

A place of faith.

A place of history.

A place that has served generations—and continues to shape lives today.

A few months ago, the late Pastor Istifanus Nuhu shared a vision with me in my capacity as Vice President to Cornerstone Association of Nigerian Adventist (CANA - UK) :

To build a multipurpose hall at the hospital

a space for learning, for healing, for community, and for God’s work.

At the time, we/ CANA couldn’t take it on as the

But earlier this year, the vision returned to my heart… I decided to do something, and shortly after, I learned of a brief illness and he passed away!

I never got the chance to speak with him again!

That moment changed something in me!

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” — Luke 1:37

So I made a decision:

I will run.

This is not just one race!

This is a journey.

I am committing to four races over the next 12 months—each one funding a key phase of the project:

April 2026 — Northstowe Half Marathon (£5k Target)

→ Funding the foundation phase (planning, preparation, initial materials)

August 2026 — Sydney Marathon (£15k Target)

→ Funding the structure phase (foundation, walls, roofing)

December 2026 — Valencia Half Marathon (£5k Target)

→ Funding the enclosure phase (windows, doors, finishing the exterior)

April 2027 — London Marathon (£15k Target)

→ Funding the completion phase (interior, fittings, final touches)

Each race builds a part of the hall!

Each step brings the vision closer to reality!

Each race is a step.

Each mile is a statement.

Each finish line brings us closer.

On April 19th, I will run my first half marathon (21.1 km).

This is more than a race.

It is a step of faith.

A tribute.

A beginning.

14 weeks training. 1 goal.

From comfort… to commitment.

From intention… to action.

This multipurpose hall will support:

medical training, community outreach, and a space for worship and encouragement.

It will impact lives for years to come.

This is for Late Pastor Istifanus Nuhu.

This is for my family.

This is for Jengre.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35

I cannot do this alone, please!.

If this touches your heart:

Pray — for strength and for this vision to come to life

Give — nothing is too small, it helps build something real

Share — help this reach someone who can help

This is bigger than one person.

If you feel led, you can run your own challenge, start your own fundraiser, or support in any way you can.

Together, we can build something that lasts.

I will run with everything I have.

And I truly believe that what we build together will bless generations.

Help me build what built me.

—Machira Isaac Mavalla