Violence continues between the peoples of this area as the world begins to tune a more listening ear to the groans of the land. Worldly politics have yet to solve any conflict, so the answer must be with God's people. Will the church rise (kneel) to the occasion to ask the Prince of Peace to make Himself known to those seeking Him? After all, what started this conflict in the first place is what will solve it.

Last week...

1* We'd made an assessment of how long it would take to vacate six years of our life, and you joined us in praying that the 'closure' wouldn't be so painful... What has been a difficult time for me became easier this week, and I believe your intercession helped make that difference. I cannot begin to thank you enough for praying us (especially me) though this ordeal. Thank you : -)

2* You prayed that the exodus we would make with a handful of volunteers would go without incident and that all we took out would be allowed passage... it was close, but our 12-year-old kitchen cutlery made its way out as did a few small electrical appliances. Thank you for praying us through : -)

3* You prayed once again for Jasmine's readjustment back to our temporary living quarters. She did so well when once she was in her Gaza bed : -)... Jasmine beamed with pride as she told of sleeping in her bed like a little girl. "I didn't cry for Mommy or Daddy," she said. "I'm not a baby anymore. I'm a little girl."

4* You asked God to show us where He wants us to live... Jasmine also made this a point of prayer each night. We saw the neighborhood and will be working with a local believer to find the right apartment. Please continue praying - you're making a great difference!

This week...

(1) Continue praying that God's apartment for us will be found.

(2) Ask God to use this week's volunteers to be His instruments as they distribute food to needy families.

(3) Pray that I would quickly recover from exhaustion related to long road trips. I thought all that US travel would prepare me, but things seem so different here.

Love and grace,

Scott

* CALENDAR UPDATES *

19, 15-year wedding anniversary

* We packed up and thought how easy life was 15 years ago <g>

20, God's Word to be discussed in shops

* While I didn't get to visit in the shop I was thinking about, I was able to visit a local computer store for packing boxes where one of the workers brought up the subject. I think he remembers the last things we talked about, so pray over those words.

21, US families to fall in love with Jesus

* I haven't heard this to happen yet, but it's probably the closest prayer need to my heart.

22, express in Arabic Jesus' love

* This is an ongoing prayer need of ours and, at the time of the writing, we had hoped to be in an Arabic speaking area. We're not there yet, but do keep praying.

23, a new church start

* Being away from where we'd hope to see this happen makes us realize the process will be slower, so continue praying.

24, focus as we pack box after box

* We didn't pack at all yesterday since we're away from Gaza; however, I've asked that those prayers be kept in store for the right time!

25, make weekly trips for water

* Again, I didn't do what I thought I would be doing; however, we were in a place where water is in need. Your prayers will make a difference : -)