Last week...

(1) You continued praying for our new home to be made ready for move in as soon as possible... we signed the contract Monday and then made our way back to Gaza to finish packing, and now...

(2) You also kept praying for a clear passage way for our household belongings... your prayers helped prepare the way as Shirin worked with various individuals. There's more to this need this week : -)

(3) You asked God to give us patience in waiting... I don't know *what * I would have been like without your intercession. Those prayers kept my sanity, especially as Shirin and I tag-teamed a three-year-old toddler growing weary of bouncing around (or maybe it's us <g>, quite different from our time in the US).

This week...

(1) Join us in asking God to clear the way for our household items to cross the border. We're looking at a timeframe beginning Thursday ~5am local time (Wednesday, ~10pm east coast) and lasting for several hours.

(2) Pray that the three of us would not be separated for an unnecessary extended period of time as the move is made. I will go through a commercial border crossing while Shirin and Jasmine go through the 'usual' route. Shirin may have to struggle alone with Jasmine *and* several bags of luggage. Ask God to provide assistance and/or endurance/patience.

(3) Once again we'll be sorting/unpacking boxes to get settled in to a new home. Pray that God would be magnified in all that happens.

Love and grace,

Scott

* CALENDAR UPDATES *

10, Arabic language progress

* Once we move in to the new apartment we'll start over as 'teachable newcomers' to our community. We'll introduce ourselves as language learners so our community will teach us how to communicate in Arabic.

11, more people to hear God’s word

* When I wrote this I was thinking of my Thursday time downtown where a local merchant and I open the Word so passersby can hear its claims. Due to where we are in this transition, that did not happen today.

12, Sunday School for children today

* Not being around the children for whom you prayed prevents me from giving an adequate update; however, I am most assured that your prayers fell on fertile soil.

13, a new friend to meet Jesus

* Again, I had hoped to be in Gaza to see this happen; however, your ongoing prayer *will* make a difference.

14, visitors to feel welcome

* I believe that, thanks to your intercession, visitors to the Gaza Baptist Church felt welcomed. Thank you : -)

15, safe arrival of packages/mail

* I got to see this happen : -) We were on our way from Jerusalem to Gaza (hence, acts82640) and stopped in Ashqelon to pick up the mail. thank you for praying!

16, Thank God for utilities!

* That was exactly what I said after an 8-hour morning loss of electricity (4am-noon). We lost use of fans that tried to reduce the 90 degree temperature *inside* the house. Our phone is a different story : -(