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It would be foolish of me to ignore what happened in Gaza Tuesday morning, and I believe the only thing that will stop things from getting way out of hand is for God's people to pray for the Prince of Peace to speak to both sides. I cannot imagine the number of lives hanging in the balance. This article humbles us deeply, so please accept our deepest thanks and know that we also appreciate your weekly tithe, a portion of which comes to us directly. Thank you : -) VIRGINIA--LMCO sets record at $115 million; IMB limits new worker numbers. A quote from that article reads: "Last year, Southern Baptist churches reported a total of $9.4 billion received in their offering plates for all causes," Larry Cox, vice president for mobilization said. "Less than 2.5 percent was channeled through CP and LMCO to reach 95 percent of the world's population overseas. The average percentage that churches contribute to CP Missions beyond their own programs is about 7 percent." In other words, for every dollar put in the offering plate $0.07 leaves the church property. I think the nickel stays in the US while the two pennies go around the world. Is there any wonder the world is in the shape it's in? I remember hearing that there are "so many lost people in America," and that's true. If 93 cents stays in the church, 5 cents stays in the US, and 2 cents goes global, what does that tell us where we believe lost people can be found? I remember how the "Oslo Accords" brought somewhat of an end to the first Intifada in 1994. Six years or so of relative stability ensued until Friday, 29-Sept-2000. I remember that day vividly since it was the first meeting to my knowledge of West Bank pastors meeting with church leaders from Gaza to discuss how to see the number of churches grow exponentially. I *knew* we were trodding on the soil of the enemy of men's souls, but little did I know how he would stir up dissension. The rest, they say, has been history. The 'Road Map' "promises" a Palestinian state by 2005. I wonder if that won't spark a few 'things-to-be-fulfilled.' Forty years after 1967 would be 2007. Oh, I know I'm speculating, but wouldn't it be wonderful to be part of the generation that sees all things come to pass? Someone has said that there are more people alive today than have ever lived in the entire history of the world. We have the technology and resources to take the gospel to every part of the world. I mean, imagine how a computer virus can spread all over the world in a matter of days. I suppose the question is... what will it take to give every person on the face of the earth the opportunity to hear the gospel in a culturally appropriate way? I pray that as you get caught up in the worship of Jesus that you will hear His question and respond appropriately: "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Since we always need "one more" person to pray for us, please feel free to recommend the 'Wednesday Weekly' to other like-minded intercessors in your circle of friends. Invite them either to send an e-mail or to subscribe at our website. I'm glad to have you with us. Have an awesome week! May God find us listening more attentively to His voice this week as I am, Yours because His,
Matthew 24:14 * Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.
+ <L A S T W E E K>< ++ My mother-in-law had a birthday last week (4-June), and you prayed that she would experience a second birth soon... not yet, so keep praying! + You continued praying for "Bill" as he volunteers his expertise with books by praying that he would gain a sense of accomplishment... he says he's felt a great sense of accomplishment, so thank you for praying for this to happen! + You prayed for a departing family as they took the next step of faith in following Jesus by asking God to grant them closure in their final month in Jerusalem... a farewell luncheon this past Sunday aided with the closure, and they look 'ready' to move on. We appreciate your prayers for them! + Finally, you asked God to give us and other co-workers a clear plan or set of ideas on how to see the Prayer Center make measurable progress... I started using the "Garden Composer" software and, wow, is it tough! If there's anyone who can lend a hand, please do : -( We're still working on that planning time.
<T H I S W E E K><<>< Continue asking God to give us and other co-workers a clear plan or set of ideas on how to see the Prayer Center make measurable progress. <>< Pray for "Bill" as he finishes his time this week, and ask God to grant him a safe, uneventful departure where his luggage meets him back in the US the same time his plane lands. <>< Join us in asking God for our long-overdue visa to be granted while asking for the right paperwork for Dan's visa to be issued. <>< We have about a year to go before our next ten-week Stateside Assignment (STAS), so pray that Shirin and I can get a working model of our next presentation in order.
< Pray for the Miao. ><
CALENDAR UPDATES<If you're not receiving our bimonthly snail-mail newsletter, let us know so we can send it to you!>< 4, May we share His forgiveness.* Jasmine is helping us demonstrate His forgiveness and mercy. 5, Ask for improved online connections.* Today was a good day online at home and at work! Thank you : -) 6, Yasser Arafat’s salvation* Your prayers will make an eternal difference in his life, so please continue to pray for his salvation. 7, Ariel Sharon’s salvation* I echo the above statement for him as well! 8, CPM vision for leaders* We passed several church buildings today in Bethlehem, and I thought of your specific intercession : -) 9, Ask God to show us where He’s at work.* Two tour guides came to the Prayer Garden today, and I was grateful for your prayers in this direction! 10, Omar’s salvation* It didn't happen today, but I believe it will happen soon!
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