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We have finally decided to take a vacation and will be away next week for a few days; consequently, I won't be able to reply as promptly as usual, so forgive me in advance. No doubt, there will be loads of e-mail awaiting me on returning home - so it goes. I watched the Wednesday evening presentation and was shocked by the first question posed, "My question was about the churches that sponsor and support (workers) now. Is there a program to sponsor and support (workers) on the field now?" The messenger was asked if the question was directed to Dr. Rankin, and it was. Dr. Rankin gave a clear answer as he reiterated the lifeblood of the Cooperative Program as the main means of support for workers overseas. The question shocked me as I thought of how many people it represented. How many other Southern Baptists are asking the same question? The question also made me realize that those who receive the "Wednesday Weekly" are a special minority, a privileged few. Not only do you have weekly contact with workers on the field but, more than likely, you've been a part of the work here. Dr. Rankin's answer also spoke of the great need to personalize work in order to get to know the workers since they (we) belong to you. There are 5,545 of us, and your weekly tithe is our main means of support as your group tithes through the Cooperative Program. It may be, however, that the tithe from members of your group is equal to the tithe the group as a whole sends through the Cooperative Program. One way to personalize overseas work is by getting to know your workers and the regionally approved work they're doing that is not receiving any funding. One example, of course, is the International Prayer Center of Jerusalem. We developed an initial budget of $81,800 and have received two special gifts so far. 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>< ++ You began praying that an upcoming September trip would be made possible... well, I was able to extend certain documents and have now been asked to make the possibility of this trip a matter of prayer due to the financial circumstances of our company. Pray with us! + You asked God to be honored as we met with co-workers last Wednesday... I believe He was and thank you for praying it so. + "Computer maintenance" was a project that needed doing last week, so you prayed with me that it would be accomplished... I didn't finish as much I had hoped, but I did manage to do more than I'd done in the past few weeks. Thanks for making it possible! + You marked last Monday at 1 am as the time Dan and I would go back for visas, and you asked God to grant them all... your prayers are always appreciated, especially when we encounter a new wrinkle in the process. The latest 'step' is to call or fax to set up an appointment :-( + Finally, I had been 'suffering' from the inability to see ongoing projects finished, so you prayed that I would be able to see something get finished last week... (sigh) I finished a working list of unfinished projects - does that count? <g>
<T H I S W E E K><<>< The IPCJ received lots of computer parts and hardware, so pray with me that I'll be able to piece everything together and not have any extra cables <g>. Pray, too, that each system will function properly. <>< Jasmine finishes play group tomorrow, the end of a big chapter of her life. Pray that she will continue to benefit from the interaction. <>< She and her mom will be involved in a "Backyard Bible Club" and an English camp soon. Please pray for the leaders spiritual and material preparation as well as the children's hearts to be ready to receive God's gift. We look forward to seeing God move in the children's lives this summer. Jasmine is already telling me how we need to tell the children in the camps about Jesus since they have not heard. <>< We're anticipating a small group of visitors at the Prayer Center this weekend, so join us in asking God to speak to someone's heart about an unreached people group. <>< The Prayer Garden has a lot of wood, hay, and stubble in need of removal so pray with us that it would be cleared out.
>< Pray for the Mulao of China. >
CALENDAR UPDATES<If you're not receiving our bimonthly snail-mail newsletter, let us know so we can send it to you!>< 18, May Jasmine learn of Jesus.* Today she learned what it's like just to sit in her Daddy's lap and listen. We also read my favorite book from my toddler years, Danny and the Dinosaur. 19, Happy 16th Anniversary, Scott and Shirin!* We had numerous congratulatory e-mails, and we thank you once again! 20, Join us in asking for our 2nd child.* Your prayers will make a difference. Thanks! 21, Pray for laborers to share in settlements.* Since the 'resource pool' has shrunk, we need to direct these prayers toward Messianic believers. 22, Ask for the local conflict to end.* (sigh) Sometimes I think the only way to end the conflict is to revert back to what started it. 23, We would fall deeper in love with Jesus.* More and more we see how our walk with Him is what sustains us. 24, Hanni’s salvation* It hasn't happened yet, but this is probably one of the first times anyone has ever prayed for him.
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