Well, it looks like the bullies are getting what they want, and that makes it difficult for the rest of us :-(

And then there's the story of how it could impact the US in the article "Islam filling void left by the church, expert warns"

It was great to see one of the cisterns emptied of water so we could get someone to go inside to see why it wouldn't hold water. As the trickle of water flowed through my hands, I was reminded of just how precious water is in this land. The immense responsibility, yea privilege, of being able to make something new out of the property next entered my mind. Here was a piece of real estate, "priceless" in the eyes of one local gentleman, being used to further the Kingdom of God by prayer. It was an incredible feeling, to say the least!

A co-worker asked me to share the following, so be sure to visit www.prayer-center.org to see the 2003 Ramadan Prayer Opportunity.

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Dear Prayer Partners,

Thank you for your on-going commitment to pray for our ministry and God’s work among the Palestinian People. We know you join us in wanting to see God continuing to draw the Palestinian people unto Himself in new and miraculous ways. We are joining with other ministries to encourage people around the world to pray specifically for the Palestinian people during the month of Ramadan, 2003 that begins this year on October 26th. We are inviting you to join us in this project. Our goal is to have 10,000 believers representing many denominations and Christian organizations united in this effort.

A daily prayer guide will inform participants about specific people, challenges faced by Palestinians in general and the ministries focused on reaching them. Although the emphasis is during Ramadan, the guide includes information about Christians as well as Muslims.

How can you participate?

1. If you as an individual are willing to commit to pray daily during the month of Ramadan, we will send you a copy of the guide either by mail or electronically.

2. If you are willing to promote this project in your church or group, we’ll send you a CD that includes the guide and promotional materials that you can copy for your group’s participants.

You can contact us at: Palestinianteam@hotmail.com

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+ You prayed that I would resolve the annoying router setup challenge... I tried on Wednesday, but lack of electricity prevented progress. Thursday morning was much of the same, and then I called a technician who promised to try in a few days; finally, I called the company that makes the router and found the settings on their web site (to make a long, grueling story short). Thank you for praying me through this!

+ You continued praying that I could be helpful with computer challenges of co-workers, especially last Wednesday... a five-hour session seemed to help, and I was grateful for your intercession!

+ Our visa status is "don't call us, we'll call you," so you prayed that the 'call' would come last week and be in the form of a positive answer... not yet : -(

+ Someone will be cleaning the library carpet Saturday morning, so you asked God to reveal Himself as the One Who cleanses deep within... while I didn't get to share much with the man who cleaned the carpet, I was able to expound to the one who brought him.

+ Jasmine visited her preschool last Monday, so you prayed that she would have a good experience... our little girl is growing up. She had a great experience showing me around the rooms, so thank you for praying. What a joy it was to see her tears of apprehension as she realized the day was coming. BTW, we were able to go out later in the day and buy school shoes with some of the money you've either given at "11 am" or during a special time at Christmas. I thanked God for your faithfulness in giving. Thank you : -)

+ Paul and Marie's time with us came to a close last week, so you prayed that they would have good closure and a feeling of accomplishment... all went well. Thanks for praying!

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Pray for Paul and Marie to have a safe, uneventful flight back to the US and ask God to make sure their luggage arrives when they do.

<>< Continue praying that we would receive the call from the Ministry of the Interior announcing the extension of our visas.

<>< Shirin and Jasmine are going back to the orphanage today and ask again that God would show them where He is at work there and how they can join Him.

<>< Ask God to grant me travel safety to and from the airport.

<>< Pray for the workers who'll be checking the cistern for cracks and damage to come under Holy Ghost conviction in realizing their need for a Saviour.

<>< Ask God to grant us a time of fellowship with the one helping us with the Garden where we can share extensively about His forgiveness.

<>< Jasmine begins preschool Monday, 1-September and we're asking that you pray with us as Jasmine experiences many new things. May God give her peace and a love for learning. Please pray for all of us as we adjust to a new routine next month.

<>< A co-worker who has been living in Gaza these past few days called tonight and is asking for prayer to easily cross the border tomorrow. Also, please continue praying for the believers there who are sharing the truth in difficult circumstances.

>< Pray for the Manchu. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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20, Shirin’s mom to become His follower

* It didn't happen today, but there is still time and hope.

21, a full day of electricity

* Hmm, we didn't have it for about half the day.

22, Thank God for utilities

* So we were grateful when it returned : -)

23, Ariel Sharon’s salvation

* Not yet, so keep praying!

24, Ask God to bless “Pastor Jack.”

* God continues to use him to train others. Wow!

25, Ali’s salvation

* Not yet, so keep praying.

26, safety of US family

* So far, so good : -) Thanks!