"An increase in biblical giving and an understanding of the value of the Cooperative Program are necessary if the Southern Baptist Convention is to avoid a financial crisis in the near future," began the story in a recent Baptist Press column. Hmm, I wonder if this isn't an opening for the Islamization of Americans since one of the five pillars of Islam only demands 2.5% giving?

You may find the www.cpmissions.net/ site to be helpful.

When I read this story, I felt there was some hope for the local situation.

+ You prayed that a 'misunderstanding' between me and one of the gentlemen helping with the Prayer Garden would go over smoothly... your prayers made a great difference, and I thank you!

+ Jasmine celebrated being 4 1/3, so we asked that we'd treasure each day... I could sense the impact of your prayers all week, and I appreciate your intercession!

+ Last week Jasmine had a day off from school. We asked why and learned that all Arab schools were off to remember when Muhammad rode a horse from Medina to what is now the Dome of the Rock here in Jerusalem. You prayed with us that God would reveal Himself through dreams and visions as people celebrated this event... in our conversations with people this week, no one told of any dreams or visions, so I guess we didn't talk with enough people.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Shirin has been praying regularly with a local believer who has a heart for Muslim women. During their time of prayer her friend shares with her about the women's, financial, emotional, spiritual (being the only believer in their town as well as family) and physical pressures that new believers are under. As she reflects on Jesus' time here on earth she thinks about Luke 5:31 and asks that you pray with them that, through all the trials and tribulations of life, God will draw these women closer to Himself and feed their passion to grow in Him.

<>< Pray that visitors to the International Prayer Center of Jerusalem (IPCJ) will be led of God to further the work.

<>< Some time this month we'll have to register the car we drive. Please accept our thanks for giving us this car. Your group has designated part of your weekly tithe to be sent through the Cooperative Program, and a big part of that finds its way directly to us.

<>< Jasmine has really been enjoying school. We thank you so much for your faithful prayers for her. She is being exposed to many new things and new behaviors. Please pray with us that Jasmine will continue to tell us what she is doing in school and for God to give us wisdom in how to explain behavior that she is not used to being around.

<>< Shirin will be starting language study with a new helper once a week on Saturdays. Please pray that Shirin will be a witness to her helper and that the helper will see that only Jesus is our high priest.

>< Pray for the Zhuang people of China.>

CALENDAR UPDATES

<If you're not receiving our bimonthly snail-mail newsletter, let us know so we can send it to you!><

24, Travel safety

* I had initially posted this in relation to returning from a prayer conference in a 'nearby' country; however, your prayers were just as effective, and we remain grateful!

25, Pray for Shirin as she shares with neighbors.

* Your pointed intercession helps in ways we cannot describe. Thank you.

26, Akram’s salvation

* Our neighbor is so close but so far (sigh).

27, To see a new follower be born today

* (sigh) We didn't see it happen, but maybe someone else did!

28, Ask for the local conflict to end. (3 yrs)

* While it didn't end today, we're trusting that it will not reach its fourth anniversary.

29, Ask God to bless you, our intercessors

* Somehow, I know He did : -)

30, Jasmine is 52 months

* My, she's growing and soaking up so many things! Thank you for praying for her.