Well, we didn't receive the visas on Sunday like we had really, really expected. As I walked back with a co-worker who's been instrumental in getting this ironed out, I said, "I don't know what I'm going to tell all those folks who saw my name and asked God to bless me." Being turned away from something that, by all means, is rightfully yours can be quite disheartening.

It's been said that one's character is measured by how easily one is discouraged. Seeing how this present government treats God's people, I'm often left pondering what He has in store for us. We'll certainly see as the days unfold. I do know, however, that the first time I prayed for the salvation of a friend in college "nothing" happened right away; in fact, it took seven weeks and a day before Shirin surrendered her life to Jesus.

I do believe that the onslaught of intercession that went up on my behalf last Sunday was not for vain. Perhaps it's being stored up in the vials in Glory, awaiting the day for them to be poured out.

There were talks last weekend of a big, big strike where trash pickup would stop, postal services would cease, gasoline deliveries would come to a halt, and other maladies. When I saw this headline, I had to give folks credit as I was reminded of the "scrubs" who came in when the NFL went on strike.

Remember this from last week?

"(Jasmine) also asks special prayer from you to help her friend 'Sandra' stop crying. Jasmine remembers how your praying helped her stop crying and knows where to turn to help her friend." Sandra only cried one day this past week, and Jasmine thanks you for praying, and so do we.

I learned a lot from Chick tracts and, wow, the latest one is right on key! The images may take some time to load.

I don't know, blame it on age, but it sure seems more difficult to drop the pounds. This was "birthday week," so I know from where a lot of the extra stuff came; however, is it my imagination, or is it going to be more of a strain to get to my desired goal of 83kg/183 lbs?

Boycotts... do they work? This story seems to say they do! "CBS Pulling Reagan Miniseries"

One more link... the Bethlehem Bible College

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ You continued praying with us over Jasmine's kindergarten next year, especially that it be the right place... we have found one school and are still praying to know if this school is where God wants Jasmine to be.

+ You prayed that I'd be able to assist a co-worker in finding the right computer to fit his needs... I think "Paul" will be set with an incredible system that will serve him for years to come! Thank you for praying!

+ You asked God to unite the hearts of those meeting at the IPCJ to find ways to extend prayer coverage "beginning in Jerusalem." The time went by too quickly, and I saw that our focus was on the lostness of the peoples with whom we work.

+ You prayed that Thursday afternoon's scheduled time with a landscaping consultant would meet the needs of the Prayer Center... he came, compared the July sketch with the new plants we've put in, marked off areas, and said the estimate would be lower than the original. Thank you for being so faithful to pray!

+ You joined us in praying for the safety of US children last Friday night as Shirin and I expressed gratitude that we don't have to expose Jasmine to such nonsense... we didn't read of any tragedies, so thank you again for praying!

+ We were anticipating receiving our long overdue visas on Sunday, my physical birthday, so we asked you to rejoice with us in advance... our celebrating was early, but be ready when it happens.

+ Shirin and other co-workers would soon be going back to the orphanage in Bethany, and we asked you to pray with them for a safe trip and that they would be encouragers to the staff and children there... thank you for your prayers, as we arrived and returned safely (and without any checkpoints). Our time at the orphanage was wonderful. We were able to pray with the director of the girls home for various needs. The director also wanted special prayer for two women who are for one reason or another in hiding from their families. The families say the women have caused them shame and that gives them the right to take their lives ( they call this honor killing). After we prayed for the women, the director took us on a tour of the building and we were able to visit briefly with the two ladies. Shirin says she is so grateful to serve a God of mercy and forgiveness. How much shame and grief we bring to God and He still gave Jesus to die in our place.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< A minor glitch with the telephone needs your pointed intercession to get it resolved.

<>< Ask God to give me the insight needed to assist a co-worker with computer needs.

<>< My youngest sister reaches a quarter of a century this week, so ask God to make a second birth more and more real.

<>< Another co-worker prepares for an upcoming Stateside Assignment and could use your intercession for 'closure' to this term.

<>< Jasmine's school is preparing for a Christmas pageant. Jasmine was asked to sing one of the verses in Away in the Manger. Please pray with us that Jasmine will want to do her best in singing about Jesus and that the pageant will reach the lost parents and children in the school.

>< Pray for desert harvesters. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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

29, no attacks at all

* (sigh) Is this asking too much?

30, Jasmine is 53 months

* Next month she's 4 1/2. Too fast!

31, Ask God to bless you, our intercessors

* I know He did : -)

1, Pray that we be His faithful followers.

* We want to hear His voice, day by day.

2, Happy Birthday, Scott!

* Thank you for praying : -)

3, Join us in asking for our 2nd child.

* We still believe all things are possible.

4, May Jasmine learn of Jesus.

* Our bedtime stories are taking us just beyond the resurrection and coming soon to the ascension, so Jasmine's 'core knowledge' is just about to be expanded with the New Testament church.