Please pardon the tardiness of this posting. Several times late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning found me with dry heaves and everything else that accompanies such illness.

Well, it finally hit me today, and it looks like it's gonna put a good whipping on me for several days (ugh). I've loaded up on Vitamin C in all shapes and forms and am hoping lemon tea with honey will do something. Your intercession, however, will make the greatest difference!

No doubt the capture of the former Iraqi leader has caught the world's attention, and I hope God's people took it as a chance to pray for his salvation; hopefully, he's in a mental state that would make it possible. I don't recall who it was who said, "No man is as evil in actuality as I am in potentiality."

If Saddam (or anyone, for that matter) goes to hell, it will not be for what he has done but, rather, it will be for what he has not done.

This story of desperation reminded me once again why we're here. I hope you'll take it to heart as a reminder of why God brings certain people into your life.

"...Fuller Theological Seminary has received a federal Department of Justice grant of $1 million to develop an interfaith code of ethics that would prohibit proselytizing for two years and ask Christians and Muslims not to say things that would offend each other..." (click to continue)

Do any of you get too much junk e-mail? Try this site to "break the chain."

What time did you say it was?  (No, it's not "Howdy Doody Time" <g>)

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+ I needed your intercession as I attempted the ol' "hit-n-miss" networking/shared printer attempts as I assisted co-workers last week... I took a good beating on Wednesday and only kept my sanity knowing you were praying for me - win some, lose some when it comes to networking : -(

+ You joined us Sunday in celebrating the 9th anniversary of our appointment as your overseas workers... a co-worker took us out to celebrate, and together we thanked God for you.

+ You prayed with us for final preparation for the women's Christmas party. The attendees are women who do not come from a Christian background. Shirin had the joy of wrapping and praying over 30 gifts for the children at the party... thank you for your prayers - it was a wonderful Christmas party. What a joy it was to sing praises to God with more than thirty scarf-covered women and children. There was a table full of free New Testaments, Jesus videos, and books that were almost gone by the end of the party.

+ You prayed with us for our time on Wednesday of planning for the orphanage's Christmas party as we needed prayer to decide what stories about Jesus we want to give the children for gifts... when we met with the director she had trouble with a cold, so we spent must of or time praying for her health and some for the Christmas party.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< We received pictures of Scott's youngest sister's sonogram showing a 20 week old baby girl, Katelynn McKensie Segar. Scott's sister is 25 and has been cancer free for almost fourteen years. She was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma when she was 11 and lost part of her hip as a result of surgery, so pray that the remainder of her term go well.

<>< Scott has been hit by what he says feels like the flu (headache, chills, weak stomach, aches, lethargy) and asks that you pray for his full recovery.

<>< The Bible Society will have a special gathering this week, and we hope to attend (health provided). Join us in asking God to be glorified through this event, especially that His Word would be made known to those who have yet to hear.

<>< Jasmine's "Christmas Play" is this week, and is she excited! Pray that she would enjoy the play and what it means.

<>< Shirin and a co-worker will soon be going to the orphanage to make final plans for the Christmas Party, and they ask that you please pray with them that God's love will be shown and accepted through the party.

<>< Shirin and Jasmine will be helping with another children's Christmas party in Bethany this weekend. Join with us in praying that the children and parents will accept God's love gift of salvation.

>< Pray for the Middle Atlas Berber of Morocco.>

CALENDAR UPDATES

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10, Jasmine’s “witness” to the children

* Weary from recovering from flu like symptoms, Jasmine kept her smile.

11, safe arrival of packages/mail

* Oh, indeed! Decaffeinated flavored coffee and a new outfit for Jasmine made it safely.

12, spiritual freedom for Palestinians

* An ongoing need for sure

13, Jewish settlers to know Jesus

* "Ditto"

14, Jasmine’s ongoing safety

* Today her 'attitude' began to show, putting herself in danger; however, the love her parents have her took care of it - for today.

15, safe food

* Our weekly grocery shopping day went well, and we're grateful.

16, Jasmine’s ability to learn in Arabic

* Today she practiced the final letter in her name and was able to write it for the first time in Arabic : -)