I've gained ten pounds since last year at this time as I now stand at 93.5kg/206 lbs. I still believe I can get down to 83kg/183 lbs : -)

I saw this article during the week entitled Israel Barrier Violates Humanitarian Law, Red Cross Says and wondered how the message of the cross will be impacted by such an edifice. I'll report, you decide <g>

I think you'll want to print out the "Ten Questions to Ask About 'The Passion'" from this Baptist Press link

A few weeks ago I mentioned a newsletter that gave great background on the Middle East, and I'm delighted to mention that http://www.morethantourists.com/ is online with all the back issues and more!

I think I found one reason why there's been a "shortfall" in giving.

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ You continued praying for the granting of our visas... sad to say, we won't hear much more until maybe the middle of March. Your intercession, however, is deeply appreciated.

+ You prayed that the "turning of the soil" in the Prayer Garden would be an opportunity to see planted seed bear fruit... rain kept this from happening (sigh).

+ You prayed that Jasmine would give God the glory as she greeted visitors on behalf of all the children in her school... Thank you for your prayers as Jasmine did a great job with her greetings and was excited to tell us how much the visitors liked touring her school! During our prayer times she acknowledged that God helped her with her speech.

+ You prayed with Shirin and her prayer partner that more opportunities would open up to reach unchurched women, and you prayed for the women's meeting, that the women who attended would grow in their walk with the Lord... their time together was encouraging as they prayed for an upcoming women's meeting about what God says about fortune telling. They also prayed for the women who are so close to making the decision.

+ You joined Shirin and a coworker as they prepared for another craft time at the Lazarus Home for Girls. As they read Matthew 6:25-31 and made paper flowers, you joined them in praying that the girls would understand God's love for them and that they would be making faith steps toward a relationship with Him... God was with them as they read to the girls from the Bible and made flowers and other pictures of Spring, knowing that God's word will not come back void and will grow in the girls' hearts.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Continue to pray with Shirin and her prayer partner for the women's meeting on Wednesday, praying that the women will clearly understand from God's word His command against fortune telling and calling down spirits not of God.

<>< Pray for Scott's patience and understanding as he helps co-workers with computer needs this week.

<>< Continue praying for us as we make necessary travel arrangements and medical appointments for our upcoming Stateside Assignment (STAS).

>< Pray for the Algerians. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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

18, computer ‘health’

* So far, so good : -)

19, family health

* Thanks to your intercession, we've stayed healthy these past few weeks.

20, Hanni’s salvation

* Still not yet : -(

21, a new church to meet for worship

* We've heard the group we're with on Sunday evenings will be starting a new group before Easter!

22, more people to hear God’s word

* That new group will be small group centered focusing on the Scriptures.

23, no attacks at all

* I don't think anything happened today (?)

24, Arabic language progress

* Each day sees new progress and new obstacles, so we thank you for praying!