What a joy to have finished a second 'hearing' of the New Testament on CD, and what greater joy to start a third round! Listening to the entire New Testament takes 15.5 hours, and I recommend it highly!

My youngest sister was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma when she was 11. She's 25 now, happily married for almost 2.5 years, and now the new mother of my youngest niece. Katelynn was 3 lbs. 6 oz. and 16" in length, and is doing well.

My recent physical exam showed a "hereditary hernia on the horizon." My blood pressure was 100/68, but I had been fasting for the cholesterol blood test. I also received encouraging news that 100kg/220 lbs. is the 'limit' for my 183cm/6' frame. Well, I'm still over 90kg/200 lbs. but down from 112kg/247 lbs.

A friend sent this link to the plea of a native of this land. I hope you'll join his prayer.

No doubt you've already seen the website for "The Passion of the Christ." If not, take the time to visit. After watching the previews/trailers, I would say this film is "up there" in its content and message with the JESUS film. Wow. At the bottom of this page is a testimony from someone who saw the film. If you've seen it, then you can probably relate!

Another site popped up that gives great follow-up opportunity for those who want to know "why did he do it?"

One of my brothers-in-law sent this link to some great pictures! I hope you enjoy them, too!

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ You continued praying with Shirin and her prayer partner for the women's meeting last Wednesday, praying that the women would clearly understand from God's word His command against fortune telling and calling down spirits not of God... God changed the direction of the meeting. The leaders of the meetings decided that more prayer and planning needed to go into this kind of study. We did a study of the prodigal son and from some of the discussion Shirin believes the Holy Spirit was teaching the ladies how God the Father wants to care for them. They had a wonderful time of prayer and worship and thank you for praying.

+ You prayed for Scott's patience and understanding as he helped co-workers with computer needs last week... thank you for praying! Things went smoother than I thought and, I believe, it was due to your intercession. Thank you for making a difference :-)

+ You continued praying for us as we made necessary travel arrangements and medical appointments for our upcoming Stateside Assignment (STAS)... we've started the ball rolling with travel arrangements and, hopefully, all will go well. Once we get that long overdue visa, travel will be a *lot* easier! Scott started his medical appointment(s) and his recent physical exam showed a "hereditary hernia on the horizon." Blood pressure was 100/68, but he had been fasting for the cholesterol blood test. Encouraging news was received by way of hearing that 100kg/220 lbs. is the 'limit' for his 183cm/6' frame.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< We'll have some volunteers in the Prayer Garden later this week, so please pray for them as they prepare. Ask God to use them for His glory as they remove rocks and weeds. May their lives become more beautiful as they follow Him.

<>< Lab results from Tuesday's routine physical exam are due in a day or so, and it's all in the blood. Join me in giving God thanks for a healthy body ready for His daily service.

<>< I'll be taking care of one the cars belonging to those of you in SBC groups and ask that an open opportunity to share the gospel with a mechanic be made ready.

<>< The three of us will 'enjoy' a family outing for dental appointments this week and ask for His grace and mercy.

>< Pray for the Saho of Eritrea. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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

25, Jasmine’s schoolwork

* Today we reviewed the numbers 1-5 even though she's already been up to 20 in both English and Arabic. Your ongoing intercession is helping her gain great confidence, and we thank you.

26, safe food

* The change in our diet has helped as we eat mostly high-water content foods (fruits/vegetables) - so far, so good!

27, Ali’s salvation

* I saw him cleaning his car today, but he still has not allowed his heart to be cleansed. Thanks for praying just the same : -(

28, Shirin’s mom to become His follower

* Still no progress - yet!

29, Jasmine is 57 months

* What a day she had at Burger King, complete with princess gloves and a scepter thanks to the toy surprises : -)

1, Pray that we be His faithful followers.

* Thank you for praying... I was faithful to do what was set before me today, and I felt a sense of completion : -)

2, Ali’s salvation

* One day I'll be delighted to tell you that it happened, but today is not that day : -(

Hi Scott,

I went to see "The Passion of the Christ" last night and I am still reeling. I feel as though I witnessed the crucifixion and I was the reason He was there. Each hammer blow jerked my body. I can't truly express what it meant to me. I was physically ill this a.m. Thank our Heavenly Father that we know what came after. I can't believe that we have the nerve to ask or expect anything else from God after the sacrifice that He made. We should be in a constant state of praise.

This experience will mean different things to each person who goes to see it. I still feel as though I have had a MAJOR tragedy in my life and yet the joy of knowing that we serve a God who loves us that much. I am still too close to the event to be able to express myself. --