What a vacation! The three of us had a great time together and received blessing after blessing thanks to your intercession. The airport challenge was flawless, and we knew such could only come from prayer. Wow : -)

Leaving the airport was so easy that it was almost difficult to believe. The routine questioning was over in no time, and there we were waiting for our flight. For some time I'd been promising Jasmine a new VCR that would play her Extended Play NTSC (American) videotapes and an opportunity to make due on that promise arose. Shopping in those "duty free" shops is a real blessing when you're relaxed : -)

The flight was quick, and the hotel bus took us and others to various hotels. We gave the next few days to relaxing by the pool, along the beach, and at the playground with Jasmine. I'm ready to go back and am doing a lot better on learning to, uh, take breaks like this; in fact, this is the second one within twelve months.

Our return flight was delayed by six hours, so our anticipated 6pm arrival time was, uh, delayed. Jasmine, making her twelfth takeoff, slept right through it. She awoke once the plane touched down and, would you believe, forty minutes later we were in the car. While waiting for the standard three-month tourist visa I saw something quite scary: new kiosks to make processing faster. How? Stick your hand in the slot so the machine can read your identification. I looked for a place where you could rest your forehead for scanning but didn't see it. I'll certainly look for these machines when we switch planes in Europe during our upcoming visit to the US.

I cannot begin to describe to you the feeling I have knowing we have 'legitimate' stamps in our passports that don't require additional questions. Now don't let me excite you, but I received a call the day after we arrived indicating that there's (another) possible chance that our (yawn) long overdue visas may be given this week. I know, I know... I've stirred you to fervent intercession only to report back time and time again that nothing materialized. I still remain hopeful : -)

Our return to the normal pace (?) began with a quick check of e-mail, and there were sixty-seven (67) messages waiting; unfortunately, forty-three (43) are still there. Thanks for being patient : -)

Finally, when I saw the May 16, 2004 "No Bible Sunday" article in a recent "Brigada Today" newsletter, I knew I had to share it with you:

4) NO BIBLE SUNDAY -- Church leaders in three continents are thinking about whether they should take part in No Bible Sunday. This dramatic idea is sponsored by Wycliffe Bible Translators. Christians will be challenged to consider both how much they value the Bible themselves and what it is like for people from 2700 languages who do not have any of the Bible in their own language. Many participating churches are expected to rebel and start using their Bibles by the end of the Sunday service. But hundreds of millions of people don't have a choice. For them every Sunday is a No Bible Sunday. All that you need to run the event either in full or as part of a church service can be found at http://www.nobiblesunday.org

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ A short vacation was on the horizon, so you prayed with us that departing the airport and getting back in would be flawless and you prayed that we would receive the standard three-month visa on re-entry. I didn't want to anticipate any woes with our visa situation and was trusting the Lord and His people to make the paths smooth... as you read above, wow, did He come through!

+ You continued praying with me over the results of last week's blood test that all would be well... we settled into our beds at 230am and, would you believe, I awoke at 1015 (the time of my appointment); in other words, it had to be rescheduled :*-)

+ You continued asking God to draw "John" to Himself even before he read the gospel account bearing his name... I'm trusting that you've been praying for him.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< A co-worker and I could very well be at the visa place by the time you receive this, so pray for that visa one more time : -)

<>< Pray with me that another opportunity to receive an estimate for the Prayer Garden would come about this week.

<>< That rescheduled follow up visit concerning my blood test is on Thursday, so join me in asking God to be able to accept whatever comes about.

<>< On Friday Jasmine will be a month away from being 5, and I could use ongoing prayer to cherish these fleeting days.

<>< I could use focused intercession on taking care of the end of the month financial report. Most of us in the US recently went through tax time, and I get to feel that around the end/beginning of each month. Thanks for praying : -)

<>< Another follow-up dental visit is due this week so, once again, pray for our endurance and an open opportunity to share the Good News with our dentist.

<>< I'll meet with "John" later this week and will present him with his requested copy of John's Gospel account. Pray that the door would remain open for a follow up visit that, prayerfully, will contain the question of Acts 16:31

>< Pray for the influencers of China. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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21, Shirin’s mom to become His follower

* It didn't happen today, but I believe it will one day!

22, Arabic language progress

* Jasmine is reaping the benefit of your intercession, so thank you for praying.

23, open to God’s appointments

* One of the waiters at the hotel was inquisitive - up to a point : -(

24, computer ‘health’

* It stayed home for several days rest : -)

25, a new church to meet for worship

* It would have been nice to have worshiped with brothers and sisters in Rhodes, but we didn't find them.

26, safety of US family

* I received a picture of my youngest sister's daughter born in late February, and she looked well. Thanks for praying!

27, computer ‘health’

* I'm a week and a half behind my most recent backup and am grateful for your intercession!