Join us in welcoming the six newest Wednesday Weekly Wintercessors, and pray with us that more will join us this summer!

Some things just don't change... imagine our surprise when we encountered our first road block in the US. As we were returning from our storage facility to our place of temporary residence, we met a long line of cars on a rural back country road. Within a few minutes, I quickly made my way to the front to, uh, hasten things along so we could pack up for a late night trip but only after a VBS meeting. When we saw a K-9 Unit and a county sheriff's car, yes, my little home town had changed :-(

The next day we took Jasmine to the Natural History Museum of the Smithsonian and, wow, did she enjoy the Asian Cultural Exhibit. "Do these people know about Jesus, Daddy?" she wondered as I told her the different names of the various people groups we saw. That 365 Day "Pray for China" calendar seems to be taking root!

Jasmine was then able to see the Washington Monument (closed for, uh, renovation), the World War II Memorial (a heart touching sight with personal photos and letters scattered here and there), the Lincoln Memorial (an educational experience to learn about American money), the Vietnam Veterans Memorial (I was still so broken up that all I could tell her was that it was a place to remember other soldiers), the Federal reserve, and the White House.

We happened to be in Washington, DC the day former President Reagan's body lay in state at the US Capitol and, might I say, I found a renewed sense of patriotism of the America that "used to be." I felt a sense of pride as I told Jasmine the meaning behind each monument and memorial and focused on the aspects of providing freedom so other people could hear about Jesus. I wish all American children could hear the origins and original intentions of our country.

Jasmine also enjoyed riding the Metro (subway) even though we encountered something that seemed to be out of an action movie. Someone had blocked the doors in a heated discussion with another passenger, and it looked like racial tensions were about to erupt. Subway security, I'm sorry to say, did precious little to ease the fears and concerns of other passengers, but welcome to America, huh?

For almost two years Jasmine has been talking about our visit to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. The ride up there allowed her to hear the eulogy from President George W. Bush about a man I hope Jasmine will come to know as one who stood firmly for what he believed. My mind went back to that day the late President Reagan struck the first blow to the Berlin Wall and those ringing words, "Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall!"

I was reminded of other walls that need to be torn down when we filled up the gas tank at Shell. I went in to pay and heard someone speaking Arabic on a cell phone! (I am home!) The cashier wore the name "Wa'el" on his shirt, so I greeted him in Arabic. All of a sudden, there were three guys smiling and shaking hands with me as I spoke of where I live. They were from Lebanon, so my Arabic sounded a bit 'funny' <g>. What a delight it was to leave in their hands a copy of an Arabic gospel tract. I wonder how many more people like that we'll meet?

Our first speaking opportunity was at the end of a great "Homecoming" where I had served on staff during 1992-94. Jasmine had a great day and was surprised to see the town home where we once lived.

We continue to make preparations for an upcoming VBS and, wow, is that still hard work! Those of you in the midst of VBS plans have our deepest empathies.

Tuesday's lunch found us at a chicken place owned and operated by a friend from elementary school - imagine that! No doubt, I'll have a plethora of encounters with long lost friends who just may very well be "long lost." I'm looking forward to sharing the Good News with each one!

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ You continued praying that the kinks of getting the 'outgoing mail server' would be resolved... your ongoing prayer is deeply appreciated.

+ You covered my brother-in-law in prayer as he learns what it means to be a follower of Jesus... he sees the changes and realizes the need to grow. Continue praying for his growth and our times together.

+ You prayed that last week's VBS planning session would go well for us and that we would be effective in what we've been asked to do... the initial meeting showed how much needed to be done, and you intercession will help with our effectiveness.

+ We joined Shirin's family last weekend, so you prayed that we'd find receptive hearts ready to hear the Good News... once again (sigh) conversation stayed around "the weather."

+ You asked God to use us to share His message of prayer advocacy with a special group last Sunday evening... while we shared the need, the response didn't exactly meet what we had hoped to find; however, we did find ways to improve our presentation!

+ Finally, you prayed that we would keep our eyes on Jesus as we concentrate on making the most use of the short time we have in the US... wow, are we exhausted! We've hit the ground running and continue to find His rest as he invites us to "Come unto (Him), all of us who are weary and heavy laden..." It's energizing to find Him at work among so many people.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Continue praying that we would find our strength and rest in Him and in Him alone.

<>< Ask God to give our families a day of relaxation as we enjoy a local theme park.

<>< Pray with us as we continue to prepare for an upcoming Vacation Bible School (VBS), especially that our focus would be on meeting the needs of the children who will hear His story for the first time.

<>< Pray with us that my sister and brother-in-law's baptism would draw others to know Jesus.

<>< Ask God to draw the lost to Himself as VBS kicks off with a Saturday carnival.

<>< Join me in giving thanks for the seventeen wonderful years of married life with Shirin. That Friday of June 19, 1987 seems so close!

<>< As we enter the week of VBS, ask God to speak to those who will be attending.

>< Continue to pray for the Hani of China. >

CALENDAR UPDATES

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

* I regret to inform you that my paper copies are, uh, in Jerusalem and my soft copies are inaccessible : -(