My high school colors were blue and orange, and I've been seeing a lot of those colors lately - not because of North Stafford High School but because of how local people have been expressing themselves over today's Gaza pullout.

[I was in the dugout as a sophomore when this kid was born and, wow, do I suddenly feel old :*-) ]

Orange is the color used by those who believe the settlers should stay; blue is the color used by those who support the government's stand that the settlers should leave; but there's no color for those who think the settlers should never have been there in the first place. Maybe it's the Palestinian refugees of 1948 and 1967 who remember leaving their homes.

Anyway, you know there are three sides to a story: your side, my side, and the truth somewhere in between. I was trying to get home last week and found myself in the midst of a staged rally where lots of people and buses were making the streets more difficult to navigate than usual. I was listening to Keith Green and so naturally found myself moved to intercede for these folks who were making it awfully difficult for me to get home.

God used those thoughts and this group's stance on housing to remind me that they won't have a home on that great and final Day. Remember John 14:3 when He promised a home for His followers? When these folks die apart from Christ or when anyone dies apart from Him, a dark infernal home awaits them :-(

As you see news of the Gaza pullout today, join me in praying for the eternal destiny of each person you see on your screen.

If you enjoy(ed) Starbucks as much as I have, this article may need to come to your attention.

+ You prayed for Shirin and Jasmine's safe return that would tell of "one more" entering the Kingdom... Shirin writes, "Thank you for praying. There were only two serious incidents on our trip, one was a little two-year-old who bravely jumped into the pool and wanted to swim by herself with no one looking. The second was Jasmine falling off the top bunk bed in the middle of the night. In both situations we could see God's hand saving and protecting the children from harm. In other news, all the children had a great time. They played games, did crafts, swam in the pool (a new experience for many of the children), rolled down grassy hills and did a lot of dancing to drum music. In small groups I was able to share some Bible stories and share parts of my testimony."

+ We took on an added responsibility last week and asked for your intercession to make sure we would "do it right"... while it turned out to be more than we bargained for, we realize that only God can provide the proper measures of grace and endurance.

+ Once again I asked your intercession as I encountered each day's "unexpected" (and planned) opportunities that allow me the chance to share the Good News with others... our landlord came by to install his intercom, and he stained his shirt. I gave him a "Spray-n-Wash" wipe and told him our good deeds are like that to God and it takes something stronger than a "towelette" to make us clean. Keep praying for His message to sink in - whatever it takes.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Pray with me that the architect would make ready the "breakdown" of the future donor's list so we can make it easy for people to be part of what God wants to do through the International Prayer Center of Jerusalem.

<>< Shirin is looking for a couch, and nothing usually ever gets done in a day here. Pray with us that we would find the right couch and that we'd be able to share the Good News with another stranger.

<>< Jasmine is supposed to get her 1st grade books this week, an opportunity to see friends again. Pray that she would have another "good memory" as she sees those for whom she's been praying.

>< Pray for a church planting movement among the Telugu.>

CALENDAR UPDATES

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10, travel safety

* All went well today, especially as I was able to pray over the people crowding the highway home.

11-13, Take these three days to pray for Jews, Christians, and Muslims you know who still need to know the truth about Jesus.

* Your prayers will not go unheard.

14, May Jasmine learn more of Jesus today.

* As she put her toy laptop in her backpack, she said, "I want to be like you, Daddy!" No pressure. Just saying.

15-16, Pray for Shirin's sister-in-law's salvation.

* When we hear of it happening, you'll be among the first to know!