I wish I could tell you that "Omar" surrendered his life to Jesus last Wednesday. There was, however, a greater openness than in previous times. We worked on Jasmine's desktop computer to try to restore sound to it. "Omar" is learning about computer repair but complains about not getting practice, so I offered him a chance to try out his skills; unfortunately, a reboot, uninstalling drivers, Restore Points, and Last Known Good Configuration attempts proved futile.

So we turned to a few items on Jasmine's desktop, namely a PowerPoint presentation on the Ten Commandments. "Have you ever lied?" "Yes." "What does that make you?" "A liar." Have you ever stolen?" "Yes." "What does that make you?" "A thief." "You're mean you're a lying thief?"

We went through how the Ten Commandments are a mirror to show us we need forgiveness; unfortunately, his Islamic background 'blinded' him from seeing it. I do believe, however, that God's eternal truths were impressed upon his heart and he'll see that his religion offers no way out.

We then looked at that passage in Luke 24 from last week but didn't get to focus on how the Old Testament is all about Jesus. There's a promise to "talk again like this," so please keep him (and me) on your heart for ongoing intercession.

Still waiting to see "United 93"? 

==> "The film “reminds us of what we must never forget: there are people who hate us and want us dead; they will not be reached by sympathy, empathy or anything approaching an appeal to our ‘common humanity,’” Thomas wrote. “Their complete indifference to human life and their religious fanaticism -- portrayed powerfully as the hijackers pray and shave their bodies in preparation for ‘martyrdom’ -- is a necessary reality check for those with very short memories. If anything, this is a film that isn't too soon; it isn't soon enough.” (The rest of the story.)

Speaking of movies, Focus on the Family has this to say: "Movies have such a powerful influence on our society that many people's views of reality and morality are shaped largely through their entertainment choices. And on May 19, Hollywood is scheduled to release The DaVinci Code - based on the spellbinding conspiracy novel by Dan Brown.

Because this movie will misrepresent the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, each of us needs to be equipped to know the truth so we can proclaim it clearly and graciously.

Therefore, Focus on the Family has created a DaVinci Web site to equip you with complimentary materials to address the questions that will be raised by the film.

This site will include:

* A wide variety of factual articles addressing the claims of The DaVinci Code.

* Resources for use with individuals (from teen to adult to parent) and small groups.

* Insights by recognized Christian thinkers such as Dr. Erwin Lutzer, Lee Strobel, Josh McDowell, Dr. Norman Geisler and Alex McFarland.

* Links to other helpful programs and resources.

I hope you and your loved ones will join me in getting informed. Download the complimentary Know the Truth, Share the Truth guide at our DaVinci Web site, and then prayerfully look for opportunities to introduce others to the real Jesus Christ. (Note: To download the guide, you will need Adobe Reader on your computer. Download Adobe Reader for free online.)

http://tinyurl.com/edkvs

+ Scott was working with our landlord on various computer projects and asked that "Omar" be found ready to receive Jesus! (See introduction.)

+ You joined us in praying that we could finish up with all our medical appointments in the next week or so...while your intercession is deeply appreciated, we're not going to finish all of these appointments until early June (and, yes, we began in early March).

+ Jasmine asked prayer for her friends' safety at school. She said they fall down a lot, and it bothers her...Jasmine thanks you for praying and asks you to keep praying.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Scott has reached that fine line between keeping one foot here helping with touring volunteers and the other foot with Stateside Assignment (STAS) speaking preparations and, wow, needs intercession on discerning between the urgent and the important.

<>< Shirin has similar 'splits' between a new speaking opportunity and focusing on Jasmine's final homeschool lessons, helping her with the local school, and various ongoing ministry opportunities. Ask God to give her His discernment.

<>< Jasmine is all excited about the final weeks of school, knowing an airplane trip is coming up in about five weeks. Pray that her excitement would be contagious and that she would get a good feel for the "final days" before leaving.

<* Pray for the Rohingya of Bangladesh.><

 CALENDAR UPDATES

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

3-6, Pray that our final few weeks will be focused and productive.

* Wow, are things moving fast! It seems the more I do the more there *is* to do. The first five days of May found 156 e-mails in the Sent Items folder - ouch! Your intercession, however, is being felt and we are ever so grateful! BTW, by now you should have received our STAS newsletter and token of appreciation :-)

7-9, May God find our efforts under His direction and leadership.

* How good it is to know we can't do anything He hasn't asked us to do apart from His strength.