So I'm going to the airport to pick up friends staying in the area when I hear this odd thump. Sure enough it was a flat tire. Some of you know that there is but one gas station between Jerusalem and the airport, so you probably can guess where the flat tire took place :-)

Not only did God take care of me that way, but He always allowed it to happen before matters worsened. After changing the tire, I took the flat one over to the air pump to "see what I could see." I started filling it with air and could hear the tire "pop" on to the rim. I watched the gauge approach 29 psi when I heard a loud pop. The tire blew out on the inside. What timing :-)

And, oh, our telephone went dead over 40 hours ago while Shirin was receiving a call. We sued cell phones to call our landlord since the "help" number puts one in a voice menu from Gehanna (in Hebrew without any other language option). Anyway, once he got through, we had a conference call with the phone company. They quickly saw the problem was on their end and said, "We'll send someone out to fix it."

Three hours later I called our landlord again to see what was the delay. Short answer? "We only get to that part of town on certain days." Hmm, wonder what that's supposed to mean?

My, what news we have in the US: a gay-marriage amendment fails in the Senate and a fornicating couple gets the world's attention while denying marriage (their baby's pictures, however, are just "to die for.") Please.

Economic news isn't much better. Within the past month, we lost about a year's worth of retirement income investments; of course, I can't consider retiring until, um, well...not at all :*-) What would I do except what I'm doing now? As a matter of fact, Jasmine has said that she, her husband, and their children will come from China to visit us in Jerusalem for vacations.

Speaking of vacations, summer will be here soon. Be sure to read this article about the dangers of sun tea (who knew?)

We're less than forty-eight hours away from beginning that long journey back to the US, and I'm wondering what else will happen <g>. Your focused intercession will undoubtedly sustain us. Thank you.

+ Scott asked prayer to 'finish well' as our final full week unfolded, and you prayed specifically that Scott would experience closure...as much as could be done was done, so Scott sends his thanks and appreciation for your intercession on his behalf.

+ Shirin also wanted to prepare our home for departure while receiving tranquility during pre-packing...Shirin did a great job getting things squared away and, yes, even extra doses of tranquility during pre-packing!

+ Jasmine asked for safety for herself and her friends at school as they took field trips last week...Jasmine sends her thanks for your intercession, telling you that her friends were kept safe.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Scott asks that your intercession would focus on getting through the airport experience without incident and with all luggage in hand upon arrival in the US.

<>< Shirin asks prayer for our immediate appointments to go smoothly and without difficulty.

<>< Jasmine is excited about meeting 117 new children and 109 new aunts and uncles at our debriefing conference the day following her baptism. Pray that her adjustment to the US will be smooth.

<* Pray for the Urdu of Pakistan.><

CALENDAR UPDATES

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7-10, Pray for the salvation for the children at the Lazarus Home for Girls.

* So far "nothing has happened," but we believe God will do a mighty work according to His promises.

11-13, Pray for local churches to reach out to their communities with God's hope.

* There are stirrings of outreach with more to go. Please continue to pray.