I know of a church who gave about $2,500 through the 2005 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. I had the privilege of challenging them to double that with this year's offering. While there were initial 'doubts,' those were quickly shed with an offering of $5,809.21 (and counting)!

They know who they are, so I won't go public as to spoil their eternal reward :-)

Thank you!!

For some time now, I've been looking for a more 'secure' way of using an Internet connection for phone calls. One particular program wanted to use my computer as a node, and who knows what goodies would have been left behind or how my IP Address would have been exploited?

At any rate, a friend suggested ClosedTalk, available here. Here's a snippet:

[ClosedTalk] is a secure VoIP solution for internet talk in total privacy. [ClosedTalk] provides user privacy, the confidence in the Identity of your talk partner and all other benefits of a VoIP solution. All data to establish a connection and the actual voice data are transmitted in an encrypted format. Unlike other VoIP solutions, [ClosedTalk] protects the communication through strong encryption technology, direct key exchange between the partners, and optional trustful authentication by digital certificates. Features include secure registration and activation, call connection using email address instead of telephone numbers, text chat, address book, call history, and ringtone management.

Once I found the onboard microphone, things went well. The microphone on the headset didn't do so well. Once you've downloaded the 8MB file, entered your e-mail address (use an extra one, if you have it), you're all set. I can be reached at gscott (dot) terry (at) gmail (dot) com

FWIW, the past four months have seen an average gasoline price around $4.95/gallon. We've paid anywhere from $4.71 to $5.51/gallon, depending on the price of oil and the strength of the dollar.

+ <L A S T  W E E K><

+ Scott asked for travel mercies during Jasmine's Christmas break and subsequent visit from his sister-in-law... wow, did He ever keep us safe as we drove! Thank you for praying!

+ You prayed that Jasmine would have time to relax from local school and catch up with her home schooling lessons while enjoying time with her Aunt... Shirin writes, "Thank you for praying. Jasmine is working hard in home school and moves quickly through her lessons. Jasmine has been able to share some quality time with her Aunt. She has shared the gospel with her and will be sharing her testimony on her upcoming first celebration of her commitment to walk with Jesus (5-Jan-06)."

+ Jasmine asked prayer for her classmates to be safe throughout the Christmas break... Jasmine says, "I haven't heard from them yet, but I know they're well because you've been praying."

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< As Jasmine finishes up her school break this week, Scott asks to take advantage of each opportunity he has to disciple Jasmine. May the celebration of her first year of walking with Jesus be joyful this Friday!

<>< Join us in praying for Shirin's sister to have a safe trip back to her home and that she will continue to think about the gospel message Jasmine shared with her.

<>< Jasmine asks that you'd pray for her Aunt Minna to be saved.

<* Pray for the Kahar of India.><