No, no relation to Steve Austin, but I usually put a random adjective and noun in the Subject line of the Wednesday Weekly just for the fun of it; however, this week's line (the $6 million man) has meaning as you read this article:

>>IMB trustees celebrate record offering.

Near the end of this page is a super article a fellow believer has put together. This dear brother has been ministering in Jericho for at least a dozen years, if not more.

Wow, is there much to be read in these lines and between them!

>>Church remnant makes $1M missions gift. 

Ever wonder how some stories just miss news coverage? (This may annoy you.)

My 7th/8th grade track coach, Horace Green, taught me that "it's not how you start; it's how you finish." As a 440 runner and mile-relay anchor, those words rang in my ears as I came down the stretch. It appears that God is allowing us to be in an opportunity where our phase of the Prayer Center is coming down the stretch, and it will be exciting to see what God does next. Above all, I want to finish strong!

>>VBS continues as top SBC evangelism tool.

Finally, this word of encouragement to all of you who are the "computer-go-to-guy (or gal)":

We tend to take our company's helpdesk, IT, and support personnel for granted - until something goes wrong. But do you know how far back this venerable profession goes? Have you ever wondered how IT pros of ancient days helped employees with the earliest word-processing systems?

This side-splitting video, recently posted on YouTube, takes a stab at answering those questions with a short sketch about the first "operating system" - the book!

+ <L A S T  W E E K><

+ Scott wanted to finish a few specific tasks that had been 'out of his control' (i.e., dependent on the responses of others) and asked that each one be finished last week so as to see 'tangible evidence' of progress under way; specifically, you asked for chairs, maps, a desk, and travel safety... whoo-hoo!! The first two prayer benches were done the day you began praying! Thank you! "Reuben" might be able to help with the maps, so pray that he would 'get moving.' The desk I've used for almost five years has been moved across the hall to a bigger room, thanks to the help of a knowledgeable co-worker. Also, God granted the travel mercy for which you asked on my behalf, and I am ever so grateful!

+ You joined Shirin and a co-worker in praying for the first week of English classes with the ladies to reveal the women of peace. These women would accept the Good News gladly and open their homes to other women to hear the Good News... Shirin writes, "Thank you for your fervent prayers. My co-worker and I believe the devil was intimidated by your prayers last week. My co-worker and I experienced some sickness and lack of students last week. We did, however, get a chance to talk with the ladies about visiting them in their homes and taking a small 'field trip' at the end of the English classes this month."

+ Jasmine asked to be able to concentrate more efficiently for her upcoming tests in Arabic... one of her concerns was to tell classmates during Religion class what it means to follow Jesus, so Monday she wore the "Salvation Beads" bracelet one of you helped her make. She also says that she was successful with some of her tests and appreciates your prayers. She hasn't received the grades for a few others.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< As Scott continues wrapping up a few tasks, ask God to use Him to share the greatest news of all.

<>< Please continue to pray for the ladies English classes, especially that the women of peace will be found. Pray also for the planning of the "end-of-the-course" trip in order to build relationships and share God's love story with them.

<>< Jasmine is asking your intervention over her upcoming Social Studies test, Thursday May 24.

<* Pray for the Northern Kurds of Turkey.><

* A lover of Jesus writes:

Israel is different from all other nations whether anyone likes it or not. Things even work
differently in the religious world compared to other nations. It is the most divisive place on
earth, I think. You don't hear, at least I don't, of Christians dividing over Turkey, India,
China, and other countries that persecute Christians. Just mention Israel and the
Palestinians....!

I have a couple of hours free this a.m., so I want to discuss the problem. I won't write for 2
hours, so bear with me.

Over the years, I have been approached by many precious saints wanting to talk about Israel. In
most cases, all goes well until I bring balance into the conversation. Every time I mention
something perceived to be negative about Israel, the saint usually steps back and adopts a new
posture. Many times I have witnessed a change in the eyes of the saint. They take a defensive "are
you the devil" stance. They usually terminate the conversation much sooner than planned. Rarely
does one sincerely listen and embrace new information that brings balance into the situation.
Those saints who do have pure motive and are not possessed by a prejudiced spirit that lifts
Israel up as the icon of Christianity. I love discussing issues with saints whose motive is to be
in the will of God and will entertain other perspectives in search of truth. I can only pray for
those who are in bondage to the teachings of overbalanced Zionism to the harm of God's people,
Israel, and our country. Friends have been known to get angry at each other over land issues
pertaining to Israel. Something is wrong with that.

The promises of God are valid and will never change. He has actually kept his promises and is
working in Israel today for the sake of His Holy Name. (Ezekiel 36: 32). The restoration of Israel
in 1948 demonstrates that God is God. It is for the sake of His Holy Name. It is not because He
failed to keep a promise. Israel took as much of the land as they wanted through Joshua and other
leaders before losing it all due to disobedience. The regathering into the land is for a different
purpose now. It is for the sake of His Holy Name. He will follow through by saving many of the
Jewish people as Romans declares. In the meanwhile, Israel is remiss not to follow Jesus Christ.
Christians are remiss to follow Israel as they walk in disobedience to God. True love points these
things out to Israel and does not cuddle them and lure them into a sense of false spiritual well
being. They receive the voice that says, "Go, Israel! We are for you. God is for you. No harm will
come to you." They reject the voice that cries out, "Israel! Repent! Turn around! Follow Christ!"

Everything I espouse about Israel applies to Palestinians as well. I do not suppose they are in
the will of God, either. That's why we preach the gospel without fail to both nations of people.
<>< +++ <>< +++ <>< +++

My sister's mother-in-law did it again :-)

Think about them one at a time before going on to the next one . .

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket.

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio!

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke

24. Friends.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

29 Playing with a new puppy.

30. Having someone play with your hair.

31. Sweet dreams.

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Road trips with friends.

34. Swinging on swings.

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

36. Making chocolate chip cookies.

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

38 Holding hands with someone you care about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.

41. Watching the sunrise.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

43 Knowing that somebody misses you.

44 Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.