Greetings once again : -)

I have an update on one of this week's prayer needs and really need you to "turn up the heat" <g>

***************

(2) In faith, you began to rejoice with us over the acquisition of an extended visa : -)

***************

Let me give you the whole story so you can see what's happening... we arrived in country on 7-June and received the usual three-month tourist visa. A co-worker walked me through the visa process on 2-September, five days before the visa was to expire.

"We need more information... (1) why are you coming to Jerusalem from Gaza, and (2) why do you want to change from a visitor's visa to a clergy visa? If you want to do this, we need another letter of recommendation and proof that you are a minister/clergy."

The co-worker and I set another appointment to go back to the Ministry of the Interior, whose doors open at 8am; however, if you want to finish before late afternoon, you must get your place in line no later than 530/545.

We went back, and I was told to "come back in three weeks to pay for the visas," so I made a third trip early one morning (1-Oct).

"Come back in a month, and we will have an answer," I was told. "Great," I thought. "The beginning of November is close to my birthday, so I *know* something will happen when all those folks pray for me! Whoo-hoo!"

I wanted to return, but those responsible for issuing visas went on strike for several weeks : -(

My fourth trip was on 26-Nov, after the strike was over. "Come back in three weeks... we're still behind from the strike." Duh... certainly a strike wouldn't *lessen* the workload (sigh).

Today was trip #5, three weeks as requested, and the answer was shorter: "Come back in two weeks."

A few hours after I left the Ministry of the Interior I received a phone call from "Edie," the lady apparently responsible for issuing our visas.

"What is your grandfather's name on your father's side?" she asked me. I told her, and she replied, "Okay, we wanted to make sure. Good bye." Click.

Odd... Shirin and I began speculating. "Edie" must have reached my application, decided to delve into my family background (?), and called to inquire. Will she do the same for Shirin? Who knows.

So... we need you to intercede on our behalf for "Edie" to be satisfied with the 'background check' she and others have been running. I reckon you really can't tru$t tho$e American$.

Second, ask God to grant me an extra measure of patience as I make the sixth trip on New Year's Eve.

Third, pray that our visas would be extended for at least six months, preferably a year or even two.

Finally, please know how much we love you. There is absolutely *no* way I could put up with such bureaucratic incompetence without your prayers : -)

On behalf of my family I am,

Gratefully yours,