I received an incredible e-mail from a dear friend Friday morning and just got all excited that I have to share it with you!

"Guys, I just got a text message on my cell phone from my brother. Simple message. My dad got saved this afternoon. Thank you all for your prayers. I don't know any more details at this moment, but I plan to go by the hospital as soon as I get home. Thank you again... And thank You Lord for your salvation!"

Several of us have been praying for my friend's dad for quite some time and, man, was this all God! Thank you for rejoicing with us!

Another e-mail came in Saturday morning... I CANNOT TELL YOU HOW HAPPY I AM RIGHT NOW. I JUST FOUND OUT, FROM A PASTOR WHO CAME HERE LAST YEAR, THAT MY DAD IS NOW SAVED!! This pastor started talking to him, and now Thank the Lord , my Dad will be in heaven!! I am crying for happiness. One down, mom to go. Thank you all for praying..thank you thank you thank you thank you

Shirin and I have noticed our own family's interest in spiritual matters and have been praying more earnestly for her mom who, incidentally, has a new friend who has been sharing with her. Mom, however, has voiced objection in that she'd rather discuss the DNA that all humans share rather than religion that divides. Pray with us that she would reject all religion for a relationship with the Creator based solely on the shed blood of Jesus.

I've been listening to a personalized Yahoo radio station and came across one of Carman's songs that I wish you could hear. The song is from his album "The Standard" and is entitled "America Again." Here's a site that will play it for you! Another site has the lyrics.

Please accept our gratitude for your generous giving through the recent Christmas offering. This story, I believe, is an indication of what happened all over the US, and I'm excited to hear how God has been moving in Southern Baptist life!

For those of you who could use some help with getting a handle on your e-mail/Inbox, try this page.

What a day I had Thursday as I was able to assist a co-worker with computer needs! It was an all-day affair with two trips to the mall, the second being a "you-said-this-would-work" visit (and it did - eventually). My colleague said it would've taken him at least a week to do what we did in a day if he would've pursued it on his own. Needless to say, this geek-wanna-be had a blast! On top of the joy of solving computer challenges, I was able to listen to Luke 13 through John 3 on the way to his house and then John 4-14 on the way home.

I received the following from a friend and wish to share it with you:

"Knowing of your interest in the Middle East, I want to let you know of an outstanding free resource which I believe you will appreciate.

Educator Peter Clark in Amman, Jordan, is producing a full-color, electronic journal of the Middle East which is sent out monthly by e-mail. This covers not only current events, but also the historical, cultural, religious, and geographical background of the region, written with a heart for the coming of the kingdom of God. I couldn't recommend it more highly. If you see a copy you'll understand why. Please write to Peter at pkclark@pmbx.net if you'd like to subscribe."

Matthew 24:14

* Be sure to sign up for the Wednesday Weekly.

+ Shirin, Jasmine, and a co-worker went to the orphanage last week, and you prayed with them that they would plant a love for God in the girls' hearts through songs, crafts, and simple conversations... Your prayers were heard! They had a wonderful time, and the girls didn't want to stop doing crafts and drawings but finally the paper ran out. They're looking forward to more craft day opportunities.

+ You prayed that I would continue to be obedient by way of exercising and listening to the New Testament... I had a great week of obedience and can hardly wait to begin each day with exercise and listening to God's Word!

+ I was having a difficult time finding a printer cartridge and believed your intercession would make a difference... a co-worker said he'd see what he could find (and found one within three days!) while a dear friend in the US volunteered to hunt one down. Your intercession did make a difference, and I thank you : -)

+ The Prayer Garden had been mowed and prevented from going back as a Prayer 'Jungle.' Once the rains finished for last week, we would have liked to have finished the yard work, so you prayed with us that an opportunity to proclaim His message would happen as a result... last week's rains turned into this week's rains : -(

+ Jasmine went back to school Saturday, so you asked God to give her clear recall of the letters and numbers she had learned. Also, you prayed that He would grant her clarity of thought to learn the remaining letters and how to manipulate the numbers...Jasmine has really enjoyed going back to school and seeing her friends again. All the teaches have commented on how well she is doing in school. Thank you for your prayers they really make a difference to us.

<T H I S  W E E K><

<>< Please join us in praying for Jasmine's infected nail to heal. She is taking medicine as well as putting ointment on her nail twice a day.

<>< Ask God to speak to a group of visitors coming to the Prayer Center this week. May their hearts see the need and opportunity to reach the world's unreached people groups.

<>< Pray for the landscaping needs of the Prayer Garden to be met as Scott works with a young man who has taken interest in the Garden.

>< Pray for the Shawiya Berbers of Algeria. >

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7, Omar’s salvation

* (sigh) not yet : -(

8, Reliable utilities

* The electricity at my co-worker's home stayed on the whole time we worked on his computers, and everything worked at home where Shirin and Jasmine enjoyed one another's company. Thank you for praying!

9, Pray for our neighbors as they pray.

* As I heard the call from the minaret, I thanked God for your intercession

10, Ask God to draw Jews to Himself.

* This is another ongoing need.

11, Christians to have a heart for the lost

* Since I'd like to see this demonstrated more keenly, I guess I need to step out by example : -)

12, travel safety

* It is *amazing* how your prayers make a difference in our lives. *Thank you!*

13, Ask for the local conflict to end.

* (sigh) It didn't happen today, but we can keep asking!