This page contains updates on our life here in Zambia. Please check back often for news of us and our mission. Scroll down for older entries; there are also links to other months on the home page.
Love from the International Bible College in Zambia.
It has been another busy week and it is only Tuesday!! The work team from Dublin, Georgia have worked on wiring the library building and they wired, until they ran out of wire!! The lights are on in every room of the library and it looks wonderful.
John, the youngest of the team climbed up to the highest point on the roof and put a light bulb up at the top!! It is so cool to see these lights shining over the campus. We had a very special program and time of prayer in the library building tonight. The praise team shared a song that was written this week by Pastor Mark and sophomore student Samson. It is a beautiful song about praying for Africa and for God to hear the heart cry of Africa. After the song we all stood around the interior of the building and had special prayer time. This building will be and the center point of the college campus. Right now the 3 wings can be used as class rooms and one of the rooms was used for the first time today, as Pastor Cliff continued teaching the freshmen class on the "Life of Christ".
Please join with us in prayer for God to supply the men with the know how to complete the roof so the books can be shipped over!!!
He who began a good work at the college will be faithful to complete it.
We praise God for the safe travel of Rich, Keith, Mel and Lewis as they arrived safely back in the states. We would also request prayer for the safe travel for the Georgia team, Pastor Cliff, Pastor Mark, Jack, Dan and John as they fly out early Thursday morning.
We continue to be humbled seeing God's mighty hand advance the progress at the college, but most important continuing the training of young people in His Holy Word.
Greetings from the beautiful bush country in Zambia where the International Bible College of Zambia is located.
We are well and things are busy at the college. Pastor Henry made two separate trips to town to retrieve some items that the work team needed. It was a prayer answered as Pastor Henry was able to get all the wire and electrical parts needed, also the new solar batteries that were needed and the new tables and chairs for the classrooms. Paul hooked up all the new batteries and Jack was able to show Paul and second year student George the things they would need to know to work with the system. With the needed supplies Jack, Dan & John worked all day getting some of the wiring done on the library. The men got the majority of the wiring done; they just ran out of wire to finish the middle part of the building.
Pastor Cliff gave a wonderful message on Sunday with the resounding message of “Never, Never, Never give up on what God has called you to do. It was a good reminder for all of us to not grow weary in doing good.
The new chairs and table were all set up in two of the wings in the library so both of these areas can be used for classrooms. Pastor Cliff was able to teach his last 1 ½ days in one of the library wings. I was able to save most of the plastic from the tables and chairs to use in protecting the pillows and mattresses used for our visitors. I cleaned out 3 of the cabins and gathered up all the clothes the work team left for ministry use. Again a big THANK-YOU to the men for bringing lots of stuff and for leaving most of their clothes and shoes. They even left Paul & I some Charmin bathroom tissue, now that is love in action :)
I made the men some peanut butter bars and brownies for a few of their evening of fellowship on our patio. I am so thankful Paul made the patio so nice and that we now have two benches for our visitors to use. With the weather being hot we did not have the “Coffee Club” around the fire pit but were able to use our patio instead.
The students have just finished their first class of the 2011 year. Pastor Cliff was teaching “The Life of Christ” class to the first year students. Pastor Mark was teaching “The Theology of Worship” to the second and third year students. They took their final test on Wednesday morning and then our friends were taken into town on the bus by Pastor Henry where they did some souvenir shopping, bought groceries for community outreach that will done with a youth group coming from Georgia and the students here at the college. I ask the students how the test was they seem to rate them by good, fair and hard. Of course students all have their own rating of the tests. Paul & I meant our friends at “Mike’s Restaurant” in Lusaka for a wonderful evening meal and good time of fellowship. We had the men at the airport by 6:30 am and saw them off as they headed back to the states. We want to say a big THANK-YOU to all the men who flew over the ocean to give of their time and talent. Most of the electrical work was done on the library, heavy duty shelves were built for the storage cabin. Jack, Dan and John all took turns on the gator. They told me it was all work related but I am still questioning if this was the case. They always looked so happy as the sped around the campus on the gator. They never did offer Little Jess a ride and I can tell you she was pouting about that :)
It will be great to get the clinic open as I continue to hand out the aspirin and Tylenol with so many more students. I treated a young lady with a burn on her leg and I was sure praying for the nurse to arrive. Please continue to pray for the right nurse to be hired. We have not made much progress yet as we have all been so busy and setting up the interviews will take some phone calls and trips to towns.
Iris planned a special time for the female students on Friday. She had the library decorated with table covers, tea lights and flowers and three tables. The girls were all treated to a special hand treatment with softening products. Then each of the girls was able to pick a nail polish for their nails. Iris gave a short devotional as the girls painted their own nails or painted one of their friends. I was able to participate also and really enjoyed the girl time. Thank you Iris for this special time.
On Saturday Paul and I worked together painting the inside of the cabin to be used as an office. This will help Paul & Lou to have a spot to do their work as it pertains to their specific areas of expertise. I cleaned out the bathhouse behind out house which seems to collect stuff from everywhere. It does seem like I spend a lot off time cleaning, sorting, and throwing away stuff. I didn’t think I would still be dealing with so much stuff over here, but it seems to collect in about each building.
Today 2/6/11 Pastor Lou Mancari gave us a challenging message from Mark 8:34-38. To take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. He gave some very good illustrations using two of the students following Jesus and walking along side Jesus. I know I was challenged to look at the areas in my life that I want to keep to myself and not pick up my cross.
John with the Dublin, Georgia brought me a plaque that his friend painted the verse I had for my year verse in 2009, the year we moved to Zambia. Hosea 10:12 “Sow to yourself righteousness and reap the fruit of unfailing love. Break up your unplowed ground for it is time to see the Lord until He rains righteousness on you”. Thank you John for bringing this to me and please thank your friend who painted it for me.
Paul and I reap so many blessing from serving here at the college. Working with the staff and student’s helps us to see God move in their lives and what a blessing getting to know everyone better. Another big blessing is meeting all you wonderful people who come over to love and serve at the college. We would love to keep in touch with you better on a personal level but the internet here continues to be a challenge and never seems to want to work when we have the time/energy to get some messages sent. Thank you for understanding, but please continue to keep those cards/letters/phone calls coming. We stopped at the post office in Chongwe on Thursday and there was no mail for us. When there is nothing for us to pick up we look at each other and say “no love”, now how sad is that???? We just want you to know when you correspond with us through email, mail, phone calls, pigeon, Morse code, and smoke signal, whatever……. We love you and love hearing from you.
We are happy to report the weather is beginning to cool down a bit. We seem to be getting highs of in the 80’s now and the rains have slowed down but they should continue yet through March. Paul seems to handle working out in the heat better then I do. I have gotten really brown on my arms and face from working outside, and I am thankful I tan easily and do not burn. I use sun screen sometimes but I just sweat so much it runs off so fast it doesn’t seem like it is on very long.
I was walking along the road to the shop one day and stepped on a chameleon. Of course I did not seem him since he was the color of the road. I jumped when I realized I stepped on something that moved. I looked back and he looked at me with his mouth open like he was saying “Could you watch where you are going lady”?? It is just another testimony to the Lord’s creation of how these little creatures can be whatever color they happen to be on. We had one in the yard and he was so green, again almost impossible to see. They are just such cool creatures. I am still looking for the “beauty” in the flies and bugs.
I leave you with this week’s memory verse: Mark 8:34. He summoned the multitude with His disciples, and said to them. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me”.
Thank you all for your prayers and financial support. We could not be serving the students here at the college if it were not for your partnership. We pray as you make out the check to support us you are thinking of the students, teachers and staff who work so hard to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
Update 2/13/11
We send you our love from the International Bible College in Zambia.
It has been a busy week here on the campus as every week is with the 50 plus students. It is very exciting to see the many students walking to class, carrying books and preparing to learn more of God’s Word. The students are working in the gardens at 5:00 am Monday – Saturday and then in class for the morning, lunch, rest time, then work on assigned team in the afternoon. We continue to be blessed with all the singing and laughter of the students as they work and play on the campus.
Iris and I have taken a few turns down at the kitchen area watching Phoebe and the girls adjust to cooking for so many students. They are doing a super job and we continue to “tweak” the system to give Phoebe and the girls a day off. Right now a few of the boys are doing the Sunday meals which seem to be going well. I helped with a few lunches and everyone was so impressed that “yes” I can scrub pots, cut, cook and stir the veggies and help serve. The students thanked me but you could tell they just thought it was weird I guess. Phoebe didn’t want me to help as if I might break or more likely I was just getting in her way it was a reminder to me of when I was little watching parents and grandparents butcher the chicken and get them ready for the freezer. I always hated that smell of scalding chicken feathers, and I still do. Five of the girls had those 5 chickens cleaned in record time. I watched as Serah and Phoebe cut and cleaned out the intestines of the chickens. It was quite a process. First they cut the intestine in two the long way, squeezed out the yucky stuff then proceeded to wrap the intestine around the chicken feet. It was an art form to see Serah weave the intestine in and out between the chicken toes. After this they fry them up, along with the chicken heads and save these for only the girls as they consider these a real treat. Just not what we are used too. I didn’t help too much with this process but to sit by and watch.
This past week I have taken class pictures with the separate teachers. If I can get it done I will email to Rae to put on the web site. Pastor Henry has the new freshmen class, Pastor Arnot the sophomores and Pastor Lou the juniors.
On Wednesday Paul and George, one of the sophomore students went to an all day workshop on Solar power put on by the company we bought the solar system for the clinic from. They are a very modern company who know about customer service and Paul has been pleased with their service. Paul & George enjoyed the workshop and both felt it was worth their time. Paul bought 2 motion solar lights but is frustrated that neither of them works after trips up and down the ladder to get them installed. That will mean a trip to town and we are hoping it will only be one trip. We are glad this company stands behind what they sell.
Once Chad returns he and George will be in charge of the solar system and the timing of when it can be on. It seems when the students are all charging their cell phones they are having to choose between lights or cell phones. It is a daily journey as the sun shine determines the amount of power that is available.
Paul and I have been doing a lot of painting lately it seems like and with little Jess at our side she usually ends up with some paint on her too. My next painting project is the doors on the girls’ cabins on compound #2. I was hoping to have started them by now, but somehow other things just seem to keep coming up.
We have discontinued the ladies bible study until April when there will be a break from the field work. Lucy, Phoebe, Christine, Betty, Iris and I continue to meet once a week for devotions, prayer and fellowship. Pastor Lou meets with the men twice a week doing the same things.
I don’t remember if I wrote about this before or not, so forgive me if I have. For those of you who remember the “Leave it to Beaver” TV show we have a student with the “Eddie Haskell” personality. He is just a hoot and each time he comes to the door, which seems like a lot, when he leaves we just smile and say “Eddie” was here.
I continue to impress myself with my new cooking abilities. The other night I did baked chicken, sliced potatoes, carrots and onions along with some mushroom soup mix on the top. I must say it was one of my better meals, but I do miss the many fast food drive-thrus we had close by at home. When I get some down time I kind of think it would be nice to go to the mall back home, window shop, buy a soft pretzel, diet coke and just wander around. Then I go sit on my pretty patio and thank God for the students, Gospelink and all the people who have worked so hard to make this college a reality. Paul and I continued to be humbled as God allows us to serve here. We are ever mindful of all of you who faithfully support us so that we can serve here and the kingdom work that is being done here will be credited to your account.
We have received some very sad new today. Lexan and Carol, our friends and neighbors lost their only son “Peoples” who died today 2/13/11 from falling into a well. Please pray for this family. For those of you who have been to the college you might remember Carol as she is one of the ladies who always helps with the cooking and serving of the meals. Little “Peoples” was only 5 years old and leaves behind 4 sisters.
Thank you, bless you. You are loved by Jesus and us.
Funeral Experience 2/15/11
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
One of the student’s came to Paul with two sticks, one for length and one for the width to make the coffin. Two sticks, I am keeping them in our house as a reminder not only of Peoples but of the brevity of life. I took part in making the coffin with Paul & Luka as this helped my tears flow and helped me with my good-bye to Peoples who was such a sweet and kind little boy.
It is with a heavy heart I write this update. I want to share the funeral experience we had yesterday as Little 6 year old “Peoples” funeral service.
The funeral service was schedule to start at 11:00 am. The night before family, friends and neighboring church families stayed up all night singing, grieving and mourning with the family.
This Monday morning Paul & I and the Mancari family followed the college white to the house of the Headwoman where the funeral would take place. We drove off the main road onto a road that really was not much of a road. When we arrived MANY people were there already. Iris, Crystal and I went into the house which was packed with ladies sitting wall to wall with Carol and her family around the coffin that Paul, Luka and I had made. I asked to see Peoples in the coffin and they took the cloth from his face. He looked so peaceful and just as if he were sleeping. I cried with Carol and the Headwoman who is also the grandmother of Peoples.
Some of the student’s then came in the house along with Pastor Lou and sang some songs. Then everyone got up and went outside to prepare for the service. People were invited to walk past the coffin to view Peoples body but only a few were able as the flies were just too bad. They do not do much to prepare the body as that is why the burial needs to be done within 24 hours of the death. Carol and Lexan sat separate with a family member on each side of them. Pastor Henry, Pastor David and Pastor Lou all had a part in the service. During all this time the crying, wailing of the people was going on. To see all the tears and the sounds of mourning all around us was very moving, very hard. The ladies all sat on the ground during the service while the men stood. It was quiet as Pastor Henry and some of the students put the lid on the coffin, tightening down all the screws. No matter what the students are asked to do, they are always there ready to do as asked. The student’s carried the coffin to the truck bed and the ladies from the family rode in the back of the truck with the coffin to the burial site.
All the people, including us walked a distance of about ¼ to ½ mile through very tall grass to the burial site which was not that far from Carol and Lexan’s home. They picked a spot under some trees. The grave was dug the day before by friends and it was only about 3-4 foot deep.
When the people arrived at the grave site we all just pushed down the tall grass and sat on it. Pastor Lou, Pastor Henry and a few other men shared before the actual burial. Men got into the grave and the coffin was handed down to them. Then many of the men all took turns shoveling dirt into the grave. It reminded me of a dance where people would tap one person on the shoulder to take their turn dancing one with another. It was the men’s way of saying their personal good-byes. Many of the student’s Pastor Arnot also shared in this burial ritual. After the dirt was filled over the coffin they continued to pile the dirt high into a big mound. The men all patted the dirt down with the shovels, then some of the women kneeled around the grave and patted and smoothed the dirt down with their hands then put flowers are the grave and then they held hands and sang. Lucy and Betty were very involved with helping the family to prepare many things for the service and the food arrangements. Then one of students had a list of people he read off to invite different groups to come up and put flowers on the grave. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, Gospelink Staff, Students. Iris and I walked up together to lay flowers on the grave and then Pastor Lou with their two children Crystal and Luke went up to lay flowers on the grave. Most of the flowers had come from the college campus and before the service ladies had tied the flowers into small bundles so people would have a bundle to lie on the grave. Paul was asked to give the closing prayer and this was hard for him, but he was so honored to be asked. We are so thankful that Lou, Irs, Crystal and Luke were here to be with us and share with us this very sad time.
Lexan & Carol were both so weak from grieving and lack of sleep they almost had to be carried by family members most of the time throughout the funeral.
It seems like Paul noticed the difference in the burial process, but I seemed to notice the similarities. The grief and sorrow at the loss of a loved one looked and felt universal to me. I believe many of the people at the funeral were believers in Christ so they did not grieve as one without hope, but with hope of eternal life promised by God to all who put their trust in Him. We also witnessed some demon possessed people who seemed to want to stop the service with their display of evil. These people were led away from the service and prayed for by some of the believers. After the service everyone walked back to the house where food had been prepared by many of the ladies. Again this reminded me of the fellowship around food, like in America and the healing of this time and the love and prayers shared at this time. The universal healing of singing hymns and songs of comfort was very present.
Please be in prayer for this family that has many people in their extended family. The loss of this sweet little boy will be felt for a long time. As the coffin was lowered I thought of the value of one life. How God created each of us in His own image and how precious each life is, no matter how long or short that life might be.
We as staff at the college were honored to be part of the service and yet another way this community has welcomed the presence of the college in their neighborhood.
I don’t understand how the lines of communications work so fast, other they most people have a cell phone, but by that evening we were informed that Chief Bunda Bunda knew that the white missionaries from the college had all attended the funeral and was very pleased. It is hard for all of us to understand why us being there is such an honor to them as we go just the same as anyone else, to show our love and support.
I have done my best to share this experience with you and pray as you have read this it will remind you to not only pray for the family, but to be reminded we are all to be ready when Jesus Christ returns to take his own up to heaven to share in eternal life with Him.
We pray each of you ask yourself this question, “If I were to die today, do I know for sure where I would be”? If you don’t know I encourage you to write us, call a Pastor from a local Bible teaching church and ask to meet with them. Assurance of salvation is such a wonderful gift; we pray each of you seek it out.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
Update 2/20/11
Sending you Love from the International Bible College in Zambia.
We want to thank all of you for your prayers and concern for Lexon and Carol as they grieve the loss of their small son “Peoples”. One night this week many of the students went to Grace Baptist church and had an all-night prayer and worship service with the family. The out pouring of support is a wonderful testament of the love Christians have for one another.
It has been a very HOT month of February so far and very dry. We ask you to pray for the rain that is desperately needed in many areas.
This has been a big week of painting for me. I think I painted some portion of every day, but each stroke of the brush protects the wood and makes it “Look Real Pretty”. We are taking turns having different students over one evening during the week. This has been a sweet time of getting to know them better.
We had men come out to the college interested in improving the area cell reception so we are excited about the possibility of God leading the way for this to happen.
We also are having a big prayer request answered as the government has started repair on our dirt road and it is looking good that a company wants to put up a good bridge and road to Chongwe!! To God be the Glory as all good things come from His hand.
We also have been blessed by an area farmer who is very successful with his crops and agreed to teach the students his farming techniques. He has had class time with them, worked in our gardens with them and this week they are going to see his fields so he can show them some more things. The students have given us great reports of all they are learning and are excited to expand the planting of many varieties.
Of course I continue to pull weeds in the driveway and comment to Paul and John how great the yard looks. The grass is looking so good I feel like we are living on the “Back Nine” of a golf course.
The students continue to take turns doing some water coloring painting for the greeting cards we are selling in the gift shop. Art teacher Sharon Hoffer will be returning this May and will continue to work with the past students and the new freshmen will get an introduction to water color. Thank you Sharon and we are looking forward to seeing you in May.
Paul & I actually had a pretty good trip to Lusaka on Friday. We left at 5:30 am and were able to be back at the college by 2:00 pm, so that was great. We stopped at Chongwe to check the mail and guess what????? We had a package from Marlin & Cindy Hadenfeldt and some letters from friends. We really felt the love Remember when there is nothing for us at the Post Office for us we look at each other and say “No Love” :) how sad is that??? Well anyway I must give Cindy an A+++++++ for her packing skills. In a shoebox she packed two movies, two music CDs, 2 good sized books, 4 hand lotions, zip lock of instant tea and some chocolate. Now that is what I call packing!!! Thank you so much for the wonderful gifts.
I am sorry to report to you that we have had to turn some of you (You know who you are) into the “Better Friends Bureau”. We reported your lack of communication to the “Better Friends Bureau” in America and here in Zambia. We hated to have to do it, but we just don’t want to see any of you dropping off our radar Now with this report made we are sure the Holy Spirit will be reminding you to pray for us, the students, staff and the wonderful work going on at the college.
Pastor Arnot gave the message in church today. It has been wonderful to have over 74 in attendance most weeks. We have the new metal folding chairs sat up, praise team up front, musicians playing two keyboards and 3 guitars. We now have ushers so it is starting to feel like a familiar worship service. The students work so hard on the program each week and continue to challenge us with a memory verse or two each week. I wish you could all be here for a worship service and see all the 50 plus students praising God, praying and reading God’s word. It just feels like the hand of God is moving in a mighty way here on the campus. The students are excited about what they are learning from their teachers and our little temporary library always has some of the students inside studying. When the large library gets done it will be the central hub for the campus and the students are praying for its completion.
One lesson the students learned this week is that if you use all the charcoal in 5 days that was supposed to last two weeks you have to go collect firewood. The students do not like cooking with firewood as it is so smoky, but I think this will be a lesson they will remember. It is so good to know God works all things out for our good.
The four goats that Paul has bought continue to “cut” the grass. The students seem to know a lot about goats and they do a super job of taking care of them and moving them around when needed. I know they are hoping they will be reproducing so they can have one of them for supper in the future. I have not tasted goat to my knowledge and I think it is something I will just be so happy not to have experienced.
The students won their soccer game today 2 goals to 1, so they came home on the truck just singing at the top of their lungs. The song they were singing is “Make me a Stranger” that Pastor Dave Dressler from PA taught them last year. They were doing some kind of hip hop version and I must say it sounded pretty cool. Oh, the thrill of victory!!
We would like to ask for prayer for the following:
•That God would send the much needed rain.
•Continued safety and health on the campus
•For the road work being done on the road to the college.
•For a company that is wanting to put a big bridge over the river near the college.
•For our first love, the joy of our Lord to be present with everyone on the campus.
•Safe travel for our friends Pastor Paul & Diana Hofrichter as they travel to the college in March.
Thank you all for your prayers, support and love.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
Update 2/26/11
Sending all of you our love and thanks from the International Bible College in Zambia.
It has been another great week at the college, with the students attending classes, doing their work scholarship hours and getting in some soccer practice and pitching some horse shoes.
I was visiting with some of the students this week about doing these diary pages and they asked that I say a big THANK YOU to everyone who has sponsored a student or as helped support the college and Gospelink in any way. They all seem to be thriving here and love the classes, the worship service, the Bible Study on Saturday and I think they even enjoy the work. They are spending more time using the reference books in the small library and we are all praying for the big library to be completed this year, and for God to have all the Glory as HIS timing is always perfect. Thanking you in advance to all the work teams that are scheduled to come over and do evangelism and work at the college. You have a BIG blessing waiting for you.
The gardens are looking great. Paul and I have been having a fresh salad almost every day and that has been great. I did try my hand at making some Dorothy Lynch salad dressing. It is ok, but nothing like the original.
Paul had me painting the black tar stuff on the bottom of the front side of the clinic. It goes on better than I thought it would. We trust this well help to keep the moisture out and of course will have the buildings look nicer as we get them done.
I was able to visit with my friend Diana on her birthday this week and that was great. I am so happy she will always be older than me :) I also was able to leave a Happy Birthday Song on my Fun Sister Deb’s phone as this week was also her birthday and once again she will always be older than I am. I think I am seeing a pattern of me hanging around with older women so I feel younger:)
We continue to battle the bugs, and the bugs seem to be winning. We use the foggers in every room, (4 rooms that is) and still the pesky varmints return. Some of them do die of course but more just seem to come back. I don’t remember the bugs being like this last year, so I just don’t get it. I keep all the food in plastic zip locks or plastic containers. The bugs seem to like the heat from the fridge and stove and hang around that area a lot. I am trying to keep my sense of humor about me, but some days it does get to me. :(
I was able to send a movie list out to some of you dear friends so thank you for receiving that and helping in that area. The students like to watch a movie on Friday evenings so we want to have some available that they would like and would be appropriate.
Chimbaza the 3rd year student who supervises in the gardens stopped by one evening and we had a nice visit with him about how well the gardens are doing and he and Paul talked about future crops and planting. I just listened and continued my job of being just another pretty face on the campus :).
Lexon and Carol are both back to work and doing some jobs here on the campus. We continue to pray for them as they adjust to the loss of their son. They have 4 daughters to raise who are also missing their brother. Please continue to keep this family in your prayers.
Three people were out this week from the solar company to do some adjustment on the system in the clinic. The young sales lady wanted a tour of the college so I gave her a gator ride tour and she was really impressed. She is bringing her Mother out here this weekend who is a retired nurse. We will visit with her to see if she would have any desire to serve here at the clinic. There is also another retired nurse who wants to come over and visit with us. Please continue to pray for God to direct the right nurse to us to manage the clinic and serve the college and community. This is a very important staff position that needs to be filled, so thank you for praying.
I got the five doors painted one coat on the girls' cabins. Oh boy I can hardly wait to start the second coat. (And people say I don’t know how to have a good time!) Thursday morning we had our women devotional time at our house and what a sweet time that is. I must have been in the sun a bit much the last few days as I was so tired. I officially took the day off and Jess and I did some laundry, reading and relaxing. I am reading the book “The Hole in the Gospel” by Richard Stearns the president of World Vision. It is a book I would recommend to every Christian. I have learned a much broader reality of what poverty looks like and how it affects people. The book gave a few statistics just to help get a handle on how big our world is. I am down to the last few chapters and have read this book in one week. It is a large book by my reading standards. I am so thankful my friend Cindy sent it to me and I again would recommend it to all of you.
We Praise God for the wonderful and MUCH needed 3 ½ inches of rain we received this week. We were all praying for God to bless the fields with rain that needed it and we have heard great reports from our neighbors that the rain was pretty wide spread. Thank you all for praying for this rain. I could just see the fear in some of the people’s eyes as they were seeing their corn crop drying up. Water is Life. Once again thank you all for praying.
I leave you with the words of Jesus from Matthew five.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
Blessed are those who mourn,
Blessed are the gently,
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
Blessed are the merciful,
Blessed are the pure in heart,
Blessed are the peacemakers,
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me.
Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great.
You are loved by Jesus and us.
Isn't he cute? This is "Paul," the baby we talked about last month (1-8-11)
That God would send the much needed rain. 
