Dear family and friends (these lines blur so much since each is true of the
other)
We got an SMS from our friend GKP reminding us that we have not sent you an update for a while. True. Sorry. There's much to tell.
Carol & I are doing well. Our nest feathering has progressed nicely.
During January, the bathroom plumbing to septic tank was completed, the shower floor drain installed, and shower floor concrete was poured. No more carrying dirty water out of the house after showers. The overhead shower plumbing was completed. We now have 80 liters of water sitting atop a bathroom wall. The sun heats it to a refreshing 70+ deg F by afternoon.
What's left? An indoor commode would be nice someday. I also plumbed a drain for a sink; the sink can definitely wait.
Food: here's a typical breakfast. To prepare for about a week's eating, I mix and grind: an 8oz glass of dried 'pumpkin' seed, 2 glasses brown rice, 2 glasses soy beans, 3 glasses corn. This is stored as a dry powder, then cooked like oatmeal and eaten with dry, powdered 'Soy Good' and one to three
6 inch bananas on top. This is chased down with slices of fresh local pineapple and papaya. Last market day I bought 4 green pineapples for about 50 cents each. Later, I couldn't resist 2 more that were a beautiful golden color. Carol did not fuss about the prospect of having to help eat 6 pineapples in one week. They were about 6 inches tall by 4.5 inches wide.
They all taste about the same; really good.
School: 20 students in grade 1. Carol's doing such a wonderful job! Those kids are learning English so much better. She also found a way to enhance their kindness to each other. A certain number of pebbles are placed in a can after a peaceful walk to school, more pebbles for a peaceful day at school, and more for the walk home. If a heated tussle breaks out, pebbles are removed. When the can is full, she rewards them with a fun activity.
It is working so well. God, she and Naphtali are making such progress in all aspects of these children's growth.
Talk about an opening into the homes of our community, we are having bible studies in the tailor Moses' home now; parent of 2 of 'our' kids.
School renovation: 75% of the walls of the school have been torn down and rebuilt beautifully; straight, plumb, proper brick and mortar composition, interlocking walls at all junctions, redesigned wall layout for greater structural rigidity. The brick laying aspect of wall renovation is complete now. There are a few more tasks to complete on the walls before we begin the redesign and replacement of several roof rafters & ceiling joists.
The result of the remodeling is a 4 classroom school; up from 3. It will accommodate all 6 grades of primary school. Previously, it would have required two grades per room to achieve this. We feel that grades one and two would be served better by individual rooms; especially because our first graders begin at 5 years old (cultural pressure).
Wall plastering and concrete floors can wait a year or so. Carol is not too keen about this prospect though. Something about permanently dirty floors bothers her.
Work at the school is being carried out by Gregory. He hired a neighbor man to help him perform brick work. Both Naphtali and Gregory told this neighbor that he should 'get his son off the street' (quiet, single lane, dirt road between towns) and send him to our school. The neighbor took the advice; number 20 is a nice little fellow. God works through brick work too.
Franklin the carpenter has helped us tremendously from his shop in town. We spent about 6 hours planning, designing, and calculating the wooden items needed for the school. It looked like this: imagine sitting down on low bamboo stools with Joseph in his mud-brick carpenter shop in Nazareth, ankle deep in wood shavings, Toshiba laptop running an Excel spreadsheet. We determined how much eucalyptus lumber was required to build 45 desks; each desk will hold 2 students, 15 desks per each of the 3 new rooms. We did the same for window shutters. Note: we don't use glass here. Window shutters are opened in the morning for light and breeze, and then closed after school for security.
Hang on. While writing this letter to you, I was pleasantly interrupted by a knock at the door. The time was 2:00 PM and 'Godhead' had arrived for his first Bible study with me. I have seen this man who works as a nurse at the Baptist Health Center of Lassin for several months. He has expressed an interest in Bible studies, but never had the time. Today, while gardening, I saw him again and invited him. He agreed to come at 2. Since we will be returning to the 'states' in May (for the summer), I decided to show him the "Most Amazing Prophesy" 10 episode series by Doug Bachelor. Lesson 1 was on the prophesy of Daniel 2. I weighed the necessity of this message. This man is a Baptist and believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Perhaps, for the sake of time, we could skip this one. Somehow (Providence) I decided to show it to him. Of course, the story discusses the (not so) 'wise' men of Babylon who were unable to ask the 'gods' to tell them the king of Babylon's dream. During the presentation, we discussed that those 'sorcerers', as Godhead called them, were not really able to tell the future. After one hour and forty five minutes of watching and pausing for note taking, the study ended. Then Godhead said, "I would like to take a few minutes to tell you who I am." Note: he has always seemed like a fine man, but after this comment, he had my full attention. This smiling young man said that he had grown up in another subdivision of northwest Cameroon in a small town, the son of "polygamist", the son of his father's first wife (of 3). "My father is a traditional healer.. (medicine man) People come to him to tell them the future. My father is a sorcerer. He lives in Douala now. When I come to visit him, he will try to pressure me into joining him in the rituals of inquiring into the future. Now, I will have to decline his request to join him in this." (This message of Daniel 2 was absolutely vital and applicable to this man today! Can God work or what!!!) As Godhead left, I was still reeling by the significance of telling the whole story, by the power of God to 'tell the future' and work RIGHT NOW.
By the way, don't you love the names of my friends? Godhead, Divine, Blessing, Mercy, Godlove, Godfree, Naphtali, John, and Isa (Jesus in Aribic).
Woodwork continued. There are 32 window shutters to make, 4 large teacher's desks, each with 3 shelves below, fully enclosed below with locking doors.
I'll spare you further details, but we calculated the quantity of lumber and its dimensions. We did a rough calculation of cost. All this week was a sawyer with a large chainsaw has been working on this order.
Money: I sure hope that it is appropriate to tell you how much you have donated to this project since we began it; if it is not, I'm sure to learn why later and never do it again. You have donated roughly $1,100! This is a big deal. This will purchase all the lumber required to completely outfit grades 2 through 6 with desks, window shutters and teacher's tables (about $900). The remaining funds will help with the labor to plane this hand sawn lumber, and construct the items.
Just a note regarding small gifts: If you gave $2, it would still be enough to buy the six screws that will fasten a desk seat, occupied by two wiggly second graders, together so that they do not crash to the ground. It all matters.
Our goal of being ready to provide classes 1 through 6 next year appears on schedule as far as facilities are concerned. Guess what we need next?
Teachers. Four of them. We'll be ready by God's ability. We are going forward as if the teachers were already arranged. What else can we do? We are in Good hands!
I'm locating temporary rental housing for next year's teachers now. I'll just tell you that they are in good neighborhoods; far from train tracks.
If you are, or know an adventurous and rugged individual looking for a place to work with God, and be stressed and blessed more than you can imagine (no kidding), get in touch with our daughter Julie (juliebirdie@gmail.com) and fill out an application with GMI (Gospel Ministries International).
Thanks for your prayers and SMS notes,
Steve & Carol
Lassin, Cameroon
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Note from Carol:
ATTENTION! Teachers needed urgently for the 2010-2011 school year! This is the adventure of a lifetime! This year we have 20 eager young students who love to hear about Jesus and other Bible characters and who love to learn new Bible songs. We would love to enlarge the school next year with grades 2 and 3 (maybe through 6th), but it will be impossible without volunteers helping. No teaching experience necessary, but a love for Christ, love for children, and a flexible, positive personality is a must! (there will be a local teacher’s assistant for each classroom) Email our daughter Julie at Juliebirdie@gmail.com. She will get us in touch.
ATTENTION! Teachers needed urgently for the 2010-2011 school year! This is the adventure of a lifetime! This year we have 20 eager young students who love to hear about Jesus and other Bible characters and who love to learn new Bible songs. We would love to enlarge the school next year with grades 2 and 3 (maybe through 6th), but it will be impossible without volunteers helping. No teaching experience necessary, but a love for Christ, love for children, and a flexible, positive personality is a must! (there will be a local teacher’s assistant for each classroom) Email our daughter Julie at Juliebirdie@gmail.com. She will get us in touch.
Dear friends!
We have had a bit of excitement lately. On January 6, Carol came home from school and announced that the roof over the construction area (classrooms 3 and 4) had shifted to the East. Naphtali had noticed and told her that it needed to be braced. He and I drove to the school to brace it. It had in fact shifted about 2 inches. The pressure from the stable portion of the roof and the hand of God were all that kept the school safe. Let me paint a mental picture: 60 x 40 feet of sheet metal roof was supported by only one wall while the other 3 walls had been ‘scattered’ and were in process of being rebuild. The remaining wall was supported by portions of two internal walls, but these were not up to the task. Oh yes, the rafters were supported vertically by strong eucalyptus poles, but the lateral support was ‘a bit shy’. A photo will come some time.
The progress on the school is exciting. We should be able to provide the entire primary school education (class 1 – 6) – provided we have teachers. Know any?
Next bit of excitement… Our church family would like to build a church on a piece of land of its own. We’re renting and this is mostly good, but land for a church could also provide other benefits such as a nice location for gardening and teacher housing- close to town and closer to the school. This is not really an expensive proposition as the Fon of Lassin has promised to give us land. Labor for bricks and other things is reasonable, roofing is ‘expensive’, but all-in-all a church is the next logical step after the school is completed. Housing is last, as for now our rental house is fine- we have a shower with a concrete floor and a drain piped to the septic tank! We have one more bedroom that will provide two lucky people a place to stow their stuff some day. Bedroom number two is occupied by Nadia, from Australia, an ‘Arise’ graduate, and energetic bible worker. We are happy to have her with us in the home and in the community.
I would love to discuss finances in concrete terms, but it is enough to say that God has provided well.
Last note, I said that your gifts were not tax deductible. Well, if you hand them to my dad, they are not. If you give them to Gospel Ministries International, then they are. My dad has been a big help with facilitating transfer of funds! Enough talk of money. Continue to keep us in your prayers. We do the same for you!
I must tell ‘one more story’. We received two boxes containing 12 new church hymnals! Thanks WR & PR! You should have seen the faces and heard the squeals of delight from our church members. How nice it is for each person to have one. Last night, Wednesday, we had mid week meeting. Naphtali and Franklin each had a hymnal. Flashlight in hand, they read and sang the hymns that they chose. The two kerosene lamps lit the room enough to see the 20 or so children, but the hand ‘torches’ were required for reading. Don’t get any ideas about lighting, we’re happy.
Love from Lassin,
Steve & Carol
We have had a bit of excitement lately. On January 6, Carol came home from school and announced that the roof over the construction area (classrooms 3 and 4) had shifted to the East. Naphtali had noticed and told her that it needed to be braced. He and I drove to the school to brace it. It had in fact shifted about 2 inches. The pressure from the stable portion of the roof and the hand of God were all that kept the school safe. Let me paint a mental picture: 60 x 40 feet of sheet metal roof was supported by only one wall while the other 3 walls had been ‘scattered’ and were in process of being rebuild. The remaining wall was supported by portions of two internal walls, but these were not up to the task. Oh yes, the rafters were supported vertically by strong eucalyptus poles, but the lateral support was ‘a bit shy’. A photo will come some time.
The progress on the school is exciting. We should be able to provide the entire primary school education (class 1 – 6) – provided we have teachers. Know any?
Next bit of excitement… Our church family would like to build a church on a piece of land of its own. We’re renting and this is mostly good, but land for a church could also provide other benefits such as a nice location for gardening and teacher housing- close to town and closer to the school. This is not really an expensive proposition as the Fon of Lassin has promised to give us land. Labor for bricks and other things is reasonable, roofing is ‘expensive’, but all-in-all a church is the next logical step after the school is completed. Housing is last, as for now our rental house is fine- we have a shower with a concrete floor and a drain piped to the septic tank! We have one more bedroom that will provide two lucky people a place to stow their stuff some day. Bedroom number two is occupied by Nadia, from Australia, an ‘Arise’ graduate, and energetic bible worker. We are happy to have her with us in the home and in the community.
I would love to discuss finances in concrete terms, but it is enough to say that God has provided well.
Last note, I said that your gifts were not tax deductible. Well, if you hand them to my dad, they are not. If you give them to Gospel Ministries International, then they are. My dad has been a big help with facilitating transfer of funds! Enough talk of money. Continue to keep us in your prayers. We do the same for you!
I must tell ‘one more story’. We received two boxes containing 12 new church hymnals! Thanks WR & PR! You should have seen the faces and heard the squeals of delight from our church members. How nice it is for each person to have one. Last night, Wednesday, we had mid week meeting. Naphtali and Franklin each had a hymnal. Flashlight in hand, they read and sang the hymns that they chose. The two kerosene lamps lit the room enough to see the 20 or so children, but the hand ‘torches’ were required for reading. Don’t get any ideas about lighting, we’re happy.
Love from Lassin,
Steve & Carol
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Dear friends and family,
The 2009 year is about wrapped up, but the whole old year / new year thing seems nearly inconsequential. What does seem important is that, after a 6 day massive road trip from Lassin to Yaounde and back, we are now residents (not citizens) of Cameroon for 2 years! Wow, how wonderful; no more wondering if our visa will be approved. This means that we can continue to teach ‘our’ children through the end of the school year, we can continue bible studies with our friends, and we can keep eating our fill of bananas and coco yams!
Note: (for readers that want the whole story) On Thursday evening 12/17/09, I phoned Charles, In Douala, to find out what had to be done to secure our visa before the 60 day extension grace period ran out on 12/27/09. We appreciate the much required help of Elder Richard Gates (David’s father) for vital GMI documents, the kind lady at the GMI office who typed them and e-mailed them to Charles. But even with this help we were going to have to leave THE NEXT MORNING on the long trip to the capital of Cameroon; originally, we thought we would only go as far as Bamenda- one dusty, bumpy, long day’s drive (158 km, 98 miles). Friday, drove to Bamenda, stayed with the Ichu family (see photos of Charles folks) home until Sunday morning. We took the bus to Douala Sunday. Charles picked us up, took us home and fed us some of the world’s best pineapple along with his wife’s great cooking. We met Nadia; what a treat! Monday at 4 AM, we took a taxi, then a bus to Yaounde, then a taxi to the office of immigration. You have no idea of how God led here. We were taken by Charles into a room with an officer that was very busy. We waited while a young man named Stephen came to take us through many strong doors and gates to a photo and finger printing office. While he created our temporary residence permit cards we waited outside the office. It was only then that we were shown a covered waiting area that had benches for about 60 people. How was it that we were literally taken around the line? Any guesses? After details were arranged we retraced our steps from Yaounde to Doualla arriving at 11 PM. Tuesday Charles drove us to Bamenda (all day outing). Wednesday we shopped a little for parts to make an attic heated, 80 liter (20 gallon) water supply for showering and then drove our little red Corolla home to Lassin by 9 PM. Nadia was such a good sport. She sat in back with all her things. Some boxes would try to fall into her lap, but only when the car would hit a bump during left hand turns; countless times.
Home: we’re settling in again. Nadia brought some wonderful things for us; things that had to be hand carried. Someone may wish to help me with this one; send the answer via SMS to our Iridium phone (Iridium.com, our phone number is 8816 316 72129. Again, this is free to you and free to us, BUT do not call us on this number- you’ll pay too much so we do not ever answer). I would love to know the frequencies for the following radio stations: ‘Voice of America’ in West Africa, BBC, and Adventist World Radio (Again, all stations within reception in Cameroon) Thanks!
All windows have mosquito net on them now. Bathroom plumbing is coming really slowly especially with the interruption of the Yaounde trip. I bent 45 degree turns into two of the sections using our Coleman stove to heat the plastic. The radius is really gradual, but it worked. I also flared the ends of the pipe so that one could slip into another; no slip-slip or 45 degree PVC fittings available. But now they sit waiting for more ‘spare’ time.
Some day we’ll do the shower job, but for now, the hot water from the bucket routine works just fine.
School: brick work is progressing very well to prepare classroom two for service next year. Gregory is the chief ‘technician’ on the job. The new walls are plumb and straight! They look beautiful and I feel very good about the structural integrity. Next plans are to continue total reconstructive brick work of this type throughout the remainder of the school until complete. Then we’ll address tasks like concrete ‘plaster’ of walls and floors. I need to take time to locate wood for desks and window shutters. Oh yes, I need a carpenter basically full time. Hey, don’t panic. Look what God has done so far. It’ll work out.
Church: the bible study list is growing steadily. Carol and Nadia began a new study with the mother of one of our members. I need to contact Moses, the tailor, to set a day and time for his studies. Story time: after the call to Charles on ‘that Thursday night’, I felt pushed way out of my comfort zone. I really feared traveling on lonely mountain roads in a small car during the Christmas season; bandits. I struggled to trust God for safety. My mind still reeling from the realization of this trip, I began the ¾ mile walk home from the spot where the cell phone gets reception. 100 feet down the path a large flashlight was shone in my face, “Is that you?” How do you answer this? It was Moses. He was walking home from town very late. He was happy to see me and immediately asked, “When you come back from your trip, can you have Bible studies in my home?” Immediately, I was reminded exactly why we are here and why I could be so sure that God would be with us. I believe that this really is the difference between faith and presumption.
Want another story? (if not, skip this paragraph) I met with my friend Musa Abduli (deputy Emom of our local mosque) for a brief study of the Quran and the Bible. At the end of the study he began talking about our dear friend ‘Shey’ John. I was informed that this title means that John is required to come to the palace whenever needed and that he is involved in assigning the ‘Juju’ men tasks. Have I told you about Juju men? Google this. These guys are the strong arm of local ‘traditional’ spiritualism, ancestral worship / communication with dead ancestors, ‘death celebration’ (funeral) stuff. These are the guys that I hesitate to photograph from a great distance because I wonder if I should have even this much interaction with them. Here’s the rub, the big deal… my dear friend John is involved in the coordination of this group! My heart was sick when Abduli told me. By the way, John and I have bible studies on Wednesday or Thursday mornings between 9 and 10 AM. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Please join me in prayer for this delightful man; not once in a while, but regularly. Don’t fear the lesser / loosing power, but don’t leave home without securing yourself to the Strongest power! So, about Abduli? We ended our visit together in earnest prayer for John and each other. What an adventure!!! Want to visit?
Enjoy the photos!
We love getting your SMS messages! Keep keeping us in your prayers. God is very real and we’re really enjoying working and living here.
Thank you for your donations! Keep in mind, you get no tax benefit from this, but believe me, there are other benefits! We do not use this for food or feathering our nest; we have funds for this. We’re spending money as fast as we can to get the school ready for next year. We are careful to use funds wisely; striking the stewardship balance as well possible. Believe me, having Bible studies and seeing work go forward at the school is more exciting and fulfilling than I ever imagined possible. Carol’s work with the children is such an effective ‘bridge’ to peoples homes! She is still learning to appreciate this, but her work is indispensible (so is she!!!)
We’re praying for you too. Our daughter Julie tells me that there are some new movies sweeping America- not the kind of stuff that we want in our minds. Please avoid this stuff! Leave them for the ‘dung beetle’ (see photo).
Faithfully shaving once or twice a week now,
Your friend, Steve
The 2009 year is about wrapped up, but the whole old year / new year thing seems nearly inconsequential. What does seem important is that, after a 6 day massive road trip from Lassin to Yaounde and back, we are now residents (not citizens) of Cameroon for 2 years! Wow, how wonderful; no more wondering if our visa will be approved. This means that we can continue to teach ‘our’ children through the end of the school year, we can continue bible studies with our friends, and we can keep eating our fill of bananas and coco yams!
Note: (for readers that want the whole story) On Thursday evening 12/17/09, I phoned Charles, In Douala, to find out what had to be done to secure our visa before the 60 day extension grace period ran out on 12/27/09. We appreciate the much required help of Elder Richard Gates (David’s father) for vital GMI documents, the kind lady at the GMI office who typed them and e-mailed them to Charles. But even with this help we were going to have to leave THE NEXT MORNING on the long trip to the capital of Cameroon; originally, we thought we would only go as far as Bamenda- one dusty, bumpy, long day’s drive (158 km, 98 miles). Friday, drove to Bamenda, stayed with the Ichu family (see photos of Charles folks) home until Sunday morning. We took the bus to Douala Sunday. Charles picked us up, took us home and fed us some of the world’s best pineapple along with his wife’s great cooking. We met Nadia; what a treat! Monday at 4 AM, we took a taxi, then a bus to Yaounde, then a taxi to the office of immigration. You have no idea of how God led here. We were taken by Charles into a room with an officer that was very busy. We waited while a young man named Stephen came to take us through many strong doors and gates to a photo and finger printing office. While he created our temporary residence permit cards we waited outside the office. It was only then that we were shown a covered waiting area that had benches for about 60 people. How was it that we were literally taken around the line? Any guesses? After details were arranged we retraced our steps from Yaounde to Doualla arriving at 11 PM. Tuesday Charles drove us to Bamenda (all day outing). Wednesday we shopped a little for parts to make an attic heated, 80 liter (20 gallon) water supply for showering and then drove our little red Corolla home to Lassin by 9 PM. Nadia was such a good sport. She sat in back with all her things. Some boxes would try to fall into her lap, but only when the car would hit a bump during left hand turns; countless times.
Home: we’re settling in again. Nadia brought some wonderful things for us; things that had to be hand carried. Someone may wish to help me with this one; send the answer via SMS to our Iridium phone (Iridium.com, our phone number is 8816 316 72129. Again, this is free to you and free to us, BUT do not call us on this number- you’ll pay too much so we do not ever answer). I would love to know the frequencies for the following radio stations: ‘Voice of America’ in West Africa, BBC, and Adventist World Radio (Again, all stations within reception in Cameroon) Thanks!
All windows have mosquito net on them now. Bathroom plumbing is coming really slowly especially with the interruption of the Yaounde trip. I bent 45 degree turns into two of the sections using our Coleman stove to heat the plastic. The radius is really gradual, but it worked. I also flared the ends of the pipe so that one could slip into another; no slip-slip or 45 degree PVC fittings available. But now they sit waiting for more ‘spare’ time.
Some day we’ll do the shower job, but for now, the hot water from the bucket routine works just fine.
School: brick work is progressing very well to prepare classroom two for service next year. Gregory is the chief ‘technician’ on the job. The new walls are plumb and straight! They look beautiful and I feel very good about the structural integrity. Next plans are to continue total reconstructive brick work of this type throughout the remainder of the school until complete. Then we’ll address tasks like concrete ‘plaster’ of walls and floors. I need to take time to locate wood for desks and window shutters. Oh yes, I need a carpenter basically full time. Hey, don’t panic. Look what God has done so far. It’ll work out.
Church: the bible study list is growing steadily. Carol and Nadia began a new study with the mother of one of our members. I need to contact Moses, the tailor, to set a day and time for his studies. Story time: after the call to Charles on ‘that Thursday night’, I felt pushed way out of my comfort zone. I really feared traveling on lonely mountain roads in a small car during the Christmas season; bandits. I struggled to trust God for safety. My mind still reeling from the realization of this trip, I began the ¾ mile walk home from the spot where the cell phone gets reception. 100 feet down the path a large flashlight was shone in my face, “Is that you?” How do you answer this? It was Moses. He was walking home from town very late. He was happy to see me and immediately asked, “When you come back from your trip, can you have Bible studies in my home?” Immediately, I was reminded exactly why we are here and why I could be so sure that God would be with us. I believe that this really is the difference between faith and presumption.
Want another story? (if not, skip this paragraph) I met with my friend Musa Abduli (deputy Emom of our local mosque) for a brief study of the Quran and the Bible. At the end of the study he began talking about our dear friend ‘Shey’ John. I was informed that this title means that John is required to come to the palace whenever needed and that he is involved in assigning the ‘Juju’ men tasks. Have I told you about Juju men? Google this. These guys are the strong arm of local ‘traditional’ spiritualism, ancestral worship / communication with dead ancestors, ‘death celebration’ (funeral) stuff. These are the guys that I hesitate to photograph from a great distance because I wonder if I should have even this much interaction with them. Here’s the rub, the big deal… my dear friend John is involved in the coordination of this group! My heart was sick when Abduli told me. By the way, John and I have bible studies on Wednesday or Thursday mornings between 9 and 10 AM. We wrestle not against flesh and blood. Please join me in prayer for this delightful man; not once in a while, but regularly. Don’t fear the lesser / loosing power, but don’t leave home without securing yourself to the Strongest power! So, about Abduli? We ended our visit together in earnest prayer for John and each other. What an adventure!!! Want to visit?
Enjoy the photos!
We love getting your SMS messages! Keep keeping us in your prayers. God is very real and we’re really enjoying working and living here.
Thank you for your donations! Keep in mind, you get no tax benefit from this, but believe me, there are other benefits! We do not use this for food or feathering our nest; we have funds for this. We’re spending money as fast as we can to get the school ready for next year. We are careful to use funds wisely; striking the stewardship balance as well possible. Believe me, having Bible studies and seeing work go forward at the school is more exciting and fulfilling than I ever imagined possible. Carol’s work with the children is such an effective ‘bridge’ to peoples homes! She is still learning to appreciate this, but her work is indispensible (so is she!!!)
We’re praying for you too. Our daughter Julie tells me that there are some new movies sweeping America- not the kind of stuff that we want in our minds. Please avoid this stuff! Leave them for the ‘dung beetle’ (see photo).
Faithfully shaving once or twice a week now,
Your friend, Steve
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