Whatever, Whenever

A young Pal friend is excited to see her face in the LCD of the camera. We continue to take pictures of individual Pal families as we head toward the evangelistic lessons this August. We’d love it if you’d take time to pray for the people who will be hearing the truth for the first time in their heart language.

Due Diligence.

As a homeschooling family, it seems that the lines of parent and teacher are often blurred in the things we hear from our kids.

“Mom, do I have to write five paragraphs, I already did the dishes and I’ve got the hard chores this week…”

Working through the double dose of whining (when it comes) isn’t really all that bad though. We are excited to see our kids learning and growing in their abilities and delighting in that. (Elias is ready to become a historian… d’ya think that is a gold star award for his history teacher or what?)

Diligence and progress are not just happening inside our houses.  Mavek, a student from the first Pal literacy class has distinguished himself by sticking to that which for him has not come easy. He has been writing at home, bringing things to us to check them, practicing reading and spending time with others who will help him sharpen his skills. He shows up to school, sits in the back and works hard to grasp what he had not understood from the first time through the course.

And the thing of it is, he has improved beyond some of the fellas who we initially picked to help out at the school.  When I look at Mavek and his hard work, I am encouraged and reminded that God will raise up for Himself a people who will glorify His name.

26 Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 1 Cor 1:26-28 NLT

Noah and I (Nate) hiked to the top of the local mountain to see the sunrise one morning last week.

How you can pray.

There are really so many things that can be prayed for here. Ultimately, godliness with contentment for our whole family would be our biggest request. That nothing but Himself would satisfy us all.

On a very specific level -

• That our teaching preparations would go well and smoothly. There are lots of things that still need to be done to make sure that we can get the message out to our friends.
• That supply lines would solidify for us – currently there is a dispute over our use of a shuttle point for the helicopter – which nearly doubles our transport costs.
• For wisdom in how much medical work to take on here.
• For team unity as our partners the Fachners are just returning from home assignment.
• For a wise plan as we look to move forward in the work.
• For energy to meet each day.

Thanks for your faithful prayers on behalf of the Pal people.

Helicopter days are also cleaning days – this photo was taken from directly underneath our house. “Elizabeth, did you make me chocolate milk or is it a chopper day?”