...before we launch into our deputation schedule and request for prayer

We've been in Minnesota for a week and we're adjusting to wintery weather, a new time zone and for now a slower pace of life and ministry. Our past several weeks in Manila were very hectic and demanding with very little time and energy left over for bible study, reflection and prayer which left us drained physically, emotionally and spiritually. This past week we've accomplished many domestic projects and helped Micah Ann handle several items before she deploys this summer but we've also spent large amounts of time reading our bibles and good books as well as praying. We're regaining our energy before we go to Portland, Seattle and LA next week to visit family, supporters, assist with orientation for new ACTION missionaries at our office and speak in churches. Pray that the Lord will be glorified, needed personal support and ministry funds raised as well as workers thrust out from their churches to join us in ministry to street kids and their families, church leadership development and administration especially a business manager.

Mary Ann and I got home yesterday late afternoon after our team's field conference which was a huge blessing for all participants. We had fun, lots of time in the Word and several guests. We have a good team which is learning to serve and encourage one another and we're proud of them.

Today we pack, have four International Council members over for lunch, run a few errands and prepare overall for our early morning flight tomorrow for Minneapolis. Pray for us because we're tired but it's a tiredness with the deep sense of God's blessing upon the ACTION Philippines team. It's tough to leave them but God has another assignment for us in the States until early August.

Mary Ann told me Monday that at one point in her day she had a phone call from the USA in one ear and another from Brazil in other at the same time. Earlier in the day I had a call from the USA in one ear with my cell phone ringing at the same time while Mary Ann was on another call to our office. All this happened before our local office hours. What are office hours anyway?! :-) That's the way life has been in recent weeks. This day started at 2:30am when we learned that one of our arrivals was missing (later we found him). On Wednesday we thought we lost another guy but learned later that he sent us the wrong flight information.

We're handling the local logistics for next week's International Council meeting, our field's conference the following week, getting ready for our home assignment as well as handling our daily ministry responsibilities all at the same time so life is hectic. We both have 3 sets of suitcases or piles of what will need to go to each destination. Hope we can keep it straight. *But* God's grace is absolutely sufficient. Keep praying for us. Prayer and God's Word is our daily sustenance. Phil 4:4-8