Things are going great here.  The people that we are serving are so grateful for what we are doing.  You would be so proud of our team.  They are stepping up to the line in every area.  The preschoolers are receiving wonderful care.  The children’s program is first class and the teenagers are having a great time.  They continue to talk about how much they are thankful for the leadership of our worship team.  So many of our people are doing double duty and they have not one word of complaint.  They continually seek opportunities to share their faith.  I am overwhelmed by a couple of things.  First of all is the commitment of these people to do whatever they have to do to get the message out.  They are making some tremendous sacrifices to see the gospel go forth.  I had breakfast with one couple this morning that returned to the field leaving their son to finish his senior year in the states.  The parents tell me that he is doing well and that they believe that is because they have been faithful to their call.  It is hard for me to connect with that type of commitment.

I am also amazed at the challenges that they face in this part of the world.  The spiritual warfare is beyond belief.  Even now, believers are being threatened in this part of the world.  We have some national partners that live in the midst of danger.  I just prayed with a couple of guys that are concerned for fellow believers that are facing persecution and it could happen today!  This is not new.  We pay very little attention to it, but there is more persecution of Christians going on now than at any time in history.  Our media does not report much of it and oftentimes we do not take note of it.

The fact that so many people are praying for them by name is so very meaningful to them.  Your prayers are not in vain.  Please do not take this opportunity for granted.  They covet and need your prayers.  This is a way for those of you at home to make a significant difference in the lives of some great servants of the Lord.

I remind them everyday of how this is a project of our entire church.  I tell them that there are many that are paying a price so that our team could be here.  This is pure ministry and we are able to invest in the work with about 1.4 billion people.  I am not sure how it will work but this is going to be of great benefit for our entire church family.

I heard great things about the service yesterday.  I knew it would be that way.  I do miss being there and while I enjoy being with these people, I am already looking forward to being at home on Sunday for our joint service at 10:30.  I will try to keep you posted on Twitter.  If you would like to follow along, go to our website.

Being away only makes me more greatful for a great church family.  You are very special!