Happy Fourth of July!

We pause for a moment today to give thanks to God for the blessings and opportunties that the has bestowed on us as citizens of the U.S.A. We praise God for a country where we can be free to worship Him and tell others about what He has done in our lives and those of so many others. However, we remember the words of Luke 12:48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." We recognize that our blessing is coupled with a responsibility, one to go "into all the world" with the Good News.

While we follow the path of preparation to "go and make disciples of all nations", we thank God that he provided us a place where we could learn about him without fear of persecution. This fact heightens our awareness all the more that people around the world are suffering for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please keep them in your prayers as you celebrate your freedom today.

Now that General Assembly is over, we begin the process of scheduling deputation services with churches around the country. We will be traveling to churches that will have us throughout the fall, sharing our testimony and telling about the Africa Region and the many needs that are represented there. We hope to be able to raise the prayer and other support necessary for us to go and be successful, and trust God, knowing that he will provide.

As part of this process, we have taken our first full family picture since Jake came into our lives. We thought we'd share it here as well. I think this is our "official" missionary picture, so feel free to make posters, coffee mugs, buttons, etc. from it. :)

Well, lots to do today, a ten-page paper to finish up before enjoying a baseball game and fireworks. Please continue to remember us in your prayers and we will be praying for you all as well.

Happy 4th of July!