Mission Safari: The Next Chapter(s)

My Medical Assistant, Ben

Ben wanted to join me again in Kibera today.  As I was doing some "well child" visits there, I had him come along.  As you can see, he worked hard assisting me.  He weighed and measured all of my patients today. 

It is amazing to see the "transformation" that takes place when he enters Kibera.  Instead of a little 9 year old 3rd grader, he seems to "grow up" right before my eyes.  And when he gets there to the church, he is all about looking for ways to help out.  It blows me away the work that God is doing is his life.

It is also fun to see how the kids there really take to him.  You can hear "Ben! " over and over as they try to get his attention.  The kids love to come up and "hang out" with him. 

Pray for Ben as he "joins in" the work.  He has such a big heart for these kids.  Pray that he will be protected from the spiritual warfare that will come from his involvement.  And help us to have wisdom in what and when he should participate in here in Nairobi. 

Hutchison Headlines

As I have several things running through my mind AND as I have limited time to "develop" some pithy way to share them, I am going to take the easy way out and "list" them. Please excuse my laziness..

1. We are going to Kibera today. We are going to do some well-child checks on the children enrolled in the Kibera Reformed Presbyterian Church feeding program and nursery school. My guest, Zae, who is a first year resident in the US, is going to assist me. Ben is also going back today.

2. I started running again this week. I have not been able to get into a good routine during our transition. I am hoping to get back into this important routine. My legs are sore, but I am not short of breath so I guess I am adjusting to the altitude of Nairobi.

3. I had a "breakthrough" in language learning yesterday. I have hired a language helper and he and I hit it off right away. I was able to learn a lot in just "a few whiles". "A few whiles" is the way Sam describes a short amount of time.

4. Sarah is learning Polish Folk Dancing. It is part of the Royal Dance Academy curriculum that her dance school uses. Who would have thought she would be learning Polish Folk Dancing on the continent of Africa?!

5. I worked in the theater (operating room) at St. Mary's the other day. I ended up with my "own" room and did 7 C-sections.

6. My in-laws are moving to Nairobi in April. We look forward to their arrival. We were able to find them a rental house not to far from our house. It will be a blessing to live and work with them.

Well, these are the Hutchison Headlines for today. For more details tune in later..

Budding World Explorers

One of the upsides to being a missionary kid is the opportunities to travel abroad. One of the upsides to homeschooling is the opportunity to study different countries more in-depth than one usually could in a regular class room. Combining these two makes for budding world explorers.

Last year the children were able to travel to London, Amsterdam, Belgium, and Kenya. This year, we have a MTW conference that we are required to attend. It is being held in near Athens, Greece (not Athens, Georgia!). On our way home we travel through the United Arab Emirates. We will take advantage of this and tour around this Arab country (actually just the city that we fly through, Dubai).

These upcoming trips have really inspired the kids in their recent studies. They started a new unit on Asia and the Pacific. They have already done two reports on two different countries. Both were very "travel" oriented complete with drawings of hotels and brochures for these hotels and resorts. Their desitinations were a small Pacific Island and Australia. It is really neat to see them enjoying and exploring these different places, cultures, and lands through both actual visits and with their minds.

The Reality of the Unseen

When I wrote about the "funk" I am in the other day, I received some emails of concern and some emails of encouragement. Both types were really people letting me know that they were praying for me. I needed it.

I have thought a bit more about the "funk". I have realized that there is more to it than just the "disappointments" and "discouragements". Some of it is my own pride which is just another way of saying "sin". I want certain things to happen. Some of them are well intentioned, but they are there because I want "credit". That is sin. And I confess this. And I pray that God will help me to submit to His will.

But there is another aspect of this "funk". And that is the reality that there are two coexisting worlds that we live in - the world that we see and the world that we can not see. And it is this unseen world that we underestimate. We are so focused on the world that we can see, smell, touch, hear, and taste, that it hardly ever occurs to us that there is another realm that we can not sense with our sensory organs. But just because we can not see it does not mean that it is not real. And that is foolishness.

The Bible speaks very clearly about the reality of the spiritual realm. It is real. It is full of angels and demons. It is a real war between God and His enemy, Satan. And it impacts our physical lives.

But having said that, we must be very cautious not to go to the extreme of explaining everything in spiritual terms. It is important to realize that both realms are equally coexisting and that events in either impact the other. We MUST keep this both in mind and in balance. We can not fight a spiritual warfare without doing something concrete in the physical realm (ie, we can not ONLY pray for injustice but we must do something about it).

So, as I process this "funk" I am more aware of the reality of the unseen. And that helps me to know what to do about it.

Update from Sri Lanka

I received an email yesterday with an update from Sri Lanka.  Our MTW International Director for Asia met with the local church that we worked with in Sri Lanka.  Here is a quote from his report.

A wonderful part of that meeting was the expression by several of the tremendous service that our disaster/medical teams have been both to the people in the disaster area and to the personnel of the Chapel.  Administrator Edmund was profuse and emotional in his praise.  Tears were in his eyes as he told of how the PCA people had served the local people unswervingly, uncomplainingly and sacrificially.  Several mentioned that the Chapel people had learned much from the medical folks.  One thing that they learned was the great value of deep caring, one-on-one relationship to people, and giving ourselves to humbly serve others.

As part of his report, he included this (somewhat long, but nonetheless humbling and powerful) report from one of the Sri Lankan doctors that we worked with who was part of the church.

Reported by: - Dr.Dilani.Jeyakumaren                              

Present Situation and their Experience

On the 26^th December they all underwent the tragedy of Tsunami tidal Wave explosion and lost their properties. Some of them lost their beloved one too. It had a big effect among the people. Even after a month has passed but still the people couldn’t over come their loss and fear… Still they are in a state of psychotic distress and unable to see the future. Their thinking is “No More Future for us.”

Character of Medical team

The refugees, the government officials and the armed military force were all surprised that the foreign team was going to camp in the center of the refugee camp (at that time full of human excretion and snake infested: in Sinhala it is called the Cobra Junction): we were able to tell tem that this is the picture of what God did for us to save us: God became man and dwelt amongst us. All the members of the medical team had a strong desire to tell about Christ to others through their works. They start their works with the help of the spirit of Jesus Christ. All the medical personal helped people to know about Jesus Christ. The workers in the Emergency unit pray for their patients with their families which is strengthen them in Christ. The word of God was directly preached to the people in the counseling session.

The unity of the team encouraged the local team workers to do their part in this mission. The local team was very helpful in translations and guiding the people in to God’s word. They also devoted them selves in the same vision. This Vision of Christ helped any people to turn to Christ.

Fundamental to the Christian view of handling trauma in not only right techniques (e.g. Accept, express, plan and act) but coming to know God as supreme and sovereign and gracious in Christ Jesus. It is knowing a person which ultimately heals and gives Christian hope. Hence part of every Christian ministry of mercy is to point to the foundation of goodness

Victim and response

Through this work of God many want to turn to Gods word, And many children are interested in learning about Jesus Christ our Savior. The counseling team regularly put their efforts to witness Christ to the men and women in the camp. The local team members held a bible study for the young adult every day. And many were interested and willingly came to the bible study. Ant witness that they never heard of a savior who died for their sins and living forever. With them. Parallely there was a children program of VBS held in the evenings. There were around 70 to 90 children attend the VBS. And they were much excited about knowing Jesus Christ and the songs of hope.

Personal Observation

This medical team was really different from other aid teams. Because they has Christ as central of their works. And the Lord Jesus Christ has started this mission and he worked through us in each step. He opened many doors for us to tell about him to people. It’s awesome. When I see the turning of many hearts to Christ and power of the Word of god it’s Wonderful.

The team had showed the people the love of Christ through their works, taking care of others and living among themselves.

Possible future actions

This camp was an example which helped many eyes to look up on Jesus. And to continue this kind of team in the place is appropriate where we can establish a church and that will be a real stand for Jesus Christ. In the midst of many broken heart and no hope minds the word of God make them a new creations in Christ and heal their wounds. He may use us as his instruments to build his church. We have to pray in our prayer to show us the proper vision and proper person to do full time ministry with a same vision and take care of other works. One day we may establish an orphanage that place, for children who seek to know the kingdom of God, and helping them to growing in Christ work. And may help the people who have poor literary rate, by establish a vocational training Center, so they may meet their physical need too.

Since there are no medical facilities in that region, we may need to continue these medical teams to support their medical health for another 3 to 4 month period until the people of the camp get settle down.

I am humbled by this incredible report.  To God be the Glory!

An African Experience

Sunday night, a first year Internal Medicine resident from New York City arrived in Nairobi. He called MTW, our mission agency, three weeks ago and explained that he had two weeks of vacation coming up in the middle of February and wondered if they had any medical folks in Africa. Since I am one of the few, I received an email and then a call about his interest. As I have a leaning towards medical students and residents I consented to have him come and visit WITH the clear understanding that he was at the mercy of our schedule. He agreed and arrived Sunday.

Monday I had to drive 5 hours up-country to participate in another ALSO course (see previous post) at the Moi University in Eldoret. I made arrangements to rent a car and drove up yesterday. Our guest, who was born in South Korea but immigrated to the US when he was 12, has only known New York City. I had a feeling that bringing him on this trip would help insure that he would have an African Experience. I was right. He was excited.

As we drove out of Nairobi, his first observation was all of the "dukas" or shops. These are just little tin-roofed shacks that serve as a major source of retail in Kenya. He was then introduced to the road system here. Although we had a nice map of Kenya, the roads are not usually marked as to the exact name of the streets and roads. This makes navigation a challenge. He also got to experience the bone jarring effects of pot-holes throughout the journey. And he witnessed the incredible audacity and insanity of the matatus.

Further along the roadtrip he spotted numerous herds of goats, cows, and sheep. We even had to stop for a sheep crossing. He was amused by the road signs. We did not see any caution signs for a pediatrian crossing or a school zone, but we saw several warning signs with cows on them.

Some of the areas we drove through were incredibly breathtaking. The Great Rift Valley is always amazing. Also along the way we enjoyed seeing roadside zebra, gazelle, and baboons. Our guest was in awe of the rugged beauty of this country.

Around lunchtime we stopped for lunch at a roadside café. We enjoyed a meal of grilled chicken breast, chapatis, sukuma wiki (greens), cabbage slaw, and soda. We both ate this meal (plus tip) for $6.50.

To complete the trip and the African Adventure, my rental car broke down 50 km away from our destination. After trying to figure out the problem, we realized that it most likely was the fuel pump or filter. As it was now approaching dark, we were able to wave down a couple on their way to the same town. They had a Toyota Land Cruiser and a rope. They towed us the rest of the way into town. As if this weren't enough excitement, the rope snapped twice and we blocked traffic twice (the last occuring 100 meters away from the entrance of our guesthouse!) We finally arrived hot, sweaty, and dirty.

I think my guest enjoyed his first day. He met me for breakfast and did not ask when we were going back to Nairobi. However, I haven't seen him for the past 4 hours…..

A Love Letter to My Wife

As tomorrow (or today since I am up past midnight) is Valentine's Day, I wanted to do something special for my wife. I leave tomorrow/today for some meetings up-country and will be gone until Thursday; not necessarily the best way to start Valentine's Day. So, I decided to post a love letter to her, and I promise that you can even read this to your kids!

But why would I want to share this letter with friends and strangers alike? Because Proverbs 31:28-29 state:

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her; Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

So I want everyone to know just how much she is loved and how in my eyes she surpasses all other women!

Dear Marti:

I love you. I know this is a bit unconventional letting "everyone" read this love letter, but I want you to know how much I love you; even to the point of being foolish and letting others read what I really think about you. As today is Valentine's Day (I am up past midnight and you are asleep), I re-read Proverbs 31 and have decided (again) that King Solomon must have known that you would be around someday. Verse 10 tells me that a wife of "noble character" is worth "more than rubies". I can say amen to that. The experiences of the past 2 years (and really the past 15 years but who is counting) testify to that truth. In verse 11 it points out that her "husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing." Again, I say amen. I do have full confidence in you. I have been awed by your poise, your grace, your inner strength while I was away in Sri Lanka (and many other times during the past year). Verse 12 goes on with the same line of thinking, "she brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life." Again, simply amen.

Verse 13-22 talk about the many examples of how the virtuous woman works hard to keep the home moving smooth and happy. The writer uses phrases like "works with eager hands", "bringing food from afar" (how especially true this year), "sets about her work vigorously", "her lamp does not go out at night", and so on. Again, you are a living testimony to these words. No matter how difficult the transition into life has been here for you, I have observed your love for your children and husband. I have watched as you have worked hard to make sure that everyone had their needs, physical and emotional, met. You have poured yourself out in service to your family.

And the result is, as verse 23 points out, "her husband is respected at the city gate." It has been said that "behind every good man is a great wife." This has been so true about you and me. I may be able to do "good" but only because you are so great!

But this portion of Proverbs does not end there. It speaks further in verse 25 "she is clothed with strength and dignity" and in verse 26 "she speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." Again I stand amazed at not only how well this describes you, but I also stand in awe at how you do this. Again, your "weaknesses" are your strength. Even in your struggles, you persevere. You don't just sulk and pout. You press on with strength and dignity. And your words of wisdom are not only for the children, but for me. I have watched so often in the past at how people listen to you when you speak about "important" things like family and home. You speak with authority and they listen. And so do I. Even when it doesn't seem like I am, I am listening. You have so often spoken wisdom into my life. Thank you a hundred times over.

But I want you to know that I love not because of "what" you do for me or the children. I love you because of "who" you are. Yes, you do so much that is admirable and appreciated. But you ARE so much more. Verse 30 says, "a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." You are who you are because of your love (and fear) of the Lord. How can I not help but love you? You "do" what is right because of your "love" for God. And that makes me so attracted to you.

Verse 31 instructs, "Give her the reward she has earned." And so, I have written this letter. Because I love you. And because I do not give you often enough the praise and recognition for your hard work, sacrifice, love, and care for your family. Your children and husband do call you blessed. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all!

Happy Valentine's Day. I know this may be a sappy and quirky way of expressing that love to you, but I think that it better reflects my love, admiration, and respect that I have for you than any "Hallmark Card" I could have found here in Kenya. I will miss you this week. In my absence, read this as a reminder of my love for you.

In A Funk

One of my concerns about participating in the Sri Lankan Disaster Relief was the strong possibility of "let down". For 12 days in mid-January I was able to use my strongest gifts in mercy ministry. I was able to "DO" something. After long years of study, training, and practice I want to be able to use my medical abilities whenever I can, particularly if it will bring glory to God. And I was glad that I participated.

But the last couple of weeks I have been doing "normal" stuff. In fact, I haven't even been doing much of what I consider "normal" - seeing and treating patients. Instead, I have been (except for the three days of teaching Kenyan doctors about obstretical emergencies) learning language and culture. That sounds like that would be "exciting" but it is just plain hard work. And it is frustrating, especially since it shows how little I have seemed to learn. It is even more frustrating when the people here would rather talk to me in English since they obviously know that I probably can't understand or speak Swahili (which is mostly true). And that of course is humbling.

However, that language learning issue isn't necessarily why I have been in a funk lately. It has to do with some disappointments regarding my involvement in teaching medical residents here. For the past couple of years as we have discerned our call (in particular mine), tested our call, raised support to follow our call, made the transition to fulfill this call, it has always involved "teaching medical students and residents." Even a few weeks before I arrived here I received an outline of the proposed curriculum to be used in teaching residents here in Nairobi. But like many things in Africa, this has fallen apart. And that has been hard. On the one hand, it has allowed me some flexibility in developing relationships and learning language. And while those are vitally important, it has still been disappointing to process. And as I have processed that it has made some of the transition harder. Sometimes I think "God, what is going on here. We heard Your call and we obeyed. You know I love to teach. You know I what to use my gifts for Your Kingdom. Why does it look like this is not going to work out?"

A couple of days ago this was really getting to me. I was pouting and sulking. I wasn't happy about things. And I thought my wife would agree with me. But then she read this passage from an Oswald Chambers book:

"The only way any man or woman can ever be of service to God is when he or she is willing to renounce all natural excellencies and determine to be weak in Him - 'I am here for one thing only, for Jesus Christ to manifest Himself in me.' That is to be the steadfast habit of a Christian's life. Whenever we think we are of use to God, we hinder Him. We have to form the habit of letting God carry on His work through us without obstruction or hindrance as He did through Jesus, and He will use us in ways He dare not let us see."

It concludes with this:

"Jesus Christ counts as service not what we do for Him, but what we are to Him, and the inner secret of that is identity with Him in person. 'That I may know Him.'"

Well leave it to my wife to point out an extremely humbling and poignant truth about what God is currently doing in my life. Leave it to her to share the right and painful lesson that I needed to hear. I didn't like it at first, but I am allowing God to show me yet again that He is in control. It is not about me "using my gifts for His glory", it is about knowing Him for who He is and who I am in Him. All the rest is for Him to work out..

Ready for Spring Training

Somehow Sam must have known, without me talking about it, that Spring Training was getting ready to start for Major League Baseball. This past week, he became very interested in getting the baseballs and bats out to play baseball.  One day Marti was pitching to him.  The next he was tossing it up and hitting it.  Then the following day he was hitting it off the tee or having me pitch it to him.  He had some pretty good hits when I was tossing it to him.  He of course (like all boys, young and old) loved to hear the praises of his fans.  Even when he missed the ball he would have incredible optimism; “I ALMOST hit that one Daddy!”

And this is one of the reasons I love baseball.  Even if the season ends in disappointment (when the Cardinals almost won the World Series – hey they played in it right?!), there is always “next year”.  And “next year” starts with Spring Season.  So I say, “play ball”. 

ALSO in Kenya

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, I had the opportunity to be an instructor in the Advanced Life Support for Obstetrics (ALSO) course held here in Nairobi. The ALSO course has been put together by the American Academy of Family Physicians. The goal of the course is to help equip and train health workers who provide obstetrical care a way to deal with the emergencies that arise during pregnancy and labor. Over the past 10 years (yes, I have been a doctor that long now) I have found the course to be extremely helpful in dealing with these emergencies. Last year before I left the US, I took an Instructor's Course to be available to teach the course here.

The course was sponsored by the Christian Medical Fellowship and The Institute for Family Medicine (INFAMED). So not only did we include the same material that is covered if you took the course in the U.S., we also opened each morning with prayer, singing, and devotions (they even asked me to play my guitar which may be an indication of how desperate they were!). Anyway, it was a real privilege to work along side of other Kenyan doctors who have also (no pun intended) taken the Student course and the Instructor course. It was even a bit humbling teaching the course to several veteran Obstetricians here in Nairobi. We were able to train 20 doctors and 10 nurses. It was a great time of teaching. I really hope that it will make a difference in the lives of moms here.

Ben in Kibera

I had a meeting today in Kibera. It was to be a short meeting (about one hour). Since it was in the afternoon, I asked Ben if he wanted to go. He has been literally begging me to let him go into Kibera since we arrived in Nairobi 4 months ago.

I am told that Kibera is the largest slum in Kenya and probably East Africa. It is obviously a difficult place to live, let alone visit. But, as he really wanted to go into Kibera, I let him. I was real proud of him. He walked without fear. He didn't act like something bad was going to happen to him. He didn't freak out about the trash or the smells. In fact, he seemed to have a pretty good time saying hello to the kids that were yelling out to him, "How are you?". He would reach out and shake their hands and smile at them.

After our short meeting, the first thing he asked was "Did it smell this bad in Sri Lanka?" I asked him if he had been afraid while walking through the slum. He said, "No. But I was kind of sad seeing how poor they were." Ben does not usually say much about his feelings (what 9 year old boy does?) but this was pretty significant for him to offer. Later this evening, as I was tucking him in bed I asked him if he had thought any more about Kibera. His only comments were, "Can I go with you in a couple of weeks when you go to do 'doctor stuff' there?"

Well, Ben, we'll see if we can work that out...

Sarah's Birthday Present

Here is Sarah with one of her birthday presents.  No, we did not buy her a cheetah.  But, at her request, we took her to the Nairobi Animal Orphanage. While we were there, the volunteers were letting adults come into the cheetah cage to pet the cheetahs.  They usually did not allow children to pet them, but when we told them it was Sarah’s 12^th birthday, they were happy to let her pet the cheetahs.  It was pretty cool!

Click on the picture to see the whole picture in detail.

Sarah is 12

Sarah turned twelve today.  It is hard to believe that 12 years ago I became the father to a beautiful baby girl.  My how time flies!  I can hardly even fathom how fast the next 12 years will go.

We had her birthday party tonight.  As a tradition, the birthday boy, girl, woman, or man gets to pick the menu.  Sarah chose spaghetti.  I heartily endorsed her decision.  It was rather a step up from what Sam chose 2 weeks ago – HOT DOGS.  As I was enjoying the birthday meal tonight, I started to think about the differences in the two parties for a 4 year old boy and a 12 year old girl.  As you can see, the theme for Sarah was Sunflowers; for Sam it was Monsters, Inc. 

For Sarah we played Mozart in the background; for Sam there was lots of loud noises.  Sarah carefully opened each and every present; Sam tore into his.  Sarah loved her clothes; Sam loved his Legos. 

Life is funny.  When I was a boy, I would have DIED if my mom and dad played classical music in the background and had fresh flowers on the table as a decoration.  As a man and a father, I enjoyed the spaghetti dinner, fresh flowers, and wonderful relaxing music.  I guess that’s what having two ladies in the house will do to you.

(Click on the picture to see the flowers better!)

Update on LAL

A friend of mine from MTW just arrived back from Sri Lanka. He gave me an update on Lal (from A Man Named Lal). Here is what my friend had to say:

"Lal is a great guy. He translated for me most of the time in triage. Some of us took opportunities to talk to him about the Lord. He's convinced God has saved him on many occasions because of the good he has done. He now has a Singhala Bible and he expressed the desire to have a Singhalese Christian friend who can help him understand it. On our way back to Colombo we dropped him at his home. We were happy to learn that members of the church agreed to pick him up on their way back to camp on Wednesday. That spoke volumes to him." Continue to pray for Lal. Pray that he will meet a Singhalese Christian. Pray that he will read his Bible. And pray that the Holy Spirit will minister to Lal in such a way that he understands the great love and grace that God has for him.

The Mission Safari Newsletter, February 2005

No electricity. No running water. Waiting for the water truck to bring the communal water tank. Crowded living conditions. Sleeping in a humid shelter on a quarter inch mat under a mosquito net. Using a pit latrene. Fighting the sweltering sun in the day, the mosquitoes at night. Trying to keep clothes and belongings dry inside the tent during torrential downpours. Sounds like I am describing the life of people living in a refugee camp, right? Well, I am. But I am also describing how I spent 10 days last month as I participated in the MTW Disaster Relief Ministry to Sri Lanka. As the news of the tsunami spread and the devastation became apparent, MTW mobilized its Disaster Relief Team. As I lived only 3 time zones from the disaster I was asked to participate. It was a challenging time living in the refugee camp trying to bring some comfort, hope, and compassion to a group of people deeply affected by the tsunami that struck several countries in the Indian Ocean. And I am thankful that I was able to participate in this work. I am thankful for my family and our supporters for supporting us in prayer and finances. I have many stories to tell from that experience but this is not the proper media for that. I do invite you to visit our website to read the series of essays that I wrote regarding my participation is this relief effort. The web address is: http://missionsafari.typepad.com. In other news, we continue to settle into our new home and work. Some days it seems easier than when we arrived 4 months ago, some days it seems harder. But we press on. Marti has done a great job making our house into our home. The kids are settling into a good routine of homeschool and extracurricular activities. Even Sam has started "homeschool pre-school" this week (he turned 4 last week and he wanted to start school like the big kids). We continue to learn about our new culture and our new language. It is frustrating being "highly educated" and yet sound like a 12 month old with the few words and phrases that we are learning in Swahili.
One lesson that we learned over this past month is that we truly can not do the work here on our own. We all felt such a sense of peace because of the prayer support and encouragement while I was in Sri Lanka. Please continue to pray for us. In fact, let's praise and petition God with the following items of prayer. Praises
1. Praise God for the opportunity to participate in the relief effort in Sri Lanka. Pray that the Sri Lankan church that we worked with will be able to plant a new church in the area in which we worked. 2. Praise God that Marti and the kids did well while I was away. They had a great time at the homeschool conference here in Nairobi. The kids met new friends and Marti was encouraged and challenged by the conference speakers. 3. Praise God that language study is starting to bear some fruit. I am able to understand more words in conversation.
4. Praise God that our support account is back in the black. Many supporters have given extra to bring this in good order. Thanks. Petitions
1. Pray for an upcoming medical conference for Kenyan doctors that I will be teaching in. Pray that there will be some friendships started. 2. Continue to pray for language study.
3. Pray for a Sri Lankan man named LAL that we were able to share the Gospel with. He was very open to the things of God. 4. Continue to pray for our transition. There are still days that we are discouraged and lonely.
Thanks for your faithful support.
In His Grip,
Tim