Good afternoon,

It was wonderful to be able to write you and ask for your prayers regarding David's laryngitis and needed voice for speaking Sunday morning. Thank you for the personal and truly encouraging notes (arriving almost immediately from two of you). That was something!

Here is what happened AFTER you were contacted: by the time church began on Sunday morning, God had restored to David a soft voice. That is what he used for the entire service. They also turned up the loud speaker system volume control. Mark, the Dutch ministry director AND the interpreter, had also been sick...from Friday through Sunday. However, he was able to hear David speak loudly enough to translate and get the message out. Also, unknown to us, it was Communion Sunday, and our God had led David to include in the message some moving specifics regarding the death of Jesus. The whole experience was just a wonderful evidence of the working and gracious ways of God. THANK YOU for the part you had in all of this. (Internet is frustrating at times, but it does have its moments!! :)

With our love,

David and Janice

Good morning,

It is Sunday, 3:30 a.m., and I can't sleep. We are in The Netherlands and are six hours ahead of you. God has put it in my mind to write and ask you to pray if you get this in time.

After a tremendous week of ministry and God-empowered Bible studies on the topic of "God's Testing Program" (which was very specific regarding the ways of Satan as he tries to foil God's purposes), the final session was Friday evening. Within minutes after its conclusion, David got laryngitis and lost his voice, and it has not yet returned. In fact, he just got up to take more medicine. The need? He is to leave to preach in 5 hours and 20 minutes (at our 9:15 a.m. on Sunday) Would you pray? The desire of our hearts is healing, but most of all we want His will. Feel free to share this request, and we will see what God will do.

Our love,

David and Janice

REQUESTS: PLEASE PRAISE FOR ALL THAT IS PAST, AND PRAY THAT…

1. …leaders, teachers, missionaries, directors, pastors overseas and here will be tenacious and passionate for the study and teaching of Scripture, not only in word, but in practice. Talk and life MUST agree; there can not be a disconnect. Pray for continued courage/protection/peace for those who stand alone.
2. …the first three weeks of September will truly be a much needed break in the intense schedule which has been going on since February. Please pray for his mind, body, and soul to rest and become refreshed for all that lies ahead on (and off) the itinerary.
3. …God's direction will be clear in planning future itineraries and that He'll keep working strongly throughout the 2008 itinerary.
4. …"J" (from the airplane conversation) will write us or that God will use another person/means to encourage him into life with Jesus Christ.
5. …Medical "stuff" will be handled quickly, per God's best will.
   1. David's lips and face - The sores closed and looked good…in time for Cuba and Holland trips. We await further word regarding the diagnosis. The next appointment: 09/08).
   2. Janice's arms/hands - The results of surgery #1 were: fast healing, added degree of hand strength and hand mobility, cessation of physical therapy. Arm #2 surgery: 09/23.
   3. We thank the Lord for His gracious timing and His good purposes. His ears were open to the requests of so many of you concerning both of these health issues. His answer was, "Yes," this time; if it's "No" in the future, we shall remember, God is always good.
6. …although recent meetings in Cuba (as well as Holland, Spain, Zambia, and our USA) have ended, the precious Spirit of God will continue to lovingly draw individuals to Himself. Many need to accept Christ as their own Savior; many need prayer; many need encouragement; many need God's strength to conquer addictions/habits/doubts, but they must choose to allow Him to help them in HIS way.