“…as you help us by your prayers".

“We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” Paul in Second Corinthians

A week ago, Steve went to see the cardiologist for his regular four month check-up. Dr Chan spent more time discussing his recent trip to Cambodia with us than he did Steve’s condition! That was a good sign. The next check-up will be in six months while Steve continues on low-dose medication. Later, Anna read the passage above which seemed so apposite. More than ever, we are coming to rely on God, learning in pressures and hardships and suffering not to depend on feelings but on what God has told us about Himself and His purposes. We thank God for His present deliverance and we thank you too for your prayers on our behalf.

Out of the blue, a few days ago, Joshua suddenly asked, “What would you say if I told you I was thinking about going to Hebron School?” You may remember that two and a half years ago, Josh and Steve traveled together to India to scout out Hebron as a possible place for Josh to board. The change of direction to Singapore meant that Josh could stay with us for the time being. However, now he has decided he might want to spread his wings and head off to India after all. Josh is earnestly praying, together with the family as we make enquiries, work out costs and determine logistics – to get a clear picture of what it might mean. Please pray for guidance for Josh as he works this idea through and also for us as we help and advise him.

The children are hard at work at school but also are very involved in the demanding production of “Peter Pan”. Yesterday (Saturday) they were at school from 11:00 until 6:00. Josh has no understudy, even though he has the lead role. Both children were unwell during the past week. Please do pray for them, to remain healthy in the next four weeks until the play run actually starts and that they will demonstrate character in remaining cheerful and positive while avoiding grumbling and fighting, not only in the public eye but also at home!

Jonny Elvin, the vicar of Trinity Church, Exeter came out to see us for a week. He joined us during several weeks of a thick blanket of smoke haze covering Singapore caused by uncontrolled forest fires in Sumatra and Borneo. That didn’t help the holiday snaps! But it was wonderful to renew friendship, to have up-to-date news of the church family in Exeter, to talk through issues that we are mutually grappling with, to encourage one another to stand firm. We had a chance to race each other on the luge track at Sentosa (not on ice but on wheels!), to enjoy the beach, to bike-ride and roller blade along the East Coast and to sample the many and varied delights of Singaporean food courts! A highlight was a moving visit to Changi Jail museum where thousands were detained during the Second World War. The horror of those days was clearly depicted but there was a powerful underlying theme of sustaining faith that came through over and over again – the centre-point of the museum were murals painted by a desperately ill prisoner, only able to work for fifteen minutes at a time...he had painted Jesus being nailed to the cross and above it, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

From next week, we will be involved in the last Orientation Course of 2006. This time forty-two adults and sixteen children will take part. We look forward to having them – but it will be a busy time too as we interview each person, lead worship, teach and speak as well as enjoy the various activities that will be going on. Our fellow Directors are very busy at the moment, with visits to sensitive areas of Asia, traveling to encourage and support home and field teams, and coping with complex issues. Several OMFers are seriously ill in various parts of the globe. Please do help us by your prayers.

Love from us all

Steve, Anna, Josh and Aimee