Back Online

We briefly considered enrolling our boys in a popular online school, but figured that sooner or later we would be without internet for an extended time. Not because we're pessimists, but because we've lived here too long to expect things to work properly. Sure enough, we were without internet most of last week. For us, that means no contact with the rest of the world. Sometimes that can be a good thing. :)

Here are a few things that have been going on around here that you can pray about with us:

Stability
There is a lot going on in this part of the world. Many Soviet countries, our host country included, are working through what the recent war between Georgia and Russia will mean for them.

Besides international instability, rumors are flying like crazy among like-minded workers of various agencies here. Without spreading any of the rumors, here are some things we are seeing. Many workers are running into nightmare scenarious trying to renew their visas. Some have had to temporarily leave the country, in one case with only a few hours' notice. Others are being asked to pay outrageous bribes ("respect money" as people here call it). Nobody is sure what is going on or what to expect.

Local believers
Harrassment of believers continues. One pastor in a different area of the country remains in jail on false charges.

Randy will be meeting with a local believer sometime this week to discuss partnering in the work. Please pray that this will be productive and we will find ways to work together.

Andy and Emerald
After months of trying to get together, they dropped by rather unexpectedly. As it was 10 pm, they didn't stay long, but promised they would see us this Sunday. They have made similar promises a number of times already, but perhaps this will be the week they follow through.

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers!