We hope all of you had a fun, safe holiday weekend. The weather here was beautiful, and we spent much time outside soaking up the sunlight and working or relaxing with friends. Now that things are back to normal, I would like to turn our attention to something that we are very grateful for and excited about.

Last week, I mentioned that a few churches had contacted us regarding the missions-focused VBS programs they were running this year. We only have details on one of those churches, and the results of their efforts. The 52 boys and girls who attended VBS at Mount Hope Baptist Church in Leesburg, VA spent time learning about life in the Republic of Congo and the Lord’s work through the Pioneer Christian Hospital, from information and pictures relayed to them through us. It was very exciting for us to hear that we were being used to generate interest and understanding of missions in these children. It was also very thrilling to hear that they were praying for us. Like I said before, there’s just something powerful about the prayers of a child.

By the end of the week, we learned that the kids made cards for us and will be sending them (along with their pictures) to us. We also learned that the collection taken was to be put into our support account. When we heard the amount that was raised, we were blown away. Money is definitely a useful tool when used properly, but that wasn’t what was amazing to us. The fact that these kids were interested enough to gather and offer up such a gift could only mean one thing: something got their attention. We eagerly await receiving the cards and pictures being sent to us, and it is our prayer that we can develop a lasting relationship with each and every one of these boys and girls. If some part of our ministry has sparked something in these young people’s hearts, it would be a terrible failure on our part to let that go by the wayside and not be fanned. Please pray with us that this opportunity will be an effective door to kindle a passion for Jesus in the hearts of these children. We pray that we can encourage them in finding their own part in spreading the good news of salvation to the lost world, as well as understanding that you are never too young to wield the power of prayer, or even to sense God’s calling on your life. He may not be calling all of us to go to a foreign country, but we are all called to go into all the world, making disciples of all nations. That includes everywhere, even in our own back yards (and schools).

In addition to these prayers, we would ask you to continue to pray about spreading the word on the Lord’s work through Pioneer Christian Hospital, and our ministry there. Our support level continues to grow, although we don’t have any solid numbers to include at this time. And the answer to everyone’s continual question is: nope, nothing yet. Another week has passed without a peep from our real estate agent. It’s not time… yet. We know that God is faithful. When it’s time, all of the pieces will fall into place. Until then, we continue to pray, and we count on your faithful prayers as well.

As always, we thank you for your prayers and support as we continue to pray for you! Until next week (Lord-willing), God bless!

Prayer Requests

• pray about sharing our ministry with others
• please pray that the Lord would keep filling our needs and raise our support up to the 100% level
• please pray for the sale of our house, in His time
• please pray for GOM and the hospital at Kindamba, Rep. of Congo
• please pray for our efforts to establish relationships with the VBS kids

Yours in Christ,

Art, Danielle & Michael