From: John and Gwen Haspels <[email protected]>  Subject: Prayer Warriors  Date: July 5, 2016 at 11:12:48 AM EDT

Dear Prayer Warriors,

     Thank you again for all your prayers. John had a really joyous time in Ethiopia in May. Most of you will have seen his report in the Boma Bullitan and rejoiced with us in God’s work of forgiveness and reconciliation. It was beyond what we could have imagined!

     A big item for prayer this month is our tour in Pennsylvania sharing our story and God’s provision in three churches, doing some prayer walking and being with the youth at New Wilmington MIssionary Conference the end of the month, Pray for Holy Spirit to speak through us and to give us strength day by day (give us this day our daily bread!) We will be at New Wilmington a whole week but share with the entire conference on Saturday evening July 23.

     John saw the eye doctor on June 30th and everything is much the same. The eye is healthy and sightless. Where do we go from here? We are not sure but continue to trust in our Father who loves us.

      I also saw the doctor in June and have been waiting for the doctor and dentist to confer and let me know what the plan is. “I’ll call you” does not seem to mean that so I have become the proverbial squeaky wheel and feel quilty for bothering them:) It does turn out to be a matter of trusting God for his plan instead of mine. We have been doing a Sunday School series called “Walking with God in the desert.” I have come to the conclusion that I cannot manufacture trust in the Lord but can ask him to fill me with that trust through Holy Spirit every day. Thank you for continuing to pray with us. I have an appointment with the dentist for August 15th and hope to find out what he can do – if anything. We ask, “Where is the manna, Lord?” “Oh, there it is. I just didn’t recognize it!” Pray for greater insight into how God works with us. God be with you all and especially those of you who are in the desert too. Gwen

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From: <[email protected]>    Subject: Allison & baby   Date: July 4, 2016 at 9:29:33 PM EDT

We just wanted to update folks on what’s happening with  our daughter Allison & the baby.  The diagnosis is Dandy Walker Syndrome, which is a congenital condition involving the cerebellum (hydrocephalus issues), heart defects, and many other “possible” things.  It’s better to Google it to get the details.  We’ve read that it occurs in anything from 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 30,000 births.  We are strengthening ourselves by reading testimonies on the Dandy-Walker.org site (Dandy Walker Alliance) of kids who have beaten the odds to live rather “normal” lives in spite of multiple surgeries.  It is difficult when the medical professionals keep recommending abortion, but this is not an option for us. We stand in hope and faith, and God will give us strength to face what comes.  I guess we all face unknown futures in reality – it’s just that we acknowledge it more now!  Love, Carolyn

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From: Fran Jordan <[email protected]>  Subject: Jordans in Thailand June  Date: June 25, 2016 at 11:04:15 AM EDTHello from “Prailand” – a little corner of north Thailand.We wanted to send some personal news this time.  Things continue to progress in the Prai church with ups and downs, but many encouragements.

VISITING OUR NEW GRANDSON

In early April we escaped two weeks of the 100 F temperatures to spend time in north Ireland with our daughter, son-in-law and two grandsons.  Jackson arrived 3 weeks early so we missed his birth, but he was released from a hospital stay the day we arrived. Jackson has a few complications from Down Syndrome, but certainly is a beautiful child – and a good sleeper.  Ireland was typically chilly with some rain, and we enjoyed the beautiful countryside as well at the sea – which can be seen from Kristi’s house.  Dave did quite a bit of driving on errands, and we had a great four days with our daughter Kami who arrived from Minnesota before we left.

Campbell & Kristi with Cruz & Jackson

THE PRAI ARE GETTING THEIR NEW TESTAMENT!!

Give thanks to the Lord!  The last chapters of the Prai New Testament are being comprehension checked and adjusted for maximum naturalness, accuracy, and clarity.  In mid August a trained Bible checker will come to do a final paragraph by paragraph check of every verse in 2nd Corinthians, Colossians, Romans 9-11, I and 2 Peter , and 1st John. Although the Prai New Testament translation will be finished after any needed corrections, then comes the work of preparing it for publishing.

The plan for the publication of Prai Bible translation is in stages:

        1. print the New Testament in a lower cost edition as quickly as possible

        2. begin work on revising Old Testament translation which will be combined with the New Testament to be printed with more durable paper and binding.

        3.  while the revision in in process, record an audio version of the New Testament

        4. print the New Testament in the script used across the border for Prai Christians there.

As you can see we are not quite ready to retire, but do look to the Lord for energy and endurance to complete these projects, as well as contribute to equipping Prai believers to use their gifts for the building up of the church.

  Dave has done very well keeping 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. desk hours, but some days there there are short “garden breaks”, which the helpers enjoy as much as Dave.  After the garden or other projects provide a little exercise and enjoyment, it is back to work.  This year Dave tried growing a giant pumpkin.  Our daylight hours were only enough to get one about 85 pounds, but it was still a  local tourist attraction.

Fran’s main diversion is grandkids.  There are now 7 near us.  Jason and Kari have four, ages 14, 12, 7, and 4.   Kaleb and Sa have 3, ages 6, 4, and almost 1.  This year we invested in a backyard trampoline for these kids.  Little did we know that we would use it as well.  It is great exercise, and in just a few minutes you can get a work-out.

U.S. VISIT SOON!

We are a bit slow planning, but as the translation push slows down a bit, we will be able to put some time in contacting folks and making a schedule. We so look forward  to reconnecting with many we haven’t seen for two and a half years.

So far we have tickets to fly to Chicago on September 1, and will spend almost all of  September in Pittsburgh.  Hopefully we can make visits in Tennessee and Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota.  As we return in mid November it is somewhat of a quick trip. We will have to leave wishing we could visit many more than our time allows.  If you would like us to share God’s work among the Prai with a church or home group, or just would like to visit, please email us.   We do have a U.S. phone number through magic jack.   507 721 2448  If our computer is on and it is not sleeping hours here, we would answer, but you could also leave a recorded message.  Fran checks facebook messages – facebook name:  Fran Jordan  It is hard to express how much we appreciate your encouragement and prayers.  Thank you for having a part in our lives!  Looking to Jesus,  Dave and Fran

Sat. June 25….. we just had a call from a doctor in Chiang Mai saying that a biopsy on a skin spot on Dave’s face is positive and will need surgical removal as soon as possible.  Prayers are appreciated.  As we again travel to Chiang Mai Monday when we would rather be here working, we thank the Lord our times are in his hands.  

 

 

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News arrived today ( June 31, 2016)  from Ingrid Gersiek, niece of Eleanor Gersiek.  She writes

“This is Ingrid Gersiek.  My Aunt Eleanor was a friend of yours.  I believe we spoke on the phone last year.  Eleanor passed away on Feb. 11, 2016.   I just received her Bible today.  Stuffed inside was the little card and picture you sent her in February 2015.  I wasn’t sure if you were aware so I’m sending you a few of her cards with hopes you can pass them along to other friends she spent her time with in Egypt.  I’m happy you put your address in the card.  I loved my husband’s Aunt so much.  Other than having difficulties with her memory she did not suffer and passed away peacefully.  I am sure she remembered you all fondly but just couldn’t relay it.  She sang hymns every day knowing all the words and would belt out a sermon when she said grace everyday.  God was with her.”   Ingrid”s address  228 Lippincott Rd., Wallkill NY 12589

Eleanor Gersiek was assigned to Alexandria, Egypt in 1955.  She was active among church women’s and children’s groups and assisted in the club and educational work carried on by the alumnae association of the former Girls’ School.  In 1968 Eleanor was the resident director of Fowler Children’s Home in Cairo.

 

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From: Amal Khalil <[email protected]>  Subject: Albert’s Update  Date: July 2, 2016 at 8:04:30 PM EDT

 

Dear Jean,
Thanks for your email. Sorry for the delay, but the last two days were very exhausting. Yesterday we met the oncologist and as  you know, Albert was scheduled for surgery on the 5th. Dr. Wolff and Dr. Fleming, the surgeon, decided to postpone the surgery because the CT scan showed a shadow next to the tumor that made the size of the tumor
seems increased! However, the radiologist reported that this might be inflammatory tissue! But still he didn’t exclude that it might be a growing tumor tissue! The report definitely says that there is no spread in the adjacent organs. Because Albert’s general condition is very good, not loosing weight, active, no pain,… they think of three probabilities: 1 that the
tumor might be the same and this is inflammatory tissue as a result of the radiation, 2 the tumor is growing and 3 the tumor is dead and this is inflammatory tissue! They think that if the tumor is growing, Albert’s general condition should show and it doesn’t! The doctors will discuss Albert’s case this week as a group to decide the next step, whether it will be more chemo then surgery;  rest then surgery; endoscopy to clear the identity of this tissue; PET scan; or changing chemo? Our next appointment next Friday should be more
informative. We trust that God’s plans are the best. The doctors have no clear explanation for the case as it only happens in 5% of cases! In our weakness, please unite with us in pleading for Christ’s power; for healing, understanding and wisdom for Albert, the family and for the doctors. I quote St. Paul’s words “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient
for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers. God be with you. Love Amal