March 8, 2006

Greetings from the United States!

Robert and Frances are doing well in the fourth and first grade. Studying in English was a challenge at first, but they both have good teachers and have adapted well. They enjoy playing soccer, drawing, and being outdoors. Thanks to all who have been praying for them. Seeing family after several years of absence has been a real joy.

We have appreciated being at Mission Haven in Decatur. What a wonderful ministry it provides us and other missionaries on home assignment. Our mailing address and email are correct as on our home page. Our phone number is (404) 378-7938. We plan to return to Madagascar this July.

The work of the FJKM continues. During this Lenten season, please remember the pastors of the FJKM. Many of these men and women serve more than four congregations and travel great distances. Please pray for the FJKM evangelists who serve in remote areas, often with no electricity or running water. Please pray that the pastors and evangelists are sustained as they share God’s word and disciple Christians.

As you reflect on what the Lord has done for you this Lent, please remember the many Malagasy who live on less than a dollar a day, who walk long distances for fuelwood, who drink water from unclean streams, who watch their children die from preventable diseases. Please pray for the FJKM development department and its faithful workers who seek to minister to the Malagasy people in their need. Please pray that needed funds are raised and that the development workers do not grow weary and discouraged. Please pray that they find renewal this Lenten season.

Please pray for the FJKM as it continues its battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS. Please pray for those coordinating the work; pray for the necessary funds that many pastors may be trained and equipped to counsel those with the virus; pray that the FJKM youth may be educated and equipped to resist the many temptations they face and live the lives that God has planned for them.

This year, we have marveled at how richly blessed Christians in the United States truly are. What a privilege to be able to take what the Lord has given us and share it to be a blessing to those who have so little. Together with God, we can do wonders.

Let us not forget God’s example. Out of love for the world, God gave His most precious gift to save us. Thanks be to God.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever.
Eph.3:20-21

Peace in Christ,

Elizabeth and Dan

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 343