Bitterness Day 5

*Praise *- our dear friends Jen & Duong have returned safely (and with one more child) from their 2-year placement in Germany! Praise to God for their experiences there and that they are "home" as we have missed them so much. *Prayers *- prayers for God's hand to be over a big financial decision my husband and I are making -and that it will lead us out of the enemy's debt trap and into opportunities to pursue Him in new ways. Kelly H.

Dear Friends and Family, I hope this email finds you all enjoying your summer (or winter if you're on the Southern Hemisphere!) The reason I write today is to ask you all to be praying for me. There is the possibility that I may be going back to New Zealand in ONE MONTH as opposed to going back in ONE YEAR. As many of you know, my adventure with YWAM has had a huge impact on my life and my walk with God and it was no surprise to me (or a lot of people for that matter) that it was put on my heart to staff a DTS (Discipleship Training School) even prior to leaving for outreach. When I got back to Oregon, I started seeking counsel and praying about when I should return to New Zealand. Many times I was for sure that I would be staying in Oregon for a year but the idea of going back to New Zealand for the 2008 Backpackers DTS keeps coming up in many different ways, so now I am seeking your prayers for clarity as I don't have a whole lot of time until I would have to leave. The only concern of mine at this point, seeing as there is only one month until I have to leave is finances. A couple people have suggested that I "lay a financial fleece." After praying about it, I have a figure in mind and now I am excited to see if Oxford is where God wants me to be. The Basic Leadership School (BLS) (a school under the YWAM umbrella) is the school that I would be attending as staff. In all, with lecture phase, outreach, 2 BLS books, and in country transportation, the total cost is about $3,000.00 plus round trip airfare (could be around $2,000.00). If you or someone you know are interested in financially supporting this possible adventure, please let me know before August 11 (but no later than the 18th) as I need to let YWAM Oxford know as soon as possible if I will be returning this year. My prayer was simple and looked a little like this, "Lord, I have no idea where you want me- New Zealand or Oregon. If you want me in New Zealand, I need confirmation that I will have $ ___ by August 11th." At this time I am looking for prayer supporters, monthly supporters, and one time supporters. Many of you may wonder how my mom feels about this--- to be honest, I have not yet told her. Until I know FOR SURE that God wants me back in New Zealand, I don't think it would be wise for me to share with her that I could be leaving. Please continue praying for my mom as this could be VERY shocking news for her that I might be leaving sooner than she thought. Thank you to you all for joining me on this crazy crazy journey that God has me on. Hugs, Love, and Blessings Galore,-- Rachael

Praise God for the beauty of this life. For the moments when I can take a deep breath and feel content and blessed. Thank God for a sacrifice greater then I deserve. Praise his name for friendship that makes the every day more beautiful.~AS

Please pray for a quick recovery for Farah R.
Please pray for healing for Heather C.
Please pray for safe travels for the Oligers next week.
Please pray for our friends Nick and Zack who's employer was bought out and they are looking for new jobs. They both have families to support.
Please pray for my Madi and her friends that are all going back to school this next week. ~AS

Thank you for praying for Verla K this week.