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March 27, 2005
EASTER WEEKEND
The fact that Jesus is risen and alive is so much a part of our lives, that in some ways it’s hard to get more excited about it on one day that we commemorate His resurrection. Yet if this event hadn’t taken place, all the rest of life would be totally empty! The Good Friday and Easter services we attended this year showed us how strong our own cultural bias is for more traditional hymns, but praise God He reaches people in cultures with very different backgrounds, and no Christian background at all, and puts joy in the hearts of His children. We can sing the hymns at home! And the fear and processions of a dead body hanging on a cross or lying in a glass-covered coffin remind us that many in this nation still are focused on the death of Christ and not on His risen life and power.
On Palm Sunday afternoon we checked in to a local hotel for a three night break from the heat. What a treat to be cool enough to enjoy a hot bath, sauna, and hot Jacuzzi!! Dave and Wil played tennis two mornings and we all enjoyed the pool and fabulous breakfast buffet. Since we don’t have cable TV at home, Wil enjoyed being able to watch programs he doesn’t often see, mostly sports and cartoons. So though short, we were grateful for a break and Dave completed the jigsaw puzzle he got for Christmas, so that made it a real vacation for him.
We were particularly glad for that break together because I fly to Singapore early tomorrow morning and don’t know how long I’ll be gone. A mammogram two weeks ago showed that a lump I’d been feeling is about 1 cm. in diameter. Since a biopsy was recommended, our OMF doctor in Singapore suggested I have it done there as their diagnostic and treatment facilities are much better than those in Manila. I praise the Lord for the peace He’s given me over these past weeks. I’m not nearly as sure as I was a year ago that nothing will show up in the biopsy, but I know God is in control and that He is absolutely trustworthy. Hopefully I’ll only be gone a few days, but I’ve tried to prepare for a longer stay if necessary. Wil’s classes start again on Tuesday, so he will be back in a regular routine, making it easier for Dave to manage without me here. I’d value prayers for the trip to Singapore. Thankfully I won’t need to stay in the ‘sick bay’ where Ben and I spent two weeks in January two years ago. But going back without him is likely to trigger a flood of memories. And once again, Dave has to stay behind to care for Wil, so when I get the news, whatever it is, we will be separated. The fact that after several very hectic months my schedule is relatively uncluttered for April and May makes me think this might be why.
Pray Dave will be able to concentrate and get the next quarterly newsletter done for PMA. Once again we’re behind schedule, not having received the information we’ve asked for from different groups, so he needs to follow up on a lot of different people and stay focused. That may not be easy for him for the next few days! Wil seems unconcerned about my trip. Just wants me to bring him a gift from Singapore!!
Posted by David at 3:41 PM
March 14, 2005
Last week was a full one
Last week is a full one for us, with one or two things happening each day. Monday and Tuesday are taken up with PMA’s Annual General Meeting. The Condensed World Missions Course which started on Feb. 23 is now in its final week with 20 students attending. Very positive responses from everyone so far even though we have experienced several glitches in scheduling and with audio visual stuff. This is also the last week of teaching for Karen’s class on Teaching Principles and Practice. Wil’s mid-semester break starts on Wednesday and we have Parent/Teacher conferences then as well. Dave will be attending the Missions Mobilization Summit meeting Wed through Sat. this week as well. Pray for top church and missions leaders who will be attending. We are hoping to get a few days away during Wil’s school break, but haven’t made any definite plans yet. We are needing a rest.
Karen’s speaking at the Women’s Retreat went very well. She sensed that God used her to speak to many of the women who were there.
God bless you all as we approach Holy Week and remember the death and resurrection of our Savior.
Posted by David at 9:28 AM