We wanted to update you on our life and ministry and share some answers to prayer and some prayers requests.

ANSWERS TO PRAYER

Our summer trip to the U.S. was fruitful, fun, and renewing.

We visited with folks from churches in the Great Rivers Region (Illinois and Missouri) and were encouraged by their warm receptions and hospitality. You know who you are, but there are too many of you to list.

Mylinda's bike ride across Missouri went very well, as you probably know from her journal entry. It also gave her a chance to get to know more Great Rivers folks.

The Biennial in Washington, D.C. was an encouragement. To worship in our heart language with a couple of thousand people was a great blessing. We caught up with friends, some of whom we hadn't seen in ten years or more. Lauran Bethell's sermon on the final night of worship challenged us to "rise and shine and go into the dark places with the light of Christ."

Seeing family in California was great. We had fun with both sides of the family and we've seen healing happen in some family relationships. We also got to lead a Sunday school class on missions at Judson Baptist in San Bernardino. Attending the class were Mylinda's aunt, cousin, mother and grandmother (Nana). Nana shared how proud she was of Mylinda and her ministry. Needless to say there were some holy tears flowing.

We enjoyed some special time with Micah while Jamie worked her first real job as assistant to the program director at Redwood Glen Camp (thanks Jay and Joan). With Micah we enjoyed our nation's capital, the St. Louis Arch, the Grand Canyon and Arches National Park in Utah, among other adventures.

OTHER ANSWERS TO PRAYER

Recently we were able to get rid of our 1996 Isuzu "Gas Hog" and purchase a 1999 Honda CRV. The gas savings are amazing! From a stewardship standpoint, we're very happy about this answer to prayer.

A huge answer to prayer was the recent news that Mylinda's grant proposal has been accepted. The American Baptist Women have offered seed money to go to projects that combat and prevent human trafficking and prostitution. The grant will help the people of the Baptist Church (Mansión de Luz) in La Guacima develop a community center with parenting classes, skills training and family support. The emphasis is on prevention; giving young people options and providing tools for parents, thus keeping young people from entering the sex trade. Please pray for Mylinda, for Pastor Xinia, and for the leadership of the church as they take the first steps into this new adventure.

Gary had positive response to a youth leader training event he led last week. It was encouraging to be with people who love youth and want to work with them. We shared ideas and resources and prayed for one another's ministry.

On his 13th birthday earlier this month we had a ritual of blessing for Micah. Thanks to those of you men who wrote such meaningful letters to him.

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Please pray for Jamie as she prepares for college applications. She has done well on her advanced placement tests and we're hoping for a good college experience for her and a good financial aid package. Also pray that she really enjoys her senior year here.

2. Pray for David Gonzalez (who lived with us for a year, and is now 19) as he does his work at a Call Center (Met Life Dental) and works toward his high school equivalency. Sometimes he spends the weekends with us and attends youth group with the kids. Pray that he makes good choices and stays focused on Christ and on his goals.

3. Pray for Robin and Larry Sweeney (West Coast MPT members). These retired school teachers are serving as volunteers here for a year and will work with one of our Baptist churches offering English classes.

4. Pray for the September 14-16 World Mission Conference in South Dakota. Mylinda is on the coordinating team and has a lot of work to do between now and then. Pray for the new conference format and for the movement of the Spirit.

5. Pray for the Baptist church of Alajuelita. Pray for their pastor, Olman, and for the progress of the building project. Great Rivers groups are scheduled for January and February.

6. Pray for the project in La Guacima and the new family life center.

Please stay in touch and share your own answers to prayer and requests with us.

Bendiciones y paz,

(Blessings and peace)

Gary and Mylinda