(September 2, 2007) In mid-April, Dick helped organize and host a conference for WorldVenture missionaries in theological and leadership education. It may have been the first time that so many WorldVenture theological educators had come together for an educational networking conference. The speaker was former WorldVenture missionary, Dr. Mark young. Pray that educators will find ways to keep in touch with one another and thereby give and receive encouragement.

Robin continues to serve as interim principal at Roy and Dora Whitman Academy along with leading the search for a permanent principal. Her gifts of organization and teaching have been stretched to the challenge. Please pray for her as she prepares for the new school year which began August 20. Whitman Academy needs to find a new home where it can grow. We need five acres but 25 is our dream. Pray God will send donors to help us buy the land He has prepared for us.

In May, the Program for Theological Education by Extension that Dick directs appointed paid coordinators for PTEE work in Syria. Weekly, students meet with their tutors in PTEE classes in churches in Aleppo, Malkia, Homs, Tartous and Damascus. Pray that these leaders will help begin new classes and encourage existing classes in Baptist, Alliance, Nazarene and Presbyterian churches throughout Syria.

In June, the PTEE trained tutors in the Los Angeles area who plan to start classes among Arab-Americans in Southern California. Pray for the spread to PTEE classes.

In June, Dick also led a re-accreditation visit to the Bethlehem Bible College in Palestine. Praise the Lord for the faithful work of this college amidst difficult circumstances. Pray that their vision for education will continue to give hope to Muslims and Christians alike.

September 20-24, the PTEE will host a visit of an Asia Theological Association team for the five year re-accreditation of the PTEE. Please pray for preparations such as arranging for visas to Jordan and Syria, grants to help cover the costs, finishing the self study and the travel safety of the team members.

It was so good to be with you in May for both the Sunday morning and evening service with Brother Jerias Habash. I would have liked to come in July when I was with my dad, but felt it was important to attend church with him. He did very well from his surgery and we had a great week with all four sisters together.

I will leave for Jordan this Saturday to join Dick. Unfortunately, he needs to return to Denver for a second prostate biopsy on August 22. Pray that the report will be negative for cancer.

Christy begins college on August 18 in Denver. Pray for success as a student, a good-paying part-time job to help pay the bills, and that she will find cheaper housing with reliable roommates by September 1.

Jon has moved to Cedar Rapids as of July 9. He is living with my dad and looking desperately for work ASAP. He would appreciate any leads as he has no money to pay his bills and debts right now. He is feeling discouraged and could use some encouragement.

I am struggling with leaving our kids without a home base at this crucial time in their lives. At the same time, I am looking forward to helping out at Whitman Academy again. We have a fewer number of students and not enough teachers. Pray that existing staff would be adequate to meet needs.