How's Cindy doing?

The doctors are still unsure about the exact nature of Cindy's problem. She had another CT scan yesterday and goes for an MRI today. Cindy has been having some terrible problems with her lower back and spine, near her tailbone. She has so much inflammation that they couldn't see the x-ray well, so they're doing the MRI today. We have learned that tuberculosis, histoplasmosis, and another disease called cestodic tuberculosis can spread and cause the kind of pain that she's having in her lower spinal region. She was hurting so badly yesterday that she was unable to get up out of a chair without considerable effort. We appreciate your prayers for Cindy and will keep you informed as we learn more.

Furlough Extended

I am, as the old song said, "Learning to Lean on Jesus." We've been frustrated at times. I have to just level with you, folks, it is frustrating at times. No one on earth, outside of Jesus Christ our Lord, was perfect. I feel sometimes like Simon Peter, who, when faced with a frustration, said, "Not so, Lord." Have you ever felt like that? But when faced with these matters, we must look to the Lord because he does everything right and good. He knows that we are simply dust. But who are we to question why things happen?

As you know, Cindy is being treated for a "TB-like" bacteria in her lungs. This treatment lasts a minimum of six months. So, we extended our furlough. Now, on top of all that, we've lost $500 a month support towards the orphanage support. Add to that, an incredible increase in our Social Security withholding and an increase in our mandatory health insurance premium. Then the icing on the cake is the news that the inflation rate in Cambodia is 24%. Between the loss in support for the orphanage, the increase in taxes and health insurance, and the increasing cost of living in Cambodia, it is a support value loss of minimum $1,100 per month!

We are in dire economic times, not only in America, but around the world. Financial support is becoming more difficult to raise. Funds for special projects and needs is becoming harder to obtain.

Our prayer is that God's people will be like the churches of Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8. Please take the time to read the first several verses of the chapter. Even in times of trial and difficulty, may the Lord's people give sacricially from deep poverty but with abundant joy.