Leigh Family Prayer Bulletin - August 2006

Feedback...

• House - Glad to report some progress finally. I told the overworked/over-scheduled friend who had volunteered to help with the work that it appeared to be obvious that I needed to simply seek out a contractor as all indications were that he was too busy to do anything...and could he recommend someone. I didn't say this with an intention of manipulation, but it acted as the squeaky wheel and it got a little grease! He finally jumped into action. We broke the project down into pieces and he and a friend are coming over August 9th to fix the roof...by far the most important part before winter! It also allows me to show a bit of progress to our neighbors who have to suffer with our "ugly backside!" ;c) Here's quick pic to show what needs to be fixed on the roof:
  
  
  
  
• Family Visits - As I said, it was excellent. The weather was hot...too hot...but a wonderful time was had. It was sort of a multi-anniversary/birthday celebration. Here's the rundown: My sister and brother-in-law celebrated their 25th anniversary in May 2005; Angela and I celebrate our 20th in August; I celebrate my 45th birthday in August; My parents celebrate their 50th anniversary in September; My parents both turn 75 next spring. LOTS OF MILESTONES! Thank you Lord for your faithfulness and thank you Dad for paying for all of this! We've lived high-on-the-hog for two weeks and it's been wonderful...if a bit fattening!
  
• Alsace Walk - The 1st 2 weeks have been fantastic as we've watched God weave the walkers (a constantly changing unit) into a team. They have felt connected to what the Lord wants for prayer for this region and to each other. We've had representation from France, USA, Switzerland, Germany already and next week we will add the UK and Sweden to our ranks.
  
• Establishing - Nothing new to report here. We hope to see more steps after the walk and into the beginning of the school year.
  

Please Pray...

• House - Please pray for safety as we work August 9th and for funds and direction to finish the work on the back of the house...soon! God has often spoken to me about the significance of our house/property...not necessarily what all the significance was but that it was significant in many ways. Indeed houses are rich metaphors throughout scripture. Pray that in the focus on accomplishing repair/renovation tasks that we remain open for what God is trying to show and say in all this. We believe, especially with our Muslim neighbors, that this "forced contact" because of our "house issues" has rich opportunities for testimony.
  
• Alsace Walk - Please pray for Rachel and I this coming week as we walk and pray. Pray for team unity and discernment. Pray for protection for Angela, Noah and Olivia. As we "do", pray that we don't lose site of our first love! Please pray AFTER the walk for protection against any counter attack.
  
• Rachel - This is a HUGE time as we make all the final preparations for sending her to boarding school (only 1 hour away...whew!...but we'll only see her once a month) Many emotions, expectations and excitement for all of us. This is truly a milestone in her life as well as ours as parents and even for Noah and Olivia. Much changes this year for all of us. First of all pray for Rachel that this time of transition will be lived in the fullness and depth that God intends for her. Pray for discernment and direction with course selection. She has proved herself quite capable in ordering her private world in many different circumstances. This may be one of the most challenging yet as it's likely to be as full of "opportunities" as "challenges". Pray for heart of wisdom for Rachel and a heart that quickly runs to the Lord in all situations. Finally, pray for the rest of us as we learn how to be a family physically dispersed for the first time. Exciting times!
  
• School Year - When I say this, many of you think of the kids only. That's probably natural. But, as our ministry here has become connected with our church here and the kids' school...which is also connected with our church...the "school year" is becoming the milestone of progression for all of us in the family. For the kids, it's their natural progression from class-to-class; new levels of maturity; new experiences; etc.
  
  For Angela and me, the school year is also becoming a marker of where God is leading us in the context of working with this marvelous group of people that He has assembled here.
  
  As in the last two years, Angela will be teaching some English at the school. That's likely to change in some aspects with one class being eliminated but new opportunities with even younger classes and possibly some individual tutoring with Junior High kids...both things that Angela really looks forward to. Her music classes are eliminated for this year...which she's also glad about! ;c)
  
  I don't know for sure, but I believe we'll continue to lead the worship in the Junior High chapel.
  
  At church we'll continue to be involved in the worship and intercession ministries.
  
  Past all that, it's a bit fuzzy. In particular it feels a bit fuzzy with me (David) and my roles. Don't get me wrong, there are, as always, many things to set my hand to in the church and school and other regional connections. But, as the kids go from "glory to glory" in the school context, I expect and feel that God is leading us in His Kingdom classroom as well. I would appreciate your prayers with respect to an increasing focus in my involvements. There are some possible responsibilities before me that I feel I need some direction on. Please pray for God's guidance. More as that becomes clearer.
  
• Health - The treatment for what had been diagnosed as an ulcerated area in my esophagus did not fully remove the pain I sometimes experience there. So, on August 7th, I go for a test where they take a bit of fiber optics and look at my esophagus and stomach to see what's really up down there. I appreciate your continued prayers to find out what's at the bottom of some of these health challenges I've been having.
  

David