Essential or Non-Essential? 

We recently received a US State Dept. alert that all non-essential travel by American citizens to Thailand be deferred due to the coup d'etat and martial law declared by the Thai military. We faced a similar warning on travel to Indonesia back in 2001 after the US bombed radical Islamists in Afghanistan. Since Indonesia is the largest Muslim population in the world, anger over the bombing of their fellow Muslims at that time was palpable.

Then, as now, we had to decide whether we regarded our travel as essential or non-essential. We decided that our travel to provide pastoral care for Christian workers was absolutely critical - especially when those workers faced additional stresses related to the security situation. Our contacts in Thailand tell us the current situation is stable so our plans to return mid-July stand. 

News from North Dakota 

We've been busy visiting Steve's family and two local churches in Northwood, ND. We've had ministry on consecutive Sundays and made regular visits to Steve's Mom and Dad in the local nursing home. We've also found time to run up to Devil's Lake to fish with Steve's cousin and his wife.  The walleyes were biting and the weather was beautiful. After living out of a suitcase for 3 months and logging over 10,000 miles - we were ready to slow down on a quiet lake. The fish we caught were icing on the cake! 

Praise: 

We have received pledges equal to about 60% of our goal of $1000/month in new support. 

Prayer Requests:

1. Peace and a revelation of Christ for the people of Thailand.
2. Safety and effectiveness in our continued travels and visits to churches and ministries.
3. Completion of our support raising goals.

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta