Surprise, Surprise!

A recent survey finds that many unchurched would come to church if invited. Thom Ranier writes:

"Over the past four years, I have been privileged to enter a world that I really did not know very well. It is the world of the unchurched. Now, like many Christians, I have interacted with the unchurched, worked with the unchurched, socialized with the unchurched, and witnessed to the unchurched. But I have been a Christian for more than 30 years. I really did not understand the hearts and the mind-sets of the unchurched until recently. For the past two years, my research team and I have been involved in extensive and intensive interaction with the unchurched. We have come with our computers and pre-planned questions, but many times we would just sit back and listen for hours." Read more...

Urgent Prayer Request

Mutaz got a call from his family this morning that his mother - Miriam Owies - is in CCU at a hospital in Amman, Jordan. She was having chest pains. They have her stabilized now and will do a heart catheterization today with the expectation that they will probably have to do surgery soon. As you can imagine, this is very difficult for Mutaz being so far away. Please be in prayer for Mutaz and the family as they make decisions regarding Miriam's health and the best plan of treatment for her.

Thank you all for your support and prayers.

Mutaz and Jeanne

Update from the Angels

Dear family and friends,

Angel’s here, have you wondered what’s happened to us? We have spent the last 5 months resettling into our new country. It was a difficult return with many unknowns for us as a family. The Father has guided us and been ever present during our struggles. Words cannot begin to describe the turmoil and lostness we felt as it became evident to us that we were not able to return to our home in Lb. Just at the time when we felt deep despair God made it evident to us, “bloom where your planted”, and our leadership allowed us to stay in the country where we landed upon our return.

God provided a home and schooling for the kids, who will be 11, 10, 6 and 5 by the end of summer. The kids are all adjusting very well and are very content. Oh, by the way baby #5 is on the way and due at the end of October! It’s a girl and we are all very excited!

Joel is teaching English as a second language and is enjoying it alot! Robin spends her days cooking and taking care of the precious ones God has blessed us with. It’s amazing that a new country and new friends isn’t what we would have chosen for ourselves, but it is becoming clearer that He knew it is what we needed. There is very good medical care here for the new babies arrival.

Our main prayer request now is Robin’s pregnancy. She is 24 weeks and has already been in the hospital once with premature contractions. Pray for God to surround her and this baby and for a full-term delivery!!

Hannah and Corrie are in summer camp at a local school. Their Arabic and culture are growing by leaps and bounds. Mercy has a little friend that lives above us that she spends her mornings with and Yusef’s best friends are all the living creatures he finds in our yard.

We will be writing again very soon and sharing more. Shame on us for taking so long. We value each of you and love you very much. Thank you for remembering us!

You can see some recent photos and post comments on our blog at: www.hisoikos.blogspot.com

Blessings and Love!

Joel and Robin Angel, Hannah, Corrie, Yusef, Mercy, Soon...Charity-Noor?

Update from the Miners

Hope your summer is going well. We have flown through June and have some great posts in our blog.So, check out all the new articles: http://thaigrits.blogspot.com/

Renee and Zach are spending two weeks in July working with World Changers International. They along with 60 others from the US will be doing community projects and sharing with people in our community. Please remember them as they work and serve.

We would love to hear from you and find out what you are doing this summer.

Share the adventure,

Craig, Renee, Zach, Michael, and Nicholas

A Picture of Servant Leadership

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2 by Os Hillman
Friday, July 04 2008

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:26-28).

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to "heave." But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad. "Why don't you help them?" asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal. "Me? Why, I'm a corporal sir!" Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers. "Now, all together boys - heave!" he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal. "The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief."

The horseman was George Washington, the first American president. Whenever someone mentions your name does the word "servant" come to their mind? Jesus modeled servant-hood to twelve young men and changed the world. If you want to see others become servants you must model it yourself. George Washington was a great example of a Christian leader who was a great soldier and servant to those he led. No wonder God used this great servant to establish a new nation. Moses was also a great leader of men. The Bible says that Moses was the most humble man on earth. That is why God could use him to lead hundreds of thousands out of slavery into the Promised Land.

Pray that God makes you a great humble servant leader of others.

Car Wash

Don't forget our upcoming neighborhood outreach. On Saturday, July 12 we will be washing cars for Christ! Grab a bucket, put on your shorts, and join us. For more information, contact Hap O'Hair.