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Greetings! One of my friends used to have a cross-stitch on her wall: "The Hurrier I Go, the Behinder I Get". This week has been kinda like that. Have you ever had a week in which you worked as efficiently and steadily as you could, only to wind up further behind than before you started? Everything you touch seems to fall apart? Snafus and Glitches and Stacks, Oh my! So in the midst of my growing (why won't they shrink??) stacks, I am going to attempt to get an update out to you. Foolhardy? Maybe. But let's give it a try... On the road again… In a couple of weeks (less than that--Yikes!!!) I will head to the Czech Republic with the Ward Consultation (out of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) and iComm (International Community of Christian Leaders) to do some research, networking, ministry, fellowship and worship. For this phase of the consultation, about fifty of us—seminary and ministry leaders from all over the world--will gather to examine what is happening with theological education and leadership development in post-communist countries. We have such amazing resources available in some countries, and very little in others. Through iComm, we want to consider how to foster international collaboration and sharing of our vast array of resources and ideas. I will also be meeting in Prague with people from one of the local seminaries to design (and later return to teach) a conference for those who minister in Eastern Europe. These folks work in very difficult settings with little or no encouragement and support. So to be able to return and minister to them is such a exciting opportunity. Please pray that schedules, finances, languages and logistics fall into place as we seek to provide this encouragement. When I return from Europe, it will be a quick turnaround before I head to Dallas to attend a pastors’ wives conference with 1000 women. I look forward to meeting with other leaders to share encouragement and ideas on how to equip, support and lift up ministry wives. Please pray that we will find new ways to foster connections and soul care for those who give so much to minister to others. I have a week to enjoy being home before I head to Denver to attend the Renovaré International Conference: “The With-God Life: The Dynamics of Scripture for Christian Spiritual Transformation.” This will be a great time to connect with friends and colleagues, to sharpen the sword, and to enjoy the Lord and be challenged in life-giving ways through His Word. Will any of you be there? Really looking forward to it.
I have decided to be involved with these gatherings only after much prayer and permission from my doctors. In order to handle the travel and interactions, I will need supernatural endurance. I have new docs and new meds, and finally, the tide is turning again. Finally feeling better, thank you, Jesus! But I am still very weak and fragile. Each day I get a tiny cup of strength, and I can use it any way I want, but when it’s gone, it’s gone. It can’t be replenished by a nap, caffeine, or any other kind of break. I can only do this if I have built-in buffers of peaceful time and places. One of my rest stops will be a few days at a cottage in the South of my beloved England. Just time to wander alone with my Lord. Thank you, God. Thank you, Moya and John! Now, who has a quiet spot in Colorado where I can retreat for a few days? I am going to need resurrection strength and lots of prayer to tackle these three very exciting and strategic opportunities to network, give out and take in…So can I ask for your prayers? Please pray... o That I will constantly cling to His side and listen to His voice o For smooth travel and logistics (international and post-9/11 travel can wear out the hardiest of souls) o For strength, energy and good rest wherever I am o That my illness will not flare up with “episodes” which sideline me o For good communication and wonderful fellowship with those in Eastern Europe and around the world o For strategic and life-giving connections with those in England, the Czech Republic, Texas and Colorado I am so grateful, "for a wide door for effective service has opened to me" (1 Corinthians 16:9). Such amazing relationships. May they be used to lift up Jesus all over the globe. ...All flowing from the mighty Oregonia, Ohio! The Bible studies just celebrated five years together. What a lovely time we had, remembering all God has done to change our lives. So much laughter, so many special moments. Remember, both Bible studies are open to anyone! Our next Day of Refreshing will be July 30 (note the date change!) in Oregonia. Please join us if you can for a one day retreat from the “to do” lists. It’s always a good time to keep short accounts with God and to re-focus our eyes and our priorities. We all need quiet time to consider where the Lord is directing us. What a great way to get a spiritual “shot in the arm”. Keep an eye on http://psalmone.org to stay up on events and to know, "Where in the world is Goodtime Linda?" God is using us in places and ways I could never have imagined. Thank you so much for all of the prayers and encouragement! With His love and
Mine, |