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Dear Friends and Family,                                                                                                                                                                August 8, 2003

            We hope this letter finds each of you doing well and enjoying your summer. By this time you have probably heard that in mid-July David completed his service with the military and we left Florida, our home for the previous two years. We are currently visiting relatives and friends across the country as we eagerly look forward to the next phase of our lives, which we’d like to tell you more about in this letter.

            As most of you know, for nearly six years we have been planning to move to Tanzania as missionaries. Throughout the years we have been praying for guidance regarding timing, finances, and preparation for the work God has called us to do in East Africa. After receiving some wise advice and spending time in prayer, we have decided to take a one-month trip to Tanzania this fall to “scout the land” and assess the work we will be doing. This excursion should help us to determine accurately the supplies we will need and the amount of money we should raise before returning on a long-term basis next spring.

            We will be working with the International Evangelism Centre, which was founded in 1983 as a native Bible school and is now home to many ministries. Each year the Centre trains and sends approximately 200 pastors, teachers, and evangelists into eight countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire, Mozambique, and the Congo. More than 900 churches have been planted in these nations by graduates of the Centre, and in excess of 3,000 students have graduated from the intensive, free-of-charge training. After we have become familiar with the Centre and the native language of Swahili, we both hope to go through the Bible school training as the first non-African students.

            The Centre now also includes medical clinics, a trade school, and the foundation for a modern hospital. In addition, the well-known child sponsorship organization Compassion International has planted its ministry on the Centre’s campus. Approximately 250 children are enrolled to receive school supplies, clothing, and health care, and each Saturday a vacation Bible school is offered for the children.

            As you can see, there is no shortage of work for us to do. David will be involved with computer updating, networking, and training; planning and building of the hospital; and, eventually, flying. Plans are underway for a runway with hopes that the Centre will be able to obtain a plane for church visits and supply delivery. This winter, David will complete the process of obtaining his private pilot’s license.

            Crystal will focus on children’s ministry, administrative work, fundraising, and communication. God has also put on our hearts that we should plan to set aside funds to purchase Bibles as in most churches only the pastor can afford a Bible. We are excited to distribute Bibles to the people of Tanzania.

            Above all, we humbly request your prayer support as we take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to Africa. We know that God will be faithful to provide the way for us to fulfill His calling on our lives as we are faithful to Him. We ask that you prayerfully consider the role He may call you to play in this mission. At this time we are praying for about $3,500 to fund our first trip this October.

            We are grateful to the staff of Riverside Church for graciously offering to accept and manage our supporters’ financial gifts. Riverside was our church home for the two years we resided in Oklahoma before being transferred to Florida. We have developed great relationships with the pastor and his wife, who founded the church 23 years ago, and also with the staff members. We believe the Lord opened the door for us to work with them in this capacity, and we are thankful for their knowledge and experience.

            If you would like to help financially, you may write your check payable to “Riverside Church” and enclose the attached donation form in your envelope. All funds and donation forms will be forwarded to us. You will also receive a tax deduction statement for your gift. Send your tax-deductible donation to: Riverside Church; 2300 24^th Ave. SW; Norman, OK 73072.

Thank you for your time, love, and support. We appreciate each of you and pray God’s blessings in your lives. Please stay in touch by writing or e-mailing (see top of page). We’d love to hear from you!

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 1:2).