Middle East 2011

Posted January 26, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Enjoy this report from yesterday.

NEAR THE BORDER

Today, Monday, we travelled for an hour to reach a village near the border of a country that is very unfriendly to Christians. This country is also not friendly to Americans. When we arrived, we set up, but we never did the show. There had been a problem in the school between a Muslim student and a Christian teacher. The village is totally Muslim and the staff at the school are from a Christian tradition.

Our plan was to share with the children, but God's plan was for us to share with the principal, a politically connected teacher, and her husband, a pharmacist. They are all from a Christian tradition that teaches their people to believe that they can be good enough for God. They have survived as a small number in the Muslim world because they have refused to anger their Muslim neighbors. Simply put, we could do the program as long as we did not talk about Jesus.

Pastor Shaddi does not compromise . I love this about him! He told them that if we do not talk about Jesus, there is nothing to say. I agree with him. Since we would not compromise, we were not able to do the show as we had planned. God had made another plan.

For about an hour, we met with these friends. Johnny and FuFu are 2 precious believers in Pastor Shaddi's church. Today, they went with us and Johnny shared with the politically connected teacher. At first it was a little loud, but Johnny quickly softened his voice. Lovingly, he told her the truth of the Gospel. When she said that she was afraid to speak Jesus' name, he told her the story of the first martyr, Stephen. Then I shared my testimony and she looked as though she would cry. God was softening her heart.

All of them listened with their hearts. Before, we left, we prayed for the principal and his situation. His countenance changed. The lady teacher came to Shaddi and said, "I am with you to the death."

Please pray for this village of 8,000 Suni Muslims who live in desperate darkness. The children are from poor homes, but they suffer from a greater poverty. They do not know Jesus. The principal has agreed to let our new puppet tea, return when things are calmer. This is why it is so important to train and equip nationals. Pray for God to hold open this door for them. Pray for the 3 adults who heard the Gospel so clearly and sweetly today to hold to Jesus without compromise.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 25, 2011

Dearest Friends,

We are on schedule to leave the Middle East. We leave from the airport tonight at 11:30 and our faithful friend Mohammed will take us. God gave us grace in getting through the troubled areas last night. Today, those same roads are impassible. Afain, God showed us great mercy. The unrest is spreading but not a problem where we are. We are only 3 people but this country is full of your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray for your family here and ask God to restore peace to this nation. Always remember... It is the Father always in charge.

In Jesus, Linda Jared and Padraig

Posted January 24, 2011

Join us in praising the Lord and continue in prayer for Linda Summer and the Agape Puppets team. They have made it safely out of the area of unrest and are remaining for a while at an evangelical seminary until later today, when they journey to the airport to leave the country. Pray for their continued safety and traveling mercies, as you also lift up the believers in the area.

Pastor Travis Hutchinson

Posted January 24, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Please pray for Linda, Padraig and Jared. The country where they have been ministering is experiencing a great deal of unrest and, after consultation with local believers, they have decided to leave now before the situation becomes more unstable. Please pray right now as they are traveling to the airport to fly out. Pray for a safe and swift journey for Linda and the team as well as for the many seeds of the Gospel that were planted and the many Muslim children who expressed a desire to receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

In Christ,

Pastor Travis Hutchinson
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Agape Puppets

Posted January 23, 2011

Dearest Friends,

JOY

These dear believers here in Rahbe give my soul joy. They are so excited when they come for training in puppet ministry. Their enthuiasm is matched by Pastor Shaddi. He has a ministry plan called "New Creation" which will reach all of the children, adults, and teenagers in this area for Jesus. They have such a heart to serve. Though few in number (only 32 believers), they are such a bright light for Jesus. Surrounded by 800,000 Suni Muslims and around 20,000 people from Christian traditions that often do not teach truth, they have an enormous opportunity!

They have partnered with Samaritan's Purse and delivered their Christmas boxes. This opened a wonderful door to share Jesus with the children and their parents. This area is cold and many people cannot afford the heating oil they need! So, Shaddi and other church members passed out heating oil to many poor families Muslim and Christian tradition alike. The people were amazed and open to hear about Jesus because they had seen His love displayed to them.

The believers love each other and love to fellowship. We have been so blessed to enjoy many meals with them this week. They have the most amazing food. I love tabouli, fatoush, taouk, kafta, hummus, and babaganousch. This food is incredible!

We are high in the mountains and the slopes are green with trees. We drive past fields of olive trees and orange trees growing beside their homes. The people are devoted to hospitality. In this country, you kiss 3 times on either side of the cheek to greet people. This is also the practice of many men. However, the rules change in a Muslim community. I was told not to touch the Sheikh's and because any woman that he touched he could have. This is important information.

Please pray for these friends. They want desperately to suceed and have had over 11 hours training. More, I have lost count of how many shows we have done together. They made the best schedule, taking us into all kinds of communities.

This morning, Sunday, the church had an outreach to the children of the community. Many of their parents came too. The little fellowship had more than 75 children and 50 adults attending. They were thrilled! Sweet things happened this morning as the Father touched hearts. There were tears and prayers and some children trusted in Jesus. Praise Jesus!

PRAYER

We have 2 more days to touch children in the mountains with the truth of the Gospel. The political situation here continues to need prayer. Our travel plans also need prayer as there is another snowstorm predicted to hit Atlanta this coming week. We want to finish well!

Posted January 22, 2011

Dearest Friends,

THE SHEIKH

A man studies the Koran for years and then he is apointed to lead a village or small town as a Sheikh. Today, Saturday, we went into a small town of 15,000 people where the Gospel had never been presented. We were given permission by the local Sheikh. Our friend, Pastor Shaddi said it would be very safe to say that the 400 plus teachers and children who came to the program were hearing about God's plan to rescue them through faith in Jesus Christ for the first time! How amazing!

We honestly thought that the Sheikh would never allow us to share with the children. This town is an all Muslim town. We met with him and told him honestly what we would say and do. Shaddi and I told him that we would tell the story of Joseph, talk about God's love and forgiveness, and how Jesus Christ died for our sins. I told him that I would tell the children about my hope. I said that Jesus is the only hope. He listened and said ok. We were all shocked and wondered what God allowed him to hear.

As we began the program, Sheikh opened for us. He said, "These people will tell you the story of Joseph. They will talk about Jesus. I want you to listen to them." Unbelievable!

We had 400 plus children and they were totally focused on the story. When we began to talk about Jesus, they still listened. I told them how to pray, but we did not pray with them. Shaddi agreed that the message was very clear. No one could have left there without knowing who Jesus was, what he did and why. More, we explained how they could know Jesus as their Savior and how they could pray. We even told them what words they could say.

As we heard the end of the program and were doing the last song, the principal, the Sheikh became nervous. He had told the children to listen, but he clearly had not expected them to really listen. When we finished, he stood up to speak. We were shocked. He said, "The Koran speaks of Jesus. He is coming again to judge the world and their sin. The Koran speaks of Jesus and the virgin birth. And Mohammed did many good things."

I confess to you that I wanted to laugh out loud, but I didn't. I thought..."this is your defense of Islam. What a wonder." As the children left, they would walk by me and quietly whisper, "Thank you." many said, "I love you." They understood, I expect to see some of these precious little ones in Heaven, Pray for them!

Pray for God's light to flood this dark place. Do not stop praying. We have 3 more days to stand in the dark and ask God to make us His light.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 21, 2011

Dearest Friends,

HIS NAME

Late Thursday afternoon we went to a village that was described to us as a place of fanatics. Many radical Islamic groups have come from this place. The Sheikhs in the Mosques preach agressively against Christians.

Still, there was a group of Muslim ladies who are part of a woman's association who have many times invited our friends to come and talk about Jesus. You may think that we are brave, but it is these dear ladies who are heroes. They live in this village. They hunger for truth. After the program, one lady came up to Padraig and asked,"Was what you said really true?" Padraig told her yes and she smiled.

Please pray for all of the 200 plus Muslim children and women who heard about Jesus today. The children loved the program as did many of the teachers. They thanked us profusely after the show. However, when we said the name of Jesus, a real chill came over the place. We all felt it, but we were allowed to finish every part of the program. Pray that they will talk to Jesus! Please pray for the safety and protection of all these ladies!

ONLY JESUS

Today, Friday, we visited 2 Catholic schools and were warmly welcomed by the nuns. The nuns led the children twice in wild applause when I told the story of Jesus calming the storm. They were so caught up in the story. Even the priest was smiling throughout the program and encouraged us to come again. He said that he wanted to copy my teaching techniques.

This school is a wonderful ministry opportunity because the school was full of Muslim children. Many of the other children were from a christian tradition, but knew nothing of real faith. Today, many began the adventure of following Jesus, Praise Him!

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 20, 2011

Dearest Friends,

UNDER A MOSQUE

If you woke up Wednesday night, moved to pray for us, I know why. We were literally under a mosque at a school. The pastor had received permission to come. We were in an all Muslim village and with pastor Shaddi's Blessing, we told the children about Jesus Christ and what He did for them on the cross. And then, to all of our suprise... they began to pray. I asked God for miracles, but He is doing more than we can ask or imagne. As we finished, we heard the Muslim call to prayer above us. We serve an awesome God!

KAREN'S SONG

Karen is a precious little 4 year old girl. Her parents love Jesus very much and are part of the 32 members who are the village church where we are working in the mountains. They are a bright light for Jesus in the dark. Her parents invited us to dinner. We made balloons for her and she was so happy. To thank us she sang for us. She sang "I love Jesus better than chocolate." They tell me this is a middle east original.

In Jesus Linda for, Padraig and Jared

Posted January 19, 2011

Dearest Friends,

I am in the place of my dreams. We prayed for this door for many years. We are in the north of the country, working among Sunni Muslims, Alowaites, and Greek Orthodox. There are 800,000 Sunni Muslims spread across many villages with only one evangelical church with 32 members. All of the schools, even the government ones are open to us. Today, we heard Alowaite children calling on Jesus. Praise God!

We are high in the mountains and it is cold. The electricity often goes off. The schools do not have heat. This not an easy place for children and we are happy to be here.

I can respond to emails on my phone, but we are having trouble with internet access. Weather you hear from us or not, please pray for us. Even the Sunni communities are allowing us to come. Everywhere we can invite the children to pray.

Rejoice that we finished our time in the city with two puppet shows where many children came to faith. The school was so happy that they have asked us to return next year. They want to invite nearby government schools to come and use their auditorium. So many doors are opening!

Our time with the Muslim preschool teachers was cancelled when the schools closed early. They are located in a sensitive area. The present political sitiuation has made them concerned potential problems.

Please pray for these dear children in the mountains. They are precious to the father! Please ask God to bless this last week of our adventure.

Love in Jesus, from Linda, Jared, and Padraig

Posted January 17, 2011

Dearest Friends,

Today, we did 3 shows and each was a special blessing from God. We had the joy of sharing Jesus' love with children from Moslem, Christian, and Jewish backgrounds. We shared at a school, a center for at risk children, and a shelter for street children. The details of each place will give you joy!

THE SCHOOL

This was the first show of the day and the room was full of children 4 to 12 years old. They delighted in each part of the program. Their enjoyment motivated us to try and do an even better job. Everyone was having so much fun. I told the story of Zacheeus and the miracles of Jesus. I looked into faces held spellbound by God's Holy Spirit. I heard their sweet whispers as they called on Jesus. What a wonder...to be in the Middle East sharing Jesus with children and hear them respond to the Gospel. God is so good to us!

THE CENTER

This center for at risk children was founded over 60 years ago by missionaries. Seventy five children attended the program today, but only 24 live on the property. The center provides an education for children who would not otherwise get an education. Some are orphans. Many of those with parents immigrated from Sudan and India hoping for a better life. All of the children live in poverty. Some of the children experience physical abuse and/or neglect. Many of the families struggle with alcohol and drug addiction.

I told the story of Joseph because it so beautifully teaches forgiveness. These children have much to forgive. Language is a problem for them as English or Arabic is not usually their first language. Though they struggled to pray, I heard many of them try. I was constantly praying during the show, asking the Father to help them understand. They were so hungry to hear about God, His plan, and Jesus. It seemed that as I looked at their faces, I could hear the ache of their souls. All of us were deeply moved by these children and rejoice that they are in a place where they can daily hear more about Jesus Christ!

Each of the teachers thanked me, and all were very happy with the program. The director was especially happy with the good time the children enjoyed. I loved their smiles!

I choose a little boy to come and help me by playing the part of Joseph. I dressed him in Joseph's beautiful coat. I was drawn to the little boy. Later, I found out that he came to the center because his father had died. Please pray for all of these children to meet God as their Father through faith in Jesus Christ.

THE SHELTER

The children at the shelter are from the streets. They came from many places, from across North Africa and the Middle East. Pain and hunger are familiar to them. They live in a government run shelter that smells of urine, rotten food, and dirty clothes.

I was so touched when a little boy ran up to me and hugged me, kissing me three times. He shouted, "I remember you! I remember you! I love you!" In truth, at every place that we returned to from last year, there were children who could tell us what story we told.

These children broke my heart. They broke all of our hearts. Our driver Mohammed was overwhelmed by their needs. They were obviously not well cared for and hungry. I told them that even if no one else sees them God does.

One little boy bravely took the lead to pray. Others followed him. They live in a terrible place. I can't fix it. You can't fix it. So clearly, their only hope is Jesus. Hold these children that no one claims before the Father.

ANOTHER CLOSED COUNTRY AND A GOOD CHURCH

Tonight, another young man came to see us. He works with children in another country that I cannot name. Padraig met him and brought him to meet us. He had seen us when we were doing a show at Hadath Baptist Church. Jared and I taught him how to use balloons to share with children in many different ways. We gave him supplies. He was so grateful! We are more grateful and honored to have such a sweet privilege.

In fact, all of the friends that we have trained for work in difficult places in the last 2 days first saw us at that church. I have so many reasons to love the brothers and sisters in this church, but I am especially grateful to Pastor Hikmat for his invitation. This church has a real heart to reach children and young people for Jesus Christ in their community. I am not surprised that our new partners in ministry were drawn to this place. We hope to plant a puppet team here next year.

It is also with the pastor's encouragement and help that I am developing a book to teach people to share Christ with children to be used in the Middle East. Please know that it is with his blessing that I am sharing these details with you.

MOHAMMED

Our driver Mohammed has become a friend to us. He sees himself as our protector. Today, he told me not to worry about the political unrest here. He said that he is holding us in his eyes. In our words…he is watching out for us.He comments on our kindness to children and is being drawn to God as he watches us. At least, this is what seems to be the case. Today, I had a very special conversation with him again. I shared with him my own testimony and how I saw God writing His love on every page of my life. He listened and even asked questions.Please pray for our friend. I ache for him to know Jesus.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Tomorrow, Tuesday, we have 2 shows and a training time with teachers. Most are Muslim and we are discussing methods of teaching as a way to share Jesus with these ladies. Then at 7 in the evening we will drive 2 and a half hours north to begin working in a new place and training a new team. We need your prayers for wisdom, love and strength.

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 16, 2011

Dearest Friends,

You will love what God is doing in the Middle East! I stand in awe of the Father. I cannot be very specific about some friends because they are working in very sensitive areas. Still, I can tell you enough that you can see God's mighty hand as He is moving here and in other countries in this part of the world. Rejoice! Keep praying!

BLESSINGS

1. Always, my sweetest delight is hearing children call on Jesus, asking Him to be their Savior Again today, we were blessed.
2. Yesterday we had the joy of training a new "old" team. Let me explain. The team that we trained last year was not able to continue for a variety of reasons. They gave the equipment to Pastor Joseph and his churc. We spent over 6 hours Saturday, training/retraining these friends. Please pray for Alex who is the new director of the team. This team is located in a city of over a million people. Their church is located in an area of the city that is 95% Muslim.
3. The times of fellowship here are so dear! Twice today we have sat with our family in Christ around the table talking and eating for hours. The first meal was Chinese and the second was traditional Arabic food. The hospitality of our friends is extravagant.
4. I am extra excited to share plans with you to publish a book here in Arabic that will help friends share with children God's great rescue plan through faith in Jesus Christ. Please pray that the Lord will take these poor words and us them to help our Middle Eastern family to touch their children for Jesus. This is a special joy for me to have this opportunity to serve in this way. This project requires great prayer. I spent some time today with a friend making plans for this ministry.
5. Padraig shared with 2 American servicemen home from military service in the Middle East. They both are receiving our newsletters. Please pray for these 2 young men. Ask the Lord to keep them safe. The Father knows their names.
6. We are blessed to work with a lovely young woman named Lulu who blesses every hour that we spend together. We have so much fun doing ministry with her. She has done a fantastic job on the schedule and translates every day for me. Hold her in your prayers.
7. Today, we met with a precious couple who is working to share Christ with children in a country where such ministry is absolutely forbidden! They are using puppets and we were able to bless them with some puppets and new supplies. More, we discussed plans that could reach many children in this particular Muslim country with the hope who is Jesus. Already, their family has had to leave their home because of this ministry. I so wish that I could give you the amazing details of this story because they would make your heart sing, but the risk for these friends is too great. Pray for this family.
8. Today, at lunch, we made plans to potentially equip a third team here next year. We are trying to place the teams for maximum coverage of the nation's children. Begin to pray for this possibility!
9. Words can also be a blessing. Jared was very blessed when many different people today thought he was 25 not 17. Presently, his head is stuck in a door.
10. Padraig was delighted when a little girl gave him her picture as a thank you gift. He is very blessed!

PRAYER AND PRAISE

May God bless each of you as you are blessing the children of the Middle East with your prayers! Keep praying! Tuesday evening, we leave for village areas in the north where we are told people are committed to their Muslim faith. We need you to go ahead of us with your prayers.

In Jesus, Linda Summer for Jared and Padraig

Posted January 15, 2011

Dearest Friends,

A GIFT

Each day, no matter where I am, I know the Father gives me gifts. The sun that rises every morning is His gift. The lovely weather that we are enjoying makes it easy to get to our shows. The orange trees that grow in terraced fields all around me are His gift.

ENE'S STORY

One afternoon, we went shopping in a bazaar, but they call it a "souk." The spelling is probably not right. The stalls exploded with the most incredible lace tablecloth, a musical instrument called a "rababa", brass and handmade boxes decorated in beautiful patterns with tiny pieces of wood and mother of pearl.

I laughed when I saw fake snow dripping off all the roofs. At my home, there is still real snow. The Christmas decorations are still up and I am enjoying them very much! It is strange seeing reindeer and a sleigh scattered amidst Roman ruins. Ruins are everywhere in the Middle East.

In one shop, we met a Nigerian Pastor named Ene. He loves Jesus very much and prayed for me. No one prays for you like an African pastor. He took my hands and began to pray for me, calling on Jesus to bind or stop anything or anyone that could keep us from sharing with the children. Three times I thought that he was finished, but he was still praying. His joy was a blessing.

Please pray for him and all the believers in this place. I suspected that he was a believer because of the light in his eyes, even before he told me. Another lady said the same thing to me on this day. Light does bear witness to light. Please ask God to bless and watch over "our family" in this place.

ANOTHER AFRICAN PASTOR - UGANDA

There is another African Pastor that I am thinking about right now. His name is Charles and he lives in Uganda. We worked with him when we were in Uganda. They have a ministry to single mothers in the church. This is a good work, but it is not something that I can do. I need to focus on the children. If the Lord has given you a heart for this type of ministry, please contact me. I will put you in touch with our friend in Uganda.

MOHAMMED

A lovely older gentleman named Mohammed is one of our drivers. He is Muslim and curiously drawn to the Gospel as he watches the puppet shows and listens to children's Bible stories. Every day, he warmly greets us and does his best to help us, even though he has an injured leg. He has even invited Padraig to his village.

Yesterday, I was showing him something that I use with the children called, a "Joseph’s bag." You can beautifully use it to share the story of Joseph and then the story of Jesus. My friend Lulu translated into Arabic for me. I wish you could have seen his face as Lulu poured the Father's love into every word she spoke. It was a sweet and special time.

Please pray for his dear man to come to faith. It is not by accident that he is our driver. Truly, the Lord God placed us together that we might be light in his darkness.

YOU WILL LAUGH

After a show,the children guessed my age to be 100. They saw my shocked face and guessed 90. When I was obviously surprised again, they kindly skipped 80 and went to 70. Then they started going down in individual numbers 69, 68, 67.

Finally, I told them that I was only 57! They gasped loudly and then laughed, sure that I was tricking them. I smiled, pointed to myself, told them that I fly a lot, and that this is what happens when you eat airplane food. One little boy looked shocked and fearful as he said, "I flew on an airplane once, and I ate the food."

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for each day in this place. Ask the Father to make us light and give us wisdom as we are sharing in a variety of places, always in situations that require wisdom. Pray that we will always show His love to the children. Pray that they will have open hearts and receive God’s hope through faith in Jesus Christ!

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 14, 2011

Dearest Friends,

JOY

Today gave us special joy as we heard Muslim children calling on Jesus to rescue them. The Christians here are very wise. They have many schools and offer a quality education, so many of their students are Muslim. With freedom, we could tell the children about God’s great plan for them and how Jesus Christ could meet all of their needs. They listened and many of the teachers were touched by the program as well. Our hearts are full of wonder at all we have seen God do! Please pray for these children to grow as they receive good training from the school they attend.

PEACE

There is not much peace in this place today. Some of the teachers came and spoke to me before and after the show. They expressed concern for the political situation here as the present government fell apart today. Some extremists are threatening war, a threat that has too often been a reality in this place.

One teacher told me that she gathered some of the teachers together to pray this morning before school. She felt very burdened and sad when she came to the show. My friend told me that she cried as she listened to the story of Peter walking on water. It reminded her that God rules over all things and all places. She said that Jesus gave Peter a miracle. She asks that God give her country a miracle...peace.

This political instability could affect the work that we are doing, but more importantly, the lives of Christians in this place. There is a hard-line religious faction here which could make ministry more difficult. All of this is in the Father’s hands, but we do need you to pray for Him to make us wise and loving. Please remember that our safety is in His arms and in our relationship with Jesus Christ, not in our location.

HOPE

Today, I spoke at a Muslim ladies meeting. Before I went, I was challenged to give them as these ladies are often very sad from the difficulties in their lives. I told them stories about the children that we serve. As I shared their stories of Faith, I was able to tell them how they could trust Jesus to give them hope.

Many responded favorably after the meeting, but there was also a lady who wanted to object to what was shared. As you pray, remember that this is a spiritual battle. It’s not personal. All that we experience happens because of the One we love and seek to serve. I am truly never offended by the comments but always amazed at the wisdom that the Lord gives us.

Some of the ladies were there last year when I came, and remembered what was said. They were very excited to see me again. Each day, as our friend loves them, they draw closer to knowing God. It is our friend’s consistent witness that draws them to the cross. I was so honored to have the privilege of working with her and sharing with these ladies. Hold them in your prayers.

LOVE

We were showered with love and kindness as were forced to leave for the airport 2 days early because of the snow storm that was predicted to hit my home and the Atlanta airport. So many friends and members of USA puppet came to my house Sunday afternoon to help us finish dozens of jobs. I am so blessed by the love of these friends. Their kindness made the impossible, possible. We had no snow until we were only miles from Jordan and Elise’s home. They had read about our problems on the church website and called, offering hospitality to the team as we waited in Atlanta. Within 15 minutes from the first flake falling, Highway 75 became a parking lot, littered with cars that had spun out of control. I was driving an SUV with a trailer and was terrified. I have no problems doing ministry in the Middle East, but will confess to you that I was not at all happy driving in the snow. I had never done it before. Padraig took over and we arrived safely.

Jordan and Elise spoiled us with their kindness, love and good chili. Using Jordan’s 4 wheel drive was also a blessing. We made it to the Marta station where Aaron Stewart, a former puppeteer kindly came to help us. It was an adventure trying to get 10 big bags and 6 carry on pieces of luggage onto the train. I had a sweet opportunity to share with a lady who helped me load my part of the bags. Please ask the Father to bless her and call her close to him.

Elise packed us a big lunch which fed all of us and several others. So many were stranded at the airport and running out of money. We fed a little boy wearing a hat that said Jonathan, but his name was Christian. His mother came and thanked us. We gave food to a lady trying to get home from Lima, Peru. She was so happy! Padraig and Jared saved their chocolate bars and used them to celebrate as we unpacked and organized the equipment. Please thank God that all of our bags arrived safely, except for the stage bag that had the end ripped off of it. Still, all of the stage pipes were there. Praise God. Hold us in your prayers! We are having a sweet adventure in the Middle East!

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig and Jared

Posted January 11, 2011

Dearest Friends,

SAM SHAW

One of the delights of my life is the partnership I enjoy with Sam Shaw. He and his wife Silvana live by faith as they trust God to provide for their needs, so that they can focus on the needs of the children of the world. Sam has wisely decided to return to his college studies and finish his degree, working towards a Master's degree. He can not travel with me as much as he did in the past 5 years. There are no words that I could write to adequately describe my gratitude and love for Sam and Silvana. They are blessings from God!

Please pray for all of us as we make these necessary changes on the 2 trips that Sam cannot take this year. Please write to him and ask to be added to his email list so that you can continue to stand with he and Silvana in prayer. His address is samshaw@godshandiwork.org Also please pray especially for the 2 young men who have joined me on this trip, seeking to stand in the gap. Padraig is from Ireland and Jared lives in upstate New York. I am so excited to have their company!

THE MIDDLE EAST

Prayerfully, we leave Tuesday evening for the Middle East. Atlanta is in the middle of a winter snow and ice storm. Though I have enjoyed playing in the snow today, I really want to fly on schedule! Please pray that we will be able to fly out on time with no weather delays. Please pray that they will be able to transport all of our bags safely. Please pray especially for the children that we will meet. Ask God to cal them to faith.

Thank you for your prayer!

In Jesus, Linda for Padraig Costello and Jared Bolstridge