It is hard to believe how long it’s been since my last update, but the date is right there in front of me, so I guess I can’t deny it.

And yes, things have been that busy. We’ve had a lot going on around here, and it is nice, right now, to have a moment to sit and catch my breath and reflect on it all.

My overall feeling is one of satisfaction. I am thinking back over the past 6 weeks, and I am noticing that there have been a lot of little signs of growth, especially amongst some of the newer members. I can’t think of any one mind-blowing event or anything like that, but there has been a general air of things going well, and small signs of real growth in individuals. I’ve seen our younger Christians seeking guidance from some who are more experienced, and really listening and evaluating the advice they’ve received. I’ve seen members own up to things that they need to be working on, and then really get down to the business of making things right. I’ve seen mature Christians making the time to be involved with the nurturing of those who are less mature. And I’ve seen some small steps here and there in the right direction — lots of small steps that are amounting to real progress.

One of the most exciting things that has happened recently is the questions that members and friends alike have been asking. Some tough issues have come up in recent weeks as we wrapped up our study of Romans and began studying Colossians. I’ve loved seeing how the group has tackled those issues together, seeking greater understanding.

And one of our visitors has been a real encouragement to me. She’s a part of the group of girls I’ve been studying with each week for the past couple of years. It seems some things are finally clicking together in her mind, and she’s beginning to have a real grasp of the idea of the gospel story. She has said she has some things she needs to weigh before she can make a commitment to follow Christ, so I ask that you will pray for her.

It is good to see all of these things. There have been times in recent years when I wondered how we would ever get the whole congregation moving in the right direction all at the same time again. And, frankly, I don’t know how it’s been done, but it seems that we are somehow there, and are making some progress. The sort of progress we have been praying for.

In the next few weeks, we’ll be finalizing all of our plans for the upcoming campaign. We are really excited about the crew who is coming over to help, including two interns who will meet me in Shanghai before making their way here. We are anticipating good trip.

Do be praying for those who will be coming. Besides the two interns, we will have two ladies teaching a VBS, the family who comes to spend each summer with us, and my two nephews. It will be a busy and exciting summer, and we are looking forward to it! Your prayers for their health and safe travels will be much appreciated.

I will do my best not to lag behind so much in updating this blog, for those who like to stop in and read it. Thanks for your continued support of the work here.