Baptisms and other things during July

As the month of July comes to a close, we do not know how the time went so fast.    We took another trip to the Mayo Clinic for Ron to have more testing done.  There was no change in his brain scan on the MRI from last year.    His blood work report was very good except for cholesterol.   He is starting a new prescription for that problem.    Ron eats very healthy so diet alone will not keep his cholesterol low enough.   Several diseases such as diabetes, thyroid, autoimmune and Parkinson's were ruled out.   The neurologist plans to have a few more tests scheduled.  We will have to go back when we find out the date for other appointments.   He has one knee that causes pain, and his leg muscles are weak.   This week, he started physical therapy to try to strengthen his leg muscles.   Keep Ron in your prayers as we continue the therapy and watching after his health.   For all of you who know Ron, you know he intends to continue doing this work as long as he is able.  We hope that will be a few more years with a good diet, exercise and adequate medical care.   

There have been several girls baptized in Nepal this month.   

The local ministers teach the girls regularly in each of their village safe houses.   We are pleased that so many girls with a Hindu background are being taught the gospel and accepting Christ as their savior.     Continue to pray for the other girls who are in the process of learning.    We have over 200 girls in Nepal safe houses now.  Some graduate each year, a few get married and leave but there are more coming all the time that need our help.

We lost one safe house in Laos as Hong resigned the work in Vientiane, Laos.  

He took in 19 girls in a small house, but it proved to be too much for him and his family.    Hong's health is not good right now and he felt he needed a break from the work that is never-ending with such a big family of girls.   Some of the girls are in college or vocational schools and have found dorm rooms where they can continue their studies.   A few girls relocated to Phet's house in Vientiane.   Four girls decided to return home to their homes in Northern Laos as they think their parents are now in a better position to afford to pay for their schooling. 

Hong says he would like to do this work again in the future when he feels he is more able to handle the responsibilities.  He is a very good man.  He and his wife have done a wonderful job teaching girls as they were our first house parents in Laos many years ago.   

Carole Booker, a teacher at Westbury Christian in Houston, went to Laos in July to teach the girls at Phet's house.  

Some of the girls from Hong's house and from the safe house in Luang Prabang came down to attend her classes.    From all reports, they had a wonderful time.  Carole always treats the entire group on a fun trip.  This year, they traveled to another city and visited caves, an amusement park and continued some more classes there.    It was the first time for many girls to travel, stay in a motel, eat at restaurants, and have such fun experiences.   I know they are grateful for the great memories they made this summer with Carole. 

Each summer, Carole has visited one of our locations.  I do not know how many years she has made this long trip, but she began during the time we had orphanages in China.   We are so grateful for her loving service to teach and encourage our precious girls.   I hope she can go again next summer to Udon Thani, Thailand or to the Philippines.

Thanks to all of our friends, family and supporters for encouraging us in this good work.   May God continue to bless each of you.