Transitions

Transition is the name of the game…
This past month has been a whirlwind of activity.  
   We started with a lovely team of four ladies from Lake Charles Bible Church.  We had a week full of teaching English classes, Bible studies, crafts, music and games at the shelter.  This team really connected well with the girls and kids.  It was a pleasure to serve with them and be encouraged by them.  Our relationships at the shelter were strengthened thru the extra time and attention given during the week.  It was truly a blessing to share a part of our heart and burden with them.

   The week after the team left found us having a going away party at the shelter for our partner in ministry.  We have been transitioning into leading and organizing the ministry aspect at the shelter for some time but it is now reality.  While we are sad to see her go we are excited to see all the ways the Lord is working in growing this ministry.  We have been able to involve some ladies from our local church as well as a few in the community.  One new area we are working on growing is Life Skills Training.  Please pray with us for wisdom in choosing topics and classes that are beneficial to the ladies and also for the Lord to continue to provide helpers.  
   Along with this change, Gerald has been asked to teach Bible classes at a local High School.  This is an opportunity that sort of fell into his lap.  He is very excited for this new aspect of ministry.  He will continue with the discipleship ministry at the prison simply adjusting his schedule to accommodate his teaching schedule.
   Due to this change in Gerald’s schedule Sarah will take on more responsibility at the shelter as well as ending a 10 year homeschooling career. Maddy and Coleman will be able to attend the school where Gerald is teaching.  This is an answer to prayer as the upper grades were getting overwhelming to teach as well as keep up with ministry changes.  It is however a hard transition as it means saying goodbye to something that has been our constant thru all our previous transitions.
   And lastly, Sarah recently had a skin cancer spot removed from her temple.  Even though apparently this is a pretty common type of cancer it was traumatic to hear that word.  The surgery was a success and all the cancer was removed.  She is healing well.  Medical issues still tend to be a source of anxiety for her.  The opportunity has allowed us to get to know a few new doctors here.  The experience with her surgeon has been a good one and we were even able to share with him and encourage him as he deals with some personal family issues.  He in turn prayed for Sarah as she struggles with some anxiety.  God continues to work in the most obscure ways.  We are just along for the ride.  

   As you can see our month has been full of highs and lows.  We are so thankful for each of you who faithfully pray for us.  It truly sustains us.
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Prayer Requests
-Gerald as he takes on a new responsibility teaching as well as continuing with current prison ministry and finishing up work on his Masters Degree in Theology.

-Sarah as she takes on more responsibility in the shelter ministry and transitions to everyone else being in school.  Also for continued health mentally and physically.
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-Maddy and Coleman as they begin attending school.  That they would adjust well to this new schedule and academics and also to be able to each make a friend.  This is a big transition for them.