Pray for the Melvins … theme verse for 40/40 (Luke 12:48b) From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more. (NASV)

Dear Prayer Partners,

Well, we made it! Our 40 day/40 night experience in Zambia was well worth the challenge. We learned more about African culture than we ever thought possible.  Our training took us from urban ministry in the capital of Lusaka, to the boma of rural Petauke 5 hours away, to villages which surrounded our bush camp, to finally living with a Zambian family for three days.

Thank you for your prayers. We maintained good health and the Lordgave us grace whenever we needed it. Zachary and Eli not only survived but thrived through it all. We were blessed to share the experience with 5 other IMB missionary families and 9 seminary interns and wives from Auburn University/Lakeview Baptist in Alabama. We are anxious to put all that we learned into practice here in Lesotho as we continue to seek the very best strategies for reaching the Basotho with the gospel.

As you enter into the lazy days of summer, the beautiful Maluti mountains of Lesotho are capped with snow. The trees are bare in the lowlands and the

nights have become very cold. There is no central heat but our rental house has a coal burning heater that warms the living area very nicely. We pile on

the blankets at night and hope the sun will shine to warm up the days.

Speaking of cold weather, thanks to all who gave to the Lottie Moon Christmas offering. We learned during 40/40 that Baptists gave so sacrificially that the 2006 goal was surpassed. Reaching the lost and making disciples of all nations is clearly on the hearts of Southern Baptists all over the world. Praise the Lord.

The next few weeks will find us in transition once again as we prepare to eventually move into the mission house. We will continue to study language and try to complete this very long home schooling year so that the boys will be ready to start again by the end of August. We will begin soon to collect all kinds of information from the Basotho that will help us understand their worldview so that we can most effectively present the gospel. Also, stay tuned to find out how you can prayerwalk with us in September as we “fall” on our knees for the Basotho. Enjoy a blessed summer.

Praises:

Safety and Good Health Prayer

Safe travel to and from Zambia

Valuable cultural training/teaching at 40/40 Cultural Immersion

Many salvations during 40/40 Language starting back up

Cards, Emails, Packages of encouragement from you!

40/40 Team - IMB missionaries, Auburn Seminary students and Lusaka Baptist interpreters

Our home stay family… Ackim lives with his two sons and several orphan nieces and nephew