He's finally off!

Just an update on the latest with Randy.
I left him at the airport today around 3 p.m. His flight left for L.A. around 6 p.m. He just called and said everything is going well so far. They have a 4 hour layover there and then they're off to Malaysia. I've talked to him for the last time until he hits California again next weekend. That's a long time!

I went with him to Waco Mon p.m. for the team meeting and was really glad I went. Now when I'm praying for the team I have an idea of who he is with. There is a married couple, both nurses, who are probably in their 40's. Danny Mulkey is one of the leaders and has been a missionary and now travels all over the world doing fun Jesus adventures. Heather Mercer is the other leader and had great insight into the Muslim culture - lots of wisdom to share. She currently is living in the "inner city" of Waco and is ministering to the poor so I told Randy to hook up with her and learn as much as he could. She'll be moving to Iraq in the fall. The other doctor is around RB's age and seems like a nice guy. And then there is Don - if they come into a precarious or puzzling situation, this guy will get them out of it! He builds airplane engines and is apparently very experienced in surviving with little. He has spent a lot of time in Afghanistan. It seems like an intense little trip. They said more than once that quiet time is absolutely not optional-if they don't get time with Jesus, they won't make it.

On Monday p.m., Antioch had lost touch with Indonesia Team 1 because the satellite phone wasn't working, but they have had contact again. I heard that the team had to be rescued by helicopter at one point from a boat because of a monsoon, but other than that things are going great and the doctors are working their tails off. Randy is in for some adventure! Blah, blah, blah. That's probably a lot more info than you wanted to know.

If you're wanting some specifics to pray about other than the obvious safety issues, here are a couple he mentioned:
*his faith - pray that it will remain strong and that he'll keep walking by this road and not by sight.
*pray for the power of God to be released - they want to see miracles of healing, etc. and of people turning to Jesus (I'll send you an email about the Acehnese people of Indonesia - it is 99.9% Muslim and is strictly enforced. There have been many martyred for Christ, but 61% have never even heard the gospel)
*pray that he will walk by the Spirit and be filled with love for the people.
*pray that he will be walking in humility

For you guys who are in California, be careful!! We don't want to see YOU on the news getting rescued!! Ha! I'm so excited that you guys are getting to enjoy all the snow. Take care of my mom, esp. if she decides to go through with this snow mobiling idea - yikes!

Love hearing about the details of what's going on with everyone. Be blessed and may you find inexpressible happiness in Jesus today! He is sweet!

Love,
Anda