But I cannot get to all those stories this morning, so I'll share a few quick updates...
1) Zeke made it into his new school yesterday. We are thankful not only for the beginning responses of support and the prayers that have accompanied this quick change. We are encouraged by so many answers to prayer, including the willingness of the school to work with us and allow Zeke to begin while we continue to work on the financing. Now, with all three kids in school, we can hopefully get into some good routines which will help us in returning to some of our own ministry routines. Keli has also been busy in a variety of new family interactions, both formally for the school's PTO but also informally building relationships herself as well as introducing new families to each other.
2) I participated in the annual Ana Terzo youth camp, becoming the main speaker near the last minute, and taking a group of 5 young Egyptians to Lebanon for the first time. The camp was another wonderful experience and the relational connections between the Lebanese and Egyptian young adults could not have gotten off to a better start. It was such a blessing watching them laughing and sharing together--and watching their continuing responses to each other through Facebook has been great, too. During the event, the group partnered with Heart for Lebanon to offer some service to one of the Syrian refugee camps--this day will get its own post as it was important on many levels. 
3) Once the camp came to an end, I was able to spend a morning of worship with the Soufie Church of God in Beirut, and then the afternoon with Pastor Bassem Melki and his family. The Melki family hosted Keli for a week last January, and this was my opportunity to spend time getting to know them and discovering ways we could be of mutual encouragement and support to one another in ministry. It was such a blessing to not only spend time with their congregation in worship, but to also join them in watching a sister-ministry of a new Sri Lankan congregation as they baptized four new believers--this service included witnesses from diverse nationalities--a little bit of heaven.
4) I spent that Sunday evening, September 1, in downtown Beirut sharing and encouraging Walid, one of the young Lebanese adults whom I met at last year's Ana Terzo - he showed me various downtown sights, while we talked about life, ministry, and pursuing God's will.
5) Since Monday morning, I've been meeting with and in service to the Heart for Lebanon staff in their annual retreat. I was invited to participate last year to get an understanding of their staff and ministries to evaluate whether or not to be a part of their international board. That retreat was much more relaxed and a time of encouraging, but the work we did together was not that intense. This year's retreat is also involving a five year strategic planning process that is as enlightening as it is mentally exhausting. I have grown in understanding and appreciation of so many of the key leaders roles, sacrifices, and service to refugees and needy communities. One of the great aspects of this retreat is that the families of the staff are invited and included in worship opportunities, in the meals, and participants in the fun outings or fellowship opportunities each evening; this has also blessed me as I have watched the staff interacting with their families.
So, that is some of what has been happening here in the Middle East as it relates to our service and ministries. Things will be increasingly busy once I return Saturday evening to Cairo, but it has all been a time of blessing in the midst of service.
Thank you for your continuing interest, prayers and support.
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