As we approach 2011, there are some areas of concern in need of your steadfast prayer support.
1. Isaiah's schooling -- We are in the process of filling out forms in order to homeschool Isaiah. The paperwork is extremely complicated. We want to partner with a local junior high school so that Isaiah would still be attending school three afternoons a week. Abigail will be in the sixth grade and this will work out well. But to get the school to cooperate, to get the right teacher, and to get everything approved are still heavy on our heart. We hope to get all the paperwork completed by Jan. 20th so that as soon as we get back from our Chinese New Year vacation, we would be sending in the application.
2. Our teaching schedules -- In light our first prayer concern, we surely need God's hands to orchestrate our teaching schedules. It is going to be a miracle. Once the schedule is out, it is very difficult to change. Presently, Lovely has to go out to Taoyuan once a week. It is a tremendously long day for her. It would be great if she can be teaching only in the Shihlin area. Along with Lovely's teaching, she is starting to write and hoping to get at least three books published in 2011. This will only become a reality with your prayer support.
3. Our church involement -- We have enjoyed the opportunities to speak and to counsel. We know that God wants to use us. We need wisdom when opportunities arise. We want to wait upon the LORD to lay His words upon our hearts before we agree to take on any speaking, counseling or other ministry. Alan will continue to be one of the Overseers of House of Praise. He needs God's wisdom as he and the other brothers plan for the direction of the church. We also hope that Abby will be serving on the worship team as a drummer and that Isaiah would be involved as a churcher greeter and to serve at every love feasts.
4. Our many celebrations -- Each year we have been so grateful for God's favor upon us. As we celebrate each holiday or birthday or anniversary, we want to be fruitful for His glory. We ask you to be in prayer for our safety and health. Isaiah still struggles with his allergies and Abby's eyes have not gotten worse this past year. We know that God is at work in their lives.
5. Our family time -- We have set aside every Friday as family time and couple time. In the morning, Alan and Lovely have time to be together to pray. Then in the evening when the kids are home, we take time to watch a special Christian program, discuss and pray together after reviewing our verses. Please pray that the LORD will lay upon our path the right Christian programs. We have gone through the Truth Project and That the World May Know. Both of these have been absolutely fabulous and such a blessing to us.
6. Our elderly parents and other family members -- Being away from our elderly parents and other family members is often difficult. We ask that you will remember to pray for them -- their health, their work, their every decision.
7. Our finances -- We praise God that He is our Provider. We have truly experienced that throughout our lives. When we look around our house, we are amazed at what we have found in the trash, in the dumpsters, from friends, in second hand stores, and how He always provide just at the right time. Right now we are in need of a car as ours is running on faith. Alan is also thinking of buying a better scooter and I will be riding his. (And that's a big prayer request right there -- for me to ride a 125cc scooter!!!) We wait upon the LORD and we ask that you would pray for God's insight and guidance when we make our decisions.
There you have them -- our 7 requests for 2011.
Thank you for partnering with us through prayer.
Seek Him first!