New Photos on Flickr

I have added photos to our Flickr account from my trips to Moscow, Manila, and Bangkok. For some reason, they posted in reverse order within each batch. I'm not sure why that happened. Anywhy, you can access the photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/75786630@N00/. Enjoy!

Affect Destiny - A Day in the Life

Ryan Smith, one of the Missionary Associates working with Book of Hope, has created a fantastic 15-minute video that captures a day in the life of an Affect Destiny Team trip. You can find it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3wwNSbm3xw. Although it may take a few minutes to download, it is a great investment of time and will give you a clear understanding of what it means to reach thousands of children and youth in a day with the good news. If you are interested in being a part of a future Affect Destiny Team trip, please contact Affect Destiny Teams at teams@bookofhope.net or (877) 411-WORD.

STEP International

Our dear friend, Ruthie Lilyquist, has formed a ministry called STEP International. Step International is focused on bring God's Word and the love of Christ to children, young people, and families in the 10/40 Window through teaching, personal evangelism, leadership training, and childcare. You can read more about Ruthie and her work at http://www.stepintnl.org. Be sure to check out her blog at http://www.stepintnl.org/blog/.

August 2006 Newsletter

Our August 2006 newsletter is now available online. Click here to go immediately to this newsletter. You can also find this and all our previous newsletters on our website at http://www.YourWorldMissionaries.org/. Click on the "Update" tab and look for the links to all our newsletters on the left side of the “Update” page.

Training Camp

One of the regular activities that Rebecca participates in each week is a visit to the physical therapist. Recently, Rebecca has been working out in a mobile device that helps her to stand. Once she builds up her strength in her legs, she will start learning how to perform walking motions on a treadmill. Many years ago, before Rebecca developed problems in her hips, she used a walking harness to help her walk, mostly uncontrolled, across a room. She could also ride a special adapted bicycle, although she could not steer it. We are believing that God has opened the door to this new therapy for Rebecca in preparation for some dramatic improvements in her mobility. Please believe and pray with us for Rebecca to have all the mobility that is possible.

Together

Here is another look at Dick & Rick's story. It is called TOGETHER and can be found on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D52rJd9GX10.

I Can Only Imagine

There are a few items on the Internet that help in expressing the love a mom or dad can have for their disabled child, along with the joy that such a child can find from simply being there with their mom or dad when something spectacular is done. Sports Illustrated did an article last Summer on Dick & Rick Hoyt and Dick's unending love for his son and his desire to help Rick feel a little less handicapped. A church we visited near Father's Day this year ran the video of their story. It is set to the song I Can Only Imagine. Watch it on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjPrL3n63yg.
As God opens the doors for Tammy and I to travel the world and have Rebecca accompany us, we are believing that many families who are struggling with disabilities will understand that God has a plan and a purpose for everyone. All we need is faith that He is there with us and courage to do something with our lives -- regardless of our physical abilities or limitations. That is one message we believe God will allow Rebecca to bring to the nations.

Having Fun At The YMCA

Rebecca's summer vacation from school is drawing to a close. She has spent many of her days this summer having fun at the YMCA. Rebecca has been involved with the YMCA through their after-school program since we moved to Tamarac. During the school year, that program is located at her school; a special school specifically for children who have serious handicaps. But, during the summer months the YMCA program from her school is integrated with the program that takes place at one of the area middle schools. Rebecca gets a whole summer of fun and play interaction with other kids, disabled and able-bodied.
One of her favorite YMCA events is bowling. Rebecca even has her own bowling shirt. Yesterday, the YMCA took all the kids out for a day of bowling. She loved it as was demonstrated by her squeals and smiles when I got home and asked her about her day.
When Rebecca bowls, she uses a gutter guard, but rarely has to rely on it. Since she cannot walk, she used a ball launcher that is positioned next to her wheelchair. She then uses her right hand to push the ball down the launcher and toward the pins. Rebecca lands strikes, spares, and all kinds of combinations. And like anyone who is excited about their sport, she squeals and screams with satisfaction and delight when the pins fall down.
Next time you are at a bowling ally and you hear some high-pitched squeals, check it out. You never know, it may just be Rebecca enjoying a day at the ally as she travels with her parents.

July 2006 Newsletter

Our July 2006 newsletter is now available online. Click here to go immediately to this newsletter. You can also find this and all our previous newsletters on our website at http://www.YourWorldMissionaries.org/. Click on the "Update" tab and look for the links to all our newsletters on the left side of the “Update” page.

Photos from Ukraine & Russia

New photos from Ukraine and Russia have been added to our Flickr photo blog. Click Here to view these photo archives, as well as our first album from Wayne's January trip to Peru.