Friends,

We feel a little surprised to discover ourselves in August, when we're pretty sure that last time we looked it was mid-July! We are thankful for time spent with family during the last two weeks of July and looking forward to upcoming events at Shepherd's Staff.

Saturday we'll be holding the annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser in Curtis, Nebraska. This is the third year for the event, but the first time we'll be experiencing it. The golfers participate for free but are asked to raise pledges (remember the Bike-a-thon?) that go to the ministry here. So far we are expecting 12-16 golfers and are excited to see how the event will go.

Family-wise, we're starting to think about school. Gwen will be educating Tyson and Jesalynn at home again this year. We have decided to send Natasha to the public preschool two mornings a week to give Gwen and the kids some focused school time and to help show the community that we are not "against" their school. It is a hard balance--doing what you feel is right for your family while also considering how those choices will affect the ministry you are working for.

Gwen is also looking for piano students; would you pray that she will be able to make contacts towards that?

Finally, we want to share with you a joy in our family. One of the blessings of working for a ministry is that we get to spend a great portion of our time (even when working) with our children. Lately Natasha has become very aware of the role that Jesus plays in our family. She asks lots of questions (many of them the same ones over and over) and is genuinely learning about a relationship with him. We continue to pray that God will draw all three children closer to Him each day and that He will use them for His work in a mighty way.