Perhaps I was being a bit optimistic in my goal setting. When I set up my 4 weeks of outpatient physical therapy sessions, I was asked what goals I wanted to set for myself. My biggest one was to walk normally without the cane by the end of those 4 weeks. Well, this marks the end of 4 weeks, although because I was sick this week and missed my scheduled sessions of PT, 3 sessions are rescheduled for next week, and I am far from walking normally without my cane. I have done some walking without it but it is not straight and normal in any sense of the word. I still must build up strength in muscles which, when I think of it, and Randy also mentioned it, have been used improperly for many months. Back the end of last summer (before we knew the damage to my femurs) I began to have pain in my legs and started walking abnormally; I’ve been walking incorrectly since at least August.

I know I have been making incremental progress. I just had hoped I’d be further along by now. And I’m still having pain in my left leg. So all in all, your prayers for me are very much appreciated.

Though I am going to miss my families out here in California, I am looking forward to being back with Randy in West Virginia. I fly back Saturday, June 11, just in time for the first incoming Mission as Life team, kicking off our summer Volunteer Ministry of Home Repair for the needy, elderly and disabled, as well as VBS programs put on by various of the teams coming throughout the summer. Everyone is in high gear.

Also kicking off our summer, starting this Sunday, is 16 hours of prayer daily by Mustard Seeds and Mountains’ staff (in 4 hour shifts per person). Of course, Mustard Seeds is also instituting a Rend the Heavens Prayer campaign in McDowell County. We are encouraging God’s people in the County to seek His face daily in line with II Chronicles 7:14. We want to see His people strengthened and emboldened to stand against the darkness around us, living in the power of God, and then see God’s spirit poured out to change lives. It will only happen by concerted and fervent prayer. If you’d like to join us in this campaign (and include with McDowell County your own community in your prayers) you can get more information by writing us at Rend the Heavens, P.O. Box 686, Northfork, WV 24868. I have a strong feeling your area could use this too.

Pray for all of us as we seek to work alongside God, whose co-laborers it is our privilege to be. Another prayer request is for my oldest son, Jeremy, who will be leaving this Tuesday, June 7, for a 3 week missionary trek to India with his uncle, Daniel Rickett. Please pray, of course, for their safety and good health, but also that God would accomplish in and through them His plans. Pray also for Monica, his wife, back home with 3 young children during the 3 weeks of daddy’s absence.

One more urgent request is for Bryon Thomas and his family (a young couple raising support to join us on staff at Mustard Seeds). We just learned Bryon’s mother was killed in a head on car collision. Hold this family up before the Lord.

Thank you for your prayers for us as we continue to follow where He leads.

Jacque