Happy Independence day!

Cathy and I were able to host a gathering for all Americans in our area. There is a surprising number of ex-pats here. Many are involved in ministry works some are doctors and some are here as NGO's. We had about 65 people come to celebrate America's Independence with us on July 4th. Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill and baked beans, pasta salad and potato chips on the side. There were scores of deserts and Cathy was even able to make an Apple pie; could it be any more American than that?

I decided to have a few old school American games for all the kids and a few adults who dared. We did a sack race, 3-legged race and an egg toss. As the evening came to a close we pledged allegiance to our flag and sang the Star Spangled Banner. Even with all the troubles America is facing these days we still have the greatest nation on Earth! God Bless America.

In our village church I stumbled upon one of our members and was grieved by the sin he was involved in. He has been a faithful member who has helped me with song leading and teaching Sunday School. Unfortunately he will have to step down from all of those positions for a time. I pray that he runs to God rather than away from Him. Please pray for Filimoni, he needs to make things right with God and the church members.

I would also ask you to pray for our water project. I think we have all the necessary funds to bring a water line to our property. I have asked our men to begin the process. We met with the water department and they told me that before we can begin we must met with the road commission. Our church is in an undeveloped area of the village so there are no official roads yet. Well I mean the roads are officially planned on a map but they have not been built. The water line will follow the road so we must begin by knowing where the roads are going to be placed in our area. Our guys have gone to the road commission office 4 times now and have spent 6 or more hours each day in the waiting area but have never seen the person in charge. The office just tells our guys to come back tomorrow. That is code for "we want a bribe." Please pray for our success in this endeavor. We will not pay bribes which may cause the road commissioner to be more stubborn or flat out refuse to help us.