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Dear friends,
Thank you for
your ongoing concern and interest in our lives!
In the midst of a constant backlog of international communication
duties over the last few years, I have found it so difficult to communicate
about ourselves personally... this website has proven to be a bit more
doable.
We are okay here.... had to make a few changes in our
lifestyle--diet, exercise, re-evaluating pace, re-thinking about stress,
etc. When my son commented some time last year "Hey, dad, I think you are
stressing," I said (and used to always think) "oh, I am not stressing...
just because I juggle a whole bunch of things does not mean I am stressing;
I am just working fast." Well, since my coronary blockage scare, I have
begun to wonder, right now I am reading a book on Stress and its apparent
connection to Heart disease--I feel convicted.
PRAISE REPORTS
1) The medical bills that we had to cover ourselves (due to high
deductibles, and, as was the case for Mary's malady, was not even covered by
insurance at all) were quite staggering for us toward the end of the year.
But, we are happy and grateful to report that all was finally covered by the
end of March!!!
2) We are also happy to share that Mary's cervical cancer scare did
not materialize to the degree it was feared. The minor surgical procedure
was finally (after subsequent tests) deemed successful in arresting the
spread of cancerous cells.
For both of us to have had major health issues within a couple months
of each other, after seemingly never having anything medical happening in
our lives (and after having gotten an insurance just a month before with a
high deductible) DID make for interesting living. Suffice to say our 27th
wedding anniversary visit to Vancouver, Canada, remains memorable.
3) A second issue of the WorldChristian News periodical was published
a few weeks ago (it goes out to about 18,000 people, presumably you received
a copy as well if I have your address correct?!). Portions of the material
also appear at
www.ywam.org/worldchristiannews/
4) We now have a graphics department in our office headed by a
wonderful couple from India. They are very capable, assisting us with
graphic and lay-out needs for our international YWAM news periodical (The
International YWAMer), with video sleeve designs for mission and teaching
videos, and lots of miscellaneous projects.
5) A couple interns are joining us this summer
6) We have been able to help launch an African Communications
office/team based in South Africa
FOR PRAYER
1) Sean recently experienced his first firing from a job that he
really liked and where he was very motivated and tried his best... he was
sad and depressed
2) Mary is going on a sort of retreat with a group of women whom
she knows since late teen-age years, but has not seen in many years;
renewing old friendships, share about their lives (and probably complain
about the men too <<smile>>).
3) I have been challenged to take time off--vacation, or even go on
a sabbatical. I think that is reasonable, but struggle with knowing exactly
how to do it (feelings of guilt, finances, logistics, time, etc.)
4) Am working on the production of our fourth booklet for the 30
Days Hindu Prayer Focus mobilization.
5) Need to finalize editorial and publishing requirements for a new
guide book on Turkey (written by pastor friend)
6) Need to decide on going to Singapore for YWAM's annual leaders
meeting followed by a major YWAM conference that occurs every two years
(with the recent SARS outbreak, Mary does not really want me to go. Several
other staff in my office are also scheduled to go to the latter event to
serve with set-up and video needs.
7) For continued wisdom to serve with very limited human and
financial resources our sprawling YWAM ministry family worldwide.
Thank you for your concern... and participation in our lives!!!
In His Service,
Paul and Mary (and Sean and Noelle) Filidis
[Please, visit our discounted online bookstore at
www.WorldChristian.com]
to email us,
Click here
- Please note
that ALL YWAM staff people are
volunteers who depend on God and His people for
prayer and financial support.
- If you wish to
contribute to the personal support
needs of either "Paul and Mary" or "Sean," please
click here.
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