141 hours, 3 minutes...

...But who's keeping track....

If, as the Bible says, we are blessed with 70 years of life (Psalm 90:10), that would mean we would experience 613,200 hours. That's not too many, when you think about it. To achieve the magical number of one million, a person would have to live for over 114 years.

Put that way, it makes the U. S. deficit seem to be considerable....

But I'm not talking about a cash shortage. I'm referring to the amount of time until I board a plane to go to Saipan. The Lord has opened doors for me to bring a message of love and trust to a group of kids at a Christian school half a world away. I will spend a week of my life with them, sharing the most important thing on earth - a relationship with my Savior.

I feel like I am so unworthy. True, I want more than anything to be able to tell what my Lord has done for me - but there are so many others who have their story to tell. So why did the Lord pick me? Right now I may not know, but someday - whether on this earth or in heaven - I will know.

There may be some gaps in the Prayers of Faith that I send out - I'm not sure what access I will have to computers and the Internet - but I am sure that you will understand. I am also sure that I will be able to rely on you all praying for me.

If I may be so bold, could you pray for these things while I am gone? First, pray for the teachers at the school. Teachers often have the most thankless jobs, and can do the most positive good for our children. While I may fly in and out with a message of hope for the kids, it will be the task of the teachers to carry the message throughout the year. My heart aches for those teachers - Lord, please bless them.

Second, pray for the students. These kids, ranging from preschool to high school, come from such a variety of backgrounds and ethnic differences. Their training is as varied as the color of their skin, and yet they all need to feel love and acceptance. Most importantly, they need to feel God's arms of love around them, and to know that He will never leave them nor forsake them. Father, please bless them.

Third, I ask that you pray for these parents. For many, their association with this school is the only formal interaction with Christians they have. Having a strange American man coming to speak to their children could be threatening. Teaching their children to trust a God they don't know could be seen unfavorably. Only God can change their hearts - Lord, please bless these dear parents.

140 hours and 31 minutes now.... There is so much that I need to do to get ready. I have my list, and I'm checking it off as I complete each task. I just hope that I don't forget anything.

I wonder... How many hours until Jesus comes? Have I made a list so I am prepared for that trip as well?

How about you?

God bless you abundantly!