Getting Closer!

As each day passes it is apparent just how close we are getting to our departure date! I (Rachel) even had a dream about packing and leaving just last night! There is still so much that we need to do to be ready to leave, but things are coming together!

A few weeks ago we received our airline tickets! Talk about exciting! Also, everything has been taken care of as far as my passport goes! We had some difficulty at first because some of my documents got separated in the mail, but by God's grace the post office mail them back to me and the very nice woman at the National Passport Center called me and helped me out so much! The process is now underway for my passport to say "Rachel E. Ervin" instead of "Rachel E. Call" (which is pretty important!!).

We have also started our many rounds of vaccinations! Actually, Mike only needs few, but so far I have gotten 4 and still have5 or 6 left to get!!! I have to admit that its not really a fun thing, but it must be done.

Our finances are continuing to come in. We have about $1000 toward our tuition at New Hope Institute of Childcare and Family, which is about 1/5 of what we need for that.

We have another meeting scheduled for the first Sunday in October. This meeting will be a bit different. We have a friend who is a youth pastor, and he has asked us to speak to his youth group. We will probably be giving our testimonies of how Christ redeemed us, and then telling them a bit about our lives and our trip. I am sure there will also be plenty of questions to answer! After that, they will be taking up a love offering for us! We are very excited about the opportunity to present to these young people and for the possibility of impacting them with the Gospel.

Seems like this was a very long update, but it was also very long overdue! Sorry we haven't been updating as frequently as we would like, but we will try to do better as we draw closer to our departure date of Dec. 28!

You've Asked....

Many people have been asking us about the different needs we will have while we are in Africa. We've mentioned that there are things that we will have to take with us because they are either unavailable or very expensive over there.

For those of you who have asked, I am providing you with a list! (A short list, but still a list) :o)

*Shampoo & Conditioner
*Deodorant
*Toothpaste
*Razors
*Soap
*Bug Spray
*Sunscreen

Those are the basics! However, I know that there are many other things that I could put on that list, such as the hair products Michael and I use for styling on a daily basis.

If are are interested in a more detailed list, please give us an email and we can get that to you! If you wish to purchase something for us, please email us before hand to make certain that the item you are looking to purchase is still something we are in need of, and so that I can give you the details of what type/brand we need before you purchase it!

Thank you for your continued interest in our ministry!

For the sake of the GOSPEL! 1 Cor. 9:23