We're gearing up for the week at our home church here in Toledo -- this is Global Outlook, a week-long emphasis on missions, and we're excited to be able to share what God is doing in Germany, and express and cast our vision as to our ministry and term upon our return arrival in June.  We're so thankful for a wonderful church family, and to be able to partner with them in this way and deepen our relationship with many in the church family -- well, we really appreciate that...

Since our last post: Emma celebrated her first birthday (see photo below), Travis had his tonsils and adenoids taken out (he's still recovering -- at about 90% -- but doing very well), Hannah continues to sing and sing and sing, Sarah celebrated her birthday as well, and Ben is now back from touring and home with the family!  Thanks a ton for your prayers and thoughts!

Three months from now, we'll be back in Berlin -- thanks for catching up with us!

Here are a few pics of the birthday girl...








And we've tried posting this video before (it hasn't worked until today), but this is from a few months ago...

Thanks so much for keeping up with us.  I (Ben) am currently writing this post from southern California, where I arrived two days ago to begin my 6+ week-long "tour", visiting various Alliance churches and families, sharing what God is doing in northeast Germany and learning about their ministry here as well.  We're praying that God would really speak to people, motivating their hearts to a deeper commitment to God's heart for the nations...

Please pray with us during this time, as Ben speaks and shares and spends time with many -- please pray for strength, wisdom, the right words and for His empowerment!  Please also pray for Sarah and the kids, as she is with them back in Toledo during this time -- pray for strength for her, for good obedience for the kids, and that God would keep us close together, in spite of the distance...

Please pray as we continue to research these school and pre-school opportunities for Travis & Hannah, as we try to find spots for them in the new city we are moving to -- pray that God would provide the right place for them both...

Thanks again for your connection with us, and we appreciate your prayers and thoughts!