Daytona

Well...we finished up today with another 300+ burger day....kind of felt like a farewell "party" as we said goodbye to a number of our new friends...made commitments to keep in touch with a few and a some frustration over the seeming lack of time to "finish" some of the conversations that have started. There is a sense of great accomplishment (people cared for, burdens lifted, commitments made), but along with this there is a humbling realization that the need is far greater than anything we could have accomplished. Our prayer is that God will bring others along to water the seeds that have been planted and that the individuals we've talked to will continue their steps toward their Savior.

As we sat down as a team to talk through the week....there was the realization that while we have had the opportunity to work with the people we've met, God has taken the opportunity to work in us. We have been changed....and want to see the seeds planted here, in our lives, also grow and bear fruit. We'd learned that living out the Christian faith includes sharing our Christian faith. We've learned to take time to listen to those around us...believers and non-believers...to care for those that we come into contact with...friends and strangers...and we want to live this "new" reality when we return home.

As we get ready to pack up and leave, we would ask you to pray with us for safety on the journey...for the work that God is doing here in Daytona....Also, pray for the new believers we worked with (Joel and Robert) and for those that seem to be

so very close (Kevin)...remember with us those who claimed to know Christ, but had lifestyles that were counter to that claim, that God would relentlessly call them back (David and others)...for people we have talked with for a number of years, that the seeds continually planted will eventually take root (Jose, Vicki)...Remember the guys from the Rehab center that we met on Monday, that their journey would not only lead to freedom from addiction, but also to true freedom in Christ...for our friends at the home who each morning greeted us with great joy and dancing....for the homeless men and women whose lives are often so difficult and dangerous...for all the wonderful people we met from infants to snowbirds...each with unique stories and needs....and each who are loved dearly by their creator. And pray that the lessons we've learned and the changes we made will be more than a great memory....but will become a permanent part of our lives.

Thanks for your prayers...we know that anything that was accomplished during this trip is owed to the prayers of God's people....