Could I ask a special prayer request? I received a note today to call Suriname. A group of young men including some young leaders in the church have been quietly working to change some of the standards in the church while undermining the leadership of the church, and also violating some of the rules of the church which they had agreed to. This is a serious problem, and the national leadership feels that we should take a firm stand against such undermining and rebellion. After hearing what had happened, I totally agree. The problem began to surface just before my departure, and I suspect that they may have decided that the best time to test the leadership was in my absence. Please pray much with us. We may end up with some talented young men leaving, but this is not the first time we have had such problems. We would appreciate your prayers for the entire situation, and that the Lord's will will be done. I am praying especially for the leadership to take a firm position, but also that the Lord will work in the hearts of the young men.

Our first trip: We just have started our first trip away from our base in South Bend, In - this trip to the East. We had excellent services yesterday in both Calvary Baptist Church in Findlay, Ohio, and First Baptist Church of Eaton. Both pastors have been most gracious; we have enjoyed the fellowship immensely. We will be staying in a mission house in Eaton this week, and speaking at another church in Eaton on Wednesday.

We will then head to Waverly, Ohio for the weekend. It will be the first time in 38 years that we have not seen my mother. We will be at churches the area Sunday. Our daughter Cathy and family have stopped to see Mom Patton multiple times over many years, as they have a trailer in northern Kentucky and pass through Waverly. She cried as they passed through about a month ago without having to stop. An end of an era.... We will continue East to Pennsylvania, then to Liz's sister in Scarsdale, New York, and then on further to Connecticut and Massachusetts. We covet your prayers for our travels, as well as to be a blessing to each place we minister.

Computer trials: Last week I spent another full day with Chris Barnhart, who helped get e-mail over into the Mac computer and loaded in the Windows system as well. It was pretty complicated, and I would never have succeeded without his help. I am slowly learning to work in the Mac.

Prayer requests:

1. Our spiritual growth
2. Health and safety in travel, and strength for the task
3. Our churches in Suriname, especially facing a special challenge outlined above
4. Our schedule, and to be a blessing at each place we go
5. Continued preparation for teaching block courses