July 29, 2004

We are not far away from our projected departure date in September!
Visas. . .We are still waiting for the approval paper from the country of Spain
in order to apply for our resident visas. Michelle McDonald has checked on the progress of our paperwork and said it should be here within this next month. Please pray that God will move this paperwork through in His timing. Because there are so many immigrants from South America and Africa it took Michele a month just to get an appointment to hand in the required documents. Our prayer is that we can receive that approval paper and turn in our applications and documents to the consulate by September. They have told us to expect two to four months from that point to receive our resident visas.

Plans for departure. . .We plan to go to Spain on three month tourist visas and begin learning the language in September. We are still seeking God on this important decision. We would stay with the McDonalds during this time and have to return to the US when our resident visas are ready. We can not send our container or get permanent housing until we are sure of our resident status.

Packing and family. . .We will be out of the house by July 29th. We have 95% of our container items packed in storage. We will be living with my parents in between appointments until the end of September. Our children have had emotional moments as we leave the only house they have ever lived in. We ask you to pray for us as we begin the transition of moving. We have been praying for our housing in Spain and desire to locate exactly the right apartment or duplex where God wants us.
I went with my father, Mike Rose on July 26th to Indianapolis to the bone marrow specialist to see if Dad was ready for bone marrow surgery. The doctor’s report was that this new chemo was working like a bone marrow transplant would and at this time the doctor has postponed the surgery. Praise the Lord!!! It is still possible for my father to have this surgery if the cancer returns quickly. We thank God for all those who have been faithfully praying for my father. He has his last chemo treatment on August 5th.

Home church news. . .On July 19th through 22nd I had the privilege to be in charge of the teaching and outreach ministry of Vacation Bible School. We were excited how the Holy Spirit worked. We had a high attendance of 110 children, 49 children counseled concerning salvation, and well over 200 in attendance for parent’s night. It was a great week! We praise the Lord to be a part of helping our home church reach Three Rivers area for Christ. The church has hired a new youth pastor. Kurt and Abigail Norris will arrive on August 17th. We believe that God will use this couple in the growth process of our church. We would like to thank all those who have been praying for this.

Finances. . .We praise the Lord that in May we had met the minimum monthly amount needed to go to Spain. However, June saw a $1000 drop. We’re not sure why the drastic decrease, but our prayer is that this month our support will be back where it is needed so we can effectively depart for Spain. Please pray for God’s wisdom and the financial provision needed so we can reach the people of Spain for Christ in His power and timing.
 

Striving together,


Bill & Dena Rose with Brianna, Kelsey, Jordan, Joshua, and Josiah