**This blog is written in the format of Philippians. We have been studying very hard and eat, breath and speak, in only Philippians**
Audrey, Sam, and Heath, servants of Christ Jesus,
To all the parents, in the respected households, together with the pets and siblings.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…and Bob.
We thank our God every time we remember we finished pine needle raking. It is right for us to feel this way because it took us about three and a half days to rake and clean up sixty-three lots in the private residential neighborhoods. It is true that some were in the kitchen, preparing meals and snacks, while others raked and cleared lots out of good will. The latter raked in love, knowing that we were put here to raise funds for Israel. The former completed all chores, sincerely, knowing it would be greatly appreciated. But what does it matter? The important thing, in every way, whether by false motives or true, is that it’s done. We eagerly expect and hope that in no way we will continue to be sore, but now as always, have sufficient rest. Whether by life or by death (just kidding mom). Then whether we come and see you, or only hear about you in our absence, you will know that we stand firm as students in Joshua.
If we have any encouragement from the speaker, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with him and his wife, if any learning and comprehension, then our joy will be made complete by continuing to listen and learn from his stories. Therefore my dear parents, as we have always obeyed, not only in your presence, but now much more in your absence (probably), we continue to work out Joshua with fear and trembling, for it is the speaker who tells us to will and to act according to God’s good purpose. We hope in the Lord Jesus to send stories of Jim(othy Cook) to you soon. We have no one else like him, who has grown up in India, had a pet tiger, started so many churches, served in the Navy (at thirteen), and played professional basketball in another country. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy and honor men like him, because he almost DIED for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for the help you could not give us (just kidding we love you mom).
Finally parents, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for us to tell you again that we have an amazing catalyst. Watch out for our dogs, our pups who do tricks, those mutilators of kibble, for it is we who are gone, we who get to hangout with Elizabeth, we who enjoy her cookies, and we who now have more confidence to pass Philippians. Join with others in following Elizabeth’s example, parents, and take note of how she makes us cookies and other snacks. And we eagerly await more stories about Elizabeth and her ministry with the outcasts in India.
Therefore, my parents, you whom I love and care for, this is how we learn Philippians, dear friends by only speaking in Philippians (including this blog). We plead with ourselves and we plead with our roommates to study Philippians. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything quote Philippians. We know what it is to be in need (of prayer) and we know what it is to have plenty (of anxiety). We have learned the secret of passing in any and every situation (hopefully), whether well rested or tired. Moreover, as you parents know, in the early days of our acquaintance with Philippians, when we set out from home, we struggled, but now we are hard workers, and the day of completion is near.
The students who are with me send greetings.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirits.
