Pray for Africa!

I received this e-mail from Ella.



Specific Crime Against Foreigners

Currently in the black townships, there is a targeted effort to "weed out" all foreign blacks. These are people who have come from Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Congo. (other African countries) We are hurting because they are using violence and as of today 23 people have been killed and thousands are displaced and their homes are being ransacked and burned. I spoke with a pastor from Windmill park and where they stay, the churches are filled with people chased out of their homes. I just got off the phone with James and a dear pastor and friend named Eric (recent graduate of ICBM) is fearing for his life (he is from Mozambique-20 years ago) as thugs are going around his area wanting them gone. So, we will be hosting his family for a few weeks until this violence is stopped.

Thanks again for praying for this targeted violence to stop.
Love,
Ella

I talked to Ella this morning, and this family is living in the guest house next door to them. They have an 11 year old daughter, and seven year old son. A boy came up to their son and slapped him in the face, saying, "You get out of here." It has become very bad...pray for believers especially, as they are being invaded upon. Pray that peace will be restored, and people will find Jesus through this difficult time. Pray also for the Embrees, as they have some added responsibilities because of this. It's an overwhelming time, as they get ready for a team to come, and pack things up to come back for home assignment the beginning of July.
Thank you,
Jess

Spring & Maddy

Spring is finally in the air!! I took this pic of the tulips all up and down Michigan Avenue. They are so beautiful, and a refreshing sight after the dull and freezing cold winter months!


These guys were lovin' the sun-bathin' weather

I found a nut, and you are not going to get it!

They are lovin' this!

Here I am!


Maddy is getting so big, and is such a bundle of energy. I just love hanging out and being with her. Her laugh is the funniest thing ever.

Playing a game with my shoe!

Maddy came up to my apartment a couple days ago, and I brought the crayons out for her. She loved to color, and enjoyed hanging out with me. We made sure she brought a picture home for mamma too!

Remembering Mandy~1984-2008

Please pray for the Annis family. Mandy graduated from Moody in 2005, and was a 5th grade teacher at Humboldt Community Christian School. She was riding her bike home from work on Wednesday, and was struck and killed by a car. I met and interacted with Mandy at my friend Steph's wedding in 2006. Her parents were missionaries in Romania for 12 years, and returned home just this past Tuesday, as they felt God calling them home to spend more time with family. Pray for her boyfriend James, who was riding to her house and saw all the police swarming around. He thought nothing of it, but when Mandy wasn't home, and she didn't show up, he went back to the scene and found out it was Mandy from an investigator. He had bought plane tickets to Pennsylvania, as a surprise for her to see her family this weekend. He had a ring, and planned to propose to Mandy tonight after asking approval from her father. Pray for her parents, and brother and sisters. Her dad said, "We don't know why things like this happen the way we do, but we trust God's heart that the best has happened." Pray for her 5th graders who are devastated by this. And pray for the Moody community. There are many people that have been affected by this, and we are mourning a wonderful friend who loved life, and loved God with all her heart. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.