The Latest on James

We received the results from the last platelet count and James' platelets where up to 87,000 form 48,000. This is good news, but normal count would be at least 150,000. The doctor said it was unusual for platelets to rise while weaning off medication, but we of course live in the unusual or miraculous, however you choose to see it. James has been off the medication for almost a week now and we will go for another blood count next thursday to see if the platelets are holding, increasing, or falling. Holding or increasing would both be good news so please pray for that. If it shows they are falling, then it would mean staying here and receiving more treatment.

Update on James

Well, just to let everyone know. James is still being treated for ITP. He will have a new blood count done next week to determine if he will need more medication. Please continue to pray for his body to rectify this problem and doctors the wisdom to treat it well. We are trusting that God is working through this situation and hope to be back to normal soon.

Above is a picture of our team in the Northern Province of Zambia. We hardly ever get to be together so this is a rare picture. On the left is the Schwarz family that live in Mbala and on the right is the Kimbrough family that live in Isoka. We are all with the IMB and work together in strategy to plant churches throughout the Northern Province. We all live a long way from each other, but our people and ministry are very similar. Praise God for a good team on the field.

Prayer Request

I just wanted to ask everyone to be in prayer for us as we are in Johannesburg, South Africa right now and I am having some medical issues. I have been diagnosed with a condition called ITP that affects my body's ability to make platelets in my blood. We are trying to get it all sorted out, but it could take time. So please pray that I will be able to recover and get back to Kaputa as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile Hutch and Lulie are taking the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of Africa's wildlife

Long Drive

Well we left Kaputa about 3 weeks ago and have drove all the way to South Africa via a short trip to Malawi. We picked up Mary Margaret's parents in Lusaka and they have braved the African roads with us. The journey is part vacation, part medical, and part to pick up a new trailer that will assist us greatly in our ministry. It has been a great time so far and Hutch and Lulie have been doing lots of swimming.

We also have seen lots of African animals which is always fun!

Ans of course the beautiful Victoria Falls which is one of the 7 wonders of the world.

We are in Joburg, South Africa now and will hit the road again in a few days. We are filling up with lots of good food while here!