Giffords 707

Beloved Ministries
July 07

For us summer always means grandchildren. With 5 of them living within 220 miles of us (and on our path between our home and the YWAM schools in Canada) we try to have them down for Gifford family

a week during the school break. This year we decided to split them between boys and girls so this week we have the 5 year old and the 12 year old boys. (Later in July we will have the 3 girls - twin 15 yr olds and a 10 yr old).

What a hoot of a time we are having!! Ray is training Jake on the tandem for the "Seattle to Portland" ride (STP) because the 2 of them are going to ride from Portland to Seattle this Thursday and Friday. Walker and I will ride the train up to Seattle area on Friday (a great adventure for both of us) and then Ray and I will ride in the real STP on Saturday and Sunday. With 100 miles each day and summer heat we should be put to the test. With 9,000 other riders we should meet some interesting people. (This is a fund raiser for Alpha Communities - China this time so any donations you might want to make can be made out to Alpha Communities then sent to our address - PO Box 20218, Portland, OR 97294)

Why did I think the women's conference in Conneticut would go without a hitch? Trying to leave I discovered my flight had been canceled and it took them over an hour and a different destination airport in order to get me there before the Friday night session would be over. It was worth it all! Pivotal moments for this precious group of women from a growing church near Mystic Seaport. Definately a long term relationship developing. Thanks for your prayers. The logistics took as much divine intervention as the teaching!

Again Ray did an excellent job of leading the mimimum security session of "Men stuff" at the prison. These 2 groups of women have completely different dynamics but their God knew how to guide this lesson the direction they needed. It was precious to see them warm up to their "safe" brothers and ask some really hard questions. But they got some honest Biblical life experience answers. Until late September we are done with teaching at the Prison but will still be attending when we are not riding our tandem.

Beginning the prayer meetings on Sunday mornings has been tremendous! At this point it is only Ray and/or Ray and myself but we know God said to do it. Ray is very serious about seeing others learn the joy of intercession as he has and I'm with him all the way on this one.

Stay cool,

Ray and Patience