Jim’s recent trips are now over so here is a brief report.  His first trip was to Sofia (Bulgaria) to meet with the members of a network of IFES leaders who are engaged in a research project to better understand the values and beliefs of students in their countries.  Before leaving Jim had been very concerned at the lack of progress and was even starting to question if the project had the necessary commitment to really go forward, but the meeting really seemed to help to unite the group behind the vision and agree a way forward.  We expect formal commitments from all those who are going to participate by the middle of June.  Pray for Zef (Albania), Sem (Belgium), Moamir (Croatia), Stefano (Italy), John (Portugal), Emmy (Romania), as they try to mobilize their student movements to get involved in the research, and for Edith and Charlie from IFES Europe as they work with them.  A photo of the group is attached.

After a few days at home Jim was off again, initially to the ECM British Worker’s Retreat at High Leigh in Hertfordshire.  It was really great to see colleagues from across Europe and to get some stimulating input.  From there Jim flew out to Spain where he had another round of meetings with the Cordoba pastors.  The working group made some significant progress in identifying the next steps forward and over the next month or so we hope to work these together into a sort of “routemap” for the project.  There was then an opportunity to report back on our progress at the pastor’s fraternity meeting and it was great to see the framed copy of the covenant agreement hanging on the wall of the church where we met (see photos).  Please continue to pray particularly for the steering group (Esteban, Angel, Francis, Paco and Jim) as they work on this together.

Christine held things together back in Gloucester in her inimitable way and had a very enjoyable birthday even though Jim couldn’t be there.  Fortunately for him, he has a chance to make it up to her today on our 22nd wedding anniversary.

Yet today is a significant day for another reason; it is also Grace’s last ever day of school classes.  Her school prom will be this evening and after that it will be just study leave and then her A-level exams.  As Christine said this morning as she left, “My baby’s all grown up and saving China”, a quote from the Disney film Mulan!   Pray for her and for Alex too as they work towards their exams this June.

With all our love as always,

Jim and Christine