More on the new Seafarer regulations

Since we last wrote - God has done some amazing things. First- we have learned that we do not have to rent/own anything on the docks -- the Coast Guard made an exception for the International Ministries Center. They are also allowing full time employees plus up to 5 volunteers access to the docks to pick up seafarers. Since we are looking after the wellfare of seafarers -- they are making some exceptions for us. We have also heard that we must be "certified escorts" to be able to get to the seafarers. And if one should "jump ship", start a fight, steal something, etc -- we are 100% liable for them. If they jump ship - we could be liable for up to $35,000 per day!!! Isn't that wild??!!!

The IMC Committee met last week to discuss what is happening and what our strategies might be. We are hopeful and we know that God will make a way. Keep praying. These new rules don't come into effect until December 30. It seems like they change things quite a bit and we are trying to stay in the loop in regards to their ongoing changes.

This week - we saw an amazing 21 seafarers come to know Jesus. Isn't that amazing?! God continues to *wow* us on a weekly basis here.

The Language School is continuing to grow. It is a slow process and we really need more volunteers. Pray for more volunteers in the night classes and pray for more churches to be interested in hosting ESL classes.

I was sick for over three weeks. Jarrod has been sick and our director (Doug Beck) has also been sick. We aren't sure if it is/was a virus going around or maybe if it's a result of being in this building. Pray for us - that God would continue to heal us and build our immunities!!!

This past week also brought some men from Gracewood Baptist Church (my parents church in Southaven, MS) to the Center. They extended a shed for us and also started on our kichenette. I think that we'll run out of money before we actually get to build the kichenette though! But - we are remaining positive and hopeful that our living conditions will improve. We are so glad that they came -- they were a HUGE blessing to us!!

All of my seminary work is due on December 1st. So - I am in a race to finish!!! I only had three book reviews, a church planting proposal, interview with a church planter and a workbook to turn in. I've finished with most of it!!

We are coming to Memphis for Thanksgiving --so, we are very much looking forward to that!!

• Pray for our director Doug who has been having some stomach issues. Pray that God will strengthen him and continue to bless both he and his family.
• Pray for the seafarer ministry and that the changes that are coming with be positive and that God will help us to not only be flexible but to trust Him with the changes.
• Pray for the Language School and for the 109 churches in the Mobile Baptist Association -- that each of them would have a burden for those who don't speak English and may not even know Jesus.
• Pray for Jessica and Jarrod -- that God would keep them healthy and bless them during hard times and also in good times.

Thank you for your prayers!!!