February, 2007

Dear Ministry Partner,

What has God been doing in your life during the first 2 months of 2007? It has been a challenging time for us, and yet the Father’s care is constant and His blessings abundant. Following are a couple examples of what’s been happening with ISI in Dallas/Fort Worth.

Spring Howdy

As the Spring Semester came along, ISI, its partner ministries and volunteers worked together to help the many new students arriving at UTA. This culminated in the Spring Howdy Party where over 200 students from 22 countries got together to celebrate the beginning of spring semester with line dancing and great food donated by local churches and businesses.

In December and January, Roy got calls from some of the student organizations on campus because they were short handed in picking up students from the airport. Roy was able to mobilized friends, ministry partners and volunteers to help with very short notice.

Students Learn About Their Calling – Urbana Missions Conference

I (Lisa) have fond memories of my first Urbana experience in 2003, so I was excited about participating again this year. Altogether 30 of us from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including ISI staff, volunteers and students loaded up in 2 church vans and 2 individual cars to make the 11-hour drive to St. Louis. This year the theme was “I Have a Calling.”

We were challenged from the book of Ephesians to see how God poured out His grace on us so that we could bring glory to Him through our lives. Different ones of our students were touched in different ways. Sam was challenged to pray for others and for the world, realizing that prayer is more than just asking God to bless us. Mari talked with reps from different missions organizations trying to see where God’s plan for her might be when she finishes school. Yoko, a recent graduate, made preliminary applications with a couple missions organizations. Irena participated in the HIV/AIDS track to learn more about how to minister to people with this devastating disease. All of us enjoyed the powerful worship.

There’s something electrifying about praising God with 22,000 people in several different languages. It kind of reminds me of what heaven might be like. As for me, I really enjoyed learning about the technique of manuscript (inductive) Bible study. I’m looking forward to trying it out this year.

Thanks to the many churches and individuals who helped make the Urbana scholarships possible. Altogether we were able to give 17 scholarships or partial scholarships. Urbana is only 5 days, but it is powerful and life-changing. Your investment will bear fruit in eternity!

Prayer Needs

• The transition of the day to day ministry at UTA from Roy to Ron Bunyard. This will enable Roy to focus more on his City Director responsibilities.
• God’s perspective in dealing with electronics that all seem to be breaking down at the same time (frustrating—we need patience to deal with this!)
• Roy’s work to get ISI recognized as an official organization at TCU (Texas Christian University).
• Good teamwork with the students planning the Spring Break retreat. Wisdom for Roy as their coach.
• Health for the family—T-6 and C-4 have had the flu recently!
• Revitalization of Friday night Bible study. The current group is not showing much spiritual interest.
• Wisdom for Lisa in dealing with a relationship problem with one of our students.
• Adequate monthly income to meet our needs.
• An essay rewriting service

Blessings

• Great time with our new Chinese friend Mr. Sun at the Maverick’s game.
• Fantastic Houston trip last weekend hosted by ISI staff in Houston. Seven UTA students participated.
• Jonathan will be getting his Arrow of Light (highest recognition in Cub Scouts) on Feb. 17.
• Two recent large donations to help us make up last year’s deficit.
• YOU. Yes, you are a blessing to us, more than you know. Every time you bring this ministry before the Father, you bless us in tremendous ways, and breakthroughs happen.

Remember that you can learn more about our ministry or make tax-deductible donations by visiting www.yabukibreeze.org.

Partnering with you to reach the Nations,

Roy & Lisa