Dear Praying Friends,

HOW IS THIS DONE?
overdue it is embarrassing? With an apology? (we're so sorry!) With an excuse? (we've been pretty busy!) With a question? (do you remember when you received the last letter?) How about none of the above! (silence) Well, here is an effort to get you caught up without making this too long to read. By the way, we have corresponded by email more frequently. If we don't have your email address, but you want us to, write us at mginn@christcom.net.

FROM USA TO CZECH REPUBLIC
        Moving to Czech was certainly an undertaking, but with all the prayers, it was a thankfully uneventful trip. We made all our connections and arrived safely, although exhausted. The remainder of last Spring was spent resting, exploring the new culture, and setting up housekeeping. Thank you, Lipus family, for all your help. They are International Messenger's national staff in the area.

SUMMER ENGLISH CAMPS
        We were able to be part of two camps in the summer. One was geared towards business professionals, and the other towards kids ages 8-13. Both were stretching and learning experiences for us. We also trust the campers came away knowing more about Jesus or with a desire to learn more. It was especially hard to see the American teams off, knowing they were going to their "homes" and we were staying at our "home." We felt torn, yet God had placed us here and we trusted Him to minister to our needs.

HEALTH ISSUES
        Also during the summer, we began to experience the ways of the area medical system. Michael was having pain in his right shoulder so he sought out a doctor to see. The doctor gave him a shot (which only helped for about a day), and criticized the left shoulder surgery (which was successful beyond the surgeon's predictions). Then Hannah got what we think was a sinus infection. We say 'we think' because the pediatrician wouldn't see us because we were Americans! Thanks to prayers, email, a U.S. doctor friend (thanks Jerry!), and the passing of time we got her through it. Her breathing, appetite, and sleep patterns finally returned to normal after a couple of months. Then Michael had laryngitis and a doctor appeared who was willing to write him a prescription (for what we don't know) without even seeing him! Then Michael's knee swelled up like a balloon and was quite painful for a couple of weeks. Then, at the end of August, his intense neck pain began, which is why we eventually came home on medical leave.

DISAPPOINTMENTS
        By this time we were getting pretty discouraged. Not only because of the health problems, but because nothing was turning out the way we thought it would. We found out that most of the people we came into contact with didn't like foreigners, especially Americans, and especially American Christians! We thought coming from America would be an advantage, something that would draw people to us, and it seemed the exact opposite. We even felt our safety was in jeopardy from the hostility of some of the villagers. Even a simple trip to the store was discouraging. Although normal for this culture, by American standards strangers are very rude to each other. Getting bumped by someone else's cart (not accidentally) was common. No smiles or courteous greetings, even from the store personnel. It was hard to get accustomed to.

MINISTRY DISAPPOINTMENTS
        We thought the main gist of our ministry would be to equip church pastors and leaders in their ministries, but no opportunities came in that area. We thought we would be assisting a new church to outreach in their community, but instead we were told by the pastor that the church wasn't interested in evangelism. Other opportunities were becoming available, in the form of teaching English to individuals and in the schools. But by this time Michael was finding it difficult healthwise to get anywhere or do anything.

LANGUAGE
        We learned a little of the Czech language, but early on we realized it was going to take ALL of our time to do it right. We felt we needed to make a choice between focusing on ministry or focusing on language. We chose ministry! We were told so many times that our kids would pick up the language so quickly, but they didn't. Not sure what we did wrong there! In the end, we knew a few words and phrases, but couldn't have even a simple conversation with a non-English speaking person.

SPEAKING OF KIDS
        Caleb & Hannah were marvelously cooperative while we were there. Everything was very different and strange, but they adjusted and never complained. They were great little examples to us how to make the best of things! We had lots of fun adventures. Fortunately, travelling and tourist-type stuff was pretty inexpensive. We went to an amusement park in Poland and some underground caves and a castle in Slovakia. Right around home there were mountains to hike and we were able to get nice bicycles to ride.

TIME TO RETURN
        Several weeks after Michael's neck pain first began, it still wasn't any better, even after massages and different sorts of medical treatments. He was in agony, so the decision was made to return to the States for three weeks for an evaluation and hopefully treatment. Mary and the kids stayed behind, but planned to follow if the three weeks wasn't enough time. Well, it wasn't, so after 6 weeks of being apart (which was NO fun at all!) Mary, Caleb & Hannah also returned. Huge thank-yous to Chuck Hughson (former Czech missionary) and Tammy Mechaelsen (good friend) for helping us get packed up and back to Iowa safely.

FAMILY AND HOLIDAYS
        One bonus to coming back was the opportunity to spend Christmas with family, although the weather sure didn't cooperate! Two of our Christmas get-togethers weren't until late-February! We also were able to help Mary's Dad turn 80. He doesn't look a day over 65--honest!!

AMERICAN DOCTORS
        We were thankful to once again have access to the best. Michael had an MRI on his neck, but by this time his right shoulder was bothering him so much it superseded the neck pain. He needed surgery on his right rotator cuff and we had hoped that by correcting the shoulder, the neck might also feel better. He had surgery mid-December and recovery has been very rough. At three months, he isn't anywhere near the same point as with his other shoulder. He has had three epidural treatments on his neck, and some days it seems pretty good. Other days it is once again very stiff and the muscles spasm painfully.

MINISTRY IN THE STATES
        However, it was time to get back up and do what God has called us to do. So while we wait on Michael's health and make decisions about going back or staying here, the ministry schedule is filling up quickly. Mary has decided to back off on the traveling for a while and focus instead on making up the homeschooling that was missed during the transition times of moving and recovering from jet-lag, stress, etc. So if you see Michael preaching and Mary isn't there singing, it's not because we're mad at each other or anything like that! :-) She also hopes to get more involved in our local church.

        Here is the itinerary through July:

March 8-22, ministry in Arizona (Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Lake Havasu).
March 25, Indianola Community Church Adult Bible Fellowship.
April 1, Council Bluffs area services.
April 8, morning service at Newton, IA.
April 15, Easter with family.
April 24-May 7, I.M. staff conference in Hungary, then on to Czech.
May 20, service in Cheyenne, WY.
May 25-28, mini-vacation visiting Minnesota friends and preach in their church.
June 3, Ankeny Free Church, Ankeny, IA.
June 8-16, ministry in Georgia.
June 24, Ankeny Free Church, Ankeny, IA.
July 1, both AM services at Indianola Community Church.
July 8, Calvary Chapel in Liberty, MO.
July 11-25, to Czech Republic for Evangelistic English Language Camp.

RETURN TO CZECH
        Our mission agency, International Messengers, has generously been paying rent on our Czech house while we're here and will continue to do so until July. They have been so supportive through all of this. For that matter, many of you have been as well. Our needs and then some have been provided for, and you've been there listening and advising and praying. We thank you so much for all you've done! We have had many more questions than answers during this time. Two important verses to us have been Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" and Proverbs 3:5, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." So if God knows what up with all this, then we don't really need to know! It has been a difficult time and your friendship has meant a lot in helping us to refocus and get back to trusting regardless of circumstances.

MISSED DETAILS
        We were unable to include many details, but this is long enough! Hopefully we can get back on track with our newsletter writing and gradually fill you in on all the details and not just the highlights. Of course, we'd love to visit with you one-on-one if you so desire! So until next time we continue...