Susan, Nash and I are well on our way to becoming Beijingers! Though we have met one minor obstacle. In applying for our Visas, my application has presented a challenge. Originally I marked Clergy as my present occupation, which is "highly sensitive" I am told. Even after changing Clergy to Teacher, the fact that Garden Ridge Church of Christ is my current employer was too sensitive for the Chinese Embassy and they rejected my application. They said I would need to write a letter stating that I would have nothing to do with religious activities during my stay and that I would only travel to China for tourist purposes. As you know I cannot write any such letter in good conscience. Thus, I have resubmitted my application with a shortened name of current employer... Garden Ridge. If this does not work, I will travel to Houston to meet with someone at the Chinese Consulate. Please keep this situation in your prayers.
Also, we have a contract on our house! We are in the process of selling our cars and other stuff... had a big garage sale with another one planned for July. Please pray that the contract holds and that we close on July 24th as scheduled.
Regarding our support, we are getting closer to our goal every day, but still need to raise $16,731. Our hope is that we will have 50 or more friends and family members decide to support us at a minimum of $20/month. That would put us at least $12,000 closer to our goal. Would you please pray about joining us in China through your monthly support of our work there? I turn 30 today and that would be an awesome birthday present!
Much Love,
John
P.S. Nash is trying to disguise his excitement about Beijing!
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