August Update

Dear Friends,

Contrary to popular belief, the Roberts didn't fall off the end of the earth! We have been without our home computer (and our e-mail database) since June 2nd. It seems unthinkable that we could go for two months without a computer, but looking back, it was really a blessing. I (Cathy) was not tempted to work from home at night, thus allowing me to concentrate more on the family. Aaron was not tempted to spend hours on Instant Messenger, thus making him more available for family time. And who knows how much money we saved because Rick could not surf e-bay!! So once again, God has turned a frustration into a blessing!

We have had a busy summer with our GEM ministry. In June we had our Candidate Orientation . What a wonderful group of potential missionaries who are committed to serving God overseas. We were involved in evaluation and training as they spent a week in Colorado. Following Candidate Orientation we had a week with missionaries on home assignment, helping them to debrief from their overseas experiences and prepare to return to the field. We had missionaries staying with us off and on and met with a number of current and potential missionaries for encouragement and resourcing. I also have been involved in training a team that will teach English in Morocco in October. In the midst of our mission work I continue to work part time at the church and Rick found time for community involvement as he helped coach the JV baseball team at the high school. SO, as you can see, we have had a busy summer! The summer isn't over for us yet, as we leave tomorrow for GEM's annual conference in Budapest Hungary. Please pray for us as we counsel, encourage, listen and equip our GEM missionaries. It's hard for us - especially me - to leave so close to Joel's departure for college, but we know this is where God wants us for these two weeks (August 2-12). If you could also pray for protection for our boys while we are gone we would appreciate it! Rick's sister will be here for most of the time we are gone, but they will have more unsupervised time than if we were home.

Joel has been diligently working two jobs this summer and has almost met his financial goals for college! We are so excited for him as he takes this next step. Rick will take him to Azusa Pacific at the end of the month. Aaron had a great summer season in baseball and has worked part-time umpiring and doing home improvement projects. We were able to make a very quick trip to AZ for my mom's birthday - just in time for the heat wave that many of you are experiencing!

We thank God for His provision for us. In the last months the balance in our support account has stabilized somewhat. Thanks to so many of you who give so faithfully. We appreciate you who pray for us also. The spiritual resources to do ministry are equally as important.

Please continue to pray for our dear friend Margene and her family. She continues to work in member care despite the advanced stage of her cancer. Pray especially that she will be able to stay healthy as she ministers alongside us in Budapest for the next two weeks.

It is so good to be back in touch!!! We thank God for each of you and treasure your prayers.

Cathy and Rick