Many of you may have heard of the Cross Canada Cruisers. A group of men are taking the gospel from shore to shore (actually two teams starting at each end of the country and meeting in Ontario) in old classic cars. Here is a first report...(Be sure to park your mouse at their website http://www.crosscanadacuiser.com/)
"Greetings in the name of our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, I arrived to Vancouver BC this past saturday. From there I took one of the BC ferries across to Victoria Island. The view from the ferry was honestly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. This week we are being taught the book of Romans by John Allen, and we are working with Tim Hood in our outreach. We have our teaching on Romans at the assembly out here (Westview Gospel Chapel) every morning. The first major outreach was had was the Victorian Day parade. I was again amazed at the ability these classic cars have and their ability to 'attract' a crowd. Especially the '56 Mercury Montclair with glass packed dual mufflers, that I have been privileged to drive :-) The parade lasted about 4 hours, and we were able to distribute just shy of 6000 'World's Biggest Lie' CDs. Many of the people that received the CD's were appreciative and polite, and nobody really gave us any opposition. Tuesday night we went downtown Victoria to the parliament buildings. I ended up talking to a couple by the name of Mike and Nicole for about 45 mins about spiritual things. Pray for Mike and Nicole. They are very interested, but are still somewhat resistant to God's perfect plan of salvation. This Friday and Saturday we will be going down by the water to watch and witness at a boat race. We plan to park the cars right on the dock, and allow people to come and check out the cars, while trying to work the gospel into the conversations. Pray for the hearts of these people, most people are very receptive to talk to us, but when we turn the conversation to spiritual things, are usually quick to end it or leave. I would write more, but as you can see...I'm not very good at this whole letter writing thing,
God Bless, Sincerely,
Jayson"

China/Burma Update

Dear praying friends

We are in touch with some brethren who are able to get help (with no little difficulty) through to believers in both China and Burma (Myanmar). However due to the sensitivity of the situation (especially in Burma) we cannot give details. However if you are exercised to help, especially the household of faith, funds could be sent to CMML (U.S.), MSC Canada, or Echoes (U.K.).

Not only is the devastation unimaginable, and the loss of life mind-boggling, but the governmental red tape is extremely frustrating. You understand one reason for this: it seems to be only so-called "Christian countries" and Christian relief organizations and churches who are ready to help. This outpouring of help has a debilitating effect on the official teaching of atheism or other false beliefs. It also tends to result in many turning to the Lord. As the Scripture says, "The goodness of God leads... to repentance" (Rom. 2:4).

Encouragement for Christian Young People

The below is from the April issue of UPLOOK Magazine:

Do you know a young person who could benefit from reading the writings of other young Christians or stories of encouraging happenings in their lives and as they share the gospel? Then tell them about www.poweredyouth.com This is not just another social networking web site–it is meant for serious Christian young people to encourage each other and themselves in the Lord! There are articles written by youth and youth leaders including special sections for young men and young ladies, plus a section focussed on evangelism. There are audio messages geared for youth with teaching on how to get involved in their assemblies. Youth conferences and outreach opportunities will be listed.
With this site, the desire is for young people to be equipped to meet the challenge of 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

Contact: David Nicholson poweredyoutheditor@gmail.com. www.poweredyouth.com.

Rosboroughs' China Update

From their e-mail...

Dear Praying Ones,
Quick update for you to let you know that (y)our prayers have been answered. We just received the next document we've been waiting for! But instead of it taking 9-17 weeks to receive it, it came in 3.5!! This is unprecedented! We've gained a new understanding of "God-speed" and are thanking Him for expediting our case. Please continue to pray for the last real hurdle, a Travel Approval which will allow us to buy our tickets and set our itinerary. It typically takes about 3 more weeks, with travel to follow 2-3 weeks after that. Add to that our two week trip in China, we would expect at this point to be home with John-Nathan [withheld] within 2 months!
With love,
Peter, Celinda, and Julianna

Joyce Hardisty update

April 21, 2008...
...Joyce is doing well, but is facing another more extensive surgery in the months ahead. The doctor has given his ok for here to travel home in May and have the surgery performed when she returns in late July. Since the cancer is in the early stages the delay is not a problem. Joyce is not asking the Lord for healing, but simply that His perfect will be done in her life. She is facing this with strength of character and faith, as she has faced each and every obstacle in her life. The challenges are real, but “The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the might waves of the sea” (Ps, 93)
(For more on the Hardisty's, go to http://kenandjoyce.blogspot.com/)

From the Rosboroughs

Dear Ones,
With hearts overflowing, the three of us would like to introduce to you our son and little brother (you heard us correctly!). With a peace that passes all understanding, we have accepted the referral of [name withheld]. He is 2 1/2 years old and he is waiting for us in Shanxi Province, China.
We could not be more thrilled with God's choice for us, and though it appears to be quite different than what we had set out on this journey for, we are quite confident it is where the Lord has lead us.
We thank you for faithfully praying for us and we ask that you continue to do so as the journey isn't over yet! It could be 3-5 months before we travel to get him. Much to do in the meantime!!
Here are some specific prayer requests:
1) Pray for [him]. Pray that he would be safe and well. Pray that he would be loved and cared for 'til we come. Pray that God would prepare his little heart and mind for the incredible transition into our lives.
2) Pray for continued favor with China's and our own government.
3) Pray that we would be able to go to China before the Olympics. This would be pretty miraculous, but we are reminded that nothing is too difficult for God!
4) Pray for our hearts and minds as we prepare for him to meet all of his needs: physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
5) And that in ALL things He might get the glory!
We thank you for being a part of this journey with us through your prayers on our behalf! Keep praying!
The Lord bless!
The Rosborough's
Peter, Celinda, and Julianna AND [name withheld](English name-TBA)

Prayer Requests

Dear praying friends

THREE SPECIAL REQUESTS FOR TEAM C3 (Cross Canada Cruisers)

ONE: It's possible that the Lord is opening to us a golden opportunity. A young man in his mid-twenties is very exercised to join with Cross Canada Cruisers.

However, there is one special challenge. He uses a wheelchair full time. The Lord has provided him a new wheelchair-accessible van which he can use, and, in his words, "although I am very independent, I would have different needs than any of the other guys."

The men already on the team would, no doubt, be willing to do what they could, but we do not feel we should lay greater responsibility on them as they will have a full plate already.

The young man who would feel the Lord calling him to join the team as a traveling companion of this brother would also need to make application for the team, however we understand the somewhat different role he would have on the team. We would probably be arranging a motel room at each stopping place for these two brothers as few homes along the way would have wheelchair access bathrooms.

You can obviously see the wonderful possibilities. This would clearly open new doors for the gospel everywhere we would travel. It would be a tremendous asset in every community. However we need the Lord to show Himself strong on our behalf in this regard. And quickly. Orientation starts two weeks today!

So please pray. And if you (or someone you know) sees this as the Lord's will for them for the next six months, please call Jabe Nicholson at 616-540-6498 right away.

TWO: In addition, there is another brother "well reported of" by his brethren who is also eager to go. His challenge is that he has a schooling requirement in September that would keep him from joining. He is going to the responsible authority (probably today) to see if he can do this by
conference call, etc. Please pray that if it is the Lord's will for him to go, the authorities will grant this permission.

THREE: We also have one young man applying for a passport. Pray that the process will be expedited.

With many thanks for your intercessions. Miracles to follow.

Jabe, for the team