A New Baby
You may have already heard, but we want to officially announce that Nancy is now 5 MONTHS PREGNANT! Our new baby will be due October 2. This pregnancy has truly been a miracle, as we’ve undergone Mongolian hospital stays, negative test results, and even a doctor that said Nancy wouldn’t pass a 10-week term! We plan to come back to the States for delivery of the baby.
It has meant lots of changes recently, as we have been following Tom’s dad’s advice: “Nancy, you must rest more. Tom, you must work harder.” Nancy has cut her teaching responsibilities, and continues to focus on counseling our
young Mongolian staff and caring for her own body. Tom has increased his household responsibilities (including cooking to feed Nancy’s cravings), while continuing to supervise and train FCS staff/leaders, take care of FCS’s financial and policy administration, and oversee FCS2’s pioneering
ministry.
As this school year draws to a close, we also rejoice at giving birth to FCS2 this year. It’s required much pushing, nurturing, and pastoral care on our part, but we believe that the new FCS2 students have caught the vision
of our ministry. Our new believers recently visited Ulaanbaatar University, one of the few “open” private schools, to do an evangelistic program.
Our FCS2 students also VISITED AN ORPHANAGE in Ulaanbaatar last week. It was their first time ever visiting such a place. Batok was one FCS2 student, who usually struggles with her own poverty. (Instead of taking a bus home from school, she often walks the 3 miles in order to save 10
cents!) Batok was shocked to find that these children live in worse conditions than she does! The visit helped our students understand that even in their own poverty, they can serve others in society. We hope to build a student movement that will produce student leaders who will influence Mongolian society!
*NEW PHOTOS: To see ORPHANAGE PHOTOS, a recent visit to the Mongolian countryside, and photos of other recent events, please click on: http://www.tomandnancylin.com/photos/.
- - - - - - - - - UPCOMING PRAYER REQUESTS - - - - - - - - - - -
1. FCS2 SEMINAR (End-of-year Retreat), which takes place June 11-14. Our theme is “Growing in our Self-Image”, which is a big struggle for many Mongolians who find it difficult to understand how wonderful God has created
them to be. Pray that through the sermons and Bible studies, students would receive healing from their wounded self-esteem and childhood abuse that they’ve suffered. Pray for unity among our 15-20 participating students, who do not know each other very well.
2. FCS LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHOOL, June 14-18. This annual training event is open only to FCS student leaders. This year, pray for the 8-10 FCS1 students who will take part, as well as our Mongolian staff who will do most
of the teaching. Pray esp. that these students would gain the skills needed to effectively minister to fellow students next school year.
3. FCS2 ENGLISH CAMP with InterVarsity-USA students, June 18-July 11. This annual event is crucial in our outreach to new students in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Through the English lessons, many planned activities, and
free time, pray for deep relationships to form between the Mongolians and Americans. Pray for smooth preparations, which involve renting apartments and classrooms, recruiting and registering students, planning visits to the
countryside, and much more!
4. FCS1 BIBLE CAMP with Americans from Great Exchange Church (Bay Area), June 26-July 11. Everyday Mongolian students will worship and have Bible study with Asian American young adults from the Bay Area. The Americans
will also teach English. Pray that FCS1 Christian students would have their faith deepened as a result of this camp. Pray for Nancy, who is coordinating this camp along with Marta, one of our Mongolian staff. (see also: http://grxmissions.scomp.com/2004-mongolia)
5. NANCY AND THE BABY. Please pray for protection over Nancy’s health and the baby’s health, as it’s not easy getting the proper nutrients here in Mongolia. Pray for strength each day for Nancy, as she is trying to minister while carrying a big load!
Thanks so much for your partnership,
TOM AND NANCY
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