I am writing to let my friends know that my younger sister (52) died two days ago, Wednesday June 20th. The last 6 months have been spent totally focused on her since I learned that she'd been diagnosed with a blood/bone marrow cancer.  I spent 5 months trying to convince her to go to a doctor, but her religious beliefs kept her at home without any medical help. A month ago, she finally decided to go to the hospital, but there had already been a great deal of damage to her organs, especially her kidneys which no longer functioned. This last month, her husband and I have spent just about every day with her.  She was at a fabulous hospital with many Christians, surrounded with very loving care and the best doctors.  She was in bad shape but everyone thought she had a chance. Suddenly, Tuesday night she had a massive brain hemorrage and died.  Hope that's not too graphic.  I will miss her terribly - she was a bundle of energy, caring, joy and fun.  A wonderful person.   Love to you all.

Well I guess its time that I updated everyone on the Open House we had for the Ntotos.  They, themselves are ALWAYS fantastic.  We were disappointed at the turnout.  Many people who said they were coming, didn't.  That seems to be a strong habit in California.  But there were about 40 people.  Everything went well - perfect weather, lots of good, good people, and of course great stories from Esther & Camille.

The next Thursday, Esther spoke at my Woman's Bible Study, and the women were so moved that they donated over $7,500 dollars.  Some women are going to write to the rape victims in Congo and let them know someone over here cares about them.  Some women are going to send clothes,  our church as a whole is sending clothes and soccer balls to Uganda, South Africa and Congo.

Esther & Camille have continuous meetings every day, networking with radio stations, possible donors, philanthropic groups who want to help, different churches.  God is absolutely blessing their socks off.  Money and help are pouring in as never before. The plight in Congo has been discovered by the news media too.  CNN has had a weeklong special on Congo, (actually filming right in Goma where E&C are and right at the hospital where Esther donates her time with the women victims).  Things we've prayed for for 2 years are suddenly coming true, like a huge "Container" (10,000 lbs) to be shipped over. It was prohibitively expensive before, and now someone has a half full one and wants to get more poundage, so we get to fill it up with Congo stuff and get it over there cheap.  Radio transmitters are being donated, computers, money for Bibles, - its almost overwhelming.  I'll tell you, if you send Esther & Camille to do something, or to talk to God - THINGS HAPPEN.  Its VERY EXCITING!!

John and I just went away for a 4 day vacation - 1 1/2 days in San Diego and 2 1/2 days at our cabin in Idyllwild. It was the first break for us, all alone, for a long, long, long, long time. It was great!!!  Now here we are on Monday and life is back to running as fast as we can.

John needs prayer for his left eye. He had cataract surgery and it didn't work and in fact has made his eyesight worse than before. There are further surgical options but the best outcome possible is to repair 50% of the damage that was done by the first surgery, and the worst scenario of losing his eyesight totally.  Please pray for healing.

Gotta go now.  Love to all.  Kathy

Our Congolese friends, Esther & Camille Ntoto, have arrived again from Africa.  They're leaving on Monday for a weeklong meeting, and then will come back here for 3 weeks, during which, they will have many meetings and presentations of what God has been doing through them in Eastern Congo for the last 6 months.  We are having an Open House on Sunday Sept. 24th at our house for people to come and great them and get to hear some of their stories.  It is SOOOOO good to have them "home" again.  We love them SOOOOO much.  When I am with them, I realize how very little faith I have.  They, more than anyone I've ever known in my life, actually LIVE to hear God and serve God. They live in the moment totally, resting in the knowledge that God is in control.  If only I could learn to trust God for each moment, for huge things and for small things, for healing and for provision, for safety and for guidance, for God's good to always be the outcome of everything.  I am so in awe of their faith, their energy in serving, their huge love and self-sacrifice.  I am SO blessed to know them.  I wish everyone could hear about what they do.  We send out a monthly newsletter telling of what they're doing, but it has to be short and concise. But when they're here and we get to hear the details of God's awesome love and power and provision, God becomes so much more real to me.  If anyone wants to receive their newsletters, just let me know your email address, and I can put you on the list.  The things happening in Congo are not easy to hear or read about.  Its hard to believe that humans can do such evil to other human beings.  Probably children shouldn't read it.  I wish I understood how God can allow such evil things to happen to people, and then provide people like the Ntotos to care for them.  Maybe its the only way they'll meet Jesus and be willing to give their lives to Jesus.  They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.  But that's easy for me to say, I am so very comfortable and sheltered and taken care of.  Well, at least I can do a little something to help by putting my comfortable home to use serving those who serve God so well.  And sometimes serving those who are lost and hurting.

Well, that's the state of things here for the moment.  More to come as we get into hearing their presentations and more stories.  I'll tell you a great story from them in my next post.  This one's already too long.  Blessings to you all.