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This update is for you who, we have found, really care for us. Some of you we may have met once, others, we have known our entire lifetime. We understand that we could just as easily use facebook, twitter, or email to write you individually. However, we want to offer a more personal touch in updating you about how our lives together, by the will of God, are

progressing.

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Last week, I had the opportunity to

Skype with an old friend who lives outside of London, England. We haven’t seen each other in almost two years, since my last trip over the “pond” to see her, yet with the joys of technology we are able to converse with a click of the mouse.

Lauren and I spent the good part of 3 hours catching up with each other. Amidst our story telling and reminiscing, we spent time discussing what God has been teaching us. Lauren, a current student at the London School of Theology, began telling me of the things that God has been speaking to her about, and teaching her. I found as she continued talking...that Lauren was, in fact, being used to teach me.

I began to share my heart, the frustrations I felt with current situations in life, including employment opportunities and clarification of

purpose. I kept saying, “Ugh, Lauren, I just wish I could catch a break. That this would get easier, and that I wouldn’t have to struggle so much with these things.” She smiled, I could tell via our web-cams, and proceeded. “You know. This reminds me of something I’ve heard recently. Something that really convicted me and challenged me to believe. It’s easy for us to think that all we really want is a break, when in actuality, deep down...what we should really crave is a breakthrough. We should want to be at that point where instead of wanting things to get easier, we want God to breakthrough and challenge us, or teach us.”

Profound. Sure, I would love to be handed my dream job, or suddenly have clarity on my purpose at this time, BUT...what I am craving....and what I should be praying for is a breakthrough in the communication that God has with me. It almost seems radical..and revolutionary of sorts. I find myself repeating these words throughout my

day, when the monotony sets in. “Don’t pray for a break...pray for a breakthrough, Amanda.”

We all have those moments...the moments when the stresses of life, the unknown, the impossible...all seem to be too much. We want that break. Don’t settle for just a break. Seek Him...and wait for the breakthrough.

Lauren and I during her visit to America in 2008.

Would like a break....but would love a BREAKTHROUGH!

By Amanda Shaheen

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Jiryis and I feel like we are finally home! Sure, we really haven’t moved into our house yet, but we have found a home at Harvester Christian Church. Did I mention we love it?

I have had the opportunity to start getting involved at Harvester. I am on the planning committee for our newly innovated, mother-daughter weekend. Our theme this year “UNWRITTEN: THE STORY UNFOLDS.”

Also, I have begun meeting with Mr. Lamonste Jean-Baptiste. Lamonste is the director for the Haitian Ministry at Harvester, and he has been kind enough to continue teaching me Creole. My first lesson, to say the

least, reminded me how much I needed to brush up on my skills!

As Jiryis and I grow spiritually with the church, and walk into the future, we are striving to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly” in all that we do.

Please be praying as God continues to open up new doors and relationships as we grow with Harvester Christian Church!

www.harvestercc.org- check them out!

MARCH 17th we celebrated Jiryisʼ 23rd Birthday!

We enjoyed a small “green and white” themed party with a few friends and family. Below are some of the pictures from the evening...complete with candy, green cake, and lime-sorbet slushies!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIRYIS

OUR LIFE AT.....

Act Justly. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly.

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Micah 6:8

(New International Version) 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good.        And what does the LORD require of you?        To act justly and to love mercy        and to walk humbly with your God.

Left: Jiryis and I recently enjoyed a day at the St. Louis Arch, and explored the museum below the St. Louis Arch. Below: My brother David, and his girlfriend Sarah, joined us for a visit this day to the Arch. I think they are more convincing in the outfits!

April 4th- HAPPY EASTER everyone!

- Please pray for Jiryis and I as we host two students from LCU, Brenda and Brittany, for the weekend in preparation for our trip to Haiti. We will be serving Harvester Christian Church, as well as learning from the local Haitian ministry.

- MAY 15th: GRADUATION!!!!!!11 am (Jiryis) and 1 pm(Amanda)Graduation is just 6.5 weeks away.

- Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to prepare for our May 21st departure for Haiti!

- Jiryis to find a job upon completing LCU.- Finishing of the renovations of our home.- Continued relationships building with our

new El Salvadorian and Haitian friends.- Easter Services being held at Harvester,

with a hope of over 5000 attending.

What’s to come... Prayer Requests..

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OUR NEW ADDRESS: 13 Jamestown Drive St. Peters, MO 63376