Dear Friends,
Den is doing fairly well despite chemo every other week. We thank the Lord for His goodness. Thank you again for your requests to God on his behalf.
One by one I had both cataracts removed and replaced with implants, so I see quite well; the sky is a lovely blue!  And now I only need reading glasses.
Den would like to spend a week in Guatemala, so we have plans to fly there after a wedding shower here in Oklahoma for Carol and Neil on the 10th of August. We value your prayers on Den’s behalf that he will be well enough to attend and enjoy Neil and Carol’s wedding in Pensacola, Florida, September 20th.
Our Guatemalan co-workers Mariano and Maria Paula are expecting the birth of their 3rd child about August 15th. We’re glad Maria’s mother, a mid-wife, plans to visit them at the seminary in Chimaltenango where Mariano is a student.  Please pray for a safe delivery for mother and baby.
Mariano is nearing the end of his studies, his thesis has been accepted, but there is much to do before he can graduate in October with his Master’s degree. He has continued to find time to make two week-end visits per month to Huehuetenango to record radio programs with José.  The Radio Committee is now asking listeners to respond with comments, prayer and financial support. Please pray with us that the listeners will encourage the committee in this way.
We are thankful that Mariano has agreed to direct the Vacation Bible School in Concepción Huista again this year. The dates are Nov. 17-22. We would be greatly blessed to receive special offerings sent to Cignet, Inc. for the VBS. Your prayers for the children are so important, that the Word would take root in their hearts to draw them into the arms of their Shepherd.
Mariano is extremely busy, he and his family need to visit their own families before his teaching engagement during the month of December in a Bible School in the town of San Rafael.  Then they will move to the town of Soloma where he will commence a pastorate ministry in January, 2009.
We continue to pray that Mariano will be able to help us with Old Testament translation work in the future. We thank God for him and Maria Paula as we see God using them to bear fruit in His Kingdom.
Rejoicing in Him,
Den and Jean Stratmeyer

    A few weeks ago I went to Guatemala to work on translation and the Jacaltec child sponsorship program, but after a day or two as I talked with Den on the phone, I could tell that he was somewhat confused. I called Gail, who went and took care of him for three days and nights until I could return. On the trip home, my plane was three hours late getting to Atlanta, so I missed my connection that day to Oklahoma. However, Neil met me and I stayed overnight at his place, which was special.

    Den has been on and off chemo now depending on his red blood count. The doctors are working to coordinate his medicines with his body needs which has been a difficult challenge. This Tuesday he was admitted to the hospital with a high fever. After many IVs with antibiotics, thankfully today, Friday he came home and we have been able to take short walks each evening.

    Even though illness seems to focus our attention, God reminds us that His purposes and plans keep going forward. Our big family news is that Neil is engaged to Carol Chadwick. They have planned their wedding for September 20th, a beach wedding. Carol lives in Atlanta but grew up in Pensacola, Florida. She is a sweet gal, she and Neil encourage each other and are wanting their lives to count for the Lord.

    And in Guatemala, Gaspar, Mariano and José continue to use portions of the New Testament to record radio programs that are broadcast in the Jacaltec field. These programs are regularly listened to by non-evangelicals as well as those who have professed salvation through Christ.

    Eliseo needs our prayers as he works to translate the minor prophets.

    Please continue to pray for Jacaltec school kids. It is a delight to see their enthusiasm. Thank God with us for the sponsors who pray and give to keep ’their kids’ in school.

    In spite of his uncomfortable illness, Den loves to read the Word, with the desire to delve into its meaning and especially to get to know the author better. In II Corinthians chapter one, Paul talks of God “who is the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” Verse 11 says “On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

   We are blessed by your prayers, cards, emails and love; we are especially blessed to be a part of the Family of God, even as we are placed in a world that seems to be moving away from Biblical Faith and Hope.

    Thank you for your partnership.