We are preparing to move so this will be short as possible and to the point, but we really need your prayers.
WE HAVE A DATE FOR THOMAS’ SURGERY! May 13 we will go in for another ultrasound, and they will perform the surgery on May 14th. We are hoping the ultrasound will show God has already chosen to heal his kidney, but if not we are trusting God to take care of him and us. Hillary and Thomas will remain in the hospital 5 days after the surgery. We will already be living in the house in Sesto Calende at that point, which will mean an hour commute to the hospital. There will also be a team here from the States. All of this means I will not have much help with Mary Joyce because of the distance and because everyone will be busy with the team. Pray for all of us, especially Thomas and Hillary. One student in particular seems close to making a decision to trust Christ! Pray for him (Francesco) and for the students and neighbors with whom we have been sharing our faith. It is hard to find time for everyone in the midst of preparing the house in Sesto and packing the house in Milan. Pray for them and our ability to be loving but forward with the Gospel.
A two-week mission team will arrive from the U.S. May 13th and leave on the 26th. We already knew it would be a hectic time because of the move, but now we will have the surgery the first week they are here as well. There will be a lot of help but it will be hard all the same. Pray for the team, the leaders, and myself.
We are moving on April 26th. It’s been stressful going back and forth trying to get everything done. God has blessed us with a lot of help with the physical work we had to do on the house. A couple we had only met through e-mail came from Germany to help, because they felt led to do so. There is still some work to be done and the expenses keep mounting, but God keeps sending us encouragements along the way. Pray for a smooth transition and financial provision.
June 3 we are leaving to go to the U.S. for three months of home ministry. We will be visiting churches and as many of you as possible. Besides catching up with friends and family, we need to raise funds to cover the expenses of our relocation as well as raise more monthly support. Keep these plans and our travels in your prayers.
What would we do without your support? You may not feel like you are doing much when you pray, but please believe me that we feel the difference when you do. It’s a mystery of our faith but a reality all the same. Thank you all.
The Lukers Terrance, Hillary, Mary Joyce and Thomas