"God's forgiving grace not only heals, but also wipes away the past and the pain!" Merrill Unger

Forgiving in our own strength has limitations; our pride hangs on to the hurt caused and the pain created! Forgiving through the power and love of the Holy Spirit loosens the grip of self and elevates the image of Christ!

I'm not really sure how to explain all that is going on these last few days! Knowing I was supposed to return back home on the 15th, I was missing my bride and somewhat homesick. But God started making new paths of ministry. Watching Him work makes me, a man who sends texts longer than most short stories, wordless!

Here's just a glimpse of His handiwork:

Matei, a former camper from Zagreb who has participated every year since 2010, reached out by Messenger at 2:00 a.m. He lost his father this past week and he was sad. We had a good discussion and I then asked if I could come and see him, so this morning, Friday, I am going to Zagreb to spend time with him. Praying for open doors to share and talk about Jesus' love.

David & Matei
This weekend HiS HOUSE will be open for families who are in Sisak for the National Croatia Swim Meet. They are coming from Split and we are excited to spend time with them. The really cool thing was how the organizer found us! One day the wife was driving past HiS HOUSE and noticed the bus from The Ukraine. She went home and told her husband, and when he drove by he saw the air conditioning on the side of the house and knew it must be for people sleeping. So, the next day they stopped by to meet with Janko and me. Arrangements were made, and upon further discussion over coffee they told us they have a small place for people to stay (3 rooms for 10 people.) They also just renovated a warehouse next to their hotel into a gym for use by sports teams!! So we have already discussed using their facilities for the clinics we will be hosting in March! And the most beautiful thing is, it is less than 2 miles from HiS HOUSE! Man what beautiful music our Father God orchestrates!
I also had a meeting with Lordan and Martina, two people who helped us so much this year with translating and walking alongside HiS PRINT. It was a blessed time of sharing and making them official HiS PRINT team members who can help on this side of the pond while we are gone and help us when we return!
Janko and I had an opportunity to meet with Ana, the mother of Mata who has muscular dystrophy. We met her through our Food Pantry visit in her home two weeks ago and I had asked her if we could come back to play music and introduce her to Janko! She was very receptive and we had a great time of singing worship and country songs. The encouragement was as much for Ana as it was for her son. She needs encouragement and spoke with Janko about when he could come back.

Mata and his mom Ana!
I have been busy with Coach Antonio getting the new warehouse organized and supplies bought to make it more comfortable and efficient. His son Borna has helped us most days and his service has been a blessing.

Coach Antonio and his son Bora working at the new warehouse.
Lastly, just a little shout out and praise for my oldest son Grant and his completion of his thesis, successfully defending it and it being approved by the Graduate College at Texas State! It's official! Grant has earned his Master's Degree! Just a little proud Pappa on that! Blessed to watch him work so hard these past several years and accomplish this educational milestone.

By the way, I have a new office with computer to use - right next to Janko.

Remember to love people where they are and love them 'till they ask why, and even love them all the more if they don't ask!