Spring?

I hope you and your loved ones are coping well with the continuation of winter that we are experiencing.  It looks like January out my window here in Colorado, but a Facebook friend was bragging about the first blooms of spring last week!  Hang in there!  Spring is on its way.

Paraclete associates are not letting the late winter weather stop them. Some of them are actually escaping it in their ministry destinations!  For example,

• Jerry Hogshead is working in South Asia this month, working with a team giving literacy classes and encouraging believers who are feeling threatened and intimidated.
  
• Dick Worden is also in hot country this month--teaching believers in Panama about the Glory of God.
  
• Three Paraclete associates are in East Asia. David Bochman, Kathie Slusser and a colleague from Aphesis Ministries are leading and overseeing leader training in three cities. 
  
• Pat Russell travels with an artist / ministry partner to put on a retreat for women around the theme of "We are formed by him," from Psalm 139.

I'd like to honor two Paraclete associates that went to be with the Lord last month.  Byron Hurlburt and Paul Roddy died within a few days of each other—the first associate passings I've experienced since joining Paraclete.  At one point Paul was the manager overseeing our office and receipts.  Byron was born in Africa to missionary parents.  He maintained a ministry there and a heart for Africans until the Lord took him home.  We will miss them both.