August 20, 2008
Dear partners in ministry,
Thank you so much for your prayers for us over these last weeks! You have been an essential part of our survival as you have prayed for our strength and effectiveness in ministry! Here is a quick summary:
After 16 states, 19 beds and 8 weeks on the road this summer, we are so glad (and a little sad) to be back in Spain. It has been a huge blessing to visit with many of you, catch up on your lives and share our continuing vision for ministry in Spain. Thank you for making this possible through your prayers and gifts.
On August 4th, Ellie had her appointment with at the US Immigration office in Orlando. She was sworn in the same day and we are thankful that this process in complete after 6 years. Now she will not be required to return to the US to retain residency and she can VOTE, although she says she doesn't feel like a new person... HaHaHa.
We traveled back to Spain on August 26th and began the whirlwind of opening activities and school on the 26th. Ellie has been busy with Silas and Timothy at home and connecting with Spanish neighbors every day. Paul helped lead the ECA secondary retreat, along with his usual teaching and music responsibilities at church and school.
These last weeks have been so busy that after writing parts of this update, we have never been able to put the final touches on before they were outdated. We are so sorry for the delay in getting information to you.
Answers to Prayer
Our travel expenses have been graciously covered in church offerings and other gifts and we still have a positive balance in our ministry account. This is a huge answer to prayer! We are still praying for some additional support to cover increased expenses with the high exchange rate, although that has come down a little with the stronger US Dollar over the last 3 weeks.
We are so thankful for Ellie's US citizenship as this alleviates much stress in travel.
Our time on the road this summer was definitely more difficult with 2 little boys, but they did remarkably well, most of the time, and we did survive and even had a good time. We are disappointed to not able to see all our supporters, especially in the north and the north-east. We did have some good time with Paul's parents and also Paul's sister and family in Arizona. Priscilla and her family are still in Bolivia and we would appreciate your prayers for their safety in the midst of political stress!
Our opening days of school and readjustment to life here has been very busy. Paul has great help in the music department and the opening retreat was a beautiful time of worship and spiritual learning along with fun and new friends for our students.
Prayer and Ministry
Please pray for the annual ACSI Student Leadership Conference from Sept. 24-26. Paul will be taking 5 ECA students and leading the worship for the 150 + students from national and international schools in central and eastern Europe. Please pray for a revival and passion to transform their communities for Christ. Pray for clear communication skills and receptive hearts.
You can view and print our July prayer letter as a .pdf here.
Thank you!
You are an integral part of the continuing work with youth in Spain. Thank you so much for your investment in us and what God is doing in their hearts and lives. We pray for God to move in a mighty way in these next months. We also pray for you and for God's guidance and provision in your lives.
In the Journey of Joy
Paul, Ellie, Silas & Timothy Madsen
Serving in Spain
with RCE International
Now with RCE International
Thank you again to those of you who have changed over your giving to our RCE account. We could not be here without your commitment to give and to pray. Remember that all ministry gifts should be designated to account #13903. Please use a new faith promise card with your first gift. If you would prefer to set up automatic donations (Electronic Funds Transfer), please download the form here.
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