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MORE LAND TROUBLE

Last month I told you how the situation with our land seizure by the government had just been resolved, after we paid a big amount of money. We were relieved and thankful that we got to keep all of our land after all! It did not take long, before the next challenge arrived, and Paul is already pretty tired and worn out from constantly trying to resolve trouble and running from office and office all day long. Please pray for him!

After years of not building, we started our fourth building a year and a half ago, and we are very excited about it. We want to start our school in this building, and move the boys' dorm into it, so that Paul can have a 3-bedroom apartment on our base for his family and hopefully move back in with us. It will also house our businesses and workshops. Our previous builder (whose negligence made our house fire possible) was not available any more, but we found another Christian builder that seemed to have a higher standard of quality of work (we have some other issues with him though). So he started our fourth building.

Some neighbors went to the government to accuse us (what's new!), and it turned out that we did not have a building permit for this building. So officials came with a summons to court for Paul for illegal construction - much to Paul's surprise! Our previous builder had always taken care of the permits before starting to build. Paul asked our current builder, and it turns out, he had thought we already had the necessary permits. He refused to help Paul take care of this new problem.

So Paul contacted certain friends once again, and in the end, they dropped the court case, praise God! However, we still need to pay a fine, and then get a permit, which is what Paul is working on right now. Once again we need to pay thousands of dollars/euros, or they'll destroy what we have built so far. It seems that we just can't get a break! I can only praise God, knowing that we are doing His will, as the enemy is so mad at us, trying everything in his power to stop us.

Please pray we can pay the fine quickly, and that Paul can get the permit quickly, so that construction can continue. Pray also for strength and encouragment for Paul. Thank you!

RANDY TO STAY OR NOT STAY?

Last time we had just been to immigration to apply for Randy's permit to stay in Austria, and that was just the beginning of a two-week ordeal that caused me sleepless nights. We had three lawyers who advised us, and we followed every suggestion they made, though they were sometimes of opposite opinions. We also received free counsel from an NGO, and nothing anyone said panned out. Austria now has a zero-immigration policy, and what was still true not long ago, was not so any more. Sometimes it was appalling how officials treated us, like we were trash to them, and nobody seemed to care whatsoever. They asked if my parents were alive, and when I said yes, they said I didn't need my husband at my side, as my parents could take care of me. For two weeks we spent our days waiting in government offices, following up each lead. And the deadline of June 5th was approaching, which was the day Randy needed to leave Europe.

Thank God, the Lord did the miracle of giving us a person at immigration that wanted to help us. I don't even know how He did it! I've never met that official in person, but we have spoken on the phone many times. He did everything in his power to help us, and his boss at immigration was also aware of our case. When Randy's day of departure had arrived, I talked to him and he told us that Randy could stay in Austria until a final decision was made whether to grant him a permit or not. What a relief! I was so thankful! We continued gathering all the documents together that they required (some of them quite a challenge to get!) and sent them to them. Now all we can do is wait.

We had some alternatives to resolve this right away, thanks to European law which is less strict, but now we're first waiting for immigration's decision. Since I studied in Paris in the 90s, if I could get a paper that proves it, Randy could stay right away (unfortunately I have not succeeded in getting that paper). Also, if I could get a job in another EU country, Randy could stay, and our Christian lawyer could help us set that up (it would cost money).

Official decisions take time in Austria, so it could still be weeks until then. Please pray for a favorable decision, so Randy can stay the last 3 months of my pregnancy at my side. With my ever-growing belly and the challenges that come with it, I would not know how to cope without him at my side.

QUICK NEWS

•        Spiritual Warfare - We need intercessors to hold us up in prayer! We have a closed Facebook group for our intercessors. Let us know if you would like to be a part.

•        School Fees - It is the time of year when we have to enroll all our 30+ school kids in school for next year, which adds up financially. Thank you for giving generously to enable our kids to get an education!

•        Summer Vacation - Our kids are now on their 4-month summer break, and I wished I could be with them. We have no volunteers to occupy them, and I'm not there to teach them as I usually do for part of the summer, so they get really bored. Please pray for them and Paul. Pray also for volunteers.

•        Our Triplets - The last two check-ups at the hospital, they asked me to come back in 2 weeks instead of 1, as everything looked so great. The babies are growing perfectly, and next week I have the anatomy scan to look for any abnormalities. We should also find out their sex then. I'm 21 weeks along now. Please continue praying for me and the babies. My blood pressure and thyroid numbers are now under control.

•        First-Grade Teacher - We are still looking for a French-speaking first grade teacher to join our team next September. There is such a need for a good, Christian school where the children are treated with dignity and learn something. Many of our Muslim neighbors would send their children to our school. Please pray we'll find a teacher!

•        Malian Director Paul - Paul's wife Rokia has been doing well with the treatment she is getting. Please pray for her complete healing. Pray also for Paul who is worn out.

•        Security Situation - Mali is becoming more and more radicalized by jihadists. Also, the population is rising up against the government, still not accepting the president's election. Please pray for peace, and for protection from jihadists.

•       Volunteers - Do you want to come change an orphan's life? Do you want to heal the sick? Preach the gospel to those who've never heard? Come to Mali for a season and let God change your life. No language skills needed, but French skills are helpful.

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. (Lev 19:34)

Trusting HIM,

Claudia (& Randy)