Hi Friends,

It’s been a few weeks since our last update. Here’s what’s been going on:

* It is difficult for finances not to be foremost in my mind. I gave my two weeks’ notice at ICON last week, and so for the first time in eight years, I can’t simply work extra hours if we need a little extra money! Even though my control over our finances has always been illusory–all we have comes from God–it is exciting and scary to step out exclusively onto the path supported by God’s people.

Our fundraising total stands at 67%. This is the combination of regular support and one-time gifts. Our regular support (for year two and beyond) is at 34%. I’ve tried not to bombard you all with requests for support, and so many of you have already given or pledged support. But if you have been considering supporting us with a one-time gift or regular commitment, we would love to hear from you! The cliché is really true: no gift is too small. We would also love to come to your church and present our ministry, if there is an opportunity. Our goal is to reach at least 85% of our goal by the time we fly out on August 11, which means we need to raise $6,000 in five weeks. (Click here to see all the ways you can support us.)

* I took unpaid leave from work the week of June 23-27 so that we could work on packing and cleaning our things out of the apartment. Selling our furniture on Craigslist proved to be remarkably difficult, and we ended up taking much of it to the thrift store last Saturday. We were able to bless friends with the bedroom set and dining room set that were giving to us.

* We have lined up a potential buyer for our car, a friend from church who needs a vehicle right at the end of July when we’ll be ready to get rid of it. What a blessing to not have to leave without selling it, or to sell it too early and be car-less for a few weeks!

* Corrie and I went away without the kids for a night two weeks ago to celebrate our seventh anniversary. It was nice to catch up on sleep, talk, read, talk some more, and sleep some more! Also, Elizabeth celebrated her first birthday yesterday. She is healthy and happy.

* We said our final goodbyes to our Lansdale apartment last weekend. We are sorry to leave the only home our children have ever known. But we treasure our precious few weeks living with Corrie’s parents while we prepare to depart for LCC.

* A faculty family with two young children who is transitioning out of LCC is leaving behind for us a great many helpful items that would be expensive or impossible for us to bring along, including a double-stroller that folds up small for the bus, two car seats, two adult bikes with child-seats, and a hamster.

* We are trying to make plans to see as many friends and family in the PA-NJ area as possible before we go. Mark July 26 on your calendar: we are having a “Say Goodbye to the Giffones” open house in Perkasie. Please stop by and see us! July 27 will likely be our last Sunday attending Lansdale Presbyterian Church before we leave.

Please pray that our support goal would be met, and that all the logistical concerns would continue to fall into place. Pray for me as I prepare to teach classes for the fall, that God’s Spirit would give me confidence and wisdom to know how to present the truths of Scripture to these dear young men and women.

In Christ,

Benj Giffone