2002-05-19

Earthquakes, Droughts, Graduations & Blood Transfusions
May 19, 2002

Well, we thought the title might catch your eye.
EARTHQUAKES (http://www.taipeitimes.com/news/2002/05/16/story/0000136219 )
On Wed May 15, we experienced an earthquake! Yes, again! This is about the 4th or 5th earthquake since our arrival in Sept 2000. It was not as severe as some of the others; it only measured 6.2 at its epicenter and about 4 in Taipei. Don’t let the 4 fool you; we did feel it! It was BSF class day and I was giving a lecture. I was actually reading scripture out loud at the exact time the shaking began [Deuteronomy 31:7-8 “Be strong and courageous…The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." NIV]. Jackie was in his 3rd floor office where it shook and swayed for what seemed like at least a minute (sit still for 30 seconds and imagine your home shaking). We suffered no immediate damage but felt many aftershocks for the remainder of the day. Please pray that the earthquakes will cause the nation to turn from idols to the One True God in whom they can put their eternal trust. He is the ROCK that is sure and cannot be shaken.

DROUGHTS ( http://www.taipeitimes.com/news/2002/05/19/story/0000136681 )
Taiwan is currently suffering a drought and we are under water use restrictions. Every 5th day, different sections of the county have their water turned off for a 24-hour period. The apartment building we live in has a storage tank both on top of the building and underneath the building, so we haven’t actually been without water . . . yet, however we do have the tub filled and ready if necessary. Mostly, everyone is being more conservative on showers, laundry, and dishwater use. Please pray that the local restaurants can find a way to follow clean health practices so there will not be an outbreak of illnesses. Also pray that any and all rainfall will be accredited to God Almighty – The Creator of Heaven and Earth.

GRADUATIONS
We rejoice in our children’s graduations this month. Travis graduated with his B.S. from Texas A&M University-Commerce and Paige graduated with her M.S. from The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. We are very proud of them and ask you to pray that the Lord will guide them as they seek to utilize their education.

BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS
Over the weekend, my sister, Brenda Hunter, received a blood transfusion (3 units) at Garland Baylor hospital. She has been ill since Christmas, tests have diagnosed her with Sarcodacious, and the doctors removed a lymphoid surgically from her neck area last month. Her energy level is poor and her red blood count is very low. Pray for wisdom for the doctors, that they will be able to find the source of her anemia and that her health will be fully restored.

MINISTRIES
This year’s BSF classes are coming to a close and there are many details to attend to before we break for the summer. As soon as they are concluded, we are off to Thailand for a meeting to begin planning for next February’s annual mission meeting. We then return to Taipei for a couple of very busy weeks preparing the 2003 budget for the East Asia Area personnel. Then… YIPPEEE! ! ! We come home for vacation in July. Be on the lookout for an email to announce a date and place where we can gather for a time of sharing about our past 22 months in Taiwan. We appreciate your faithful prayer support and hope each of you will be able to come see us then. We will let you know as soon as we have a firm date and place.

Blessings,
Jackie and Fran Bell
Philippians 1:3; Romans 15:13
jackiebell@pobox.com * note new address for Fran fran@thebellsite.com