From rfepley at gol.com  Sun Nov  8 19:31:23 2009
From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie)
Date: Sun Nov  8 19:31:19 2009
Subject: [Epley Update] Nov. 8, 2009
Message-ID: <27c55c64c71f7b8733ca18c3c1867afa@gol.com>

Overwhelmed. Exhausted. Elated. These all describe my life the last few 
months. I'm sorry about the long silence. I just haven't have the 
energy to write.

I won't list all the activities of recent weeks. It is ironic that just 
after I finished a Bible study on worry and spending time with Jesus, I 
turned right around and did the opposite. I worried when I should have 
taken my concerns to God. It's not that I didn't pray. I just didn't 
transfer the weight of my burdens to God's outstretched arms. I left 
little time in my schedule for quiet reflection and rest, replacing 
every free moment with activity. These are not good strategies.

Nevertheless, God was and is merciful. Zech. 4:6 kept running through 
my mind, "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord 
Almighty." I ran out of might and power and found His Spirit ready to 
give me strength again.

In the midst of this difficult time God gave us wonderful gifts. We 
have enjoyed having Christie home. Her colorful personality enriches 
our lives. My 85-year-old father has been amazing traipsing around 
Tokyo as if he were much younger. He never ceases to brighten our days. 
Rachel, our 19-year-old house guest is always ready to lend a hand and 
share what God is teaching her.

I must tell you an absolutely amazing thing that God did. We had a very 
large financial emergency come up. Russ and I strongly believed we 
needed to proceed without hesitation in spite of the large price tag 
even though it meant using funds carefully set aside for our 
retirement. God spoke to the heart of a 70-year-old Japanese lady who 
has never met us (and who doesn't have a lot of money to spare) to give 
us 300,000 yen as a personal gift. This is equivalent to about $3300 
(depending on the exchange rate). She heard very briefly about us from 
another missionary who mentioned us in passing. She followed God's 
prompting and gave them the money to give to us. I am still stunned. It 
covers the need. Please take a moment to ask God to bless that generous 
woman and to thank God with us for His loving care for us.

We are blessed to be a blessing,
Flossie
(If you want to see a picture with Christie and my Dad you can check 
out my blog.)
www.flossieepley.blogspot.com


From rfepley at gol.com  Sun Nov 29 20:10:47 2009
From: rfepley at gol.com (Russ and Flossie)
Date: Sun Nov 29 20:10:46 2009
Subject: [Epley Update] Nov. 29, 2009
Message-ID: <c1c92753f287176ad3d6c49d2902f901@gol.com>

With Thanksgiving now a pleasant memory, we are officially into the 
Christmas season. I have two big responsibilities coming up for which I 
would appreciate prayer.

Friday, Dec. 11 I'll be giving a workshop for homeschool parents on 
creative ways to teach content that sticks in kids' minds. I'm 
thoroughly enjoying preparing for it. Please pray that I'll be able to 
make all the preparations adequately and that it will benefit the 
parents who attend.

Tuesday, Dec. 15 I've been asked to sing and speak at a Christmas 
luncheon in Saitama Ken. Please pray that God will bring those He wants 
to attend and that God will be clearly glorified.

Blessings,
Flossie