Dear Partners in Prayer,

STOP PRESS: Murray leaves today for his annual ‘July in Jerusalem’ trip.

Jerusalem (2-30 July 08)

In addition to the usual work and ministry opportunities, also pray for good progress in writing the doctoral thesis. While there in February, Murray managed to arrange a new supervisor – a significant breakthrough since his supervisor died years ago. His housing, meals and travel were paid by the group he was ministering to. Praise God for the free use of an apartment in Jerusalem each July.

Furlough in New Zealand (Dec 08-April 09)

If you do pray for us, we’d like to hear from you. We would love to meet with those who are interested in partnering with us in prayer. If you would like a meeting, please write to us.

Two Translation Projects

1. Murray and the main translator completed the consultant checking of Genesis last week (27 June). Praise God for the very positive response to the publication of Proverbs. Pray for the typesetting and publication of Psalms, which Murray finished checking last December. Another consultant is checking some of the narrative (historical) books, speeding up the process.

2. Murray checked some complete books and Isaiah 1-7 for the other project in May and June. Three other consultants are now available to give input. Pray that good progress can be made. Pray for the publication of Psalms and Proverbs, which Murray checked some years ago, and which are now being typeset ready for the printer.

Pray about the ongoing health issues experienced by the key translators in both these projects.

Family News

Dave and Jenny: Praise God that they have found a good church home close to where they are living. Dave is enjoying his new job with the government actuary department, commuting into London each day and playing cricket for the civil service team! Jenny continues to work in the hand clinic at a nearby hospital. Pray that they will be able to buy their own home.

Beth enjoyed her trip to New Zealand with Ruth (airfares gifted) in January for a family wedding. She has recently moved back to London and is busy with part-time jobs teaching drama. Two involve teaching adults with learning difficulties, which she really enjoys. Pray that she will know the Lord’s touch on her life in a real and transforming way.

Ben has finished school and is taking a gap year before going to university to study Chemistry. At present he is looking for work. Please pray for a job for him and for the Lord’s direction for his life.

Over thirty years ago the Lord gave us this verse for our wedding day (10 December, 1977):
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true.
He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him." Psalm 18:30

He has been our guide and provider, teacher and corrector, protector and refuge, comforter and burden bearer – a totally trustworthy God!

Thank you so much for being prayer partners and companions with us on our journey. May you know the presence of our trustworthy God with you in whatever circumstances you are in right now.

In remarkable ways, God is at work in the home country of our translation colleagues, bringing many people to faith and establishing new communities of believers. Praise God that the translated Word of God is being used of God to train new church leaders and Bible teachers.
“…and it will achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).

Thank you again for investing in God’s Word for that needy country – and for other countries too as we help to give ongoing training to translators far and wide.

Yours very gratefully in Him,

Murray & Ruth Salisbury