Prayer request — 1

The photo is of Lisa and me when we were college roommates at SIU all those many years ago. It was taken at a Design Department Banquet otherwise we would never been this dressed up. We figured if we could room together then, we could survive a trip overseas without killing each other. This should be fun and I'm sure it will be. We always manage to laugh and enjoy whatever we're doing.

As we are preparing for this adventure, I ask for you to surround us in prayer. Below is the first specific prayer request but feel free to pray as you are led. I'll post another one in the next few days. But "presentations" is really what is on my mind right now and where I am focused.

Presentations — we are teaching two classes twice. Design 101 and Photography 101 to non-designers and non-photographers. I guess I'm teaching Photography and then both of us Design. Regardless, we have presentations to prepare. Handouts. PowerPoint presentations. Questions and answers. Much information to be swimming around our brains that we wish to impart to those eager to learn. Please pray that we are clear, concise, enthusiastic and not nervous! Oh my gosh. I am okay with teaching a very small group, let's say four people. But there will be 20 to 30 in each of our classes. We want so much for folks to drain of us information, for them to be sponges.

The design class is the basics — typography plus art elements (including photography) equal composition. The photography class is understanding the dials on your digital camera and how to improve the composition.

In case you don't know why we're going to Africa, go to www.littworld.org. Media Associates International is my client and they host an every-three-year international publishing conference "LittWorld." 2009 is in Africa. 2006 was in Brazil. Prior to that it was in the Philippines and England. And yes, a couple of times in Wheaton when it was in its infancy. John so graciously asked me if I wanted to come teach publishers, editors and writers about better communication with their designers and photographers. Or to teach basic classes in each of those subjects to publishers, editors and writers. Miles. I had enough miles to get myself there and then to ask Lisa to come along too with the rest of the miles. The adventure began.

I am a graphic designer, self-employed for 21 years, prior to that at World Relief for nearly six years. I am not a photographer, just a designer who knows how to use a camera. I always say that my brother and sister have better formal training at photography then I do. I think they're great photographers and yet, I'm the one who gets to go teach this subject.

Lisa's training is also graphic design. (Funny how we ended up as roommates!) She also furthered her training at the Art Institute of Chicago in faux finish painting. She's a fabulous artist and I am so fortunate to have her as a resource in many arenas (let alone that she's my friend).

It is humbling to be asked to do this. To hang out with Christians who are determined to spread the Gospel in difficult circumstances. I am honored to be part of this conference.

Philippians 4:4-7 — Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Thank you for your partnership through your prayers. It means the world to both of us.