Words can not express to you how we have been strengthened by your prayers and support throughout Paul's hip replacement surgery and his recovery. After his surgery in December, though the hip itself felt so much better, it seemed like Paul's strength returning was so very slow.

The first of February, we were on our way to El Paso, TX for the rodeo. He was "quarantined" from his regular duties during the rodeo performance by all the crew who produce the rodeo. They all stated that they wanted him to save his energy for his "Preacher Job" for them, and that they would be happy to take up the slack for him, since he wasn't "up to par" physically yet. But of course, you would know he was back behind the chutes anyway, on his crutches at least inspecting and directing the job !!! We rejoice to tell you that at this first rodeo of the year for us, we saw 7 receive Christ as their Savior!!!! Thank You for letting us represent you here in the world of rodeo!! These men and women and children are stars in YOUR crown!!

It seemed though, after we got home from that rodeo that Paul just wasn't getting his strength back. After more testing, they discovered he had a staph infection. He went back in the hospital, in April, and the doctor removed all the infection he found, and we went back to more antibiotics.

Another milestone was reached during this time, with PR graduating from High School in May. God blessed us with an incredible opportunity for PR to attend his last semester in El Paso, TX going to Bethel Temple Christian School. The principal is a dear friend of mine, and PR has attended this school for three weeks out of the year, during our rodeo attendances there, every February of his life! We have planned to do and have anticipated this for years thanks to principal Marsha Cardenas. We also are so thankful to the incredible staff at the school, and the pastors and congregation of Bethel Temple Assembly. Thank you for loving our son, and your wonderful care for him. Though we missed him incredibly these last five months, we are so thankful for Marsha and Ronnie and their family, for opening up their home for him to have this opportunity.

PR's absence though, coinciding with Paul being laid up, was quite a "growing" and learning experience for all three of us. For PR, I think it was even partly a "cross cultural" education!! But he did an incredible amount of work, and graduated on the Honor Roll!!! We are very glad to have him home for the summer, and I think he is glad to be back to his native culture.

We were able to finish another two months of Rodeo Bible Camps. Our focus for most of June and July were these camps where we were able to minister to kids looking for fulfillment and/or a career in this world of the rodeo/ranching lifestyle. Our desire is to share with them that the only true fulfillment is in Jesus Christ with a total reliance on Him to direct and lead them in the future that He has for them. We were thrilled to see many at each camp make decision for Christ. At each of these camps there were godly instructors and the team leaders/counselors working with the kids. These men and women agree to keep in contact and disciple with their kids throughout the year. We want to not only REACH these kids with the Gospel, but we know it is imperative that they grow in their walk with Christ.

There has been quite a life-changing development since the last camp we attended two weeks ago. After the last camp, the doctors discontinued the antibiotics after tests had been looking good. But within one week, it was clear that there had been some infection left in the hip. The doctor was very concerned, and within hours after the tests, had Paul back in the hospital and totally removed the hip replacement. He was in the hospital for a week, and is now home. He will be without the hip for 6-8 weeks, while they give him some major antibiotics to totally clear up the infection. Then the end of August or the beginning of September, they will put another hip back in.

This has all happened so fast, many of you - our friends and supporters - were not even aware that this was going on. Though some of you have found out through the grapevine, or moccasin telegraph!! We thank you for your prayers and continued support throughout this time. We have truly felt His presence and strength holding us. As the song says, "We do not know what the future holds, but we know WHO holds the future." We ask for your prayers for God's touch and healing in Paul's body, and for us in this time, as we "be still and know that HE is GOD!"

Thank you for your continued support and prayers through this time. We will need to stay home til the next hip is put in, and have cancelled all our commitments through September. We so appreciate your hanging tough with us while we have been so out of communication. We are so grateful for the love, prayers and phone calls that have been lavished on us from those of you who have heard. We apologize to most of you whom we have not contacted. Life changed pretty rapidly around here and is just now settling down to a routine which finally provided an opportunity to get this letter out. Thank you for your prayers as we "wait on Him."

Trusting Him Daily,

Paul, Linda and P.R.

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