After months of hectic planning and packing, Rani and I arrived in Texas on May 21, 2011. Since Rani's job didn't officially start until June 13, we spent the time with my family in Rockwall. My parents were in the process of selling their home and relocating to Kentucky, so we spent time with them and helped out as they organized their move. It was sad to say goodbye, but knowing they are on the same continent (for the first time in several years) is a great comfort.

Rani has really enjoyed getting into the swing of things at Hunter's Glen. He will work part-time developing an outreach to Middle Easterners and Muslims in the surrounding areas for the next year. The other half of the working week will be spent developing SALAM and traveling to speak at other churches and organizations.

We have been extremely blessed by so many people here in Plano. The church has gone above and beyond to help us make the transition and we are overwhelmed by their generosity. We have been provided with a furnished home and a car for the next year. Thank God for His amazing ways!

Another great blessing has been finding an excellent, evangelical Christian OBGYN here in Plano. He has been wonderful and we are confident about the upcoming birth of our baby boy in September.

Before departing for America, we had the great privilege to participate in the Baptist Centennial Celebration. Rani worked on the translation team and also as a member of the media team. The three-day event marked 100 years of Baptist witness in the Holy Land and included key note Baptist speakers from Israel, Palestine, Great Britain and America.

Shortly before the Centennial Celebration, we concluded our third Arab Youth Camp. This camp was by far the largest, with over 50 attendees in grades 8-12. Rani worked as one of the camp pastors and also as a counselor and I worked in the kitchen. The camp, entitled "The Amazing Race" focused on teachings from Paul's second letter to Timothy. Several young people made commitments to Christ, and many rededicated their lives.

Our home church, Local Baptist Church in Nazareth, was very supportive as we made this transition. They gathered around us for a time of dedication and prayer and we are thankful for their prayerful support.

Despite being thousands of miles away, we are still very committed to the advancement of Holy Land ministries. Rani continues his work with Linga via the internet, uploading new relevant material and writing articles. He also keeps in constant touch with various ministry leaders via Skype. We ask that you please keep ministry in the Holy Land in your prayers. 

Rani will be speaking at FBC Forney in Forney, TX on Sunday evening, July 24th. As part of our year in the States, Rani will have the opportunity to travel and speak. He is working on scheduling additional events for the months of Oct-Dec.

If you or your church are interested in having him speak, send us an email! 

• We're so thankful for our safe arrival in Texas and for the many, many things the Lord has provided us with through the generosity of people. Especially for the incredible provision of a temporary home and a vehicle!
• We're thankful for the continued health of our unborn child.  
• We're thankful for the loving support of friends and family during this transition period.
• We're thankful the Lord led us to our new doctor, who is a believer.
• We're thankful for the safe arrival of Rani's beautiful niece Julie! 

• Pray for Rani as he gets settled into this new job, that he will be receptive to where and how the Lord leads him and that he will be an effective witness to the Middle Eastern community.
• Pray for our local church, Hunter's Glen, as it develops this new outreach to internationals.
• Continue to pray for the churches in the Holy Land and for the stability of the region.
• Pray for us as we prepare for the birth of our first child. We do not have traditional health insurance and are praying for God's financial provision to cover medical costs. We are trusting him with all our needs.
• Pray that we will develop new friendships and that we will have opportunities to share the love of Christ with others.