We are now in Baltimore.  The Lord has been leading us along as we have entered this new direction in our lives.  We have waited to send this communiqué because of the myriad of things that have happened since our last dispatch.  In September we entered into a contract to sell our house.  That was to be completed in 30 days.  The escrow lasted for 70 days and completed on November 27^th. We then moved into our purchased container and lived with a most gracious family in Acton, CA.  We were in contract to purchase a motorhome in which we could live and travel while raising our support.  That prospect was a lengthy ordeal which lasted from October 1^st until December 13^th when we were finally denied approval for the purchase.  During that time we really did not know how to plan while we were packing.  So we packed as though we would have the motorhome.  We tried to sell or give away all of the things we would not be taking to Germany or would not need in the motorhome.   The Lord was gracious in not allowing us to rid ourselves of the most basic of the things we would need since we would not have the motorhome.  That whole time we learned to wait on the Lord and trust His guidance.

Once the house was sold and the final decision was made on the motorhome, we were tremendously relieved.   On December 15^th we departed from California after having delivered our container to the railroad in Los Angeles.  We spent 10 ½ years in California.  We made many life long friends.  By the grace of God, we knew that our leaving was only a temporary absence from our brothers and sisters as we will spend eternity rejoicing together.  

We left just as the first major winter storm was entering California.  We drove for 3 days and never encountered a drop of rain.  We arrived in Maryland on the 18^th and we were immediately refreshed with a shower and a good night sleep.  My parents, John and Patricia Byron, have been gracious enough to allow us the use of their basement as a living arrangement while we raise our support.  This is an answer to our prayers for direction regarding the motorhome or rental house.  Our Lord Jesus wonderfully works on the behalf of those He loves.

As part of that working of the Lord, Theresa was given 15 days of complete bed rest.  On Christmas Eve she developed a severe pain in here leg and back.  On the 28^th she went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with sciatica and sent home with medication. On January 3^rd she saw a neurologist who was convinced she had a slipped disk in her back.  Theresa had an MRI on the 7^th which showed a completely normal spine.  Since then she has progressively returned to a full schedule.  I was called into active duty during her confinement and now I truly appreciate all she does for our family.  To all of the wives and mothers, I have a greater respect for your patience and care you give.

We are now almost returned to our normal schedule.  I am working quickly on the enhancement of the basement so it is suitable for living in.  We had our first meeting with a church on Saturday 1/18.  Our neighborhood Baptist church is interested in our work in Mannheim and will  support us.  This has been a tremendous encouragement to us. 

We have learned that those that pray for us are a tremendous encouragement to us. We would be blessed by our Lord if you would remember to pray on our behalf for the following:

1)       We are seeking opportunities to share our ministry in Mannheim.

2)      We are learning to esteem others more highly as we live with our parents.

3)       We are trusting our Father to provide our needs. 

Please pray we would seek, learn, esteem, and trust in a manner that those that do not know our Lord, would recognize and ask about the hope that lies within us.  Pray also about your part in our ministry in Mannheim and let us know how you are praying so we may keep you informed. If you would like to receive this letter via email only, please send us an email request.

Our prayer for you this new year is that you will handle all the woes that come your way in 2003 in a way that is honoring to God, and may you experience more joys and pleasures than you thought possible.

With Much Love,

James, Theresa, Hannah, Josiah, Sarah, Micah Byron

934 Susquehanna Ave

Baltimore, MD 21220

410-335-3307     661-755-4632