We thank God that, as this week draws to an end, the Parker boys are in much better health than they were earlier in the week. Jonathan came down with an intestinal infection and Jeremy had a high malaria count. Jeremy’s malaria was much more stealthy as he never ran a high fever. It’s good to have both boys back to their normal, active selves.

The Train and Multiply materials are going through their final proof-reading and Anthony has been working hard putting the corrections in the computer. He is looking forward to a day out of the office as he and Marty participate with the Tabligbo elders in a day of prayer and fasting on Saturday.

Maureen has been borrowing the teachers’ oven quite a bit this week as she does her pre-Chinese New Year cookie-baking. We wish all of you who celebrate this holiday a blessing-filled Year of the Dog. Gong Xi Fa Cai!

As we continue to prepare to leave Togo, we covet your prayers for the upcoming transitions for the Watchi Christians, our team, and our family. For our family, we ask specifically that God will lead us to a fruitful ministry and enable us all to adjust to a new culture successfully.

Randy Barlow is flying down from Germany this week to do our Home Study. When we found him back in December he had already scheduled a trip to West Africa (Mali and Dakar) and was able to add another short flight to Togo on the end of his trip. This also let us split the cost three ways with the two other couples! Randy will spend Thursday night through Sunday afternoon with our family for the Home Study. Please ask the Lord to bless his time with us.

God truly is "the helper of the fatherless" Psalms 10:14. Praise Him for He is listening and answering our prayers!

No updates on Tonn and Kossi's marriage. Please continue to ask the Lord to bless them this week.

Elianna and Veve in the tree house

In other areas, pray for the Dagbati cluster as they are evangelizing in three areas (2 small congregations and one new church plant.) Also pray for VoAsso as they are also involved in 2 church plantings--one in a nearby village and one in a distant town. Continue praying for the Asso and the Gafeme churches as a leader from each congregation has fallen into sin.

As far as our family goes, life is never boring. Brenda fell back onto her hip the other day. With a nice bruise near her tailbone, she has been kept her off of her feet for a couple of days. Each day gets better and although she has enjoyed a little extra pampering, she should be back to normal soon (and back to chasing two girls, cooking all the meals, doing the laundry, etc…). Maybe after thinking about it that way, she'll find a plan for more pampering.

It is Birthday central at the Koonce house. We begin our busy party season with Tucker and follow with everyone in the family by March 7. Tucker turned 11 on the 24th. We had a great day of celebrating him and Saturday afternoon we will have his party.

We have had a treat with the visit of Regan Peeks parents. Regan is the teacher for the Kabiye team children. Louise was well acquainted with Ed and Rhonda Peek twenty years ago in Huntsville, Alabama where they led the young professionals class at West Huntsville Church of Christ. Louise has had no contact with them since she left home to go to Harding and they since moved to Minnesota. Who would ever have imagined reconnecting with them in Africa.
They have had a fun time walking down memory lane and digging up names and faces from the past.

Please pray for all the churches among the Watchi, that they will be on fire for telling others about Jesus. Specifically, we ask for prayers for the leaders of the churches in Atitogon, Tabligbo and Ahepe. Pray for wisdom and direction as they take on more of the responsibility for evangelizing their villages. The Tabligbo elders have committed to a day long fast in order to focus their minds on the future of the church there.