New Curriculum Making an Impact
Burleson, Texas - We introduced and tested our new Practically Speaking Conversational English and Practically Speaking Business English curriculums during recent ministries in Nicaragua and Belarus.  In its final form, the material was used in Novosibirsk, Russia and Minsk, Belarus.  The feedback we are receiving from students and our volunteer teachers is very positive. 

The new curriculum is a culmination of an 18 month project that Jody and Trisha initiated.  The new materials brought the quality of the English classes and the experiences of our volunteer teachers to an all time high level. The materials have been printed and organized in a way that they have a professional look.  The added durability that comes with the use of special binders, sheet protectors and lamination will allow the materials to withstand repeated use.  This has been an expensive process, but an expense that will pay off over the life of these materials. 

We are very grateful to those of you who made a special contribution toward the expenses of these new materials.  You may still contribute toward the expense of producing these materials or in an on-going way to our ministry by tax-deductible donation.  Contact Jody or check our website for more information.

Bogota Trip Postponed
Burleson, Texas - The two week Practically Speaking Conversational English course was scheduled to begin June 26 in Bogota, Colombia.  Several days before the team was scheduled to leave the U.S., our host church notified us that they were not able to confirm that we could use a local elementary school for our classes.  In addition, the Colombian government had notified the church that a different type of visa would be required for our team to come to Colombia.  After prayerful consideration, we decided to cancel that date and reschedule the trip to a later date, after the open questions could be answered.

Of course we were greatly disappointed.  However, God is in control and showed us that His wisdom prevails.  Several of the team members that were scheduled to go to Bogota encountered family emergencies and job-related issues that would have created great hardships for them had they been in Colombia.  One of the team members required emergency surgery, which would have been problematic had she been in Colombia during that time.  We are confident that we will return to Bogota as soon as we can reschedule this event.

Practically Speaking English in Texas
Richardson, Texas - Although our program was developed specifically for international  venues, it was just tested for the first time  in the U.S.  Our dear friends, Carl and Kerry Lorey, recently completed a Practically Speaking English event in Richardson, Texas in cooperation with a local church. 

Volunteer teachers from Fort Smith, Arkansas and the Richardson area held English classes and shared the love of Christ with a local refugee community which represented eight different language groups.

New Granddaughter Arrives
Marshall, TX - Jody and Trisha are proud to announce the birth of their third grandchild, Eva Nicole Rodriguez.  Eva Nicole was born June 21, 2007 in Longview, Texas at 8 pounds and 9 ounces.  She is in perfect health and already delighting everyone.  Mother, Sara, and father, David, are becoming accustomed to the new routine of parenthood.