June 2, 2003
Hello friends!
Friends are such a wonderful thing, aren’t they? I have been so blessed to have many friends! This past month has been quite a month. I’ve had to say goodbye to some great friends 
I’ve met over the last four months during my training in Elgin, IL. I’ve been able to begin reconnecting with the many friends I left behind in Canada. I even had the privilege to reconnect with Trevor, an old friend from high school who’s now working at Moody Bible College in Chicago.
God has certainly blessed in these last four months. The pictures here are of a few of the many friendships I’ve been able to develop in the US. I have so much appreciated all that I’ve been able to learn from every one of them (and many others as well). Through both the teaching and relationships with many here, 
I’ve learned so much, and feel much better equipped for wherever God is taking me next. All the people at both International Teams and Templo Calvario (the church I attended) have been wonderful. Thanks so much everyone!The coming months should prove equally exciting. While the details have yet to be worked out, it’s looking like I’ll have two major areas I’ll be working on.
Part of my time will be spent planning and preparing for the next Encounter Teams program.
As most of you have heard, things have not come together for the next team quite as expected. But God knows what He’s doing. I recall when I was first working through where God was leading me next, I got the sense that he pointed in the direction I’m now going, and
said “Start heading that way.” There was no indication of where I’d end up, but only where my next step should be. It’s a scary thing at times to step out, not knowing where you’re going, but when God’s leading, it’s the safest place to be!
The other thing I’ll be doing is seeking to raise up friends to help meet the remainder of my needed support. Chris, the guy I shared an apartment with during training, is seeking to get 100 people committed to praying for him. He said, “with the landmines in [the country I’m going to] – both physical and spiritual, going without solid prayer support is tantamount to jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.” I may not have to deal with physical
landmines but prayer is still vital to the success of this ministry. Would you consider becoming a critical part of what I’m doing in this way? Finances are another area of need. As things are changing to some extent in my ministry, the budget is also likely to change, but there is still a bunch needed to make this ministry feasible. Keep praying for those called to be a part of it in this way.
Thanks so much for your prayer and interest in my life! 
Keep praying for God’s direction and guidance. I’m confident He has some great things ahead.Your Friend, Steve.
