Karis
Karis graduated from high school on May 24. Hooray!!! This August she will begin attending Toccoa Falls College in Toccoa, Georgia. She is excited that she will be rooming with another missionary kid who grew up in Papua New Guinea. When I asked she said she is most looking forward to living away from home. (Hmm…Not sure what that says about Mom and Dad! I think I will attribute it to her enjoying living on a college campus the first 14 years of her life. :))
Praise: For all the details falling into place for Karis to attend Toccoa Falls
Pray: For Karis’ adjustment to college life – that she will grow closer to the Lord, develop healthy friendships, do well in her studies, and balance work and school responsibilities.
Clarkston Bible Institute
June 23 was the first graduation of the Clarkston Bible Institute. In the past year these students completed 10 courses in Bible and ministry and graduated with a Bible Certificate for Pastors or Leaders. Balongelwa, Leonard, and Mang Lam all serve in their local ethnic churches. Michelle will be heading to Chad, Africa in October to begin her mission journey.
Praise: Patrick will be teaching in Clarkston again when he returns from PNG mid-September. This is a volunteer position in which he will be teaching during the weekday program (which is a condensed one year course) and the Saturday program (which is a three year course).
Praise: 11 students (2 Congolese, 1 Haitian, and 5 Burmese, and 3 Karenni ) have been accepted for next school year!
Pray: For direction concerning Jan’s involvement in Clarkston. Jan is talking with ministries there about teaching and/or tutoring beginning this fall. And, we really want to connect and build relationships with the families of Patrick’s CBI students.
Summer Fun…
Our Deep Creek, NC reunion has grown! Yes, there are 48 of us in this picture for our annual potluck meal. About half of this crowd rented a cabin together. We enjoyed lots of food, conversation, games, and of course, tubing time.
Family News
Kristin continues as our city girl (who was raised barefoot in Papua New Guinea 🙂 ).
Kristin says…The planting of Passion City Church in D.C. is going well. They have been officially meeting on Sundays since April 1st. They are seeing consistent growth and hear stories each week of how the Lord is moving. In the fall they will launch Community Groups in addition to their Sunday gatherings. She also says she is loving her team and loving DC!
This summer Kristin enjoyed being in the wedding of Jodie – her BFF from high school. (Jodie was Kristin’s first roommate at Ukarumpa.) And of course, the wedding of a PNG friend means an MK reunion!
Praise: The planting and growth of Passion City Church – DC
Pray: Kristin (and some roommates) are looking for a place to live. The church has been given free office space in D.C! Kristin wants to find affordable housing that is close enough to walk to work.
Beanie Boos anyone????
Benjamin is our family entrepreneur. While shopping at a toy store with his girlfriend, Gianni, Benjamin asked the manager if he sold anything on amazon. To make a long story short…Now he does! Every couple of weeks Benjamin and Gianni label, list, package and send Beanie Boos to sell on Amazon. Benjamin is getting some great business experience (and making some money).
Praise: After studying on his own this summer Benjamin just passed two CLEP exams and is now officially a junior in college.
Pray: Benjamin will continue to make progress in school and seek and follow the Lord’s leading for his life.
Back at CLTC
Patrick is back teaching at CLTC for 8 weeks. This term (quarter) he is teaching Eschatology and Church & Ministry. Pray for good communication of God’s Word to these beautiful brothers and sisters.
Thank you for all your love, prayers, and support! Patrick and Jan
pnghalls 
Thanks for your update. Great to see the family flourishing and the way the Lord continues to use you.
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