Ever Just Need a Nap?

Doesn't that look comfortable?
(Madison Zoo)

Rain Forest Display ~

Exotic flowers and . . .



















fascinating frogs.














More evidence . . .














of God's endless creativity.















This fellow ended up being our favorite frog.
(Madison Zoo)

Bug Problems?

Anyone recognize this infestation?















Here's a hint . . . Madagascar















There is help . . .















. . . pest control of the most efficient kind.

(Yes, more interesting photos from the Madison Zoo.)

A Trip to the Madison Zoo

"Riding" a replica.

















The real thing.















Beautiful!

Having a Rough Day?

Looks like this guy can sympathize.

(Photo from our recent visit to the Madison Zoo.)

Quotes of the Faithful

In the past months, we have rejoiced in the opportunity to introduce you to some of our brothers and sisters around the world. It is the pictures of faith that have been so vividly drawn by the hand of God in these precious believers' lives that have touched us in the core of our beings. God is using these living works of art to continue the sculpting and molding He is doing in our lives.

Likewise, the following quotes have provided much food for thought and encouragement for the soul. We pray you are as blessed by these quotes of the faithful (gathered from Voice of the Martyrs materials), as we have been.

"I was in the central highlands in Vietnam
when someone remarked about how the
Christians suffer there. One Vietnamese
Christian replied, 'Suffering is not the
worst thing that can happen to us.
Disobedience to God is the worst thing.'"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"A Christian prisoner in Cuba was asked to
sign a statement containing charges against
fellow Christians that would lead to their
arrest. He said:
'The chain keeps me from signing this.'

The communist officer protested,
'But you are not in chains!'

'I am,' said the Christian. 'I am bound
by the chain of witnesses who throughout
the centuries gave their lives for
Jesus Christ. I am a link in this chain.
I will not break it.'"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"The bandit told the missionary,
'I'm going to kill you. Aren't you afraid?'

Jack Vinson replied simply,
'Kill me, if you wish. I will go straight to God.'"

Jack Vinson's courage inspired his friend E. H. Hamilton
to write this poem:

Afraid? Of What?

To feel the spirit's glad release?
To pass from pain to perfect peace,
The strife and strain of life to cease?

Afraid -- of that?
Afraid? Of What?

Afraid to see the Savior's face
To hear His welcome, and to trace
The glory gleam from wounds of grace?

Afraid -- of that?
Afraid? Of What?

A flash, a crash, a pierced heart;
Darkness, light, O Heaven's art!
A wound of His a counterpart!

Afraid -- of that?
Afraid? Of What?

To do by death what life could not --
Baptize with blood a stony plot,
Till souls shall blossom from the spot?

Afraid -- of that?