We had a wonderful visit with our precious friends, Calvin and Gwen Taylor, just before March break.

They were able to share with our classmates, too, many of their memories of being involved in the beginnings of NTM Canada's missionary training program.

It was our blessing to share their lives and memories. At times we just laughed so hard tears were flowing. These two have been a consistent encouragement to our family and we thank God for the part they continue to have in our growing and preparation for the Lord's service.

Thank you very much, both of you, for these many years and the last few precious days together. Our prayers are with you and your family. Until our next visit...

RJ thought he had to sleep in the closet.

Here are the kids in their "winter" Jungle Camp House.

Our blog address is changing...

The blogger folks have made provision for people who may require a large amount of photo storage by directing the publication of their blog sites to an "off-blogger" site. Since we already have a website established we are going to take advantage of their helpful option. This will allow us to put some more pictures and maybe even full-motion video on our blog.

So, You will be able to access our blog from our website home page! The migration should be completed before the week is over and we will notify you the night before.

Pray for this to be a smooth transition, please. And thanks for keeping abreast of what God is doing in the Shafer Family!

in Christ,
Roland (for the family)
2 Cor 5:14-15

MELTDOWN TIME! Ice Sculptures Galore

We have to be carfeul walking under
the eaves, or we could be speared
like the saber-tooth in Ice Age!

Building project phase II almost complete

These pics are of the existing living quarters for 2nd year student families with kids and the new housing about to be completed for future student body. Both show the north side of the buildings which are probably considered the backdoors.

There will be opportunity for some of our classmates to move up into the new housing, while others will have to delay until the current 2nd year student body moves out and on to partnership development or to serve at their home churches.

One thing we're all seeing disappear is the wintery daytime skies. It has been sunny and warm (between 27 and 40) for the last four days. Perhaps winter is on it way out.

Thank you for your prayerful partnership with us. We thank God upon every rememberance of you, too.

in Christ, Roland

"How'd it ever get like this?"

Ever found yourself asking that question, in the heat of a relationship struggle? I usually don't. Most of the time it is afterward when I realize that I don't remember why the dispute or disagreement came to be such a big deal. More often than not I owe apologies for being severe or pouting my way out of a "heavy" discussion.

Our current class lecture series is pertaining to relationships and I think it is timely that I have been reading in Proverbs. God gave such wisdom in that little book about me and the relationships I can have.

Prov 30:32 If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.

This passage has clearly addressed my main issue in realtionship struggle - it is a SELF-FOCUSED attitude. When I am content with my position in Christ it is easy to refrain from pridefulness when interacting with others. But let my mind wander into the circumstances or the topic to far and I am completely self-centered. I know the Spirit of God can be quenched when it comes to how I think about and interact with others. I also am assured that God will continue that to which He has committed Himself. His Spirit will seek to remind me of whose responsibility it is to walk in fellowship with Him, so that others will be exposed to the pleasant peaceable spirit which comes from a Spirit-led believer.

I am continually being shown the behavior that is Spirit quenching. I thank God for revealing it to me. I look forward to growing in my dependence on God's Spirit to keep my relationships pure and filled with unity. Thank you for praying for my continued spiritual growth! in Christ... Roland

WOW! How fun is this?!? We got a big care package from my Mom and sister Laurie!

Mom's special cookies,

other yummy treats and most importantly...storage containers,

since we live in a large 25' by 30' shoe box. Organization is the key, and we LOVE our shoe box! Spring break is around the corner, and it hasn't snowed in 2 DAYS! A record! Spring is HERE! HAHAHAHAHAHA Well I can pray eh?

What a blessing we received today, first hour of classes! Last year we were told that the equipment we would need for language sessions was going to be provided by an anonymous donor - the Olympus WS-320 DVR. Well we were given this incredible gift today. What a joy and blessing to know we won't have to wait for the Lord's provision to acquire this device because He has already provided it!! How we thank the Lord for this precious saint who has given to the Lord's work and to our family through Him. Please rejoice with as we give praise to God for this gift.

Here's a picture of what we got today.

Here's an oldie for you art lovers out there...

Remember
the
old
'muscle cars'
and the
"fink" drivers?

This was fun
to discover at
a friends
recently!

in Christ,
Roland