UPDATE - Jim & Denise Arnold, Missionary Field Coordinator, West Africa 5/11/10

Greetings from the cold land of Rochester, NY. We just finished our Annual Leadership Retreat, held at the home office here in Rochester. What a wonderful time of fellowship and brainstorming as we focussed on a variety of topics pertaining to the future goals of IGM and how it relates to each of our individual ministries. Some of the topics discussed were as follows:

• Your vision for your family and your future
• Your vision for your field.
• Your methods of encouraging your church planters.
• Spirituality - Does your heart speak louder than words?
• Developing your purpose statement.

The discussions were intense at times with much passion for the call that GOD has placed on each of our lives. However, even though the hours were long, the fellowship with each other was very sweet. We are constantly looking for new ways and ideas to implement in helping us become more effective for Him.

One of the highlights to the week was listening to the testimonies of the other Field Coordinators as they shared how God is working on their fields. Often times tears came to my eyes as I listened to the stories of struggles that individuals are going through on a daily basis. Brian Hampton shared about his recent trips to Haiti and the heartache and devastation that the quake has left behind; families left in total ruins as they have lost everything, some including even family members. Words can't explain the pain these people deal with on a daily basis their as they struggle for survival. It truly brings to light how blessed we have been as a nation here in the US. Please keep each of us in your prayers as we sift through the daily trials and struggles of our people in our countries of responsibility.

FAMILY NEWS
It is always a delight to get back to Denise and the family. I am on the road so much that the little bit of time we get to spend as a family is so very cherished. Tomorrow is both Mothers Day and our wedding anniversary, and I will miss out on both of those as I finish up my trip here in Rochester on Monday. We have enjoyed 30 years together and am so looking forward to 30 more with Denise. Jeanelle continues to excel in her Basketball and is off to tournaments this weekend. I have enjoyed watching her play and so miss those times when I travel. However, both Denise and our daughter Julie attend her games in my absence and give me 'blow by blow' details of the game. Her last game she played was the semi-final and Jeanelle ended up with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 8 steals, 14 hustles and 3 fouls. That will give you some indication of her ability as she plays girls older than herself!

In addition to Jeanell's games, Denise strives to keep up with our grandchildren and their games. Isaiah, our 5 year old grandson, plays soccer now and is enjoying it immensely. He told me the other day before his game that he was going to score 4 goals: one for Mama Denise (my wife),  two for BOBO (which is me) and one for his Dad. I think he ended up scoring two in all. How precious they are!

We thank each and everyone of you for your faithfulness in keeping our ministries before the Lord each day. Thank you for your faithful support as you continue to hold the ropes, allowing us to go and make a small difference each day. We love each of you and keep you in our prayers.

SPECIAL NEED:
We are in need of a laptop for Denise as she tries to keep up with our correspondence on a daily basis. Her computer has pretty much given up and it is very difficult to keep it working. Please help us as this is very vital to the daily operation of our ministry. The cost is between $600 and $900.