REACHING OUT!

Hi! Did you have a good Easter weekend? I think our hearts join with the Apostle Paul when he said in the book of Philippians, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection ...." I pray that your Easter season was full of love and joy. And, I ask God that you will experience a "Break Out" with new dreams from God, increased revelation, and resurrection power.

JAPAN- CHILDREN`S DAY

This week starts the national Holiday called "Golden Week" in Japan. Golden week remains one of the largest vacation periods for many Japanese. On May 5th, during Golden Week, the Japanese will celebrate Children`s Day. It has been a day of celebration in Japan since ancient times. On this day, many families fly huge carp-shaped streamers outside their houses and display dolls of famous warriors inside. The flying of the carp symbolizes strength and success and expresses the hope of every Japanese for their children to grow up strong and successful.

I share this information with you to know how to pray for Japan; especially the children. Let`s pray for the children of Japan that they may discover true strength and experience the success found in the One True God; Jesus Christ. 

 In addition, Japanese celebrate this day by doing the following:

• Take baths with iris leaves and roots. (for good health and to ward off evil)
• Eat rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves with sweet bean paste (kashiwamochi)
• Participate in a "Kids` Olympics" in many stadiums around the country

Let`s pray for new breakthroughs in Japan as they celebrate this Holiday season there.

LET THEM PRAISE HIS NAME WITH DANCING - PSALMS 149:3 - Ballet Magnificat - Jacob 

I want to thank you for your continued prayers for Jacob. He is preparing for the summer intensive course at Ballet Magnificat in Jackson, MS. This intensive course brings excitement and purpose every summer for him. The training not only focuses on the technical aspects of dancing, but also the spiritual development needed to be used of God in this way. Through his involvement, Jake has opportunity to seek God and direction for his life and future. 

Last year, Jake entered the pre-professional level. This level offers a unique training and experience helpful to him. Here are some of the aspects of this program:

• It`s for four week students only
• It involves a focused practice every day with professional teachers in various technical styles
• It offers an unforgettable experience of a professional by working like and with a professional company. Jake has gotten to know many of these individuals
• At the end of the intensive course, the group takes a local tour and puts on a performance of original creation

Philippians 4:6 says to "...... let your requests be made known to God." Would you pray with us as we believe for Jake to participate this summer?  He is in need of support of about $1,700.00 . I know the fruit of the harvest on your seed to this summer program for Jake will be great. To become a supporter for his trip, just send your gift to the AIM ministries below. Be sure to designate that your support goes to "Jacob Gulland" on a piece of paper, and we will be sure it goes for this experience. Thank you!!

PRAYER UPDATE FOR THE GULLANDS

1. As you partner with us in prayer, I feel the need to consider taking a trip to Japan this summer. In doing so, I would have a desire to connect with friends and family there, help in any relief efforts going on, and look after our things being stored at the missionary place in the area of the earthquake and tsunami. Whether I would travel myself, or take the whole family, I do not know yet. Of course, the whole family wants to, and really needs to, go with me for the sake of keeping in touch with Japan. So, please pray for us regarding this issue. 

2. Also, please pray for Samantha. After completing her 10th grade here in the States, she would like to return to Faith Academy in Manila, Philippines to complete her 11th grade and finish her 12th and graduate with her friends there. Meanwhile, in contacting with the school, they have expressed their interest in Samantha returning and would love to have her come. 

Of course, as she prayerfully considers this opportunity, she knows she would have to have a sponsor, or two, to help with the tuition, room, and board. Dad and Mom, us, would do everything we can in helping her as we continue to get the educational needs of the other kids met in the USA and take short-term trips to Japan and SE Asia over the next year. 

So, as partners, please pray for this on behalf of Samantha. And, if you would like to be a sponsor, let us know ASAP, and we will let you know how to further get involved with this need. Her school at Faith Academy begins in August, so, let`s pray and lift this request before God. I think you can feel my heart as I really want to make this a reality for her. And, we know God is able.... Thank you!   

3. Finally, pray for our AIM missions work with "Reign of Grace" ministries. This new name for the ministry of Mark and Michelle, us, appears to be sticking. And, we thank you for your involvement with my family and I in the calling He has given us for Japan and Asia. Pray for more supporters and a partner team to be raised up for His Kingdom purpose in this hour.

Thank you!

FINANCIAL INVOLVEMENT

Love and blessings to you! Thank you for your involvement. 

We feel we need to remind you that while we are in the States. We are still in need of monthly support. Our home church has been extremely gracious in providing us with housing and some income as Associate Pastor while we are here in Titusville. We have seen a decrease in monthly support. As we look to this next season, we look to the Lord for provision to fulfill vision.

We receive 100% of all gifts given. Make checks payable to Antioch International Ministries and designate on a separate piece of paper (not on the check) that your gift goes to "Mark and Michelle Gulland". All gifts are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support. 

Send gifts to:

Antioch International Ministries

246 Cowden Road

New Wilmington, PA 16142

Sincerely,

Mark & Michelle Gulland