"You Don't Make Eye Contact!"

I love being married to Ruth. There is an innocence about her that is engaging and the source of a few laughs in our family. Recently she told me of her first encounter witnessing a drug deal in one of the projects where we work. This project is one of the worst in our city and is home to five of our teen moms. As Ruth was sitting in her car waiting for one of the mothers and her kids she noticed a car and driver behaving strangely. The car circled the parking area three times and then stopped. Someone came out of one of the apartments and an exchange took place. Another time around the lot and then there was another delivery at the car's window. Once more the scene played out. Just like your mailman stops at your house, so does your local drug dealer.

As Ruth was telling me about what she saw, I became concerned since there have been numerous shootings at this location. I asked her "Did he see you?" "Oh yeah," she responded, "I gave HER a dirty look." "What? You made eye contact?!" "YOU NEVER MAKE EYE CONTACT!" You see it's dangerous to see and be seen in some settings. Even a 64 year old grandmother isn't safe.

Please pray for Ruth, Becky, Andy and Kate, and Ray V. as they go into some troublesome areas. We don't feel unsafe but know that we need the protection of God and the prayers of His people. Thank you for standing by us in prayer and supporting us in giving. Our finances at YFC are very much impacted by fear of the economy. Giving is down considerably for Ruth and I as well as for Andy and the City Life program. If you could make a sacrificial year end gift we would be deeply appreciative. Thank you for partnering with us to reach what some regard as the "least and the lost."

For Christ and the kids.


Ray and Ruth