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Kasalehlia! We are the Kihleng family and we are missionaries to the island of Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia. This blog is to keep friends and family (and whoever else is interested!) updated on what we are doing in the islands. So check back here often to see updates on our ministry as well as our ever growing family!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

May, 2010 Prayer Letter

Kasalehlia! A lot has happened since our last prayer letter and we are way past due in giving you an update.
In mid January, Susan began having some complications with the pregnancy – early signs of labor as well as an irregular and high heartrate. With medication and rest the labor stopped, but she continued to have problems with her heart. The baby was due March 20 but to make a long story short, due to the heart condition, Susan delivered by cesarean on February 25 and we were able to welcome little Kaylinn Alora into the world, weighing 7 lbs., 6 oz. Susan only needed to stay in the hospital slightly longer than expected due to the heart condition and now is completely off the heart medication and doing great. Kaylinn did fine through her first two weeks, then began to have severe jaundice, later than is normal for newborns. She was readmitted into the hospital for an infection which was causing the jaundice and was there for another week. We thank each of you who were following all of this on Facebook or our blog and keeping us in your prayers through this difficult time. We ask for continued prayer as Kaylinn is still experiencing some problems that the doctor is concerned about.
We also request special prayer for our ministry. We have been seeing lower attendance lately. We usually do have lower attendance during the spring months as there is such a strong pull from the Catholic and Protestant denominations for the people to be involved in their Easter activities and other things they have going on this time of year. We ask for prayer for our church people to take a stand for what they believe and stay faithful to the Word of God.
We have seen, however, a great deal of growth in some of our college age young people. They have been a great asset to our ministry in working with the youth, Sunday school, and music. I also have the young men preach from time to time. They helped a great deal during the times Susan and Kaylinn were in the hospital and I needed to be there with them.
Summer is coming up quickly and we are starting to plan for VBS, youth camp, and other activities. We are also looking forward to a visit from Susan’s parents as well as some men possibly coming to help with the planning for our new church building. We have not been able to complete the filling of the land yet, but are still working on that as funds are provided. We are anxious to get started on the new building!
Susan and the kids are also looking forward to summer to enjoy a break from homeschooling. The time in the hospital did put them a good bit behind but they are working hard to catch up and finish the school year sometime in June.
We thank you for your continued prayers and financial support. Please continue to pray for us and our ministry here on Pohnpei. May God bless you.
Because of Calvary,
Rickson, Susan,
Kaleo, Kestra, Kyler, Katrianne, & Kaylinn