March 30, 1998 Monday Evening

Dear Family,

The rumor from Vientiane today was that one of the grandmothers was going to be released. About 6 P.M. Phonsawan called with the exciting news that Khamphim, Vienkham, and Khamporn had all been released and she had visited them this afternoon. Dalavay, Khongmany's wife was with Phonsawan, and she said they were in good health and had actually enjoyed some of the prison experiences. Their families were delighted to have them home and hope to have life back to normal soon. Join us in praising God for His mercy and grace that three grandmothers can endure two months in prison and keep their smiles and great attitudes. Now our plea is to free the Laos TEN!

Phonsawan had her first appeal meeting with the Lao attorney today. Law and the Laotian legal profession is only a few years old. Since 1975, the Communist government ruled, dictated, and jailed as they willed. Now after intense international pressure, the country is trying to apply a new constitution with lots of old ideas and leftover revolutionary methods. We will keep you updated as the appeal process continues. By the way, today John David had his six weeks baby shots and is running a little fever. New mom Phonsawan is taking it all in stride while feeding prisoners, visiting ex-prisoners, and dealing with Lao lawyers.

Bill McDonough, International Director of Partners in Progress, called this afternoon from Yangon, Myanmar. Meetings with Yangon General Hospital have gone very well and he believes he has sufficient details for the September medical team. The Bible classes have been very fruitful and four were baptized last Saturday a couple hours north of Yangon. Bill plans both a trip to Cambodia and Israel before his April 21st trip to Vientiane.

Day 60 is such a relief. We hope now some new avenues of communication will open up, that Phonsawan will have a few more shoulders to lean on, and that God will use the initial release of the grandmothers to bless and encourage the families of the remaining ten prisoners. Please praise Him for today's news, rejoice with those that are rejoicing, and continue to petition the One who can grant physical freedom as He desires spiritual freedom for all 4 1/2 million Lao citizens. We praise Him for your continued prayers, concern, and interest in the Lao 10.

God bless,
Ken and Jean