Dear Prayer Partners,

Steven is now home from the hospital (MD Anderson in Houston) but must return each day for check ups and treatments. This will go on for the next 100 days. His bone marrow transplant was completed about 3 weeks ago after 5 straight days of intense chemotherapy. Last week there was an increase in his white blood cells and platelets. This is an indication that the new stem cells are already beginning to regenerate. The fulcrum is placed about 2 weeks from now when there should be a change in his red blood cells. They will look for new ones to be regenerated while his old bone marrow continues to die off. At this point, though, the doctors have been very positive in there evaluation of everything that has happened. According to them, things are on schedule and they are pleased with the fact that his body is now producing the white blood cells and platelets. Of course he has had the typical side effects from the chemo but I am proud of the way he is handling the "suffering." He is showing courage, character, and trust in the Lord. He continues to need our prayers because it will be quite of number months until we see final clearance for his health. We believe it will happen, for sure.

Please feel free to contact Steven directly. His email address is stgjam@everyheart.net  I know he'd appreciate hearing from you.

Prayer for the new Deaf work in La Union, El Salvador:

Working with missionary Fernando Quant and his family we have contacted the Deaf school in La Union and found many needs that you can pray for. Fernando has started a Bible Study and prayer time with the parents that come to the Deaf school with their children planned for each Friday. The Director (Marta) has welcomed us to come into the school and this week we will provide transportation for the Deaf students and parents to attend a special program presented by a group of volunteers from the States. 

We have thus far located 3 Deaf adults, Ricardo, Manuel and Maeby. All but Ricardo have very limited formal sign language and we ask your prayers for their understanding of the message of God's Salvation. Our first lesson was "God loves you" and reminded me of the work we began many years ago in the Dominican Republic. Continue to pray for this new work to grow and that God will continue to help us communicate to these new Deaf. 

We have added pictures and updates on our website at:

Grace and Peace, Stan

Stan and Lynn Stepleton
Deaf Church Planters, IMB, SBC
Northern Central America
El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras