Newest member of the family

Liam Max Casteel

Justin, Cameron, Rylee and Hudson 

Isaac (not pictured) makes five

Mandy with Liam - Layton in the background

Janelle with new born Liam

I stayed home six weeks between my summer in China and the beginning of my fall ministry in Malaysia.  During this brief time some significant changes took place.  First, Mandy, my daughter, and her husband Tim, had their fourth child, a beautiful boy named Liam.  I had the privilege of being there during the birth - well right outside the door.  Lily, my oldest granddaughter and I heard the first cries!  It was so much fun.  As many of you know they serve with Campus Crusade for Christ at the University of Arkansas.  I got to help out by speaking for Tim to the students at the weekly meeting.  We had a great time.  

The second big change is that my daughter Cameron and her three kids are moving in with Janelle and me for a year while Justin serves our country in Iraq.  We're praying for safety for him and for the time when we're all together under one roof.  Janelle accused me of going to Malaysia for the peace and quiet which is of course almost completely not true.  The truth is that I'm going to really miss being there.  They are great kids. I'm actually planning on staying closer to home in early 2009 so I can spend more time with them.  

I'm in Malaysia now and just settling in.  I preached for the first time Sunday.  I'm also teaching a Bible study, leading a discipleship group, doing lots of visiting in people's homes and this next Sunday I'm having all the college students over for pizza.  I'll post another entry soon to let you know how things are going.  

Pray for me to maximize my time, but also to keep a balance so that I don't run out of gas.  Also, pray for my family.  Janelle is at home with Cameron and the grandkids and Mandy and Tim are adjusting to a growing family while trying to lead the ministry to students at the University of Arkansas.