Court Appearance 2

Steve was in court again today to pay the remiander of his fine. He managed to raise the money from people within the prison (for which he will have to pay back) to pay the fine in person. At least now he knows that it has been paid.

So, his case is now listed for a proper hearing in front of the judge on Thursday 29th January 2009. He is due at court at 9am and it it likey his case will be heard at about 1 / 2pm, but who knows. Nicaragua is currently 6 hours behind the UK, so we are talking about 7 / 8pm on Thursday 29th.

He has again been told that his sentence will be reduced to something in the region of 10 - 12 years which we will just have to wait and see if this is the case. There is so much misinformation I have received that one never knows what is really the truth and what is people just saying what you want to hear, so we have to hope that what Steve has been told is indeed the truth.

So for those who wish to pray I have a couple of requests:

1. That Steve remains safe in prison up to his trial
2. that the information he has been given concerning the time he has served and the likley reduction of the sentence is indeed correct
3. That his solicitor continues to act with integrity
4. That the judicial representatives realise the disproportionate sentence initially given and that they see that Steve was not given the proper treatment during his arrest and trial
5. That the judge seeing Steve on Thursday reduces Steves sentence to a more appropriate term.

I also want to say a huge thank you to all at St. B's who have prayed this last two nights and for Sián in Tanzania. It is nothing short of amazing that as a church family we can powerfully hold this man before God and seek his justice and mercy. I am so grateful and I know Steve is also.

I spoke to Steve tonight and he is a very happy man. Finally he has his a day in court to seek the reduction of his sentence. He is in good spirits and so appreciative for all the work people have done for him.

I also want to set this day aside for prayer and fasting. If anyone feels as though this is something right for them to do then I would be most grateful. I have seen and experienced the power of prayer and fasting and feel this is the right thing to do. It will be a day to hold this man before God and petition God for his mercy. I pray this to be a great day for Steve. That day again is Thursday 29th January 2009.

Once again, thank you so much for all your support. I will of course let you all know how things progress.