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	August 2003				Transport Thai-style: always trust your driver.   Russell and Sue Morton
		The Future of Murree Christian School by Russell Morton
			The educational needs of children of Christian workers in Pakistan and the wider region continue to be met in a variety of ways, despite the tragedy of the attack on the school at Murree last year. Whilst the school's Board, made up of seasoned Christian workers from the region, decided some months ago not to attempt to reopen the school for the 2003-4 academic year, temporary arrangements are catering directly for more than sixty students, whilst others continue with home-schooling. Other arrangements Twenty children from Grades 1 to 7 begin classes in Lahore in September, taught by a small team of Christian teachers for the USA, New Zealand and the UK, and in the care of boarding parents from Germany. In Chiang Mai, Thailand, boarding parents from Australia and the UK are caring for thirty-four children, and a further twelve students from the region will live in other arrangements. In total, the arrangements for the coming year will ensure nearly thirty families will be able to continue their service in Pakistan or nearby, whether medical, educational, pastoral or community development work. Temporary All forty-six students spending the year in Thailand will attend Chiang Mai International School, where several former Murree Christian School staff will work. These include Russell Morton who is serving as Principal of the school in a temporary arrangement until a permanent Principal is appointed, two Primary class teachers from Australia and New Zealand, and an Athletic Director from the USA. Together, these four will be able to smooth the transition of the students from Pakistan into the Thai Christian school, a school which already has a sizeable MK enrolment out of a total of 450 students from K to 12. Big questions The Board is looking to hire a home-schooling support teacher to work in Pakistan. An interim Director has been appointed to spearhead the planning necessary to recommence full services in Pakistan, if possible by September 2004. Matters under review include the location, security, enrolment guidelines and curriculum of a reopened facility - big questions given the recent history of the school and the ongoing instability of the region. The Board is very conscious of the need for prayer to underpin this work. Needy Meanwhile, questions continue to be asked about the way forward for Christian service in Pakistan. Whilst some would argue that it is not a 'family field' at present or perhaps any longer, many faithful people continue to work there as family units, believing God is calling them to stay at their posts. Once again, great wisdom and prayer is needed for these people and their mission boards back home as they discern the way God wants them to continue in this needy region.