G’day Praying Partners,
It seems like another month has flown by! We are just coming into our winter weather – where many of you are enjoying the heat of summer, well, maybe not enjoying! I have to say, this time of year in particular I prefer the cooler Melbourne weather to the heat of Florida.
It has been a busy month for us. We’ve enjoyed catching up with some people that we hadn’t seen since we’ve been back. Our “grandparenting” program at the school is in full swing. What an encouragement it is to see the kids each week. The Lord has opened up other opportunities at the school as well. Just recently they had a “sausage sizzle” for the school kids (sort-of like hot dogs, but not really) which we volunteered to help serve. We were able to meet several of the parents, which was great. Please continue to pray for opportunities at the school to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways.
Recently, the Lord brought a Muslim lady into Jackie’s life through a “divine appointment”. Jackie’s had the opportunity to take her shopping and spend some time with her. They have had some discussions about religious “customs”, but nothing heavy duty. Please lift Jackie up in prayer for great wisdom as she sows seeds where God allows.
The men are continuing with their Bible study on Revelations. The ladies are beginning a “book club”, preferring not to do an in-depth study at this time. We have several new ladies attending. Please be in prayer as the ladies and men meet fortnightly to discuss God’s Word – that lives would be changed.
This Saturday we will be hosting the men’s prayer breakfast for our church and another BMM work. Jackie is planning to serve a good “southern” breakfast – biscuits and sausage gravy along with grits (that is IF the American store gets them here in time!). The sausage here is VERY different from what we have in the States, so Jackie gets ground pork and makes her own. Biscuits from scratch – of course – because a biscuit here is a cookieJ and the only thing remotely similar is a scone! She is glad she brought that shortening back with her! Sunday evening we will be enjoying a “singspiration” with our church family in the home of one of our deacons – along with a sausage sizzle (see above!).
In July we will be celebrating Cornerstone’s anniversary – 7 years ago we began the church in our home. We continue to be amazed at what God is doing in our small group and in this community. Jackie will also be speaking at a ladies “Christmas in July” get-together (very popular in Australia). That will be on the 5th. Please pray as there may be some unsaved ladies there as well. The first 2 weeks in July are school holidays so things will be a bit slower during that time! Tori has a friend from college coming for a week – we are looking forward to showing her this beautiful country we call home!
Rob is currently preaching through I Corinthians. As we prepare to celebrate our church anniversary – and recently celebrated 10 years in Australia – it would be easy to be discouraged by “numbers”. Chapter 3, verses 7-8, are a beautiful reminder to us: “So then neither he that planteth is anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his labour.” What a wonderful reminder to be busy about God’s work, knowing that it’s not about us and all about Him! He brings the increase – our job is just to plant and water. As we labour together, let’s keep our eyes on the eternal prize!
Shining the Light Down Under,
Rob, Jackie, Stefanie, Victoria
