G’day Praying Partners:
Another month goes by! Thank you for your prayers for our men’s prayer
breakfast. There were 10 men here. Jackie enjoyed cooking them up a southern
breakfast. There were mixed reviews for the grits – some men liked them and
some thought they were “interesting” – but everyone loved the biscuits and
gravy! The missionary-pastor from our sister work is from Illinois – he had
never had grits before, either. That doesn’t seem possible for us southerners,
but we were happy to show a northerner the error of his ways! The men enjoyed
gathering around the table not just for a meal, but also to bring their prayers
and petitions before God’s throne.
This same weekend we also had a “singspiration” at the home of one of
our deacons. Again, we enjoyed a meal together – a sausage sizzle together with
beautiful sides and desserts that everyone brought along. The fellowship was
sweet, but what we truly enjoyed was gathering together in Josh’s living room
and singing praises to the Lord around his piano! Truly it was a joyful noise
to the Lord!
Jackie had the opportunity to speak at a “Christmas in July” ladies
tea. Christmas in July is celebrated in Australia, but as Jackie did research
on the subject found out that it actually started in America back in the 40’s.
Jackie challenged the ladies to use this Christmas reminder to think about the
reason we celebrate Christmas – without all the stresses that go along with it
– which is Christ! She compiled a list of 31 things to praise God for – one for
each day of the month – relating to Christ. The ladies also enjoyed some lovely
food and did a Christmas craft together.
Our grandparenting program is going well at the school. We continue to
be blessed to be able to demonstrate God’s love to these children in a
practical way. Our men’s Bible study and ladies book club is going strong as
well. It is a blessing to us to see the majority of our church family engaged
in studying God’s Word together.
Some things for you to pray about: 1) on the 10th of August
we will have a church fellowship and watch the documentary “Evolution vs. God”.
Please be in prayer that it will help to strengthen our church family. 2) In
September is our big outreach – Malcolm Creek Mini-Show. We will began planning
and preparation for that. We would covet your prayers. 3) Continued growth for
the church – both in numbers and spiritually. Personal Requests: 1) Stefanie is
still looking for a job! Please pray that God would lead and guide. 2) Tori
will be returning to school the end of August. Pray for safety and grace for
mum and dad! 3) We will be taking a brief family holiday (3 days the first week
in August). Pray for a time of refreshment together.
Thank you for visiting our new blog! There are a couple of interesting things for you to see. Recently Tori had a friend from university come to visit us for a week. The picture above is them after we braved a 2 hour trip to Ballarat with a car that was overheating, freezing cold, rain and yes - even snow!! It was worth it for Charlotte to get to pet the joey's, though! You'll see a picture at the bottom of the blog where we took her to feed the birds in Mt. Dandenong. Looks like fun, doesn't it? Anyone want to join us??
As a church family we are memorizing Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth
them that trust in him.” May this promise bless you as it has blessed us – as His children, the Creator of the Universe knows us intimately and personally! What a mighty God we serve!
Shining the Light Down Under,
Rob, Jackie, Stefanie, Tori
