January, 2015
G’day Praying Partners:
2015? Does that seem
difficult for anyone else to comprehend? As we welcomed in the New Year with
friends, I couldn’t get over how it seems like just yesterday we were “dreading/anticipating”
Y2K! That was 15 years ago. I know, I’m just old. It does seem like time is
literally flying by. Every year I ask the Lord to give me a verse for the year
because He is the only one Who knows what my year will hold. This year it is
Prov. 16:3 “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be
established.” Another way to say thoughts is PLANS. We spent time with some of
our church family this past Sunday planning the calendar for the church for
2015. Do we want our plans established? Then our works must be committed to
God. That is our prayer for 2015 – that all of our work will be committed to
God so that all of our plans will be established – because they’ll be HIS
plans! This year, may ALL see how great is our God!
Thank you for your
prayers for our Carols by Candlelight. We had approximately 80 in attendance –
many unsaved. The kids did fantastic with their skit/song. Rob shared a
Christmas devotional – plus he and 2 other men in our church sang a Christmas
song. It was a lovely evening and we know that the seeds of the gospel were
sown. Our Christmas morning breakfast together was wonderful as well. We met at
9:30, had a beautiful banquet of breakfast items, sang some carols and then had
our hearts focused on the birth of the Saviour from Rob. In fact, it was so
nice that many stayed for long after we were finished! How blessed it was to
celebrate the birth of our Saviour with our brothers and sisters in Christ!
That night we stayed up late to skype with the grandkids and watch them open
their pressies. In fact, we were able to actually watch them come out of their
rooms and be surprised. It was an extra blessing when our son asked Rob to read
the Christmas story with the family before the presents were opened (this is
something we started when our kids were young and we’ve been blessed to watch
our son continue). It made us feel like we were participants in the
festivities. Tori was there so we were able, in a small way, to have Christmas
with her as well. It’s in those moments when we feel God’s love – He knows how
much we needed to feel part of our family at Christmas and He provided a way
for that to happen. Isn’t that just like Him? To meet our deepest needs when we
need them most.
We did attend the 6th
grade graduation. It was so much fun. The office staff gave us the sweetest
note, thanking us for spending time with the kids and commenting that we may be
the only positive influence in their lives. We are so thankful for these
opportunities that God continues to bring our way. Several of the kids gave us Christmas cards –
and a couple of gifts as well. Our cup runneth over with praise for our God for
allowing us to serve Him in this beautiful and needy country.
We’ve talked before about
how relational Australia is. Continue to pray as God opens doors to us in the
community. Recently Jackie met a new friend who is not a believer for a cuppa. She goes to the same cafe every time so that she can establish a relationship with the ladies that work there. After the visit, she was able to "be their counselor" (as the ladies at the cafe said!) to talk through some strife that was happening. It was possible because Jackie is in there often and has been able to establish a basic relationship. This is the face of ministry
in Australia. Our prayer is that we remember that, everywhere we are, that is
ministry opportunities! Although Rob excels at this type of thing, God is
really stretching Jackie! Pray that we would be always sensitive to the Holy
Spirit’s leading as He brings people into our lives.
We have lots planned for
2015! This Sunday we will be having a church picnic after the service. Just
pray for a lovely time of fellowship together. Last week we had a lady visit
with us. Her family has just relocated to Craigieburn. She has 2 teenage sons.
We’ve been praying about a teen ministry (all of ours have grown up!). Maybe
this is God’s answer?? We don’t know, but we are excited about what God will be
doing through our plans committed to Him.
As always, we are so
thankful for your part in our ministry. Your prayers help to sustain us in more
ways than we can communicate. It’s awesome to be a part of God’s community of
believers together – you serving in your corner of the world, and us serving in
ours. In all things, may His name be
glorified!
Shining the Light Down
Under,
Rob, Jackie, Stefanie and
Tori
