Sunday 30 August 2015

August Update

G’day Praying Partners:

“My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” Psalms 121:2-3. We began our Bible studies this month and this verse is one that came up in our ladies study. What an amazing reminder that our God never sleeps or slumbers – there’s never a “second or third shift” where our lives are concerned. God is ALWAYS in control! It is such a comfort to know that our lives are in His hands. The majority of the men and women in our church are involved in the studies this year – including a few new faces. Please pray for God to grow us, change us and encourage us as we study His Word together!

The Malcolm Creek Mini Show – our community outreach – is on September 20th. We are having a work day in preparation on the 5th. Please join us in prayer as we seek to minister to our community through this outreach. We are looking forward to seeing how God will work through us to shine His light in Craigieburn. This year we are doing something totally different which means more work and planning but hopefully the kids will love it. I am preparing the postcards to go out as reminders plus we’ve advertised in the school newsletter. Continue to pray for fruit!

Jackie’s having some health issues and further testing is being done. We would appreciate your prayers on her behalf. The church graciously voted to buy Rob a hearing aide! We think they just got tired of having to repeat themselves several times. Seriously, though, this is such a huge answer to prayer. Some of you may recall that he is almost totally deaf in one ear (has been since a scuba accident when he was young) and the hearing in his “good” ear has been deteriorating. He is looking forward to having better hearing and continuously warns Jackie that she can’t “mutter” under her breath anymore because he will be able to hear herJ It has been a wonderful reminder that God sees and provides for our needs in ways we aren’t able to do.

It has been a hectic couple of months just being involved with people. Recently God opened the door for us to have lunch with Jackie’s friend from Afghanistan and her husband who recently arrived in Australia. He speaks no English! Other than the culture shock, I’m sure this Muslim man was amazed to be sitting at a table eating Afghani food with 2 American Christians. The 2 American Christians felt the same! We continue to be amazed at how God is allowing us to be involved with so many different people – some through church and some just in the community. It’s an incredible blessing to be serving Him in this country. And especially in Melbourne – which was voted the world’s most livable city according to The Economist for the 5th year in a row! We praise Him for allowing us to live and serve Him in such a beautiful – but spiritually needy – place.

As always, thank you for your prayers on our behalf. During the difficult moments – and there are many even in such a beautiful place – your prayers are what keep us going!

Shining the Light Down Under,

Rob and Jackie