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