G’day Praying Partners:
I’ll apologize at the beginning that it’s been 2 months since our last
update. We are just now feeling like we’re back in the swing of “normal” life
after our time back in the US. It was such a blessing to be back with family
and friends. We spent a few days in California celebrating Tori’s graduation
from university, then on to Houston to spend a few days with our son (who’s
there working for the summer) and then to Florida for a few weeks to visit with
family. We were able to see Rob’s step dad and sister – it’s been such a
difficult time for them with the passing of Rob’s mom. Even though we were
there for over a month, the time seemed to fly by. Thank you for your prayers
as we travelled.
We’ve hit the ground running since we got back. Before we left, we
hadn’t had time to get truly settled in our house, so we took some time to get
that accomplished as we needed to be ready for prayer meeting and Bible studies
to resume. Thank you for prayers for the thing we shared last update about our
previous landlord – the case was dismissed and we will be receiving our bond
back. A HUGE answer to prayer! Please be in prayer as we are beginning our
men’s and ladies’ Bible studies. We will be studying the book of Ephesians
together – we’re not using any “formal” study, but teaching our people how
to study. Really looking forward to seeing God grow us – and unite us together
as His body. We are also in the process of planning for our Mini Show outreach
on September 18. Please pray for God to be glorified through all of it. Thank
you for your prayers for Jackie’s health. She’s still dealing with some issues.
She is scheduled for some further tests on September 20, your prayers are
appreciated.
If you go to our blog ernstfamilydownunder.blogspot.com, I will post
some pics from our time in the States. One of the shocks was leaving the heat
of a Florida summer to return to the cold of a Melbourne winter! We did enjoy
showing our Australian friend, Rob, around America – he spent 3 weeks with us.
He had a great time and is looking forward to returning!
I’ve been having my quiet time in Philippians. In chapter one, verse 5
talks about Paul’s “partnership” in the gospel with the Philippians – I wrote
in the margin of my Bible how much I love that idea. Partnering together for
the sake of the gospel – that’s what you do when you support/pray/encourage us
here in Australia! May our partnership – both on your side of the ocean and
ours – bring much fruit for the kingdom of Christ!
Shining the Light Down Under,
Rob and Jackie Ernst
