G’day Praying Partners:
Is anyone else thinking “Where has this year gone”? I know
that if I looked back at all our December updates through the years, it would
say the same thing but somehow each year it seems like it’s moving faster and faster.
We are so thankful for another year that God has given us to serve Him in this
beautiful country. In February we will celebrate 16 years in Australia – it doesn’t
seem possible! In some ways we still feel like “newbies”. We’re not sure how
many of you are aware, but we are the last BMM missionaries left in Australia.
The couple that was serving alongside us had to return to the States (praying
temporarily) for cancer treatments. They’ll be gone at least a year – if not
more. It’s a strange feeling to realise that there were 6 families here when we
arrived 16 years ago, then we gained another family and a single, and now it’s
down to just us. We’re thankful for God’s continued provision as we continue
with the ministry.
We would covet your prayers for our Carols by Candlelight service
that will be held THIS Sunday (around 7:00 pm your Saturday night). Our folks
have been faithfully inviting friends and family and we are praying for a full
house. This is the one service during the year that some “non church” people
will attend. Just pray for God to be glorified, the Gospel message to go forth
and seeds to be planted and watered. God gives the increase.
Merry Christmas to each of you! We pray that your holiday is
filled with friends, family and fun. But, mostly, we pray that it is filled
with Jesus! I know it’s easy to get caught up in all the holiday trappings, but
I am thankful for a holiday that can’t help but bring to our mind and heart
just what God has done to redeem us! Rejoice! Emanuel has come! And some day,
He’s coming again. What a glorious day that will be!
Shining the Light Down Under,
Rob and Jackie