G’day Praying
Partners,
Life
here in Australia is finally starting to return to some kind of pre-covid “normality”.
Masks are now only required on public transportation, hospitals and aged care
facilities. Grade 3-6 students had to wear masks until this 2nd term
– we were very glad to see that requirement go. The church has not been able to
meet at the school. As we said in our previous update, we’ve been meeting in a
temporary location on the property of one of our families. It has been an
incredible blessing – and has spoilt our church family a bit as there has been
no set up or take down😊 Rob met with
the business manager at the school this week and she indicated that we will
finally be able to meet there again – prayerfully in a couple of weeks. We are
praising the Lord for this! Although it’s been so lovely where we’ve been
meeting, it has made inviting people to church a bit tricky as it is on private
property and we haven’t wanted to put the property owners in any kind of uncomfortable
situation. So, thank you for your prayers!
We
trust you had a wonderful time celebrating Resurrection Sunday! As we’ve
mentioned in previous years, Good Friday is the occasion we use to focus on
this important weekend. We had a brunch service, reflecting on the crucifixion
of our Saviour. The following week, we had a local missionary come in and do a
Passover Seder Supper for us. What a blessed time it was to reflect on the
Jewish tradition and see the fulfilment of it in Christ! It has also given us
a fresh perspective on our Communion time.
Pray
for us as we make the transition back to the school. It will involve more work
and getting everyone on the same page. During our time out of school, God has
brought a couple of new families our way, so it will be a change for them as
well! We’re excited about the idea of coming out of this pandemic (as we’re
sure you all are) and the opportunity it’s going to afford us to get back to
our outreaches and fellowships together. Pray for our leadership as these
things get planned.
As
we think about going back to the school, we can’t help but reflect on how God
has provided for us and our church family in what can only be described as
miraculous. Although it’s been an incredibly challenging time – with many
heartaches along the way – I think we can all agree that God was with us every
step of this journey. Our hearts overflow with praise towards God for this –
and for each of you whose prayers have helped to sustain us. Col. 1:3 sums it
up perfectly “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.”
Shining
the Light Down Under,
Rob
and Jackie
