The Aussie Connection Newsletter from the Russell’s
Greetings, we pray you are doing well and having a blessed day. On Wednesday, the 28th of October, part of our three-and-a-half-month stage 4 lockdown was finally lifted here in Melbourne. Once we get to a partial reopening on November 23rd, we’ll have been under stay at home directions and lockdown for 168 days and restrictions for 235 days. So needless to say, it’s been a tough year.
All schools are finally open and able to meet in person instead of online. Seven months has passed since Christian, our youngest son, was on school campus. I feel for the youth as they struggle to reconnect with their friends and reacclimate back to some sense of normalcy.
It’s amazing what we take for granted. It was freeing to be able to go to the shops, do errands, and pick up items which were unavailable throughout stage 4 lockdown. Australian culture is quite resilient, and it seems that things will get to back to normal fairly quickly once all the restrictions are lifted.
Church
At this point, we are still several weeks away from being able to meet as a fellowship at the school we hire from. Once we have an open door, we will either be doing outdoor services or meeting indoors with a limited number of people in attendance.
We are all looking forward to the day when we can finally come together and meet as a church body. We’ve had many inquiries from individuals who have not been part of the congregation in the past but are looking for a place of fellowship once we open. We will certainly need wisdom and discernment as we take the next steps in opening Calvary Melbourne.
Family
A quick update:
As we mentioned last time, both our sons are currently in High School (School year typically runs from Feb to mid December but will end early due to Covid-19). Our oldest, Joshua, graduated last week and will be moving to the next chapter of his life. We are so proud of his perseverance throughout this challenging year. He will be starting his four-year apprenticeship shortly with a local electrical company.
Christian, our youngest, has another two weeks before finishing up Year 10. Then for the last two weeks of the school term, all the kids start the next year level. Christian will also be taking the VCAL Pathway, which is directed toward a trade career. He is looking at plumbing or electrical as career options.
Thank You
We just wanted to say thank you so much and how we greatly appreciate all your prayers and your financial support. We are so blessed to have the team behind us making an eternal difference.
Prayer Requests:
- Please pray for wisdom, discernment, guidance, provision, protection, and revival in our lives and in the church.
- Please pray for our family (Andrew, Niki, Joshua, and Christian)
- Please pray for direction as we pastor Calvary Melbourne and what the Lord would have for us as a fellowship
If you like to contact us, here is my email: ccmelbourne@gmail.com