It has been an awesome journey and an adventure here in Melbourne. I’ve been so stretched, challenged, overwhelmed, discouraged, and pumped up all at the same time. I see how the Lord is blessing the church here and how the people have grown in their walk with the Lord. But over the past month, I’ve sensed the Lord doing a radical work in my heart, in my life and in the ministry. I believe I have grown more in my walk, my faith and my love for the Lord than I have in a long time. The intimacy and the presence of the Lord has been so real and refreshing to me.
The Second Year
We are in the beginning stages of the second year of ministry here at Calvary Melbourne. In the last two months, we have grown and seen more momentum being built as the church is getting healthier and stronger. Several weeks ago, I did a special message on what the vision, the mission, and the core values of the church are. Since then, we have seen the congregation respond with more enthusiasm and excitement about being used by the Lord and what the Lord is doing at Calvary. I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to see the hand of God in the life of the church.
Now that we are in the second year, what is my strategy for the ministry and for the church? The first thing I would like to focus more on is Leadership Development – as I invest, mentor, and coach the leaders with in the church, and as they then develop, grow, and mature, then so grows the church. We will only be as strong and healthy as the leadership of the church.
The second area of strategy is in communication and vision casting. I will continue to teach, encourage, and exhort the church in the Word of God and what the vision is for our church.
Thirdly is in developing better relationships with the other Calvary’s here in Australia. I have a desire to come along side the other Calvary’s and to see them reach their full potential. I would love to see the Calvary Movement take off in Australia, and I believe it can with a move of the Spirit, hard work, and strong leadership.
The fourth element is to continue to utilize the gift and strengths within the body of Christ. I believe that the potential that lies within our church can transform our community (Endeavour Hills), our City (Melbourne), and our country (Australia).
These are just a couple of ideas and strategies. I just want to remind you that you are apart of the work here. We can’t do any of this without you. Your prayer and support is allowing us to continue in the ministry here. The people of Calvary Chapel Melbourne do thank you for your generous blessing.
Family Get Away
A family in the fellowship blessed us with a 3 day get away to the Kyneton Bush Resort (which is less than 2 hours away). We were able to spend some fun quality time as a family. It was so beautiful and relaxing, and the bush animals would come right up to the cabin door to be fed. The location and even the drive there was just spectacular.
The Prayer request at this time are:
Christian (our 2yr old) has Chicken Pox – pray for a quick recovery and that Joshua and Niki do not get infected.
Pray for health, provision, and wisdom for our family.
Pray that I would be the best pastor and teacher that I can possibly be.
Pray for revival, for an out-pouring of the Spirit of God on this place.
We need provision for a sound system. (need about $4000).
Pray for the Lord to bless and protect the church
Keep praying for Laurie & Rosanna as they are serving in Asia.
We Praise and thank God for your prayers and your support
It is so humbling being on this end in the mission field, where we are in a place of just trusting God to meet our needs. We do love and miss each of you. Until next time, may the Lord radically & outrageously bless you!
Until the Whole World Hears,
Pastor Andrew Russell
Andrew, Niki, Joshua, and Christian
Contact info:
3 Walton Court
Narre Warren,
VIC, 3805 Australia
011-61-3-9796-7771 = home #
011-61-4-3456-2543 = cell #
Email address: ccma@calvarychapel. com
Or Andrew@calvarymelbourne.com.au