June 2008

The Aussie Connection

A Newsletter – From the Russell Family

Calvary Chapel Melbourne, Australia

June, 2008 Volume 2, Number 11

Greetings Beloved,

I hope you are doing fantastic! We have been in Southern California for several weeks, and have adjusted well to the time change. We’ve had a couple of bouts of sickness, but God is good and we are all on the upswing. No matter how many times you travel, it is always an adventure and journey; from dealing with the airlines, customs, and one of your children getting very nauseous and vomiting several times during the flight. However, it is great to be back in the States, and was a blessing to attend the Senior Pastor’s Conference in Murrieta. We are excited to spend time with family & friends, and as many of our supporters as possible.

I’m still in awe at how quickly these past two years have flown by. It’s exciting to see the momentum and the slow transformation in the church and in the leadership team. What an honor and privilege to be invited to Melbourne to pastor this amazing church. What a tremendous responsibility it is to shepherd and take care of the souls of the people here.

We would like to say thank you so much for your diligent prayer and financial support. We could not be pastoring this church and making a difference in this beautiful country with out you. It is teamwork that gets the job done. The fruit and rewards go to your account because of your faithful support

Latest news on our Visa

We are sill in the process of renewing our visas for another two years.

While we are back in the states, we need to have a new FBI background check completed. God has been so good and faithful! We just received the clearance on the background check. This has taken care of almost everything that we needed to get done on our end. We have to re-file several of the churches paperwork and statues so that we can qualify as a sponsoring church. After all the paperwork is processed, it then becomes another waiting period. Please keep praying for grace and favor with the Immigration Department, and especially for the supervisor (Theresa).

Looking Forward

While we are trying to get some rest and refreshment, we are really looking forward to getting back to start our third year of plowing, planting, watering, caring for, teaching, encouraging, building up, and equipping the people at Calvary Melbourne.

We know it takes time to see the fruit and to see the results, but that is in the Lord’s hands. We are to be faithful to that call He has placed on us to pastor and shepherd the flock of Calvary Melbourne. The vision for this next year is to place a greater emphasis on becoming a prayer and evangelistic saturated church.

Prayer Request

for the renewal of our Visa

for a time of rest and refreshment while visiting in California for the next several weeks (for Niki and the boys, Andrew is back in Australia now)

for wisdom and vision for the next year in Australia

for continued finances and prayer support

Just in case you were wondering and thinking:

Why Men Are Happier Than Women?
The same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades.
Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat.
Car mechanics tell you the truth.
Wedding dress $5000. Tuxedo rental – $100.
One mood all the time.
A five-day holiday requires only one suitcase.
You can open all your own jars.
You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness,
If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend.
Your underwear is $8.95 for a three-pack.
You only have to shave your face and neck.
You don’t have to stop and think of which way to turn a nut on a bolt.
You can “do” your nails with a pocket knife.

No wonder men are happier!

Hope you have great day. Until next timeā€¦.

Blessings to you and until next time,
Pastor Andrew Russell Andrew, Niki, Joshua, & Christian