March 2011

Greetings and G’Day from Down Under. I can’t tell you how blessed we are to serve the Lord here in Melbourne, Australia.  We will be celebrating our 5th year in this amazing country in just a few months.  Wow, time has flown by!

We feel blessed that the Lord has brought Jason and Emma Wright (from the U.S.) here to serve along side of us.  Jason will be serving as the Youth and Assistant Pastor.  They are beginning to settle into their new home and are getting adjusted to the new assignment from the Lord. We wait in anticipation to see what the Lord has in store for them and us as we work together and launch into a new season of ministry.
Here is their blog site if you which to read more about them:
http://www.wrightfamily.blog.com/

Guest Speaking at the Bible College in New Zealand

During the first week of April, I’ll be heading over to New Zealand to teach at the Bible College extension campus- http://www.ccbi.ac.nz/–  in Rotorua, which is south of Auckland and north of Wellington.  I’ve been asked to teach three sessions on what the Lord has put on my heart.  At this time, here are some the message topics that I feel lead to address with the students: How to respond to others when they have hurt you; Restoring Broken Relationships; Hearing the Voice of God; The Secret of Contentment; and Encouragement and Exhortation for Leaders.

Whilst I’m there, I will be looking at, interviewing, assessing and evaluating the options for starting a Bible College here in Melbourne.  We have been praying for the Lord’s direction and guidance in this decision.  If you could please lift the trip and the decision process for the Bible College up before the Lord, it would be much appreciated.

40 Days of Prayer and Fasting

This past Wednesday evening, we launched into our 40 days of prayer and fasting. This is the third time in the last 3 years that we have joined as a congregation to do this.  In every season of prayer and fasting, we have seen the Lord do some amazing things, from miracles, to breakthroughs, a greater intimacy with the Lord, and growth in the church.  We are so excited to see what the Lord is going to do in this season. If you’re interested in joining with us, in need of prayer or a breakthrough in your life, please let us know so we can pray for you.  If you would like more information on the resources we are going through, we can make them available through email.

Prayer points:

Pray for revival and a great harvest in our church, community, and country
Pray for balance and focus as homeschooling and ministry is getting busier
Pray for wisdom, direction, discernment, protection, provision, and strength (health) for the ministry, family, and marriage.

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many by your prayers, your faithful support, and your partnership.

Until next time……
Pastor Andrew Russell
Andrew, Niki, Joshua, & Christian

For a printable version of this update and to see pictures, please click below

03_2011_March_The Aussie Connection Newsletter