Russell Family

G’day Mate,

I hope you are doing great! Here is another wonderful update on what the Lord is doing here down under. We are overwhelmed by the encouraging responses from last month’s newsletter. We are thankful for your encouragement and support. It has not only uplifted our spirits, but also put the wind back in our sails to keep pressing on. It’s so easy to get disheartened, frustrated, and tired when you’re on the frontline getting hit, knocked down and criticized. As a good friend said to me, “Satan is a loser”. Whenever we are going through a difficult circumstance or a time of discouragement, please let’s come together pray and encourage one another. Amen.

Harvest Crusade in Wellington

Last weekend, I was blessed to be able to take another local pastor with me over to the Wellington Harvest crusade in New Zealand. This other pastor is in-charge of a local combined outreach we have planed for next year. I was hoping this experience would help him catch the vision for having a Harvest here in Melbourne, and also to help shape and refine the outreach we are presenting in 08’. I see areas with the current event schedule that need to be refined if it’s going to be productive and reach the people. I was hoping he would see the structure and presentation of the Harvest and have an open mind for Calvary to bring a revival crusade in for three days of the combined outreach. I just received a response from this pastor and he is unwilling to change his agenda, and everything will proceed as planned. (photo: Sunday Morning Service)

The Lords Protection

Over the past several months, we have seen the Lord protect the church from potential division, disaster, and devastation. Without getting into detail, let me just say the Lord has weeded out some potential predators and those who seem to have their own agenda. Praise the Lord for being so faithful, sovereign, good and gracious. Confrontation is difficult, especially when the situation involves asking someone to move on, but it is necessary to protect the flock and the people in the church. It is not up for negotiation. Please keep praying for protection, provision, and wisdom in the church. (photo below: New members in the Youth Group)

Women’s Ministry

We just finished our first book together (Becoming a Women of Purpose), and are about to begin our second (Becoming a Women of Freedom). It is so exciting to see the same women on a consistent basis. God is so good and faithful. The women are beginning to open up and establish friendships and relationships that are based on Christ. Please be in prayer that God would give me the wisdom and strength to come along side and encourage these lovely women. Please pray for victory over depression, anxiety, and past wounds so these women can move forward in their walk with the Lord and be all that God has called them to be. (photo below: My off site office.)

Here are some questions some have been asking (and our answers):

Q: What’s it like living in another country?

A: It is different – culturally –they don’t deal with conflict or issues, and tend to be a lazy society. It is also a real hit a miss with commitment at any level.

Q: Do you miss home (the states)?

A: Yes we do. We have moments and seasons where we would love to be back in the states, but we know that this (here in Melbourne) is where the Lord has called us. We definitely miss family.

Q: Tell me something interesting about Australia?

A. Well, did you know that one in five people have a mental illness? Depression and anxiety are the greatest issues that the people face.

Q: What are some new things happening in your local area?

A: We have a mosque being built just down the road from our church. Please pray for protection and for an opportunity to reach out to the Muslims in our community.

Q: What is the exchange rate for the US dollar?

A: The Exchange rate – Over the past year, the exchange rate has continued to drop. As of now, we have an advantage of just about 8 cents to the dollar. When we first moved here, we had over 30 cents to the dollar. It has definitely become tighter and tighter to live on what support we have coming in from the States. We are looking to build up the support a bit more so it doesn’t become such a struggle to make ends meet. The Lord knows our needs and it’s been awesome to learn to trust in the Lord to provide for everything.

Q: What has the Lord been teaching you lately?

A: to keep my heart and mind focused on Him; to be faithful and persistent in leading and pastoring; to press on no matter how difficult things may seem; and to know that God is sovereign and that God’s work done God’s way will not lack God’s support.

Prayer Points !!!!

The request at this time is:

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.

Pray for the Lord to bless and protect the church

Pray for Jennifer Bailey and the visa application process, pray for rest and refreshment, provision, and for the approval of the visa.

We Praise and thank God for your prayers and your support

Words can’t express how thankful we are for your prayers and financial support. Without you praying and supporting, we would not be able to serve here. Thank you for being apart of the team. May the Lord bless you and provide for you in ways that the Lord gets the glory.

Until the Whole World Hears,

Pastor Andrew Russell
Andrew, Niki, Joshua, and Christian

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things.” Jer. 33:3

Contact info:

3 Walton Court
Narre Warren,
VIC, 3805 Australia

011-61-3-9796-7771 = home #
011-61-4-3456-2543 = cell #

Greetings Friends,

I hope you are doing great! Each month we write this newsletter to let everyone know what is happening with us and the ministry here in Australia. Its always a great opportunity to personally recap what the Lord has done, is doing, what we have planned for the next month, or what is happening with our family. I would like to let you know that we are so thankful for your interest and support in the work here. (photo below; Snday service)

Some Recent Struggles

Over the past month we have been battling some sickness and bouts of discouragement. I will take sickness over discouragement any day. It seems that discouragement can not only wipe you out physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well. It can at times take the wind out of the sails so to speak. Maybe you have experienced this in the past or are experiencing it right now. Just remember that God is our refuge, our strength, our stronghold, and we can do nothing apart from Him. This is such an encouragement if we take hold of it and own it. God is ready to use us to our full potential if we would only let go of our insecurities, our pride, our fear and our doubt. Live life to its fullest and do everything as if you were doing it unto the Lord. When we take on this attitude, it changes our perspective, our outlook when difficulty comes; it allows us to overcome those bouts of discouragement that can hinder the work of God. (photo below; Kids Church – memory verses)

The Soccer Game

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of going to the Australia vs. Argentina soccer game. I’ve never been to an international sporting event, and the patriotism and the excitement was amazing. It was even more special because I got to take my 5 year old son Joshua with me. It was boy’s night out. The atmosphere was spectacular. There was excitement in the air, from our train ride to the venue in the city and even the people outside the stadium. Needless to say, it was a thrilling experience. Just imagine what heaven is going to be like with all the people from all over the world worshipping Jesus with such excitement and enthusiasm. (photo below; youth group preparing for Kids Church skit)

Team Meetings

This month I’ve started team meetings with all the ministry and leadership teams at the church. The purpose of this is to continue to communicate the vision, to equip and train, to evaluate, and to plan and prepare ahead for the next month of ministry. It will be a time of prayer, team building, and a way to strengthen the unity between the members. We are looking forward to progressing and achieving the goals and missions the Lord has for our church. (photo below; Picture of the new building that we should be in by the end of the month)

Prayer Points

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

Pray for Jennifer Bailey – heading back to the states to complete the visa application process, pray for rest and refreshment, provision, and for the approval of the visa.

We Praise and thank God for your prayers and your support

It is so humbling being on this end of 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

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

Wow What A Month!

Greetings from the Russell family,

This past month was one of excitement and momentum. To start out, we had a team from Refuge (our home church) that came to help and serve. We did a lot of practical service projects, which made a huge impression on the local community and school where the church is currently meeting. The second week the team was here; they helped run a youth camp down at Philip Island. It was a fruitful time and many teenagers came to the Lord. The team did a phenomenal job in serving, connecting and sharing the Lord with people here in Melbourne.

The Youth Group

Calvary Melbourne was a part of a community outreach working with several other local churches in the area. On the Friday night of the event, which was focused towards youth, we had 5 kids that went forward and accepted the Lord. It has been so awesome to see God add to the youth group each month. I’m so blessed to have several great youth leaders that are doing a fantastic job in teaching, caring for, and working with the kids. The youth has been the greatest growth in the church in the past month. Praise the Lord!

Niki’s corner (women & children’s ministry)

We are trying something new with the Women’s Group! We are meeting every Friday morning for a time of fellowship, food and digging into God’s Word together. We just started a new book called “becoming a woman of purpose” by Cynthia Heald. The women have been very receptive and It’s my hearts desire that they will continue to let the Lord heal, mend and restore all that has been broken in their hearts and lives. God is so good and I can’t wait to see what fruit He is going to produce through these women.

We have also begun using a new format and curriculum for the Children’s Ministry. It has been fun and refreshing to begin our second year here with new and exciting ideas. It has been a privilege and blessing to work with Jenn Bailey (missionary from Refuge). She has definitely added depth and excitement to the ministry. I look forward to see what the Lord is going to do in and through the lives of the children.

We are continuing to teach God’s word to the children at Thomas Mitchell School through our Christian Religious Education classes. It is so amazing to be able to teach these children, most who don’t know the Lord, about Jesus and what he has done for them. The kids are very receptive and look forward to seeing us every week. Please continue to pray that the Lord would stir up the hearts and minds of these children to come into a love relationship with our wonderful Savior.

Prayer Points!

The request at this time is:

Thank You So Much For Your Prayers And Support

We are so humbled by your encouragement, your prayers and support. You are making a huge difference in our lives and in the ministry here. We can’t do it with out you. Please keep sending us your prayer request as well. We love to partner and pray for you as well.

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

New Facility for the Church

We serve such an amazing God! He has blessed the church exceedingly and abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. The Lord opened the door for us to move to a bigger facility with more potential for growth. We are now meeting at a primary school, and have access to the gymnasium and three large classrooms. In the past week, we have added four youth to the congregation. It is so exciting to see what the Lord is doing and how he keeps adding to the church. We are overwhelmed by God’s grace, guidance, and goodness.

New Church Plant

We are in the beginning stages of planting a church on Phillip Island (located about an hour from where we are). There is a huge opportunity to reach the community on the Island – 25 people are ready and waiting to be taught the Word. We had our first meeting as a home fellowship this past week, but will quickly outgrow this location. Please be in pray for a new location and for the Lords blessing, provision, and protection on this new adventure.

Time Flies

Our oldest son Joshua turned 5 this past month, and has started primary school. This was a big adjustment for the family – he’s away from home for 6 hours a day. Christian is going to be 2 years old at the end of May. Wow! Time has flown – It seems like our kids have grown up so quickly. I still remember bringing them home from the hospital.

It’s hard to believe that we have been here in Melbourne for 8 months. A lot of amazing things have happened since we’ve arrived. We’ve experienced many changes, and challenges along the way, but God has been good, faithful and true through it all.

Home leave

We are praying about coming home to the states in June. We are excited and looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Please be in prayer that the Lord will bless us with an affordable airfare.

Permanent Residency

I’ve been inquiring with the immigration department on what steps our family needs to take in order for us to get permanent residency. We believe the Lord has called us here long term; therefore, we need to be diligent in putting together a thorough case for us to stay in Country. Please be in prayer that we will be able to raise the finances, and find favor with the immigration department as we begin this process in the months to come. We are looking at a cost between $3,000-$6,000.

Prayer points:

Balance between the ministry, family, and personal devotion

Wisdom in making decisions

For provision for family and for the ministry

For the Lord to bless the church plant on Phillip Island

For the Lord to bless Calvary Melbourne

For protection from the attacks of the enemy

For God’s anointing in teaching and pastoring

Thank you all for you prayers and support. May the Lord bless you in a radical and special way.

Until next time,

Andrew, Niki, Joshua, and Christian

What a year last year was….

Wow what a year 2006 has been. It was an adventure and a roller coaster all at the same time. The whole process of moving your family to the other side of the world and transitioning to the role of senior pastor is mind boggling. The challenges, the set backs, the frustrations, the emotions, and the excitement. It’s hard to understand sometimes why God in His divine sovereignty chose us for this awesome opportunity to pastor here in Melbourne Australia. One of the hardest things about moving to a new country and having a new and demanding role is the family dynamics. We are blessed to have the office in the home, but trying to find balance between the ministry and family hasn’t been the easiest. There is so much to do in pastoring the church and it never seems you can get caught up or ahead. Even if I put in ninety hours a week, there is always more to do. My focus this year is to have better balance with my family time. My family is my ministry. They are the most important thing in my life. They need me and I need them. What would it profit if the church became the largest church in the region and I lost my family in the processes. Again – we all need balance. Being away from family during the holidays was hard. We had some tough moments. But we know the Lord has us here for a reason and purpose. We do love the assignment that we have. We do have moments when our emotions get the best of us. We must keep pressing on, and continue to be focused. As you know from the last newsletter, we had a team from Calvary Chapel West Grove come out. It was an awesome time of ministry. I would have to say it was one of the best teams I’ve seen. Being on the receiving end was very different than being on the sending end. I loved putting together the agenda, the strategy, and the schedule for the ministry. It was great to see the team execute the plan and objective, and I look forward to seeing more teams come out.

Last week I had an interesting experience happen. One of the homes in our neighborhood caught fire and was burning down quickly in the middle of the night. I was able to assist the firefighters because of some past training with the fire department and as an EMT. It was a great experience to be on the front lines with these guys. I was quite frustrated with the lack of communication and plan of attack from the fire fighters. It took close to 10 minutes to dig up the fire hydrants, get a line going to hook up to the pumper truck. We are praying that we don’t see any more incidents that put the neighborhood in danger.

What is our focus this year for the church?
I believe that the focus this year is to continue to get the church healthy, to raise up leaders, and one of the main strategies I think will accomplish this is through discipleship. I meet with several guys through out the week and with the men for mens study. Niki is meeting with several of the women in the church as well.

Adventure Kids – Children’s Ministry
God continues to bless the Children’s Ministry. We have doubled in size over the past two months. Please pray that the Lord would continue to provide the strength and direction as we move forward into the new year. Please pray for Jennifer Bailey from Refuge, as she seeks the Lord’s provision and timing to join us here in Melbourne. She will be a huge blessing to the ministry team.

Prayer points:

For wisdom in leading the church

For favor in the community.

For provision- personal and church

For the Lord to radically pour our His Spirit on the church, the teaching, and the ministry.

We thank you for your faithful prayers, your encouragement and support. We are praying for you as well. Remember that God Loves you and so do we.

Support Information

Saving Grace World Missions
17451 Bastanchury Road, Suite 203
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714) 993-4801
Make checks out to SGWM, in the memo line for the Russell’s in Australia.