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 #