February 2010 Update

I hope you are doing great and are have having a wonderful day. The month of January was a big one for us for several reasons.  First, we moved into our wonderful new house, then we started several new studies at the church, and last we began the groundwork for our permanent residency visa.  We have had the privilege to get to know and develop a good friendship with our new landlords.  The Lord opened the door for us to share about the work He is doing here in Melbourne.  We instantly made a connection with the family, and they shared with us that they have been looking for a church to attend. We invited them to come visit and they have come the last two weeks.   It looks like they are going to make this their home church. They seem to be really enjoying the fellowship and the teaching of the Word. Praise God!

Self-Confrontation Course

About four weeks ago, I started teaching the Self -Confrontation Manual during our Sunday night service. We have 12 in the class and 4 that are taking the course correspondently. It has been amazing to see the growth in each of these individuals’ as they apply themselves and press through the homework.  Please pray that they will persevere and finish the entire 24-week course.

Week of prayer and fasting

Last week, as a congregation, we had a week of prayer and fasting. It was an amazing to see the Lord working and ministering. Our focus was to see a breakthrough and revival in our lives and the church. There was a vision that was given at our midweek study. The main thought behind it was “the Battle is coming”. We don’t have a time frame or what exactly the battle will be, but it was an exhortation for us to be praying, staying on guard and focused. Please join with us in prayer for protection, for wisdom, for discernment, for unity, and for the Lord’s favor and blessings.

Starting homeschooling

We are back full swing with home schooling.  Joshua is in 2nd grade and Christian Kindergarten. It is a bit more challenging this year trying to balance both boys, but they are excelling and learning so much.  I get to be a part of their Bible time every morning and some other activities through out the day.  It is a blessing having your children at home, and being able to pour your heart into them and teach them from a biblical perspective.  It has been tough balancing between schooling and ministry, but we serve such an awesome Lord, who gives us the strength to get through each day.  Rejoice in the Lord always again I say rejoice!

Understanding communication breakdown.

While teaching through Ephesians 5, dealing with the marriage relationship, I came across a helpful article to help Men understand some communication break down.  I would like to share with you 8 words women use…

1.) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to be quiet.

2.) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3.) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

4.) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!

5.) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6.) That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7.) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or Faint. Just say you’re welcome.

8.) Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking ‘What’s wrong?’ For the woman’s response refer to #3.Then you RUN!

Church and Family Camp

We are going to have our very first Church and Family Camp this coming September, from the 19th to the 22nd.  We would love to have some help during this time; whether it is in the form of a missions team and/or several couples who can help us with Children’s Ministry, and other practical areas.  It would be a blessing to the church family here in Melbourne to have fellow brothers and sisters from the States hang out and minister to them.     .

Prayer request

For our Permanent Visa  – we start phase one of the sponsorship for the church to nominate Us. After that part is approved, then we can submit out personal paperwork. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, protection, provision, and favor upon the whole process.

Please pray for the next season at the church as we make adjustments in the facility, and for the Lord to bless every element of the church.

Please pray for our family – Niki, Joshua, Christian, Andrew.

Please pray for us to have the right balance with family time, homeschooling, ministry, and all the other areas of life.

Quote:

If you want God’s power & blessing on your ministry, you must be willing to absorb the pain of others without resentment.

Thank you so much for your prayers and for your faithful support. We could not do this without your help J

Until next time……

Pastor Andrew Russell
Andrew, Niki, Joshua, & Christian