Term 2 Kids Club Awards Night

Dear Prayer Partners,


The Last month has been amazingly crazy, busy, wonderful and hectic, but God has been doing so many amazing things. On Sunday night we awarded 38 Kids with their new badges for term 2 of the school year. This term we were focusing on the armor of God. The children will continue to study the armor of God for a few more weeks. But, it is amazing to see what they have learned through the helmet of salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, the belt of truth, shoes of peace and the shield of faith. We also studied the Bible verse “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” We had an amazing turn out of parents and families. There were over 62 people in attendance. We had 5 new families attend on the evening!  this alone was a huge reason for us to rejoice! The new families even stayed for dinner afterwards and had a great evening. The kids performed the skit of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. for their parents and sang three songs. It truly was a night to rejoice in all that they have learned.

God Saved Rachel's life!

On Friday afternoon  it was storming so hard you could barely see and it was really windy. During Kids Club I was teaching the kindy and pre pimary Bible Class when a parent helper came in and calmly asked me to come with her for some important business.   When I got to the kitchen, Rachel our teen helper was sitting in a chair and she had just been hit by a car getting off the public transport bus out in front of the community hall where we hold church.   Because, it was raining so hard Rachel got off the bus, looked and didn't see a car and ran across the street, only to be hit.  
But, God saved her life.  She ended up having a concussion, severe grazing and only had to stay in hospital for a few hours. She has an injured knee and will need crutches for a few weeks,  but her injuries were minimal and the Dr. kept saying he couldn't actually see an impact point where the car specifically did way more damage.   And, I believe God protected her!   I still am frustrated because the driver only rolled down the window a bit, asked her if she was alright and then drove around her and left her laying in the road.   But, the God we serve is bigger than any circumstance. And a boy from our church who doesn't normally get off at that bus stop just happened to get off at the wrong stop and therefore was able to help her into the church.
 The interesting thing is our Bible Story was about letting God "protect" our hearts and when he does he will do AMAZING things with our lives.  And, as soon as the kids heard about Rachel they asked if we could thank God for protecting her and then they prayed for God to watch over her and the Dr.'s who were going to take care of her.  But, to see this group of  35 young children put their faith to work immiediately was very impressive and a confirmation in our hearts of how much God has done in their hearts and their lives.

PS. I believe your prayers have had a huge impact on this circumstance as well because  Rachel is the teenager who accepted Christ a few months back and we asked you all to pray for!

Support Boost!Our family will be in the US for a very short 6 weeks completing  home ministry duties! Our aim is to boost our support and get our funding back up to 100%.   We are very excited as we will be speaking at both of our home district camps.  So, look for us at Chambers for CNY on the evening of the 4th and we will be sharing in a seminar on the morning of July 5th.  We will also be sharing a few seminars at the WNY camp in Houghton, NY.   While we are home we are trying to schedule churches that don't support us yet on Sunday AM and Sunday evenings.  However, we WOULD LOVE to get a chance to share what God has been doing here in Australia with all of you who already pray and support us! :) Below are a few options we have thought of but are really open to all kinds of creative ideas!

1) Have a back yard barbecue on a week night evening!   Because our time is so short we are going to have to utilize every chance we get! And, we really do want to catch up with you all. Some of our supporting churches are very close to other Wesleyan churches.  We would love to do a "Zone" back yard fellowship or something similar. So, if you would be willing to host one could you email us at georgefamilyinaustralia@hotmail.com and we will be more than happy to help work out an awesome fun family night!

2) Picnic in a park or local meeting place where a few churches could come together on a Saturday.

3) Have a back yard fellowship or picnic and invite churches that don't yet support us. So, they can see what you are a part of and join in the work God is doing here in Australia.

4) Come meet with your missions committee.

Pray for us as we secure people in our church to keep Kids Club, Youth Group, Bible Studies, church and so forth being carried through while we are away. 

Secondly pray for our children as they will be away from school for 4 weeks (2 weeks are school holidays) and will need to stay up to date with their studies. As well, as we have been here for 3 years so I think it will be a bit of a culture shock to them when they arrive back in the US.

Like, we said we truly can't wait to see all of you and thank you in person for all your prayers and support!   God has so much in store here in Perth, Australia! And, we can't wait to get our support caught up, say hello to all of you, and then get straight back here to Australia to keep working with the people he has called us to reach!    Here is our flight schedule so you can pray for us!

June 26th  @ 11:00pm   Perth - Dubai
                                       Dubai- JFK, NY
                                       JFK, NY - Rochester, NY

August 10th  @ 6am!  Rochester, NY - JFK
                                    JFK - Dubai
                                    Dubai- back home to Perth, AUSTRALIA!

Wesleyan Women Committee

Please pray for the Wesleyan Women Committee. We are getting ready to organize this years camp and we have found a venue and have set the dates for August 17-19th. It will be a fantastic weekend, but will require much work. This will be our 4th Womens Camp!  Our goal is to take atleast 30 ladies. So, pray with us that we would have intentional conversations with people and that we would get ladies to come that have not gone before.  The committee has stuck their neck on the line and we will be offering a discount to first time ladies as well as we are going to allow teenagers over 14 to come this year so mums and daughters can also attend together to build a bond there.   Pray for me as I seek where God wants the focus of this camp to be and as I prepare my messages etc for the weekend!  I already have two ladies who have never come before say they are coming. So pray that they follow through and get their deposit and registration slip in!  There are quite a few more I am working on as well! Pray that I can get them to see the important of coming away and growing in Christ!  Please pray for the Committee as well...Myself,  Nalynn, Gem, Glynis, Shannon, Elaine, Bethany, and Pellagia.

Wesleyan Women High Tea!

Today was the Wesleyan Women High Tea. We had 35 ladies come out! It was an enjoyable afternoon of getting to know people and building relationships among the women in our church. We had some guest music. Kids club girls sang and two young adults sang from the Inner City Church. We played games and then we settled down for a devotion.  God brought to my attention a message on balancing our lives.  God knew what all of us were going through and HE knew this was the message for us today! The food WAS also sooo yummy.  But most important God came and met with us and it was a LOVELY afternoon! I was really relieved that this went so well. I spent most of the week runing around, baking, finding, and creating thigs for this afternoon. So, was very pleased God honoured all the hard work we put into it!  

2Samuel 22:33-34 "God is my strong fortress, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer; enabling me to stand on mountain heights." 

City funding!

God has answered one of our big prayers today! We received a call from the City of Wanneroo (our local city) letting us know that we received a public grant for our Carols in the park in December!  Chris was really concerned as he was filling out the paper work we were unsure of whether we were going to fit their criteria being a church and all. But, apparently we did fit their criteia, because they are awarding us $800! This is VERY exciting. This will allow us to be able to hire some jumpy castles, and outdoor games equipment. She also said we can purchase food items for the sausage sizzle we do, etc. So, this is very exciting and just shows one way the City is supporting our church and the activities we are doing in the community!  God is good and he is breaking down the walls between us and the community!

Ladies Bible Study

This term Melissa is running a womens Bible Study on Wednesday mornings. We have three ladies attending who are studying "Friendship, Cultivating the Relationships that Enrich our lives." By women of Faith. Please pray for Melissa, Leanne, Carolina, and Debbie that they would be able to get others to join in and enjoy friendship while learning about God and how he is their best friend of all!  

Kids Club Awards Night

The term One Kids Club Awards night was held last night and we had a fantastic turnout! Four of the children shared about what they had learnt in the term.  The four special moments shared were...
1) Kayla shared about the easter baskets we made and how we put eggs with  special items to help them tell the easter story!
2) Luke shared how we made first aid kits that fit in their school bags so that they can help people in need and what the true meaning of the Good Samaritan was.

3) Rianna shared how Kids Club is her favourite activity of the week and she can't wait to come back each week.
4) Makayla share that because of what Jesus Christ did on the cross we have to make a choice, and she chooses to follow and love Jesus!

The children then sang two songs for their parents. "God is watching over you"  and "He reigns".

The we awarded the kids with their badges.
1) Their name badge they achieved by attending Kids Club on a consistent basis.
2) Their Matthew 19:14 badge was for memorizing. "Jesus Said, let the little children come to me!"
3) The helping hands badge- They learnt what it meant to serve their friends, family, neighbours, and by reaching out to help those who are "different" from us!  
4) Family Camp badge- By attending family camp this year they earnt a badge.
5)  The Cross badge. We spent a few weeks studying the easter story and what it meant to them. They had to be able to tell the story of the cross using their eggs that they made and be able to tell someone the importance of what Jesus Christ did for us!

The kids were amazing and we had over 40 kids earn badges during term 1.  12 of these 40 kids were new to kids club! 35 of these kids earnt 4 or more badges!

Praises and Prayer Requests

It has been brought to our attention, that those of you who follow our page don't receive the praises and prayer requests in your email messages. So, I will every also post them on our wall when I update them, so you can get them!    God Bless.

Prayer Requests


Pray for The Kids Club Awards night. It will actually be on Sunday April 29th at 5:30 pm. Pray that families would come and be open with soft hearts to understand that Christ died for them! And, rose again to give them a new life!!!!

Pray for Chris as we are attempting to get him a new insulin pump. The one he has he has been wearing for 9 years. They should be replaced every 3. Pray that this would be a smooth change over. We meet Tuesday morning to find out how a new one will work.

Pray that Chris and I would be able to connect with 10 churches and new individuals to pick up to be apart of our team!

Pray for Melissa as she puts together a woman's Bible Study to meet on Wednesday mornings. Pray that ladies would be excited to come and would be eager to learn more about God.

Praises

Praise God we had 12 youth attend this years camp and it was an awesome time of bonding and drawing closer to Christ.

Praise God Brayden was able to ride his scooter for the first time this past week! He is almost back to normal. Still has a small limp. But, is almost totally recovered.

Praise God that the WA family Camp was WONDERFUL!!!

Praise God that the first term of school, kids club and church have gone smoothly. Hard to believe we have already had 9 weeks of school!

Praise God the Easter Egg Hunt was a huge success with over 90 kids attending! And, we were able to share the true meaning of Easter.

Praise God we have 5 people meeting on Thursday nights to do a Bible Study.

 

ECHO

Western Australia

Youth Camp 2012

 Top: Youth making french toast on the outside barbecue.  Was very yummy!



Right: Playing Uno (Pronounced "You no" in Australia) while it was raining outside.



Bottom: Hiking Sand Dunes.

WA Youth Camp

This year we had 6 guys and 6 girls go on the Western Australia Youth Camp. 11 of these teenagers were from our church! It was really exciting as we prepared for camp. The teens worked hard at their jobs and fundraisers so they could attend the camp.  It was well worth their effort because they had an awesome time.

The teens had to prepare all their own meals, with our help as well as we did all kinds of group bonding games, and lots of exciting activities.  After cap was over I could barely walk. I realized that Chris and I are NOT as young as we think we are! We had played capture the flag, and climbed sand dunes, and done all kinds of crazy things, and our legs were sore for atlesat 3 days... :) And, we were exhausted. We are not used to only getting 1-2 hours of sleep! :)

The weekend was focused on the phrase ECHO.
His Words- My speech
His Walk- My steps
His Will- My Stay
I am - I ECHO

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children. Ephesians 5:1

 The teens made all kinds of personal commitments and I think Laura (Rachel's Sister) is very close to becoming a Christian. please pray for Laura as Chris and I share Christ with her!

Easter Egg Hunt

Landsdale Community
Easter Egg Hunt

This years Egg Hunt was a complete success. We had 109 children register and participate with their parents.  There had to be over 175 people in the hall because it was totally packed!   We had craft stations, Easter egg hunts according to age groups, jelly bean count , colouring in contest, free popcorn and drinks, but MOST importantly we had a story time where Melissa read the real meaning of Easter.  Each child was given an opportunity to make a choice and decide whether they were going to "believe" Jesus was alive.   "Kids Club" also sand two songs for the audience.  It was beautiful! The kids were fascinated and you could see their mind clicking over. It was a very busy,  but fantastic day.  Melissa and I have been organizing this for weeks and months, but we literally got up Saturday morning at 7:00am and never sat down till 9:00pm and that was with a WHOLE pile of everything left sitting in our living room at our house.   It is a lot of work to gather everything together and then haul it down to the haul for an event set up and then bring it all back.  We used every table and chair that our "rental" facility had to offer!

I also forgot to mention. We never did get our crafts that we ordered until 8:00am Monday morning. So, we had to go out and purchase all new stuff.  We had ordered three weeks ago our craft items and paid for three day shipping. But, UPS was very kind and ended up giving us back 1/2 of our shipping for not getting our package to us in a timely manner. 

We had quite a few emails after the event from people who have never participated in anything with us in the past and they kept commenting on what a great event it was and that the love of Jesus just poured out of our church family.  We have lots of following up to do!  So pray with us that we would be able to connect people to Jesus in a powerful way and that they would see the need for him in their lives. 

EASTER EGG HUNT - PRAYERS NEEDED

Pray for the Easter Egg Hunt that is this Saturday from 3-5pm. I am very nervous about it. Unfortunately our crafts have been held up and are not going to get here in time which is a huge disappointment. Luckily we have about 70 of everything left over from last year. So, Chris and I ran around today collecting some last minute ideas.  Please pray that our box would APPEAR in Perth today. For some reason it has been held up in Singapore and we still need it to clear their customs as well as Australia customs before it will get here. And in Australia Mail is not delivered on Saturdays.  The craft items were ordered weeks ago, but sometimes this is just what happens! :(

However, Pray that we would have new people come and that their hearts would be softened to hear the message God is going to use me to bring on Saturday.

Pray also that we would have enough helpers and be able to pull the event off with all the glory going to God! 

Bible Study

Thursday nights we are meeting together with 5 people for a Bible Study called a New Creation. We have met twice so far and have another 4 sessions.  It is written by our DS Lindsay Cameron and we are really excited so far in the questions and conversations we have been having with this group. Pray that these people would come to know Christ and that they would draw close to Him and realize that they need Him to be the one true God they worship.

New Insulin Pump

Today Chris met with his rep for the new diabetes pump he will hopefully get. She mentioned that they should be replaced every three years and that he has had his nine which is just incredible!   But, the time has really come that he needs to upgrade. The insurance company has been fantastic and has given him three green light and apparently will cover 100% of the cost of the new pump. Please pray with us that he will get the new pump smoothly and that he will be able to switch over to the new pump with no dramas or problems along the way. 

Landsdale Neighbour Day

Today our church partnered with the Landsdale Residents Association.   Chris spends alot of time building relationships with people in the community. One of the ways he does that is by sitting on the Landsdale Community Residents Association Committee. 5 years ago when they really wanted one he stepped up and played the role of president. Then, a lovely person named Jessica came along and she fit the role and would do a fantastic job so Chris kindly stepped aside and has stayed on the committee so the church can have a hand at helping within the community.  

Today was all about getting our name out there and building bridges to get to know people. We let the Residents association use our sound equipment and we sold drinks while many other community groups also participated such as the playgroup association ( Melissa is on their committee) as well as the Footy club and various other community groups. There were about 400-500 people that participated. Chris worked hand in hand with all the groups making sure the days performances by the school, drama groups etc went smoothly and I sold drinks, handed our information about our church and had people pre-register for our Easter Egg Hunt next weekend. It was a really fun day and Brayden actually limped around quite a bit! He made it from the hall down about 50 metres to go play some games! So, he is already improving! 

BRAYDEN IS 3!

BRAYDEN IS 3

Today  we had Brayden's 3rd birthday party. He invited 5 little friends from Playgroup to come celebrate with him. We decorated fruit boxes from the market to look like cars 2 cars and the kids raced around the yard. I got Brayden up on his feet for this picture but unfortunately he couldn't actually limp along and carry the box. His leg and ankle are still quite stiff. But, he was in pretty good spirits for the day!

Seems crazy and hard to believe all at the same time that Brayden is already 3!   I think Brayden turning 3 is scary enough just in itself because in less than a year he will be going to public school here in Australia and that seems totally crazy to me! He is our last little bub so he in our minds is just so little! 

He is an adventurous, wild, crazy boy who loves Jesus very much! I praise God for him and we are truly blessed! 

WA Family Camp 2012

FAMILY CAMP!

Family Camp was a blast! 70 of us came together to camp it out and have an awesome weekend together as the WA Wesleyan Methodist church family!  It was truly a fantastic weekend full of fellwship, fun, growth in who we are in Christ, and did I mention alot of fun!

  Dawson the very first night got eaten by  and we are not exaggerating atleast 100 mosquito bites. The poor boy itched ALL weekend. He looked so bad that the campground manager gave him free mosquito wristband to keep the mosquitos away. They were basically like cat flea collars! :) Brayden survived the EXTREME heat with his cast and Makayla had a blast with her friends!

It was a very busy weekend for Chris and I as we were in charge of lots of different parts over the weekend. But,   we also were attending with our family and trying to play that role as well! :)   We had 7 families from the Landsdale church attend the camp in the end and it was TRULY exciting!




Melissa did a great job with the kids programs. We did five Kids sessions. Each session had a theme, craft, songs, and Bible story to connect it all together. As well as we did a huge tie-dye session as a fun family craft.  This was not any little task. Tie-dying in a campground was alot of work! And,my hands were red, blue, and green, for days!!!      Chris organized family games, outings, and youth sessions.  Pastor Phil organized all the food and it was yum!  Rev. Lindsay Cameron flew in from Melbourne (five hour flight) he is our D.S. and spoke for our main camp sessions. He spoke all weekend on priesthood and God spoke to everyone in our church! It was a wonderful time. Everyone can't wait till next year! 


Because of your prayers God was there and working on us and helping us and molding us! We appreciate all your support and prayers that made this weekend possible!

FAMILY CAMP

This weekend is Family Camp. Chris and I have been working very hard to organize and structure camp this year.  I am happy to announce that we have 58 people attending the weekend! This is VERY exciting. And, we will also have day visitors. Our DS has flown in today and he will be bringing three messages over the weekend as well as I will be running a children's club program 5 times over the weekend.  The rest of the weekend is full of fun family activities shared meals(we cater the entire camp) families will be taking turns cooking the meals, and should be a time for us to grow as  the Western Australia churches and build relationships! I am really excited to say this year 6 of the families attending are from the Landsdale church! How exciting!!!!! Pray that God would move and work in their lives! This is a time of rejoicing. Pray specifically for these two new families that God would work in their lives and call them to a relationship with him!

Youth Group Banquet
The youth group banquet was a complete success. We were able to raise $30 for each youth to attend camp that helped for the evening!  Youth Camp will be held in April so the teens are looking forward to that.   
We had 20 people come out for the evening Chris showed some marriage video clips, the teens served  the adults and did an awesome job! The kitchen was calm and completely under control and the food was yummy. 

Most importantly 6 people who attended this evening are not Christians and not a part of our church yet, but they had such an awesome time they can't wait to join us again.  Chris promoted Fireproof and we will be starting a married couples night out with the movie and discussions in the near future! Pray that these three couples will come out and join us. :)

Brayden's Foot.
We finally got into the fracture clinic last Wednesday and were seen by the fracture specialist. They were happy to let me know that Brayden "buckle" broke his metatarsus and has chips.   It means really that the bone is broken in half and not all the way through and then is compressed together. So, basically the largest bone in the middle of his foot that goes to his big toe . He has to keep the same cast on for three weeks. They will not be putting another cast on.  So, they have wrapped it with a green non stretchy tape. Hopefully it will stay tight and hold up for the next three weeks.   They say the pain is normal and DEFINITELY no walking or pressure on the cast at all. Because this will still put pressure in the foot and just keep breaking the buckle that is healing.  Thank you everyone for your prayers.  

Please continue to pray for our banquet on Friday night.   This is the biggest fundraiser our teens do. All the funds made will  go to the youth center and to help them attend youth camp in April. Pray that they would make and serve good food. Pray for Chris as he bring a fun night for married couple and young adults together that focuses on God.  we have 5 couples coming that are not Christians yet. So, we would really like God to speak to their hearts.

Also keep praying for Brayden. Tuesday night your time at 7:50 he will be having his appointment with the Orthopaedic fracture clinic. It was supposed to be in a week. but, they have willingly brought it forward because Brayden has been crying and screaming he is still in pain.  Which had gone away and he was medication free for two whole days, but seems to be complaining of pain now in different spots like his heel and his calf now. So, they are going to do new xrays tomorrow and hopefully decide whether it needs surgery or not. Either way he should get his hard plaster tomorrow which will protect his foot more. So, pray for us as we go to this appointment.

We have some exciting news about family camp. It looks like we have 7 families participating from Landsdale this year! WAHOO!!! However, we only booked 9 campsites and we still have 9 tents from the inner city church to put up. Pray that God would show me how to make them all fit and guide Chris and I with an awesome family activity calendar of events for the weekend as well as all the children's sermons, and the items that we are responsible for on the upcoming weekend March 2-5th.

Pray for Brayden

This morning Brayden was playing quietly in his bedroom with his friend until I heard a great big crash!  I went in there and he had jumped off the top bunk bed.   When he did this he landed strange on his right foot and broke his foot.  Melissa took him immediately to the children's hospital emergency room. They have put a slab on the back and casted the foot for a week and then we will go see specialist who will decide if the foot is healing okay or whether it will need surgery. VERY FEW cases ever need surgery they said. But, because of the kind of break he has. He is not allowed to put ANY weight on his foot. This is ALREADY a hard concept for him. The pain has been unbearable so they have given us codeine to give him with the Tylenol and ibuprofen. As soon as he had the codeine tonight he was asleep immediately. So, please pray he can rest and is not too traumatized.   The whole time we were in the ER he kept saying he needed a big band aid "straight away!" to the nurses.. Now, that the cast is on... He needs it off "straight away!"    Funny part to this whole story is we had to have it casted twice. Usually the children lay a certain direction on the table when casting. But, because Brayden wanted to watch cartoons they put him on the table backwards. So, when we were all finished I was on my way to the car with him and realized they had casted the WRONG foot! So, we had to go back in and have the cast cut off and a new cast put on the right foot. Funny part is he had been so good for the first cast the nurses were amazed! But, he was good because there was nothing wrong with that foot!!! :)  We really appreciate your prayers. I am sure it will be no fun having the cast on his foot when we should be swimming, and playing at the beach, and the church camp is coming up in March. So, we need to find ways to keep him comfortable and happy!

A TOTALLY AMAZING NIGHT!

Friday night at youth group was a totally God ordained evening.  I believe God moved in a powerful way because of the prayers of our supporters! Rachel, one of our teenagers gave her life to Christ.  She has been coming to church since September last year. But, Chris and I had noticed recently that Rachel came to church no matter what! She didn't have to be picked up, or brought, but that she now "walked" to church on her own.   So, we had been asking people to pray for her specifically and for us to find an opportune time to share Christ with her.  Friday night God just really spoke to her and moved in such a strong way on her life.  And, we gave an opportunity for people to say "yes" to being a Christian and pray the sinner prayer.   Afterwards we asked if anyone would like to announce out loud their decision and immediately Rachel announced she has just become a Christian!   We were so amazing and God has already done amazing things in her life!  Pray for Rachel as she takes Christianity explained and also as she starts to learn what it means to  live in her "new life!".

This was also a special moment for one of our teens named Bethany. Because, Bethany keeps commenting about how she is not a "good enough" Christian and how she is always messing up and she is really hard on herself at times.. But, Rachel became a Christian because of Bethany's friendship. And, it was an opportune  time for me to point out to Bethany how important she is.. And, how God used her to work in Rachel's life! Because of Bethany's friendship and her testimony of how God lives in her... Rachel has become a Christian!  

Then on Sunday night Rachel came walking to church  but also brought her younger sister Laura. And, Rachel is now giving her sister the opportunity to experience what she has. Please pray for Laura that she would see God working in all of us.. And, that she may open her eyes and soften her heart to hear the word of God speak to her.

Prayer Requests

Pray for Chris and I as we dive back into church work. Pray for us as we plan the schedules for the next year.

Pray for Kids Club as it starts in a week!

Pray for our children as they go back to school. Pray that they would settle in and choose their friends wisely.

Pray for our Youth Group. We desperately need to dive in and do things differently and grow it! Our kids club took off last year, but YG has stayed at the same pace. And, we would love to see it go beyond its boundaries this year!

Pray for our church. Pray that people will want to get involved and volunteer and become part of the Landsdale Community Wesleyan Methodist Church family!

Entirely Blessed

Thank you to everyone who prayed while we were all seperated for the 2 weeks! God has blessed our family in soo many ways.

God used many families in Australia to bless us while we were away.  Anything from bringing some snack and goodies by our house, to Chris was invited to people's houses for meals, play dates, swimming dates, and to the park, and all kinds of stuff.  The kids were kept super busy and we truly are surrounded by a great group of friends here in Australia.   These friends we have built connections with through our bible studies, kids club, and by just trying to get to know these people and share Jesus Christ with them. They were not "Christians" when we moved to Australia. But, they are growing closer and more like him every day! They are becoming more and more interested in how "Jesus would help in that situation". Then in what the "world" would do!

What is amazing about these people  is that "they" were sharing the love of Christ with our family!  Isn't God good!

36 Hours of Travel!

After 36 hours of transit I arrived safely back in Perth!   I was dressed in black trackies and a long sleeve shirt only to be greeted at the airport with a GUST of heat!  If I were to think back....

Apparently the whole world was windy!

 It was 20F when  My flight left  from Rochester  toJFK airport in  NY . It was a very bumpy flight! And, I felt very sorry for the lady next to me. She was gripped so tightly to the seet you would need a crow bar to pry her hands off.  I was constantly praying for her and trying to calm her down on the flight. I was VERY relieved it was only a 45 minute flight!

The I had a 6 hour layover in JFK.   JFK-LA the seat belt light was on the entire flight, and we were constantly told that it wuld be a very bumpy flight because of the wind. 

Two hour layover in LA.  Then, our flight from LA to Sydney was not that bad.. .It was pretty moderately bumpy. It was 15 1/2 hours. I was sitting in a row of college girls who were coming to study a term in perth. So, they had all kinds of great stories to share etc.

Then I had a two hour layover in Sydney.  Which I boarded the plane and was sitting next to a lovely family from perth.  The flight was 5 hours. But, it didn't feel that long after my last one was 15!   However, Perth had been very windy and had lightning storms, and rain in the morning and chris was wrried I would be delayed. But, when I arrived it was hot, 95 F sunny and windy!

I got off the plane and could hear the sound of my childrens voices!  It was so great to be home!!!

Finally back in OZ after 36 hours of travel.

After 36 hours of transit I arrived safely back in Perth!   I was dressed in black trackies and a long sleeve shirt only to be greeted at the airport with a GUST of heat!  If I were to think back....

Apparently the whole world was windy!
 It was snowing like crazy when my mum and I left our farm in Higgins (near Houghton), NY.   It was a windy and blowing. Good thing she is used to driving in all that snow! After two hours of driving we arrived in Rochester where I would have to say my good bye's!   This is the part I hate the most... Saying Good bye!  But, it won't be for long. We will be able to skype as soon as I get to Australia.

 It was 20F when  My flight left  from Rochester  to JFK airport in  NY . It was a very bumpy flight! And, I felt very sorry for the lady next to me. She was gripped so tightly to the seat you would need a crow bar to pry her hands off.  I was constantly praying for her and trying to calm her down on the flight. I was VERY relieved it was only a 45 minute flight!

The I had a 6 hour layover in JFK.   JFK-LA the seat belt light was on the entire 5 flight, and we were constantly told that it would be a very bumpy flight because of the wind. 

Two hour layover in LA.  Then, our flight from LA to Sydney was not that bad.. .It was pretty moderately bumpy. It was 15 1/2 hours. I was sitting in a row of college girls who were coming to study a term in Perth. So, they had all kinds of great stories to share etc.

Then I had a two hour layover in Sydney.  Which I boarded the plane and was sitting next to a lovely family from Perth.  The flight was 5 hours. But, it didn't feel that long after my last one was 15!   However, Perth had been very windy and had lightning storms, and rain in the morning and Chris was worried I would be delayed. But, when I arrived it was hot, 95 F sunny and windy!

I got off the plane and could hear the sound of my children's voices!  It was so great to be home!!!

Sharing about Australia.

Telling about Australia!
While I was home in America for my grandmothers funeral.  I was there for two Sundays.   I was blessed to have an opportunity to share with my home church Higgins Wesleyan about what my role as a pastor's wife is in Australia.  I was going to share for just a few minutes, and thought that was all I had to share. But, as I was sharing about what we were doing it became very evident God wanted me to share more!   See being a missionary's wife is a full time job! And, one that I volunteer for!   I love doing it! And, God has blessed me with such a wonderful partner to stand with!  And, since normally Chris does all the talking when we are home.. It was nice for me to give "my view" of what I do!

The second Sunday I was blessed to share with Chris's home church Brookside Wesleyan in the junior church program and also during the morning service.  
It was wonderful to hug, shake hands, and get to see and spend a little time with  these people who faithfully pray and support our family to live in Australia..

The Junior church was really excited because they support our kids! So, they were having fun listening to everything I was saying.   In Australia we pay for our children to go to public school. Even public school is not free.  And, the Junior church at Brookside took that part of our budget on  and their  support to Global Partners helps  fund our kids to attend school.  They help them buy text books, pay their school fees, and  pay for in school activities.

Like in America if  a "science guy" comes to school  and share in the class room most likely the children don't have to pay to attend.. But, in Australia.. our children have to pay a $50 fee each at the beginning of the year.. And, if they don't pay it.. they don't get to participate even if the person is in their own classroom.

Also there are no school buses. So, if our kids have excursion and are leaving the school premises we always have to pay for them to ride a bus that the school has hired for the day. 

There are lot's of little differences. But we are truly blessed by the children at Brookside Wesleyan ! Thank you  for supporting our children and our family.

Pray for Chris and the Kids

Please pray for chris and the three kids as this will be the first time we have ever been in two different countries in 7 years!  Pray that the kids will keep busy and that they will understand why mummy is so far away.  Pray for Chris as he keeps up the church responsibilities as well.

God Knew the Desires of My Heart!

When Chris and I found out my grandma past away we were very saddened. She was in excellent health. But, I was happy in the fact, I knew she was in Heaven.  I was not upset that I couldn't make the funeral I just knew it wasn't possible. But, then I received a phone call that the funeral had been moved.   I then realized I had enough time to get on a plane and be in transit for 36 hours and still get to NY in time.   This was hard for me. Before this moment, I didn't have a choice it was impossible. But, now that I had a choice... I couldn't sleep I just kept wondering what choice I should make.  Chris sent out an email asking our prayer partners to pray that I would feel at peace so far away from all of our family.   And, that night I closed my eyes and I slept. Never in a million years did I expect to read the email I would read in the morning... 

On Monday morning in Australia we received an email from Rev. Pat Jones. His church, Eastern Hills Wesleyan was willing to pay for my trip from Perth to NY! God had created a window of opportunity.  within a few hours I was booked to NYC.  I then rang my sister in Hyde, PA. And, their church booked my flight from JFK to Rochester, NY and within a few minutes it was all completed. I was amazed at how God surprised me in such a way I never expected.  I was in shock. I could barely pack my bags as I couldn't believe it was true.   But, God new the desires of my heart, and the verse below popped into my head over and over as I sat on the plane.

Psalm 37:3-5

New International Version (NIV)

 ³ Trust in the LORD and do good; 

   dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

⁴ Take delight in the LORD,   

 and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 ⁵ Commit your way to the LORD; 

   trust in him and he will do this:

Pray for Melissa's family

Would you plesae pray for Melissa and her family as her grandmother past away on the 30th of December (on our Wedding Anniversary).  She passed away silently in her sleep at 89. But, she is the grandmother Melissa and her family lived with growing up. It is hard because Melissa is so far away. Pray that she will feel comfort during this difficult time.

I do want to give one praise. Melissa and Makayla skyped her grandmother last week, and Makayla played the piano for her and told her lot's of little stories. So, we are thankful for that moment God gave us!

Melissa's grandmother was a Godly woman who love the Lord with all her heart and followed the Master's Ways. She was a strong believe in our work her in Australia. She supported financially and in prayer her daughter Daphne Foster and her husband Bill while they were missionaries here in Australia for 30+ years. And, she passed her baton of love, faithfullness to pray, and support onto our family 8 years ago when we decided to come to Perth,  Australia as Global Partner Missionaries with the Wesleyan Church.

Grandma Wilday will be greatly missed but we know she is in the Presence of our Lord and Saviour! And, we will meet her again, one day  in Heaven.



   

Christmas Eve Service

Tonight we gathered together as a family to remember what Christmas is really about! It was a very special service!  Alot of our church families were away. but, those of us who came together had a lovely time! And, one of my dear friends Monia joined us for the service!

Chris's Birthday

This morning we spoilt chris with bacon, croissants, eggs, mushrooms, and a hearty breakfast! Our friends actually cooked the breakfast while we took our tent down and packed up to head home.  Then we met up with the Hotchkin Family (Asst. D.S. for our district, and spent the evening with all of them having hamburgers at FAB burgers)  Chris works so hard here day in and day out running the Landsdale Community Wesleyan Methodist Church, preaching, teaching, running Bible Studies, ministering to families! He is such a Godly Husband, Dad, and Pastor., And, I am looking forward to MANY more birthdays with him.   Thank you Chris for allowing God to guide, direct, and live through your life to everyone we minister to here in Australia!  We love you!

WE HAVE OUR VISA!!!!

We JUST RECEIVED OUR VISA!!  We are leaving to go camping this morning. But, thought we would check our email one last time before we left... And, there it was... our VISA! 

 We are now free to stay in Australia till November 17th 2013!!!!!!  This gives us an opportunity to turn around and reapply for our Permanent Residency. God is so Good! We have been waiting patiently knowing that whatever God had in store for our family was best! And, he has made it evident once more, we are right in the center of His will. and RIGHT where he wants us to be! Thank you to all our family, friends, prayer partners, and financial supporters for praying through this Visa issue. Our God is Amazing!  

Camping in Busselton

A family we have become friends with for 5 years, invited us a few months ago to camping with them. We quickly said yes, as to we have not been invited to do such a thing before with this family.   They don't attend our church, but their kids do come to Kids Club. Their children are the same age as Dawson and Makayla and we live three houses from each other. But, God is good, we were EXHAUSTED, from the previous week. But, monday we got up, quickly did some laundry, left our house a mess and jumped in the car for a 3 hour drive south to join this family for camping. It was a MUCH needed break for our family, we were at breaking point, but it was also a time for us to really share with this couple what Christmas was really about. The kids took their kids presents and we talked about the greatest present they would ever receive.   I received a Christmas card from my Dear friend the mother of these chidlren that will forever be special. "Dear Melissa,  "You are enriching the lives of our children with your teachings. We are blessed to have you and Chris as our friends!"  This family is close. Keep praying that God will show himself to this family.  One of my prayers in 2012 is that we get to see this family do a Christianity Explained course. 

Tonight was our church Christmas party! What a time to rejoice, because three families joined us for the service. Two of them were families we have brought through Christianity explained this year!  We had a wonderful service and then sat around a christmas tree having dinner and opening presents that we brought as a white elephant gift.   Apparently we have a gift that is going to keep returning, which is just "fun" for me. Growing up at the Avon Wesleyan Church we always had these love lanterns that seemed to always come back to the Christmas party.  Our seems to be a steering wheel spinner. But, Chris and I just are THRILLED with the fact that we are a big enough family now, and that we are all close enough that we can open a present like that and the WHOLE room bust out laughing.   Praise God for families and friends. Chris and I were also able to give out our Christmas gift to the church this year.   Months back we got a really good deal on Hershey's Kisses which are such an American treat. And, so each family got a bag of Hershey's kisses and a note that told them how much we appreciate them.   Merry Christmas!

Piano Lessons

On of the Ways Melissa has been reaching out into the community and building relationships with families is through piano lessons in 2011.  It started off as just a friendly guesture for the neighbour next door, three years ago.  At the beginning of this year, some parents from school were asking for lessons, and by the end of the year Melissa had 12 students and makayla and Dawson taking lessons.   We have built some GREAT relationships with these families, and God is working in their hearts.  Tonight we had  an end of the year recital. It was a special moment for us and all the families. The kids dressed up and each played a christmas song, and a personal song the child selected from their lesson book.  The kids played these songs they had never heard before! O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, O little town of Bethlehem, We three kings, While Shepherds watched their flocks american version) etc..  These children had NEVER heard these songs. But, the words were in their books, and they played them. And, we believe that God has planted seeds in these families. Parents were so proud of their children and it was a very special moment.  A dad who does not come to anything church, did come this evening to the piano recital, and he recorded it, and he was so proud of his son.  This boy was the one who played "O come, O come, Emmanuel". And, a seed was planted in his father's heart.  5 children finished their books and received Medalions for completing different levels, and certificates were given to all those who participated in the year.  Truly a special moment.

Dawson's Birthday

Dawson's Birthday

Today we invited every family from Dawson's class to a local park for an end of year picnic as well to celebrate Dawson's Birthday.   It was a fantastic party. And, Dawson was so happy all day long that he had friends to celebrate it with.  This is a huge leap for Dawson. Last year when we asked him who he wanted to come to his party he didn't list Anybody from his class. He didn't seem to have any friends. This year he is very plentiful of friends, and he seems to have calmed down a bit in the classroom. His report card was good and we are so proud of him. Can't believe he is 6.  Dawson had the choice between a party or a present and he chose a party. So, we had a baseball themed party, which he just adored Chris and I played games with the kids and had such a fantastic time! We may try to throw another picnic over the school holidays it was soooo much fun. And, all the parents stayed and picnicked as well. So, it was just a lovely time for us to get to know parents, chat, and share a moment of our life with all these people, so that we can start to build a relationship with them, and start to draw them to our Saviour. So, glad 6 years ago today, God blessed our family with such a fun, athletic, loving boy!

Landsdale's Got Talent

Today was the last day of school. And 4 weeks ago the school announced they were going to have a talent show on the last day of school. And, that students from yr 1- yr. 7 could participate.   The Kids Club choir is made up of all Landsdale students. So, they asked if they could sing in it.  The school gave a resounding yes. And, so we also let the kindy and preprmary kids sing as well. All kindy and preprimary teachers were very happy to let the kids come over and perform. They did a song called "Decking the halls" from the musical.   It was VERY appropriate and couldn't have gone any better. The chorus reads:
"Put away the books, hide the pencils and the paper,
all the school work, is gonna have to wait til later,
we'll decorate the ceilings, decorate the walls. That's what I call.
Decking the halls.

So, for it being the last day of school we couldn't have selected a better song. The song didn't push "Jesus" either so we wanted to make sure we sang something that would fit nicely without being over the top.

The school PA system didn't work properly so the kids had to sing accapella, (THEY DID AWESOME!), and then an announcement was made at the end of their song. But, their eyes were on me, and they followed and they did so well! The Music teacher at the school was really impressed and came up to me aftewards and had nothing but words of encouragement to give! So, it was a great moment for the first time we have ever done something during school hours.

Just as a side note. Makayla was also selected to play the piano at the talent show. She played "We're off to see the Wizard" and did a fantastic job. We were so proud of her!  She dressed up in a light bue

Helping in Dawson's Classroom
Chris and I spent today at the school helping in Dawson's class room. Something very cool happened!  Dawson was singing one of the kids club songs at school and his 4 friends that come to kids club were singing with him on the playground. So, his teacher asked them to sing it for the class. So, this afternoon we went in for their christmas program for the pre primary kids. And, Dawson and his four friends sang the song for all the parents. They were so cute and very proud of them for being such a great influence at school!

The Light Before Christmas
Tonight was our performance of the musical the light before Christmas. The Kids did a fantastic job! They memorized lines, they sang  6 songs!  The kids were fantastic and this was the first time we have done a musical with this group or anything close to one. We were so proud of them. But, the most important thing about the whole night was that the kids brought the true message of Christmas to their parents.  It was very clear from the beginning of us practicing at the beginning of the term. That the play was not about HOW WELL we did, but about how important it was for us to tell others about Jesus and what he can offer us if we open our hearts and accept Him. I was just so proud of them, they worked really hard to memorize everything.

Carols in the Park!

Carols in the park was a huge success. It was very stressfull as last year we had two people who helped us coordinate it and this year we were on our own. So, we have made a HUGE list of things we are going to get other people to do next year! But, it was a huge success! We had over 400 people at it.  We had community dance troop, and a local school choir sang, as well as our kids club choir, and we put together a band that did Christmas carols. There were some solos and chirstmas minute to win it games. By the end of the night Chris and I were exhausted! But, families came up to us afterwards and boasted about how this was their second year! And, they love it as much as the first, and they would be back the next year! Our Kids Club families and the John Wesley Church came up and helped us and it was a HUGE success!  Not becuase of what we did, but because God was there in control of the whole event!  Thank you to everyone we prayed We still do not have photos yet from the photographer. But, when we do! We will share them!

Please pray continually for the Carols in the Park. Basically I am three days behind and can't catch up because I still have Dawson home ,and I  want to give him all the attention he needs to get better! Pray that I find time to pull everything together as well as Chris does! Pray that Dawson has an incredibly quick recovery!

Dawson has come out of his surgery and is doing incredibly well. He is crying he wants to go home.. And, the nurse said as long as I promised to bring him straight in if there were any dramas then, I could take him home.   So, hopefully he will be alright. He is such a strong trooper! Feel really bad for him right now.. But, atleast he will be able to feel like starting to eat soon again!   He is a bit scared because the place was BUSY all day while we were waiting and now he has come out and no one is there but us him, and a nurse. So, he is just worried that he is still at the hospital!

Dr. has just come in and said that they are all willing to stay over the shift change and they will do his operation tonight! Am a bit scared.. They are taking 5 teeth... not 1! Because they are afraid that if they don't take 5 of them we will be back soon to have to have another one taken out. So, they are going to go on the safe side.  I am a little worried. 5 is alot! and, this could have been prevented if they had done the anaphylatic test a LONG time ago. We possibly could have saved these teeth! Also, worried because we don't have dental coverage... wonder how much this is all going to cost!!!! :(   So, at 7:00 they will take him.

Dawson is in the room prepped and waiting....,  and the anistesiologist has come in and said they made a mistake and we will have to take Dawson home and wait another day.  They booked the Dr, the anistesiologist, but we are booked for the OR TOMORROW!  :(  At this point I am going to do nothing but pray.. Dawson really needs this operation he is in soo much pain, and has basically eaten nothing in 4 days!  Praying that there is a miracle and they take him in. .....

Today we will go for the operation at 2:00pm. I am not that nervous but pray that he is okay with the general anistethic because they STILL have not done the anaphylatic test, so I am just a bit nervous he may have a bad reaction. But, hopefully all will go well.

STILL WAITING
Last night Dawson was in so much pain that he woke up like 8-9 times... So, we were very concerned about him. So, Chris rushed him back to the hospital to see if they could squeeze him in for the operation today.   He just called and said he is on his way back home and they have booked him in for an operation time tomorrow. :)  So, hopefully we can get him feeling better... :)

Please pray for Dawson

Over the weekend Dawson woke up with a really bad tooth ache. I knew it wasn't good. So, we took him to the dentist.  And, because of his allergic reaction in February when they gave him a local anistethic he is not allowed to have anymore work until they do the Anaphylatic test on him at the local children's hospital.  He has been wait listed since FEB for this test!)  So, they had me take him down to the chidren's hospital. At this time they told me they would operate and that they would put him completely under so Dawson and I sat there waiting from 8:00am to 4:30. At this time they sent us home saying they didn't have an opening and that we were waitlisted for an emergency spot if one opens up.  Dawson looked like a chipmunk and had been in serious pain since saturday morning.  and had barely eaten a thing all weekend. :(  The problem with wasting a whole day at the ER also is that we have the carols on Friday night and I have HEAPS of work to do, to prepare for it! :(

Melissa's Birthday

Today was my birthday and I felt very spoilt. I arrived at school to my friends who had flowers, and some gifts to share with me. I felt very spoilt. And, though I am a long way from my family. I felt very loved! I also got to chat with my twin sister for awhle which made my bday perfect! After playgroup a friend of mine picked me up and we went and got our nails done. It was her treat and I have only gotten them done once before... So, it was a special moment for the two of us. After all the pampering.. I taught a piano lesson and then went to dinner at Phil and Karen's! They cooked my favourite, Mexican. It was a LOVELY day! And, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Even though we are so far away from family. God seems to surprise me with exactly the right friends who know how hard it is for me to be away from my family and they seemed to spoil me, enough to distract me from the fact that I do miss my family! On a side note. These friends are people God is calling closer and closer to him. And, although they are just doing an "act" of kindness for me. I know that God has built a relationship between us, and that through my relationship with these ladies... He is going to call them to him! How cool is that! Still can't believe I am another year older!

American Thanksgiving in Australia

We had the wonderful privilege of using thanksgiving to celebrate with the Hotchkins ( a family we spend holidays with here in Australia, they pastor the inner city church) a few days early as well as on Thanksgiving day celebrating it with a group of friends that we are VERY thankful to have here in Australia. We were blessed with a wonderful evening of sharing why we were thankful and it was a great time for us to share with them why we were so greatful for each of them. Some of them come to church and some of them we hope will come in the future. But, the evening was lovely. Everyone helped cook the meal and brought "american" dishes such as corn pudding, mashed potatoes, candied yams, green bean casserole, ham, turkey etc. It was a fantastic evening.

Combined Church Service
Today we had our combined church service.  It was really crazy busy, but it was a wonderful turn out.  we had almost 80 people there and there was representation from 4 churches!   The kids club sang and did a wonderful job!  We had a special guest speaker. Our missionary Kay Fulcher to the Solomon Islands! She is such an inspirational speaker and God used her to touch hearts in our church! Thank you for al you rprayers.  If I can get it to work I will download a video of the kids club kids singing.  

Wesleyan Women Night Out!

Tonight we had our Wesleyan Women's Night out! There were 15 ladies who came together to hear Kay (Our Missionary to the Solomn Islands) speak about the Women of the Solomn Islands. The ladies were inspired and encouraged and it was a great night also t raise some extra money to go towards our camp next year! I will post pictures as soon as I get some from one of the ladies who took them! out of the 15, 8 of the ladies were from the Landsdale church, so I was very excited witht the turn out! :)

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for our Visa.

We have been waiting for the immigration dept. to approve our "Nomination for our position" and for the immigration department to grant us a "briding visa". But, as of today November 16th, we still have not heard anything from them.  Our Visa currently runs out on the 17th at midnight.  After about 20 calls to the immigration department today.. We finally found out that if we had a "receipt" showing we had shipped our application and that it was received we are automatically granted it.   Luckily Chris kept a copy of the visa we mailed.  Because apparently the mail department is about 3-4 weeks behind. So, they may have our application, but according to their "system:" they haven't received it yet.   So, chris ran and photocpied another copy, one nighted it with a tracking number, and hopefully tomorrow we will receive word that they have it!

VISA PHYSICALS FINALIZED!!!!!
Today we FINALLY received our visa physicals back in the mail in an enclosed envelope. Now, we are not allowed to open them, but we do need to forward them onto Sydney with our VISA application today!  Chris's Physical is not with this group.. Because of his diabeties, he needs to have an appt. with a specialist and it is scheduled for next week. So, even though we paid $400 for the immigration department to look at Chris and say he is healthy. He still needs to meet with a specialist to make a final assessment of him, that it is "safe" for him to live here in Australia!   However, we will mail the rest of our physical and  Our application today and it  should get to Sydney in plenty of time!

VISA PHYSICALS!
This morning we will be getting our VISA physicals!   Pray that everything goes well and that when we are finished they HAND us our closed envelopes sealed and ready to go to the Immigration Department. As soon as we have these envelopes Chris and I can put in our Visa Application. And, we think we will be immediately "bridged" until they renew our current one! Please pray this goes smoothly!  God has so much in store here in Australia. And, we are right in the middle of the busiest time for our church! We are preparing for the Christmas Musical, and our Carols by Candlelight in the Park, and Satan is having alot of fun putting up road blocks. Pray for us that we woudl get renewed strength, and energy, and that we would see the VISA problems come to an end quickly.

Dawson's Passport!

Dawson's Passport came in, in 10 DAYS! Which we were very excited about. We were a bit concerned because CHOGM was going on in Perth. CHOGM stand for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. It is a biennial summit meeting of the head of government from all Commonwealth countries. So alot of important people were in Perth. When Chris went into the City to get the passport. He could count 14 police officers from the second he stepped out of the car! So, needless to say Perth, was pretty much under lock down and we were very GRATEFUL they let us still come and collect the passport! God is so good! He has supplied everything so far just in time and just when we needed it!

Adult Night OUT!

Thursday night we had our first adult night out at the church. It was alot of fun. We had 9 adults come out and join us! We went and played laser tag. It was a fun time of bonding and getting to know some people we haven't done anything with before! We played team games, and then boys vs. girls. But, all in all it was a fantastic night for us to get out without our kids. And, it was a time for Chris and I to see if we could get people out for a church event even if their KIDS were not involved. So, we were very happy that 9 of us went out for the firs time! All the adults were raving about it and had alot of fun! so, over all I think it was a success! And, a right foot forward in building relationships with the parents of the kids who attend our kids club, and church tball team!

Permanent Residency Dissapointment

Unfortunately this week we received the news that the "sponsorship" the District applied for to the Australian Embassy was denied! Now, quite commonly the first one is denied. And, it is over a very silly wording in the application. We were said to work for Global Partners but, out contract is with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Australia. And, because the Australian Embassy didn't understand how they work together, the application has been denied for now.

This causes a bit of a problem. In the fact that the VISA we are currently on is only good for two years! Therefore, it runs out on the 17th of November. The National Church, Global Partners, and us are all working together "Hand in Hand" and think we have come up with a solution! :) So, no need to worry, just NEED TO PRAY! We actually haven't lost any sleep over this drama, and are rest assured that God knows what he is doing, and that in all the efforts that have been put in here in Australia, it will all work out, and just bring Glory to God!

Solution: The National church already holds the "SPONSORSHIP" to our VISA, so they on Monday will turn in the nomination of Chris's name. We in the mean time have applied for our Medicals, Police Clearances, and are working on figuring out how to get our FBI clearance from Australia. In the mean time, Dawson's passport expired so we had to make a special trip to the US embassy in the city of Perth, to apply for a new one. Should be here in the next week. Then, also we needed new drivers licenses they had to be valid for the next lot of our visa, and are doing all the bit and bobs on this end! Our life all of a sudden became VERY BUSY!!!

All this to say. the first appt. they could get us in for physicals is the 3rd of November. So, as soon as we have had those we can THEN apply for our VISA! this is all getting very close to the wire. Pray that nothing gets lots and everything arrives on time! It is VERY important this falls into Place..

We have planned our calendars here in Australia right through to January. God has SO much in store for the Landsdale Community Wesleyan Methodist church. We know GOD is BIGGER THAN all f this and it will fall just according to His way! Join us in Praying that this all comes through!

George Family in Australia update video October 2011

We have designed a video you can use in church services or in Sunday school, or view for your own personal viewing. In the following video are some pictures of a "few" of the ministries we currently are doing here in Australia on top of our weekly responsibilities of pastoring the Landsdale Community Wesleyan Church, church plant.

1. Go to http://www.dropbox.com/

2. Either create an account or sign in using ours.
Username: snickergeorge24@msn.com
Password: globalpartners1

3. Open folder titled 'Georges in AUS'

4. Right Click on 'George Update 2011.wmv'
and then go to 'download file'

5. Save to your computer.

If you have any problems let us know and we will try and help you sort it out.

Christianity Explained Course finished!

This past week we finished the Christianity Explained Course! The exciting news is that three of the ladies want to go on and complete the next book, "Belonging" to the Wesleyan church! How exciting is this! We ask you to continue to pray with us for Leanne, Carolina, and Debbie!

KIDS CLUB AWARDS NIGHT
Sunday night was an awesome night for the kids to share what God has been doing in their hearts over the past 10 weeks!

They have studied different ways we can praise and Worship God.
1. Reading our Bibles
2. Praying
3. Tithing
4. Singing
5. in all that we do, day in and out.

They did a short two week session on Honouring our Father and Mother.

and, then we started a series on serving our Family, Friends, and we are going to be going on next term and continuing this study.

Three kids were given an opportunity to share what God has been doing in their hearts.

Dana shared " God wants me to do Little things with Big Love!" And, not do nothing waiting for something "BIG" to come around for me to do.

Nikita shared- That God wants us to Honour our Father and Mother all the time in everything we do, and that we need to share Jesus with them.

Holly shared- That God wants her to Praise and worship him by praying to Him. And, that God cares about everything we do, even the good and the bad days, so we should stop and pray to him and thank him for all the good, and pray for help to face the "bad" things we face.

God is working in these kids lives. They sang three songs for their parents and performed with actions. They did "Let the Praises Ring", Follow you (Hillsong), and Take it all (Hillsong). They did an awesome job and then were rewarded with their badges!

In This picture are all the delegates who flew from Western Australia! How big of a change is this! 4 pastors, Phil's wife Karen, and then delegates from our churches.

District Conference Sept 22-25

This past weekend we had the privilege of participating our district conference. Since Chris and I are the pastors of the church plant here in Western Australia we are required to attend. But, for the first time every our church sent a delegate. And, this is EXCITING! We had a women who is the head of our LAC, Glynis who was willing to come with us. Not only did she come, but she brought her son as well, which was exciting.

To make this weekend work, much planning and organizing had to go into it. School was not out yet in Western Australia so, we needed to leave our kids here, as well as it cost too much money for us to take the kids with us. We had 3 families, and "Auntie Dana" ( The other Australian pastor Perth's daughter) watch the kids over the 72 hours we were in Melbourne.

Thursday night we all went to the airport only to be delayed three hours, while they towed a plane from the international to the domestic airport, because the first plane was not big enough. :) Then we flew 4 hours and landed in Melbourne. (Australia is about the same size as the US). Then we had to be towed in Melbourne because the plane was not parked correctly! :) Then we finally were able to go get a rental car and drive 2 1/2 hours to Phillip Island where the Conference was.

District conference is Different in Australia in the fact that we did Business, on Friday afternoon and evening, then we had a worship service. Business All day Saturday with a worship service at night, and and then on Sunday we had a worship service with ordination service, and then communion. IT was a very busy weekend with heaps of things to be doing.

We actually didn't get any free time this year, as we also voted in a new DS and did some other big pieces of business.

Sunday afternoon when the conference ended, we drove back to the airport and flew home! WE were exhausted, but met lot's of lovely people and were rejoicing with everyone over what God has done in the Southern Australia District.

The Southern Australia District covers all of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and Tasmania! So, the district is over the size of 1/2 the USA!!!! That is why God has called us here to plant churches. In America we get in the car and drive 30 min. to district conference. and we are done and on our way within 4 hours.. Less time than it took us just to arrive where the conference was! God is Amazing, He is working through the South District, and people are being drawn to him here in Australia!