We trust you had a memorable Christmas. We did - officially, it was 111.2 degrees F (44 degrees C)! Whoa. That was intense especially with no air conditioning in our apartment. But we survived!
In all seriousness, it was a special Christmas Eve and Day. We celebrated as a family on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day our school and staff got up early to prepare breakfast for the entire base! It was a lot of fun. We then had a few hours to catch up with our family via the webcam before heading to the corporate base lunch and ginormous gift exchange (involving 300 people).
We also learned that all of the money we needed for this outreach in Feburary and March to Africa (DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya) and Indonesia has come in. We are so blessed and humbled by the generous giving and prayers by all of you (and many here in Perth). You are truly parnners and co-laborers with God and us. Thank you for going with us.
We ask you to continue to pray as the students in our class are still in need of about $800 AUD. Also, please continue to pray for the BELT Seminars to be set up in Indonesia in March. Plaease pray specifically for a reliable contact on the ground to help set these up as we are facing a big challenge in this area.
Have a most joyous New Year! Happy 2008! Crazy to think that for a day we will be living in 2008 while many of you will still be in 2007. That is just weird!
Heaps of love,
Joshua & Sarah
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
financial needs
We are currently still trusting for outreach fees for our outreaches in February. A detailed explanation of where we are going is available upon request, please simply email us as we will not post information on this site. We have seen some money come in, but we are still in need of $2600 by tomorrow to cover this cost. Tomorrow the BSN staff and students are hosting a "Christmas Cafe" to fundraise. Please pray for a stir in generousity as people enjoy cakes, gourmet desserts and music!
We are also praying and trusting the Lord for more monthly financial partnerships. If you are interested in becoming a monthly partner in ministry please let us know. A breakdown of our expenses is available upon request. We are currently living off of 40% of our total monthly budget, and 50% of our total monthly budget goes directly towards outreach fees. - So as you can see, we are in great need.
We are also looking for advocates who are already partnering with us to help facilitate communication and reach more people with the vision of what we are doing in hopes to bring more people 'on board' as partners. If you are interested in being an advocate, please email us and we'd be happy to give you more information.
Thank you so much for your partnership! We appreicate your willingness to seek the Lord in how you would partner with us and for your obedience and cheerful giving.
We are also praying and trusting the Lord for more monthly financial partnerships. If you are interested in becoming a monthly partner in ministry please let us know. A breakdown of our expenses is available upon request. We are currently living off of 40% of our total monthly budget, and 50% of our total monthly budget goes directly towards outreach fees. - So as you can see, we are in great need.
We are also looking for advocates who are already partnering with us to help facilitate communication and reach more people with the vision of what we are doing in hopes to bring more people 'on board' as partners. If you are interested in being an advocate, please email us and we'd be happy to give you more information.
Thank you so much for your partnership! We appreicate your willingness to seek the Lord in how you would partner with us and for your obedience and cheerful giving.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
thanks for your patience & grace
Hey there family, friends, beloved partnerships in ministry! We apologize for our lack of communication. It is our goal to share with you more regularly what God is doing through the BSN & BELT and also what we are learning personally. There seems to be so much (where do we begin????)! We feel we are constantly learning and seeing God move! It is so exciting! The students are doing great and in the words of one of the them, Kuriva, she says, "I feel like I am sitting under a waterfall every day." God is really teaching them so much about His character and the Bible. BELT strategy planning is underway as well... we are narrowing down our next locations.
We plan on making a little video clip and uploading it to our site so you can see us, see where we live and hear first hand about what God is doing. It's our hope to do this before this coming Sunday. Pray for our internet connection (we've had issues) and also for our diligence in getting it done.
We love you all! Thank you for your partnership! Know that God is using your prayers and finances to see Him Glorified. Be blessed!
We plan on making a little video clip and uploading it to our site so you can see us, see where we live and hear first hand about what God is doing. It's our hope to do this before this coming Sunday. Pray for our internet connection (we've had issues) and also for our diligence in getting it done.
We love you all! Thank you for your partnership! Know that God is using your prayers and finances to see Him Glorified. Be blessed!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Happy Birthday Joshua!
It's Josh's birthday on November 11th. Turning how old? You'll have to ask him... but I'll give you a clue... it was the age that Jesus made the ultimate sacrafice for us (thank you Jesus). A big year ahead of Josh as God continues to release him in ministry and his giftings.
We will be leaving for a week long staff retreat on his big day and we are looking forward to it. We'll be just south of Perth, in a town called Fremantle for 6 days.
On Saturday afternoon we'll have a little picnic at the beach, just the two of us! Saturday night we're having Josh's friends over to help celebrate! Perhaps we'll be playing a little 'settlers' and you can gaurentee he'll be sipping coffee and eating the famous aussie cookie, Tim Tams!
I'm sure Josh would love to hear from you so feel free to email him a birthday wish... oh and don't forget we are a day a head down here in the land of Oz!
We will be leaving for a week long staff retreat on his big day and we are looking forward to it. We'll be just south of Perth, in a town called Fremantle for 6 days.
On Saturday afternoon we'll have a little picnic at the beach, just the two of us! Saturday night we're having Josh's friends over to help celebrate! Perhaps we'll be playing a little 'settlers' and you can gaurentee he'll be sipping coffee and eating the famous aussie cookie, Tim Tams!
I'm sure Josh would love to hear from you so feel free to email him a birthday wish... oh and don't forget we are a day a head down here in the land of Oz!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
current prayer requests
1. Adjusting. We landed and are in the full swing of ministry right away and still recovering from travel and getting our home in order and making new friends.
2. Wisdom as we prepare teachings for BSN on the books of Joshua and Judges. Sarah is designing a book overview booklet, pray for speediness and smooth assembly of the project.
3. Wisdom and discernment as we seek God's heart for our involvement with specific projects in the BELT Ministry (Biblical Education and Leadership Training). We are praying over a few countries that we may 'scout' out in February. Pray that we would hear God's voice and leading as we discern time and place.
4. For good health and rest for Sarah and our baby she is carrying (she'll be entering week 12 in a few days).
5. We are trusting for a car (and soon). We have been generously donated money for a car and continue to trust for about $500 more dollars to get something in decent shape and that is safe. Please pray for favor with salesmen and that God would lead us to the perfect fit for our growing family.
2. Wisdom as we prepare teachings for BSN on the books of Joshua and Judges. Sarah is designing a book overview booklet, pray for speediness and smooth assembly of the project.
3. Wisdom and discernment as we seek God's heart for our involvement with specific projects in the BELT Ministry (Biblical Education and Leadership Training). We are praying over a few countries that we may 'scout' out in February. Pray that we would hear God's voice and leading as we discern time and place.
4. For good health and rest for Sarah and our baby she is carrying (she'll be entering week 12 in a few days).
5. We are trusting for a car (and soon). We have been generously donated money for a car and continue to trust for about $500 more dollars to get something in decent shape and that is safe. Please pray for favor with salesmen and that God would lead us to the perfect fit for our growing family.
arrived, getting settled and hitting the ground running
We are so thankful for you and your prayers to our Father! Bless you! We have felt the power of your prayers the past two weeks. We do realize the last time we got a word out was the day we left, so this is a quick note to let you know how we are and that we have arrived okay.
Our trip to Perth was without incident. For the most part, Sarah felt pretty good the most of the trip. Praise God. Even with delayed flights on our US legs, we made every connection on time and had all of our baggage arrive without a problem - whew. We were even literally "ushered" through customs and immigration in Sydney - I think our ginormous amount of luggage was the reason for that.
We can't believe it's almost been two weeks since our arrival. God has blessed us with a quaint one-bedroom flat that overlooks the city skyline of Perth as the sun goes down each evening. We are close to several of our staff and other friends we have gotten to know the past year and a half. It's especially exciting being close to many new mothers and fathers who have just recently had babies at YWAM Perth.
We were given several days to get situated, find furniture (which God multiplied!) and get rested before quickly landing with both feet, running I might add, into the Bible School for the Nations (which started 2 weeks before our arrival). We are busy preparing teachings, discipling students, serving base, beginnng outreaches to Perth, and praying & considering outreach opportunities for Feburary 2008. It's a very exciting time. We also have begun to tour facilities in which to get the health care needed for Sarah and our baby.
We will write more later, but just wanted to let you know how we were getting on. Keep those prayers coming! We think of you often! We will be in touch again soon with a more detailed update. Blessings!
Our trip to Perth was without incident. For the most part, Sarah felt pretty good the most of the trip. Praise God. Even with delayed flights on our US legs, we made every connection on time and had all of our baggage arrive without a problem - whew. We were even literally "ushered" through customs and immigration in Sydney - I think our ginormous amount of luggage was the reason for that.
We can't believe it's almost been two weeks since our arrival. God has blessed us with a quaint one-bedroom flat that overlooks the city skyline of Perth as the sun goes down each evening. We are close to several of our staff and other friends we have gotten to know the past year and a half. It's especially exciting being close to many new mothers and fathers who have just recently had babies at YWAM Perth.
We were given several days to get situated, find furniture (which God multiplied!) and get rested before quickly landing with both feet, running I might add, into the Bible School for the Nations (which started 2 weeks before our arrival). We are busy preparing teachings, discipling students, serving base, beginnng outreaches to Perth, and praying & considering outreach opportunities for Feburary 2008. It's a very exciting time. We also have begun to tour facilities in which to get the health care needed for Sarah and our baby.
We will write more later, but just wanted to let you know how we were getting on. Keep those prayers coming! We think of you often! We will be in touch again soon with a more detailed update. Blessings!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
current prayer requests
1. Safe and smooth travel. We are trusting for Sarah to feel great and for her to get plenty of rest. We will be traveling for just over 36 hours begining at 3:55pm central time on the 17th.
2. Pray for smooth transition into Perth. That God's grace and strenth would be ever so abundant as we 'hit the ground running'. Pray against anxiety, and that the peace of the Lord would rule in us as we beging working.
4. Let God lead you... there are probably many things he may lay on your heart for us and the ministry... thanks!!!!!!
2. Pray for smooth transition into Perth. That God's grace and strenth would be ever so abundant as we 'hit the ground running'. Pray against anxiety, and that the peace of the Lord would rule in us as we beging working.
4. Let God lead you... there are probably many things he may lay on your heart for us and the ministry... thanks!!!!!!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
what's new?
Finance Udpate
We are short just $250 (per month) of reaching 40% of our monthly budget. Due to expensive and limited fairs we have been advised to book our tickets to Perth.
We will be leaving on Wednesday, October 17th! Please pray for the remaining $250 to be committed before we leave.
Bible School for the Nations (BSN) Has Started
Please pray for us and the rest of the staff for wisdom as we begin teaching and planning for each lecture. The students are excited and are off to a great start learning about World Views this week! Pray for the students, that they get off to a great start!
Biblical Education and Leadership Training (BELT) Strategy
We have been to pray through the list of 28 countries that want BELT to come! It's quite exciting because there are many open doors. The harvest is plenty! So many nations are hungry and thirsty for the Word and to see change in their communities. Our first BELT outreach will consist of a handful of teams going into a few nations in February. Planning is underway, as we discern where we will go.
We are short just $250 (per month) of reaching 40% of our monthly budget. Due to expensive and limited fairs we have been advised to book our tickets to Perth.
We will be leaving on Wednesday, October 17th! Please pray for the remaining $250 to be committed before we leave.
Bible School for the Nations (BSN) Has Started
Please pray for us and the rest of the staff for wisdom as we begin teaching and planning for each lecture. The students are excited and are off to a great start learning about World Views this week! Pray for the students, that they get off to a great start!
Biblical Education and Leadership Training (BELT) Strategy
We have been to pray through the list of 28 countries that want BELT to come! It's quite exciting because there are many open doors. The harvest is plenty! So many nations are hungry and thirsty for the Word and to see change in their communities. Our first BELT outreach will consist of a handful of teams going into a few nations in February. Planning is underway, as we discern where we will go.
current prayer requests
1. Inimacy with the Lord every day.
2. Quality time with parents before we leave.
3. Rest and good physical health (espeically for Sarah).
4. More finances. We need another $250 committed each month to reach 40% of our monthly goal.
5. Stand with us in praise for all that God has done!
2. Quality time with parents before we leave.
3. Rest and good physical health (espeically for Sarah).
4. More finances. We need another $250 committed each month to reach 40% of our monthly goal.
5. Stand with us in praise for all that God has done!
Monday, October 1, 2007
visa and financial update
We are happy to report that yesterday our Visas were approved! Praise the Lord! Thank you to all of you who have prayed for this. We did not need additional screening. We can leave as soon we have enough money!
We are still in great need of monthly financial partnerships. We are thankful for the 22% that has been pledged as of today, and we continue to trust for at least 40% before we can leave. The Bible School begins on October 7th - this coming Sunday.
We are full of praise to report that we now have 90% of our moving budget! Thank you to all of you who have contributed. Please continue to pray for the additional 10%!
If you can be a part of a monthly or quaterly partnership please contact us.
We are still in great need of monthly financial partnerships. We are thankful for the 22% that has been pledged as of today, and we continue to trust for at least 40% before we can leave. The Bible School begins on October 7th - this coming Sunday.
We are full of praise to report that we now have 90% of our moving budget! Thank you to all of you who have contributed. Please continue to pray for the additional 10%!
If you can be a part of a monthly or quaterly partnership please contact us.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
current prayer requests
1. Pray for timely visa approval with no additional screening.
2. Pray for more monthly financial partnerships and praise God for the people who have already partnered with us. We have 17% of our $3800 monthly partnership goal. We are comfortable leaving once we reach 40%. We have 90% of our moving funds (enough to buy tickets, yeah!).
3. Pray for local church partnerships. We are currently waiting to hear back from three churches.
4. Pray for more prayer partnerships.
5. Pray for good, quality time with family & loved ones before we leave.
6. Pray that God would hold great flights for us as we wait for finances and our visas to come through.
7. We are beginning to work for the ministry even though we are here in America. Please pray for us as we prepare teachings and strategize for the BELT ministry.
2. Pray for more monthly financial partnerships and praise God for the people who have already partnered with us. We have 17% of our $3800 monthly partnership goal. We are comfortable leaving once we reach 40%. We have 90% of our moving funds (enough to buy tickets, yeah!).
3. Pray for local church partnerships. We are currently waiting to hear back from three churches.
4. Pray for more prayer partnerships.
5. Pray for good, quality time with family & loved ones before we leave.
6. Pray that God would hold great flights for us as we wait for finances and our visas to come through.
7. We are beginning to work for the ministry even though we are here in America. Please pray for us as we prepare teachings and strategize for the BELT ministry.
Monday, September 24, 2007
financial update
We are full of praise to report that we now have 90% of our moving budget! Thank you to all of you who have contributed. Please continue to pray for the additional 10%!
We are still in great need of monthly financial partnerships. We are thankful for the 12% that has been pledged, and we continue to trust for at least 40% before we can leave. The Bible School begins on October 7th.
Please pray for monthly financial partnerships. If you would like to be a part of a monthly or quaterly partnership please contact us.
We are still in great need of monthly financial partnerships. We are thankful for the 12% that has been pledged, and we continue to trust for at least 40% before we can leave. The Bible School begins on October 7th.
Please pray for monthly financial partnerships. If you would like to be a part of a monthly or quaterly partnership please contact us.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
current prayer requests
1. Pray for timely visa approval with no additional screening.
2. Pray for more monthly financial partnerships. We have 11% of our $3800 monthly partnership goal. We are comfortable leaving once we reach 40%. We have 42% of our moving funds.
3. Pray for local church partnerships. We are currently waiting to hear back from three churches.
4. Pray for more prayer partnerships.
5. Pray for good, quality time with family & loved ones before we leave.
6. Pray that God would hold great flights for us as we wait for finances and our visas to come through.
7. Pray for the BSN staff as we undergo preparations for BSN to start on October 7th.
2. Pray for more monthly financial partnerships. We have 11% of our $3800 monthly partnership goal. We are comfortable leaving once we reach 40%. We have 42% of our moving funds.
3. Pray for local church partnerships. We are currently waiting to hear back from three churches.
4. Pray for more prayer partnerships.
5. Pray for good, quality time with family & loved ones before we leave.
6. Pray that God would hold great flights for us as we wait for finances and our visas to come through.
7. Pray for the BSN staff as we undergo preparations for BSN to start on October 7th.
Monday, September 3, 2007
current news: visa applications
We are currently in the process of applying for temporary resisdence/special programs visas within Australia. These visas can take a considerable amount of time to process. Please join us in prayer that we find favor with the Australian Embassy and that our applications require NO additional screening. We hope to be in Australia during the beginning of October.
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