14 Members updated 07/28/08
The team has returned safely home,
Thank you for praying.
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Saturday—PS—the day of travel!
Thank you for your prayers as we are ALL home safe and sound. But, as with any communication, you always have to have a PS after signing off. Well, we had quite the postscript as we began to travel home.
Blessing #1--Once arriving in Melbourne to await our 12-14 hour flight to LAX, we found out that it was delayed 6 hours due to stopping in Sydney to refuel due to strong head winds on the way over. Once Qantas advised us of the delay, they gave each of us $30 meal vouchers for lunch.
Knowing that Pastor Maldoff would be coming from Mildura to Melbourne later that morning with a group from Murray River Baptist Church to head on their first church missions trip to the Ukraine, we thought that we would surprise them by meeting them at the gate and treat them to lunch with our new found money! We had a wonderful time of fellowship as we ate at Nandos, a spicy chicken place in the airport. Still keeping our eyes and ears open for opportunities to share a word and a tract, I had the opportunity of meeting Chang who took our 'large' $240 order—all on Qantas--and even had $150 left over for snacks!
It was really neat to think that our missions trip to the Murray River Baptist Church helped encourage and fuel them as we would now see them off as they would be flying out first to Singapore, then to Amsterdam to meet two additional church members, and then on to the Ukraine.
Once the flight crew prepped our plane and of course topped off our fuel, we boarded our plane about an hour or two after they left and we headed back across the 'BIG' pond (as they call it).
Blessing #2--Our flight left Melbourne 4:30 pm and arrived in LA 1:30 pm on the same day! To say the least, we were all tired and slept most of the way. Upon arriving at LAX, we knew everyone’s connections had to be rebooked so we stood in line with the rest of the 300+ people from the plane.
We knew this was frustrating for Qantas, so we kept cheerful and upbeat, especially since people were watching us as we stood out wearing our GFBM mission shirts. It was a wonderful blessing to meet Grace’s parents who came up from San Diego and met us all at the airport. After having Grace’s dad who pastors the Mira Mesa Bible Baptist Church pray with us and thank God for His goodness and safety, her parents went and bought us all lunch which we ate while waiting in line. While standing in line, we maintained a great testimony and Michelle had the opportunity to talk with a lady from Australia and give her a tract.
Blessing #3--Once we got up the counter, Qantas mentioned that they would get us wherever we wanted to go at no extra charge. So, instead of routing people back through Pensacola to their final destinations, we sent Seth directly to Chicago, Josh to Dallas, Kari to Huntsville, Sara to Atlanta, and Rick to Elmira. That left six of us going to Pensacola. After the lady informed us that there were only four seats on the next plane to Pensacola and the next flight after that wouldn’t be going out until midnight Sunday, Michelle and I opted out deferring to Tim, Leticia, Meagan, and Mike.
Since seven of our flights would not leave until Sunday, Qantas gave us four hotel room vouchers at the LAX Hilton complete with all meals. Josh went out immediately, but knowing that Kari, Sara, and Rick only had a few hours before their planes went out, we brought them over to our rooms and let them shower and freshen up! The rest of us had to suffer eating at the Hilton dinner buffet—things so fancy we had trouble pronouncing their names—again, ALL on Qantas!
Again, we had a tremendous testimony to even those at the counter and gave a tract. The lady receiving it said that that she was already saved, so I encouraged her to pass it on and share Christ with someone else and she said that she would do so.
Blessing #4—When originally planning for the GFBM missions trip this spring, Michelle and I had really wanted to stop by and visit our former pastor, Pastor Schettler, who pastors the First Baptist Church of Santa Maria about 200 miles north of LA, but knew it wouldn’t work out due to getting everyone back after Australia and it being not financially feasible. Now—we are beside ourselves: the Hilton and all meals covered by Qantas and now having to wait until the Sunday midnight flight—God worked everything out perfectly. So after getting a $36 rental vehicle (actually $46 when Michelle asked if we could upgrade to a convertible)—a PT cruiser of all things—we headed up to and back from Santa Maria (with the top down, of course!) and was a total surprise and blessing to Pastor Schettler and others that we knew!
So, now we’re back from where we started—but completely changed individuals and transformed by what God had did in our hearts through ministering to others and seeing and meeting the need to love as Jesus loved—the first and great commandment to love God by carrying out His commission, and the second is like unto it—to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Praise God for His goodness, His strength, His power to save and change lives, and His care and concern by daily meeting needs and answering prayer. We give Him all the glory, and thank you for your giving and your prayers. Only Heaven will know the eternal dividends that each of you will reap and that will be put on your account.
From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU!
The AUSTRALIA Team
Friday—the final chapter and final update!
As we began the day with devotions, Dr. Cirone challenged the gang about what made Gideon and his men achieve victory over the enemy—it was a group of people that were not first and foremost concerned about their own welfare, but rather it was a group of people “alert” and concerned about the protection and needs of others.
We’ve had such a great trip and God has wrought wonders—no, we haven’t seen hundreds come to Christ, but we have planted hundreds of seeds of love, compassion, care, and concern as we’ve seen life after life touched by our ministry, the saints encouraged, and especially the Maldoff’s enriched in their faith, work, and family. Everything that Pastor Maldoff prayed for was clearly answered and miraculously achieved through God's strength and for His glory. I believe that our testimony has been impeccable and that our hearts have been united together and each task accomplished with fervency—thank God for His goodness and faithfulness and for YOUR prayers!
Today was a day of cleaning, packing, and shopping. We had last minute details to wrap up, such as souvenirs, thank you cards, and purchasing special gifts. While driving down the road, I saw a sign that said, “No Workers Wanted.” and I thought, “Would we ever get to a point that God would tell us ‘No Workers Wanted’ because so many have stepped up to the challenge?”
I think not, as that reminds me of what Jesus said in Luke 10:2 - “The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.” Like America or any other land, Australia has a need for people to show God’s love—who will answer the call? Maybe it will be you, or maybe this trip was to prepare one or more of us to answer His call for missions—but remember, time is running out and we don’t have long. I know that it has greatly impacted each of our lives
Tonight, the GFBM team and members of the Murray River Baptist Church gathered on the boat to sing and share testimonies. Of course, emotions ran high as many shared how that God had touched their lives. We all have had a life-changing experience and would like to say thank you to all of you who prayed and supported us—your efforts have not been in vain and great is your reward. God bless you all as we will be home shortly—pray for safety in travel.
The Australian Team
Thursday—the last day for ministry
This day began bittersweet as we realized that in two days we would be heading home, but more importantly that this day would represent the last day of our scheduled ministry. We asked the Lord for a sense of urgency and headed out into the morning to finish the task with excellence.
In the morning, we spent time working in Pastor and Mrs. Maldoff’s back yard. Their backyard had been taken over by thorn grass/bushes with thorns so sharp that they would puncture through a rubber sandal. Near the end of our work, I was able to learn how to use a Dingo (an Aussie version of a Bobcat) to help smooth out the dirt while the gang laid stone to make behind the shed look aesthetically pleasing. When Miss Christie returned home, she was astounded at how everything turned out!
Because this would be our last day to return to Mildura Christian College with the elementary chapel program and the high school chapel program, they planned a special lunch for us and the school children—sausages and soup. We finished up our final program and both the elementary and secondary kids had a blast as they played games, sang songs, and listened to skits
Most importantly they heard the Bible thoroughly taught each day, and several teens made decisions of commitment to live for God. We will always have special memories about ministering to the wonderful folks at the Mildura Christian College.
Tonight was a special evening as we capped it off with a night cruise on the Coonawarra with Andrew and Bubbles hosting “spuds” and ice cream sundaes for “tea” (a.k.a, dinner). After the evening cruise, we went over to the Maldoffs for a time of fun and fellowship which ended up lasting to around midnight!
We were able to bring and present to them all of the Maldoff “wish list” goodies that each of you generously gave to us. As you would have suspected, they were delighted and VERY thankful!
Today was a great conclusion to a wonderful two weeks of serving the Maldoff’s with whatever they desired us to do. Each day, we would commit the day to the Lord and ask Him for wisdom and strength—each day He would answer that prayer above our wildest expectations.
Tomorrow is our cleaning, packing, and going to town for souvenirs day. Don’t worry, though, as we continue to be on a mission to impact everyone that we meet for the cause of Christ.
The Australia Team
Wednesday—the day of opportunities!
We began the day working at Buronga Primary School, laboring outside lifting brick pavers up, carting them in wheelbarrows, and stacking them in a large shed.
This primary school is where they allow Pastor Maldoff to teach Bible to the children.
The newspaper came out to interview us, and they took pictures of Samantha working. Pastor Maldoff was excited about building goodwill in the community. This was approximately 2 ½ hours of labor intensive work.
Wednesday afternoon found us rushing back to Mildura Christian College with the elementary chapel program and the high school chapel program. The team has been very devoted in planning the 2 hour programs each day. Everyone has been very involved, and it seems to have gone very well.
The children and teens are really opening up. We also have met some wonderful people at the college.
Right after the chapel service, we had one of the church teens and his dad, Joseph and Nick, teach our group the finer points of playing “cricket.”
BUT, even before this we were treated to a special visit to Wilson’s Salvage Yard to watch the car crusher. Don, the owner, and I met each other on our first river cruise and quickly became friends. His lovely wife, Iris, treated us to some delicious oranges.
This evening, we worked with the Kid’s Club and the adult Bible Study at the Murray River Baptist Church. Mike taught for Kid’s Club, Meagan and Seth gave their testimony in the adult Bible study, and Dr. Cirone led the Bible Study using some material from the Joyful Life Curriculum which went very well! We returned back to our boat (home) tired but excited about what God had done both in our lives and in the lives of others throughout the day. Thank you for your continued prayers as you all are making a difference.
Giving it our all through Christ which strengthens us,
The AUSTRALIA Team
In the morning, we all worked together again at Jeff and Sue Pull’s house, helping them pot roses and do other jobs needed for their rose nursery. Ecclesiastes 9:10 was our verse, “Whatsoever our hand findeth to do, do it with thy might...,” and everyone pitched in, got their hands dirty, and did a great job. Before we left, we had prayer for Mrs. Pull’s father who had just been taken to the hospital. Later in the day we heard that the doctors could not understand it, but Mrs. Pull’s father had a dramatic change around the time we prayed together. That was a neat miracle!
In the afternoon, we held a 2-hour chapel service at Mildura Christian College. The word “college” in Australia is what we would consider elementary and high school.
We began by giving our presentation and songs and then divided up. Rick headed up the elementary children’s program with Samantha, Sara Jo, Kari, Leticia, Tim, and Grace working with the elementary children. Mike had taken the helm for the high school students, with Julie, Meagan, Tim, and Seth helping with the teenagers.
The kids had fun playing games...
hearing an object lesson about toothpaste...
and listening to the group sing a special. The chapel service was capped off by Mike preaching and Kari telling the Bible story.These chapel services have been on the heart of Pastor Maldoff because the teens here do not have much Christian influence to live separated lives for the Lord.
In the evening, we went to another wonderful church member’s home, Mary Hender, for a “barbie.” We had Australian sausages, lamb chops, chicken, and KANGAROO on the grill.
While the gang was having a great time, Mary took some of us down to the Mildura Brass Club to join their practice session for about an hour playing our borrowed trombones. It was a wonderful night trying to edify fellow believers, and we were greatly encouraged as well. Much of the evening was also used in preparing for the next day at the Christian school. We have been working hard and going to bed tired each evening. Continue to pray for our spiritual and physical strength.
The AUSTRALIA Team
Today was our official tourist day as Pastor Maldoff scheduled a day to travel about 270 km to Broken Hill which is known as one of the best silver mining towns in the world right in the Outback. We started off traveling at 7:00 am and arrived about 3 hours later.
During our drive, we saw kangaroos, wild goats, and maybe about 20 cars during the entire trip up and back. The drive was so far that we had to fill up our gas tank before going since no other gas stations were in sight for about 250 km. We saw a kangaroo crossing sign--next 220 km--much different from our deer crossing signs--next 5 miles!
Once arriving and visiting the visitors centre, we headed up to the Daydream Mine which is one of the areas oldest silver mines. The drive took us about 15 km out of Broken Hill on good highway, and then the rest of the time (another 15 km) on a desolate dirt road.
Once arriving at the mine, everyone was excited as we prepared for our mine tour. Once the men geared up, we were ready to walk 150-200 ft down into the mine. As we were in one of the mine alcoves, we sang "Love the Lord Your God" to our tour guide which she said that we were the first ones that have ever sang down in the mine--we found out that she was a believer.
After the mine, we went back to Broken Hill and ate lunch at Hungry Jack's--which of course you know as ???? (Burger King). I met Carrie the owner and had an opportunity to talk with her and give her a tract. Once she knew that we were going to The Mint (a souvenir shop in town) to see the Big Picture (a famous Outback panorama picture that took 2 1/2 years to paint), she said to talk with Chris and mention Carrie's name and he'll give us a good deal (which he did).
It was imperative that we leave town no later than 3:30 pm so that we could get back to Wentworth (civilization) before it got dark due to the possibility of hitting a kangaroo. Unfortunately, we left an hour later than we wanted to and hit dusk less than half way into the trip back--not a good situation!! I drove and Pastor Steven and I nearly went bug-eyed watching out for kangaroos. We had a really close call with one darting out right in front of us--but the Lord protected us as we made it safely home.
Even though it was our scheduled fun day, we continue to keep sensitive in reaching others for Christ as we all carried tracts and gave them out as we met various people--whether it was Rae at the Broken Hill Visitors Centre, Carrie at Hungry Jack's, the lady that gave us the tour at the mine, or a bloke I met while filling up diesel at the Petrol station--we've been unrelentless in keeping up with our mission of sharing God's love with all those who cross our paths. Your prayers are being answered and lives are being affected and changed for eternity.
The AUSTRALIA Team
Sunday was a full and exciting day as we met many people and I believe were a great encouragement to them. The day began at Murray River Baptist Church as we became honorary members of the church and joined right in with their program.
Grace, Meagan, and Josh played the prelude, I led the singing, we all performed our GFBM presentation, Mike preached, and Rickie led Junior Church.
It was exciting as we heard great reports and enjoyed great fellowship with the church folk.
After church, Andrew and Bubbles our Coonawarra hosts, "twisted our arms" to take a riverboat cruise with them up the Murray River with them providing a full lunch. It was incredible to say the least. Then Andrew let each one of us take the helm for a bit to help her cruise the Murray.
We got a little nervous when each team member took the wheel, but we all headed for the life jackets and lifeboats when Michelle (Mum) took the wheel!
We had a wonderful and relaxing time, and I told Andrew and Bubbles that if we sent any of these pictures back to GFBM that next year's Australia trip would be cancelled due to a lack of roughing it on the mission field. Thankfully, Andrew did remind me that when we take showers on the boat we DO suffer a bit by using the river water--hot showers, yes--but just plain old river water. So, that made me feel better and trust that it restores confidence in all of you!
After the boat cruise, we finished out the evening by going over to the Mildura Baptist Church where we did our GFBM presentation and Michelle and I were "interviewed" in front of the church (aka--gave our testimonies). We prayed that we would be an encouragement to these folks since they recently went through a church split--I believe we were an encouragement to them!
We had a super day and to God be the glory--for great things He hath done! The group continues to do super well and our bonds grow closer each day! Continue to pray for strength and health as we have one more week carry out our mission of "going forth!"
The AUSTRALIA Team
Good morning--it is now Saturday and with the beautiful sunrise it reminded me that, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Today was our last day of the Holiday Bible Club and we wrapped it up with excitement and anticipation as Pastor Maldoff announced that he would be coming every couple weeks to continue it as a kids club. The kids were excited to say the least!
As they finished the morning, they were able to trade their points in at the prize store and one little boy, Shaun, was happy to win the Grand Prize for bringing the most visitors. The team, along with Pastor Maldoff, was thrilled about how God blessed during the Holiday Bible Club. Many new contacts were developed including several adults such as Bob and Jim who stopped by almost every day to chat.
Once cleaning everything up and returning the Wentworth Town Hall to its original condition, we headed out for some fun by visiting the Wentworth Gaol (Jail) and the Perry Sand Hills. Particularly interesting, the Perry Sand Hills are just massive piles of sand out in the middle of a flat plain and no one knows how they got there (but of course we do!).
Saturday was a full day and when we headed back to the Coonawarra, we were ready to hit the hay! Continue to pray that God blesses our endeavors as we share the gospel with the dear people of Mildura and surrounding communities as well as encourage the saints in their walk with God.
The AUSTRALIA Team
Hello, again, from Aussie Land! Trust that you all are doing well as we are praying for you and miss you. Here's a quick update of how the day went.
The Holiday Bible Club in Wentworth continues to go well. Everyone pitches in and does their ministry well. Above and beyond the stories and verses, there are several people behind the scenes including…
the Registration workers…
Tim as he entertains the children…
all the folks working with crafts…
and of course the people in the kitchen who have been a BIG help! I think the kids really enjoy the food each day and are thankful for it.
Each day, the kids get to turn in their points earned for prizes as the prize table and receive a special balloon as they leave for the day. Today, it was balloon hats and even Pastor Maldoff received one for good behavior (sitting up straight, paying attention, and not talking)!
After the program was finished and we cleaned and set up for the next day, we headed back to Mildura and were treated to a special treat at McDonald's. Once returning to our houseboat, the Coonawarra, to tidy up, we were off to Murray River Baptist Church for a teen night. We had a great time with the teens and really bonded with them as several ministered to them including Josh playing the trombone, Meagan, Leticia, and Seth as they sang a special, with the highlight being, of course, Mike preaching a stirring message from Galatians 5 about being filled with the Spirit.
We had a wonderful day and God really blessed as we give Him the glory for what he continues to do with and through us as we serve in Australia. Even though the phone calls and emails aren't numerous due to the time change and busy schedule, we are thinking about you, love you all, and appreciate your prayers as we make a difference for God as we continue to be a witness for Him in Mildura.
The AUSTRALIA Team
"For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." Hebrews 6:10
Greetings again from the Land Down Under. God continues to bless in and through us as we continue our "labour of love."
Specifically, the Lord continues to work tremendously through the Holiday Bible Club throughout Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Although the numbers have been small by our standards, Pastor Maldoff has been able to meet parents in the Wentworth, Australia area who are excited about this children's ministry that the people at Murray River Baptist Church are planning on continuing once every 2 weeks. Samantha taught the children John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." Some children had never even heard of Jesus before.
On Thursday, Kari gave the Bible lesson about the wonderful gift that God gave to us and how Christ died for our sins and how that we only needed to accept his free gift. We had 3 children accept the Lord as their personal Saviour today. Praise the Lord!
On Wednesday evening, we had the opportunity to minister at Murray River Baptist Church. Sara Jo, Leticia, and Tim gave a puppet show for the children at Kids Club on Wednesday evening.
Kari led singing for the children while most of the group helped out in the kids club that is held while the adults have Bible Study. At the adult Bible study, I gave the Bible lesson and Grace and Josh gave their testimony. Grace was especially touched as she shared a testimony of how when meeting Marietta and Egbert (see GFBM Tuesday update) in the LA airport after our Atlanta flight, Marietta had asked us if we were "more Christian than the other Americans." This statement really touched Grace in a life-changing way and allowed us to share the gospel with Marietta.
On Thursday, we had the opportunity to go over to Jeff and Sue Pull's home (church members of Murray River Baptist Church) to do some work. They own a rose nursery and tea room and needed several things done.
Having a mind to work we all rolled up our sleeves (figuratively speaking since we kept our sleeves down and coats on since it was rather cold!) and went to work accomplishing what they wanted and even more in the time before the sun went down.
Needless to say they were overwhelmed with what was done, and we were rewarded with a wonderful meal and time of fellowship.
We had such a wonderful and relaxing time and even Tim made a new friend--and NO, it wasn't Sara Jo!!!
Thank you for your prayers as God continues to bless our efforts in Australia. Our goal has been to be a blessing to all that we meet and especially the Maldoff family as they serve here in Buronga, New South Wales. Even the children (Sarah, Emily, Abigail) have taken a liking to all of us, but Meagan seems to be their favorite!
The group continues to do well both spiritually and physically as we continue to bond closer and closer each day for the Lord.
God bless you all as we send our love and prayers.
The AUSTRALIA Team
PS: I've finally passed the test as I've learned to drive on the wrong (I mean left) side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side with the stick shift on the left!! So far, so good!
Greetings Family and Friends!
After arriving in Mildura via Melbourne, it was a day of preparations. We knew it was their Winter time -- but thankfully it has been hasn't been that bad, being in the 50s each day. You would be proud to know that each of us did make it through the coldest day of the year the other day. (I think it was maybe in the high 30s.)
Our accommodations are on the Coonawarra, a paddle boat located on the Murray River.
The people who own it, Andrew and Bubbles, are wonderful people and very generous with what God has given them. Pray that we can be a wonderful testimony to them. We now have our schedule down and are over our jet lag. In waking up each morning, we have to suffer through a Cappuccino or two from Tim who has taken on the ministry role of barista!
During the morning, we met Ann, Tony, and Willy who gave us all an overview of the Aborginal culture with Willy finishing out the talk with a little tune on his didjiridoo.
After that, we went up to Wentworth to set up for our Holiday Bible Club (chairs, banners, puppet stage, stories, crafts, etc.). We are using a castle theme and were glad that Seth and Mike were there to protect the fair maiden Samantha and the rest of us.
We finished out the evening by having the church folks come over to the house boat for a church-wide dinner with all the Australian fixings (simply wonderful!).
We praise the Lord for His goodness and blessings--we have truly had a remarkable time already trying to show God's love to the people and share Christ. We have fallen in love with the Murray River Baptist Church folk and they have with us. Thank you for your prayers as we have all bonded together strongly and things continue to go smoothly.
The AUSTRALIA Team
Go Forth Baptist Missions
G'day Mates!
We arrived safely in Mildura on Monday around 1:00 p.m. and in wonderful spirits. The trip over to the "down under" was incredible--here are some of the highlights of the wonderful people that we met and shared God's love with, through conversation and tracts. Let me highlight a few...
1. Marietta and Egbert, Netherlands: While sitting in the Atlanta airport waiting for the LAX connection, everyone got the idea of standing and clapping as a group anytime someone from the military walked by.
Upon reaching LA, a lady (Marietta from the Netherlands) came up to me after we had exited the plane and said that she watched us do that in Atlanta and was wondering why? After explaining to her that we wanted to show respect to those serving in the military, she was impressed and said that she was moved by it, which opened a wonderful door to share the gospel and our purpose for the trip.
2. Ammanuel, Los Angeles: Because Grace is from San Diego, she said that we had to go to In and Out Burger to eat dinner. Hearing that there was one near the airport, I thought we might take a go at it. After asking a police officer's advice, he suggested we might wave down the Parking Spot bus. Maybe we could encourage the driver (i.e. tip) to take us, since a taxi would have been too costly.
Doing exactly that, and after having the bus driver personally meet my wallet's friend, Alexander Hamilton ($10), he took the entire group to In and Out Burger, ate dinner with us, and made sure we were safely brought back to the airport. Of course, we had a great opportunity to share the gospel and make a friend for life.
3. Wyatt Earp, Los Angeles: While at In and Out Burger, Leticia had an opportunity to witness to a 60 year old Muslim man. Kari motioned for me to come over and said that I may want to "rescue" Leticia. I joined in on the conversation on which Leticia had up to that point been doing a wonderful job and holding her own. We both had a great opportunity to witness to him and he thanked us and our group and asked that we pray for him--that he would get to know God.
4. Neville and Tamieka, Australia: After In and Out Burger and waiting for the flight, Michelle, Kari, and I struck up a wonderful conversation with Neville and Tamieka who told us everything we wanted to know about Australia--they quickly became friends and of course, there was another opportunity to share a tract about God's love.
Time does not allow me (especially since I'm paying for it at the Internet cafe) to tell you how Sara Jo, who just graduated from PCC in May '08, met some folks in the Atlanta airport who offered her a job...how Meagan, while turned around talking to a college student on a moving sidewalk, tripped and fell when the sidewalk ended, got her shoe stuck (so we had to turn off the sidewalk), which then opened up an opportunity to share a tract and our purpose for the trip...and the fun stuff like Grace playing roller coaster on a BUMPY flight from Melbourne to Mildura (which cracked all of us up) and Sara Jo being quarantined in customs in Melbourne because she couldn't explain what was in the extra suit case we packed for her with the missionary items....
I can tell you that we are united with a single mind and purpose, and we are excited about what God has for us. The team bond is excellent and the accommodations are unique--a houseboat!
Tomorrow we begin our Holiday Bible Club. Pray that we all continue to give 150%. Over and out until the next time I can get to the cafe!
The AUSTRALIA Team
Go Forth Baptist Missions Australia Team
Missionary Steven Maldoff contacted Go Forth Baptist Missions early this morning with news of the Australia Team's safe arrival. Not only did they arrive safely, but all of their luggage did, too.
All of their trips went very well. They are extremely tired and feeling jet lagged, but after a good night's sleep, they will be ready to go tomorrow.
They wanted to share that while they were travelling, they did have a variety of opportunities to be able to share Christ with others at the airports and on the planes . The group was very excited about the opportunties.
The team is looking forward to what God is going to do. Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for souls and for God's help as they minister with the Maldoff's. The team's desire is to glorify the Lord in everything.