G'day from Down Under. I am now finally back in the office after spending two weeks in the bush. (don't worry mom and dad, I didn't see any venemous snakes). It feels good to be back at the church. Last week was a week off. It was great for the first couple of days, but towards the end I got bored. I was ready to do something. Now, though, I'm back in my routine, and time is moving quickly yet again. I can't believe it's only 20 more days until I head back into Sydney. I mean, that's less than 3 weeks. It doesn't seem like I have even been here that long, but the numbers do not lie.

Life is pretty good right now. I was a little bummed out before I left for the bush, and I was pretty bummed out while I was there. What with relatively no contact with the outside world, Rebekah in Guatemala, and no one to really talk to, things got pretty tough. The devil really used this time to attack me, but Christ came through stronger, as ever. It really seems that through this time of trial and affliction, God began to grow fruit in this ministry. Let me explain. While I was out in the bush, I was able to come back on Sunday morning because I got the opportunity to preach. (Yeah, I couldn't believe it either, but yes, I got to preach on Sunday morning). God really gave me a wonderful message to bring about how He uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plans, and WOW did He use it. People all over the church came up and told me how deeply convicted they were by it. Then, I began to see some changes. Steve, the guy that I was staying with, didn't read His Bible at all. He wasn't extremely interested in growing very much, but he had a heart of gold. Well, that night, he got out his Bible after dinner, and said to me, "Andrew, I really don't know much about the Bible, but I want to learn. I really don't even know where to begin. Could you teach me something." That's probably the coolest thing anyone has ever said to me in my life! So, for the next 3 nights I got to sit down with Steve and teach him about the Word. The first night we did an Old Testament overview. The second night we did a New Testament overview. The third night we did a general Bible study on Philipppians 3. It was really awesome to see him grow; to see him eager and hungry for the Word. That's not something that you see very often. Then, on Friday, when Kim and I were riding back to town with Elton, he told me about some of the things that had been happening while I was gone. He said that people had been really motivated by some of the different sermons I had been preaching on the importance of discipleship, God using imperfect people, and being passionate about Christ. He said that leaders were starting to volunteer to help with the youth group, and that the youth were starting to get excited. The youth actually pulled him aside, and told him some things that they wanted to start doing to reach the community. He also said that the kids had started asking about the discipleship program I had mentioned, and they wanted to know I was going to start that. Finally, I thought, I am starting to see some fruit. It gives my heart great joy, even now, to know that something is finally happening. God is finally, and faithfully, beginning to use my weak efforts to bring about change in this ministry.

This movement is what I have been hoping and praying for. And, I am glad that it is working out the way it is. People aren't turning to me. They are turning to God, and they are furthering the ministry done through this congregation. I am joyous that it is working this way because in the end, the ministry that will be done in years to come will not involve me. I am here only for a short time. These people were here before I arrived, and they will be here long after I am gone. I am glad becasue I am only teaching and equipping these people to further their ministry in the future. I am stinkin pumped up about what is starting to happen here. Things are going well.

Thanks to everyone who has been supporting me while I have been gone. Please continue to pray for me and this church. I firmly believe that things would not be happening here without your continued prayers and support. Thanks to my family and friends. Please continue posting. Your encouragement while I am here means more to me than you will ever know. I love all of you guys. Do not worry about me. If you do, only trust in Romans 8:35-39. God is faithful, Christ is loving, and the Spirit is empowering. Trust in that. God bless.

Blessings,

Andrew

Rom. 8:1