The thing that thrills me most about prison ministry is that a man incarcerated can be as free, or even more so, than the Christian walking down the street. When men cry out to God with sincere repentance and are saved, they are hungry to know more of their Redeemer. Christian men in prison have a lot of time to seek God. They are reading their Bibles, sharing with others and with their families. In my time ministering in the prison this month, three men received salvation, six men rededicated their lives to Christ and nine were filled with the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord!

These men are bound in the natural sense, but by the grace of God, they are free spiritually! It is humbling to see men in orange jumpsuits, with hands raised, shouting praises to God. They are excited about what God is doing for them and for others! They are receiving answers to their prayers! These men have a deep joy in their hearts because they have found freedom in Christ that no cell can contain! They have hope for a better life when they are released. This is what the Bible is about. It is the love and grace of God that offers freedom to all men and women through Jesus Christ!

 

 

 

 "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

 

  We are firm believers that God doesn't just call individuals but He calls families. Our move to Australia is as much about God's call on our children's lives as our own. They are wholly committed to serving God however He asks them. We feel it's important for children to have opportunity to minister to others. It doesn't make sense to wait until a child becomes an adult and then expect them to do the work of a believer when they have not been trained to do it.

 

We are thankful that our church gives opportunities to children to learn hands-on how to serve God. Our daughters were asked to teach the children's church service and share about Australia and the South Pacific. They were very excited to do so. They did the planning, preparation and prayed about it. When Sunday came, they were bold and confident in sharing what God was doing in their lives and what He has for our family overseas. At one point, as Jessica shared about the number of the unreached in these nations, the tears ran down her face as she said; "People are dying and going to Hell just because people aren't willing or don't care enough to go."

At the end of service, Jessica was led to pray for those children who feel a call to the mission field. It was a precious time for us. What a blessing, as parents, to know that not only are our children a gift to us but that God has gifted them for a purpose. We are excited to watch what God continues to do in and through them!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  We want to thank those of you who partner with us. You are an important part of this ministry! In 1Samuel 30:24, David declared that those who stay behind and guard the supplies have as much spoil, or fruit, of the battle as those who go to fight the battle. This is a good example of partnership. Those who stay at home and give of their supply, have the same spiritual fruit as those who go to the world and preach the gospel. We are asking God for 25 new monthly partners. If you are already giving, please pray with us for this increase in partnership. If you are considering giving, we urge you to pray about what God would have you to do. Don't miss out on the blessing that comes from sowing into the nations!

 

For His Glory,

 

Stephen and Rachel