Lessons from Being 'Flat Out'

Smiths' Ministry Update!

Thanks for taking the time to read this update.  It’s been a couple of months since our last one and there've been times when a lot has been happening, and times when it's looked like not much has been happening.  God is faithful, and though I often don't get it right, He graciously continues to teach me to walk the way of Jesus in His Story.

Hervey Bay Experiences  As you may remember, Travis Johnson and our family travelled to Hervey Bay at the beginning of September.  Travis and Mike had together prepared an afternoon story experience looking at some of the things Jesus said about Himself, such as "I am the bread of life" and "I am the resurrection and the life."   Around thirty people walked through this experience throughout the afternoon.  Many of these people stayed to enjoy a meal together and hear Travis share the vision of AccessTheStory. We're very grateful to Dale Hansen for allowing us to use the facilities of Glendyne school, for these Saturday events. On Sunday morning we all attended Hervey Bay Bible Church and were encouraged by hearing Travis preach on living out of our relationship as sons (and daughters) of God, through the example of Jesus, whose Identity, Activity and Influence were all based on His Sonship with His Father (Mark 1:11; Mark 1:22; Matt 17:5). That afternoon Bible Church put on a barbecue for all of us, followed by a time where Travis lead the group through ATS's four story 'Rhythms,' giving many a greater understanding of what ATS is all about. Meanwhile us Smiths made our way to Hervey Bay Baptist Church where Mike was given the opportunity to share a little about the trip and about AccessTheStory. One of the highlights during this trip was to be able to reconnect with a number of people in Hervey Bay that we had lost contact with.  Looking forward to more opportunities to serve in Hervey Bay in the future.

Mike - Getting a Healthier Outlook being 'Flat Out' Shortly after returning home from Hervey Bay, I came down with the dreaded 'man flu' and after recovering from that, I managed to put my back out which really had me laying low for a couple of weeks and for some of this time I couldn't do much before I'd have to lie flat out on my back for a number of hours. I have to admit that this time was difficult, partly because I felt that there were things that I should have been doing, but couldn't.  And partly because, at times, I was becoming discouraged as I failed to see the value of what I had been doing. As I struggled with being 'flat out' on my back, I really had to reassess myself, my motives, my actions and my relationship and dependence on God.  It was a reminder that often things are outside our control, but they never take God by surprise and can never stop His purpose being fulfilled. I believe there are times when we all need to stop and reassess.  There are times when we need to intentionally spend time with God and lean on Him, and there are times when, while trusting Him, we need to get on with what He is asking us to do. I admit that there have been times when I should have acted, but didn't. Either I allowed fear to stop me or I failed to see the value of it. Through this time God is graciously giving me greater clarity about what it is He is wanting me to do, and steps I need to be intentionally taking to see this happen, while leaving the results to Him.  He's also helping me to see that everything leading to this point hasn't been wasted, but He is using it as preparation for what's next, and that God has His timing in this as well.  I'm also thankful for the people that God has been using to help in this process. My back has improved and is almost back to normal; and I'm hopeful that my approach to living in Jesus' Story is improving along the way through lessons brought about by this small inconvenience. Mike

Family Life We survived winter.  Yay!  The last few months have had some pretty cold nights here in beautiful Toowoomba. But we survived, and I still love it here.  My fruit trees all seemed to survive as well.  The plums died off to sticks until last week where it finally started to show the tiniest sign of new growth.  Now they have lots of sprouts on them and one even has a little blossom.  I get excited over the smallest things. My heart seems to have improved enough that I am able to carry on a fairly normal life.  I have had to learn that certain pains are just part of life now, and that I know my limits and stop when I have to. Hannah can't believe that there is only 61/2 weeks left of grade 11 and then it will be her final year of school. She has such a kind heart.  She loves children and you will always find her being the Pied Piper at church, either carrying someones baby or having other children in tow. She loves helping in the Sunday School and is looking at studying primary education when she leaves school. Josh's birthday is next Saturday, he is hanging out for a new video game, he on the other hand can't wait for school to finish. I got some exciting news at work.  I am having a reprieve from relieving for a bit and will do a longer stint in our Public Medicine unit.  Last year at church we were doing a "Fruitfulness on the Frontline" series, and I was praying how can I help people who live on the margins. Well my new job will be working with people who really need help, like refugees and people suffering drug addictions.  I am very excited that I will be getting paid to do what I have been longing to do.  Please pray that I would be strong enough and caring enough to handle this new adventure. We enjoyed our trip to Hervey Bay in September, it was really good to catch up with friends and family whom we haven't seen in a while.  Christmas will be upon us before we realise.  Hope you all enjoy your spring.   Love Ray

'Sequel' to Verge Mike and Ray are nearing the end of Sequel, the follow up from Verge that digs deeper into God's Story.  We're finding this helpful as it challenges us to explore further how we fit into His Story.

Young Adults Ministry This opportunity to be part of helping the young adults at our church to discover more of who God is and what His plan is for them, is such a privilege.  It's been great to journey through Peter's story together and plan to finish this by the end of the year.

We’re grateful that you’re continuing to partner with us and we want to say a big “THANK YOU” to each of you.  We couldn't do this without you and your prayers, and we're also very grateful for those who are supporting financially as well!

Your financial support enabled us to travel to South Australia for Verge and to Hervey Bay in September. 😃 

At this stage our support account is still in real need of a boost.  God has always shown Himself faithful to us and we're thankful and excited to see the opportunities that He is opening up for us to be part of His Story impacting more and more lives.  If you'd like to partner with us to see this increase, with either one-off or an ongoing gift then please use this Partnership form.

Blessings,
Mike & Ray

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