Hope You Had A Happy Easter!!!

Smiths' Ministry Update!

Hey there!  Thanks for walking with us through this journey together. We're excited about the opportunities that God is giving us.

Toowoomba Streets and Lanes Festival Well, our "Story of God" Walk-through experience at Toowoomba's "Streets and Lanes Festival" was received very well this year and I think it was even more successful than last time, though we estimate that about the same number (400+) went through. Many more people interacted with the displays, a number of people tried out our new audio option, and a couple of young people said that they'd like to know more about Jesus.  How great is that!!! We're also able to follow them up.

A number of people filled out feedback cards this year.  A few of the comments we received back were: "Very thought provoking.  Thank you very much." "Excellent. Very meaningful and challenging"  "A powerful, truthful presentation" "The part where I nailed my sin upon the cross, just thinking how Jesus would of felt being on that cross for us is just so intense." This event has proven to be a great opportunity to present a walk-through of God's Story in the public sphere, and we hope it continues. It also has us thinking about other possibilities.

"Story of God" walk-through @ Streets & Lanes Family Life It has been a while since I last wrote for our newsletter, life just seems to happen and before you know it, we are almost halfway through the year.  It has been a good year. At Christmas we spent some time down the Gold Coast at my dad’s house.  It was nice to have some time away.  Hannah has been learning to drive and has finally completed her 100 hours on her log book.  She has her test booked next month.  She bought a car just before Christmas (a manual, as she wants a manual license), it has had a few hiccups, but seems to be going well now. Hannah is now working in another fast food store at Grand Central Shopping Centre, she is getting some work on most Thursday nights and Saturdays. Josh’s schoolwork is improving, whether that is due to him now being on medication or other factors, we don’t know, but we are just thankful for small steps in the right direction. In April, Michael's dad and step mum came to be with the kids, while Michael and I got to go to the Access the Story team retreat in Adelaide.  This was my second time ever away from the kids.  The first time was for 1 night, but in the same town.  This time away was so good.  It was refreshing for us as a couple, and for us in ministry, and I think the kids may have even slightly missed us.  I know I missed them. Michael put his back out a week and a half ago.  This has forced me to start walking to work again.  Thankfully my heart has been coping well, I guess the medication is pretty stable at the moment.  It has been so good, just to have that quiet time admiring the beautiful tree lined streets, as the trees are losing their autumn leaves, I have really enjoyed it. But for the last few days I have had a pretty nasty cold, so have had  some slow days at home. I have become involved in the Children’s ministry at church.  It seems I can’t stay away from that area.  I am looking forward to seeing what God does in this area.  I had a fantastic time at Streets and Lanes Festival. I so enjoyed talking with people, and even had the privilege of praying with one young boy.  God truly blessed us.  I am looking forward to doing many more, and seeing what other similar opportunities God brings along. Ray

Please continue praying for these approaching opportunities: 

Urangan Baptist Church (Hervey Bay) - 28th May Mike has the opportunity to bring a message from God's Word at Urangan Baptist Church on the 28th of this month. Looking forward to catching up with old friends.

Verge2017 There are two VERGE events planned nationally for 2017: VergeSA – Victor Harbor, South Australia – July 8th-11th 2017 VergeQLD – Toowoomba, Queensland – September 16-19 (Hosted at YWAM Toowoomba).  Yes, VERGE is coming to Toowoomba!!!  Bring your community and experience God's Story together like never before, over this four-day event!

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!

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

Serving with ...