Increasing Opportunities

Smiths' Ministry Update!

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

Urangan Baptist Church (Hervey Bay) - 28th May Mike and Hannah visited Hervey Bay a few weekend ago, and Mike had the privilege of speaking at Urangan Baptist Church. Thanks to Pastor Sam Yerro for this opportunity.  It was great to catch up with you and other old friends and to meet some new faces.  Hannah also appreciated the time to practice her driving, going the distance both there and back.

Toowoomba Chronicle's 'Wednesday Sermon' Mike has been added to the roster to contribute an article to Toowoomba Chronicle's weekly 'Wednesday Sermon' and his first article, titles "God's story leads to redemption," was published on 7th June.  This is a nice opportunity to have an input into the lives of the Chronicle readers.

Changing Roles Since starting in my role as a support worker in my secular job, I've always known that it would be temporary and that God is leading me to increased ministry with Access The Story.  My involvement with ATS is voluntary right now.  The hope is to transition to part-time and eventually full-time work in this faith-based ministry. Over the last several months we've had a growing sense that the next phase is fast approaching, and this has recently been confirmed with my employer informing me that my contract will not be renewed beyond the end of this month.  My last day in that role will be 29th June. Ray and I are convinced that God is in the timing of this and we're excited to be looking ahead at the approaching opportunities for ministry.  This change will mean less immediate income, though allow for more purposeful focus on seeking increased financial support to allow the impact of this ministry to increase. If you believe God is prompting you to partner with us in this way, you can do so through our Partnership Form. Throughout this whole journey, we have continued to be amazed at God's faithful provision, and we're grateful to all who are supporting us through prayer, encouragement and financial contributions. Thank you. We can't do this without you.

Family Life We're celebrating 25 years of marriage this week, and so Ray and I took a few nights away at a nice and relaxing B&B out of town. Looking forward to what God has for us next. Hannah went for her driver's license on Monday and will tell you that she no longer has her 'Loser' plates, but instead has 'freedom.'  It's making us feel older, having a daughter who can now drive by herself. Josh is enjoying the school holidays. He loves to try out new recipes for a meal or snack and is quite the baker and cook.  Here's a pic of the first loaf he cooked by himself. They're both growing up so fast. Mike

Please continue praying for these approaching opportunities: 

'SEASON' for Teen Challenge!!!  Again! :) Teen Challenge have invited me back to facilitate 'SEASON' for a second time, now for the residents at their New Life Men's Centre in Toowoomba. This will run each Monday and Tuesday morning for 3½ weeks throughout July.   Please pray that God really uses this so that we see an amazing impact on the lives of these men.

Call to Help a local Minister reach Toowoomba Students Mike has been contacted by a local minister who is asking if we can help him with an opportunity he's received to share the Christian faith with a number of students in late August.  Discussions are still underway and details being sorted out.  Please pray for God's guidance and that the outcome is positive for all involved.

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!

“Most Australians aren’t engaged by the Bible, so we have developed a suite of tools that help people access the Story of God in a way that brings clarity to who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.”

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!

Blessings,
Mike & Ray

Serving with ...