Hey there,
It has been a crazy, busy time over the last 12 months, including ongoing health issues for Ray, and also being blessed with a number of ministry opportunities. Over this time we've also seen a change on our local church front, by being involved in the start of a new faith family (Shepherd's Heart), following on from a painful split.We know we haven't done well with keeping this blog up-to-date and have tended to rely on social media and a number of photo updates. While photos may look interesting they haven't provided much explanation. So we're sorry that we haven't regularly kept you informed of what's been happening. Thank you to those who have kept in contact.
Having said that, there are exciting things ahead, so we invite you to continue to journey with us to help see God's Kingdom increase through His Story.
AccessTheStory Changes
AccessTheStory has decided to simplify their support structure, which will mean a change to where our support funds will go in future. Our church (Shepherd's Heart) has agreed to take over the management of these funds.
We are all excited by this change and the way it will free us up for other ministry opportunities going forward.
Though I (Mike) will continue as a voluntary “Agent” of AccessTheStory, from 28th February my role as “Associate Worker” with AccessTheStory will cease to exist. One result of this change is that we will no longer be able to access any support funds received by AccessTheStory after that date.
To honour the desire of all who have supported us, AccessTheStory will release the outstanding funds that have been given to our ATS support account and will transfer them to our new support account with Shepherd’s Heart next month. These and any future funds will be used for the purpose they have been generously given, of enabling us to continue to help others come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.
For more information, you can also see Trav's letter of Commendation that outlines this change.
Travis and Pixi Johnson and family, and the team and tribe around AccessTheStory have had a huge impact on us, our understanding of God and the way we do ministry; and this will continue to shape who we are and the way we seek to help others. We are so grateful to them and look forward to continuing a great partnership with them.
There are exciting times ahead, and we welcome your participation in future endeavours and look forward to what God will do from here. We’re very grateful for your ongoing partnership with us.
If you would like to support us financially, the new account details are:
BSB: 084-938
A/C Name: "Shepherd's Heart"
A/C Number: 36-321-9829
Please include the comment "Mike Smith Support" OR "LifeStory Ministries" on any deposits.
Let us know if you'd like to know more about this change.
We are all excited by this change and the way it will free us up for other ministry opportunities going forward.
Though I (Mike) will continue as a voluntary “Agent” of AccessTheStory, from 28th February my role as “Associate Worker” with AccessTheStory will cease to exist. One result of this change is that we will no longer be able to access any support funds received by AccessTheStory after that date.
To honour the desire of all who have supported us, AccessTheStory will release the outstanding funds that have been given to our ATS support account and will transfer them to our new support account with Shepherd’s Heart next month. These and any future funds will be used for the purpose they have been generously given, of enabling us to continue to help others come to know Jesus and grow in their relationship with Him.
For more information, you can also see Trav's letter of Commendation that outlines this change.
Travis and Pixi Johnson and family, and the team and tribe around AccessTheStory have had a huge impact on us, our understanding of God and the way we do ministry; and this will continue to shape who we are and the way we seek to help others. We are so grateful to them and look forward to continuing a great partnership with them.
There are exciting times ahead, and we welcome your participation in future endeavours and look forward to what God will do from here. We’re very grateful for your ongoing partnership with us.
If you would like to support us financially, the new account details are:
BSB: 084-938
A/C Name: "Shepherd's Heart"
A/C Number: 36-321-9829
Please include the comment "Mike Smith Support" OR "LifeStory Ministries" on any deposits.
Let us know if you'd like to know more about this change.
"LifeStory Ministries" - a Rebranding of our local ministry
With the change to my status with AccessTheStory, and to help facilitate future ministry, Rayleen and I are looking at changing our ministry name to "LifeStory Ministries" with a tagline of "Lives Interwoven in God's Story." More on this in the coming weeks.Everyone's story matters and stories really are powerful, and we really do value AccessTheStory and the things we learned from them. We want to make sure their DNA continues to be a key part of all we do. We believe it is so important to see people grow in their relationship with God through a greater understanding of Him that comes from His great Story - the meta-narrative of Scripture. So we will continue to present the whole Story of God, including through ATS's event "VERGE" and their resource "SEASON," whenever we have the opportunity.
We're also seeing the amazing impact that the stories of people within the Bible can have on those around us here and now. Mike has already been developing and using a couple of series with this focus that use the storying, discovery-based approach of AccessTheStory. One of these looks at Peter (used in a few different contexts) and another looks at Women who met Jesus (being used at Teen Challenge New Life Women's Centre). And there are so many other possibilities.
Public events such as Toowoomba Streets & Lanes and Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festivals have provided unique opportunities to present God's Story in the public space in something akin to an art installation. It's our hope that these opportunities will continue and we're also looking for other similar possibilities in future.
Rayleen's Heart Health
Ray had her heart surgery (ablation) in March last year, but has continued to have other heart-related issues since then. As a result, she has not been able to work since August and doctors are still running tests to work out the best way forward.Medication has been helping a lot with the symptoms, but Ray has had to learn to not overdo anything and to stop and rest when needed. This has been a challenge for Ray who loves to get in and get things done. We appreciate your ongoing prayers for Ray's health and for wisdom for medical staff both at Toowoomba Base Hospital and PA Hospital.
Hannah on Staff with YWAM in Adelaide!!!
After completing YWAM's "Abide" Discipleship Training School (DTS) last year, Hannah believes that God has called her back to Adelaide. She is currently there at YWAM and has been accepted on staff, and she sees this commitment continuing for at least two years.To stay up-to-date with Hannah, check out her blog.
If you'd like to support Hannah, her account details are:
BSB: 638010
A/C: 13858386.
We know she'd greatly appreciate any support. Thank you.
Josh's Schooling
Josh is continuing his schooling at home through Brisbane School of Distance Education. This approach is working very well for Josh and he has settled into grade 11 very well.What Else is Happening???
Toowoomba Streets & Lanes Festival is on again this Easter Saturday and is only a couple of months away. This year we're planning to present God's Story from creation through to the Resurrection, as we did for the first two years.
Rayleen and Mike are continuing to serve at "Bella Sisters" (a ministry of "City Women" to girls aged 11-17). This is a great outreach and support to these girls. Please continue to pray for all those involved in Bella Sisters and City Women.
Would you like to join us? Register Here!
We've involved in a number of other ministry opportunities at Shepherd's Heart, including regularly leading worship through music and Mike preaching every month or so. We're also enjoying running a weekly Youth Study after school at our place and are currently exploring the idea of "Identity", who we are and what influences our understanding of this (both negatively and positively.) Realizing more, how huge an issue this is for young people.
“Most Australian young people can't see the relevance of the Christian narrative, so we are helping Christian communities cultivate learning practice
that enables young people to 'find faith through God's story' - discovering who they truly are and how they fit in God's world.”
that enables young people to 'find faith through God's story' - discovering who they truly are and how they fit in God's world.”
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!
God continues to show Himself faithful to us and we're thankful and excited to see the increasing opportunities that He is opening up for us to see His Story have a greater impact on an increasing number of lives.
Blessings,
Mike & Ray
Serving with ...
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