The Wood & The Trees

What do you think of when you hear the word rest? Most people would say it’s a good thing we long for and need, but can often feel elusive. Particularly for young families! Life can be so busy and full, that you can’t see the wood for the trees.

This last two months has been a particular challenge for our family to find rest and balance with the ever-changing nature of preparing to move to Melbourne, raising a toddler, and preparing for a baby. But God never said “rest only if it comes easily”. So we have been challenged to be creative, and find the small moments to step back and see God’s goodness and power and acknowledge our limitations.

Later in September Jess travelled to Melbourne for a training course with Wycliffe called Ready Set Thrive, which aims to help families and individuals prepare to thrive spiritually and relationally in the transition to a new environment.

Jess found it helpful to be reminded that delighting and thriving as unique children of God is not something to leave until life settles down, but that there are ways we can do that right now.

Jess found it particularly helpful to consider how the unique way God has made us can shape the way we relate to him. Some of the activities they did were based on Gary Thomas’ book, Sacred Pathways, which you can find here or an audio summary of the ideas here.

And again we have been encouraged by the enthusiasm for partnering with us, and sending us to be part of bringing God’s word to people in their heart language.

FAQ: When do you move?

In our last update, we shared our plans to send Jarod over to Melbourne in October to get started in his role with Wycliffe Australia. This has now been pushed back until January, as we have been given advice to wait until we receive 100% of our financial support before moving. This does mean that our move date is once again more unknown, but we are praying that we will be ready to move in mid-late Jan, depending on when we reach our financial target, and when baby decides to come (due 31st Dec).

God is definitely using this season to challenge us to trust him, and to hold our plans loosely. We are still keen to move, but are seeing the value in having the time and space to finish well in Perth, to prepare for our move, and take the time to prepare to say goodbye. God certainly does know what he is doing!

FAQ: How are our finances going?

If you have been considering financial partnership, but haven’t gotten around to it yet, we would love it if you could either let us know, or click the button below to do it now!

Even if you are not able to give until next year, it helps us to plan for our move if we know what you are considering.

Coming Up:

November (date TBC) – visiting women’s bible study at Providence Bayswater
November (date TBC) – visit Yokine Baptist Church
31^st December – baby Hortin due!
Mid-late January – hopefully moving to Melbourne

Prayer Points:

Thank God for:

• The many opportunities to connect with friends, family, and churches, both old and new.
• For small opportunities to rest, reflect and refresh.
• For our growing team of partners and the progress towards moving to Melbourne.
• For continued health for Jess and the baby.

Please pray:

• Sustained patience and motivation as the preparation and waiting for the baby to arrive and our move to Melbourne still feels far away.
• God to raise up new partners so we can reach 100% by January.
• Wisdom as we prepare to move and that we would say goodbye and leave well.
• Peace and energy for Jess in particular as she approaches the end of the pregnancy.

We are praying for you too!
Please let us know if there are specific things that we can be praying!