Update - November 11

Hey everyone,just wanted to give a quick update; for the past few weeks the Lord has reminded me repeatedly that not only is He able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Eph3:20), He is willing and He does. It has been so exciting to watch God do what He does; providing finances, fellowship, resources, most of all His presence and power. God's comforting touch, His gracious gifts, and His awesome power has manifested His presence beyond all we could have asked for or even thought of.

We had a great trip to New Zealand. It was incredibly beautiful. We stayed at a ranch in Rotorua with Pastor Scott and his wife Jebraun Clifford. Its about a 3.5hr drive south from Auckland. Mark and Gwen Walsh are also living on the property, Mark is serving as director of the bible college, which is in its first semester. Bill and Joy Welsh, with their daughter Starlin (from the Refuge Calvary Chapel; Huntington Beach, CA) came to minister at a one day church workers conference. They have left NZ for Australia for another conference taking place in Western Aus, Nov 19-22. The ranch itself was amazing; horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens...zip line, swings, confidence course, and its own private secluded lake. We got to go horseback riding, feed the animals, hiking, hot springs, etc... But aside from the natural beauty/fun, all the people at the church (CC Rotorua) and bible college were a wonderful manifestation of God's grace. For me, the fellowship and ministry was the highlight! We returned to Australia drenched in the living water of the Spirit and engulfed by God's love. The kids were also super blessed and had a hard time leaving, especially Nina with the horses. Lastly, be going out of the country and returning our visas have been renewed for another 3 months.

Yesterday I received a phone call from the Sr Minister at St Matthew's Anglican church (in Manly Beach), he's really pushing through their beauracratic red tape to get me hired as their evangelistic coordinator and chaplain. He called to confirm that I'll be at an interview/dinner scheduled with the board of directors, Tuesday night (Nov 16). He's already met with the board and they grilled him with questions about me. Mainly their concerns are doctrinal differences and the fact that we're starting a church yet seeking employment with them. What's interesting (kind of comical) is that the Sr Minister and assistant pastors all want me to get the job, so they're going to prepare me to stand before the board (go over the questions they'll ask me) so I'll pass the test, so to speak. Classic God!!! That said, I'm fully convinced that God's will will be done; if God wants me to work with St Matt's, He'll open the door that no man can open. If He doesn't want me to get the job, He'll close the door that no man can shut. For now, I'm just going along for the ride...we'll see how it turns out?

This Sunday will be the first service for the Refuge. This much I know; I have a music stand for a pulpit, and sandwich board sign to point people to the church, we'll take communion, I know what I'm teaching (John 7:37-38; "if anyone thirst let him come to me and drink..."), and at least one other family will be present (the Andersons). At this point, we're planning to sing accapella or follow a praise CD to praise the Lord with singing. But we know if God will's, He can provide a humble/gifted musician to lead us in singing...we're praying for this. I'm super excited to meet and get started and really looking forward to seeing what God does!We've paid for the use of the community hall for the rest of the year and are securing insurance as we speak, also pray we get our insurance certificate by Friday. Today I have to drive into the city (Sydney) to pick up a printer that is being donated to the church. Driving in the city is scary...please pray it goes smoothly, without any catastrophe's.

Thank you for your prayers and support. May God bless you richly as you serve Him and labor along side us in His work.
Brad, Christy, Malena, Jesse, & Nina Hall