Hey Everyone, hope you’re looking forward to Christmas and preparing for the new year. A lot of things have developed over the past couple of months, much to inform you of.
I’ll start with the Envision Australia church workers conference that took place (Nov 30 – Dec 3). We held the event at St Matthews Church in Manly (where I work part time). The main speakers were Brian Brodersen, Bill Welsh, Pete Nelsen, and Chris McCarick. Leading worship was Scott Cunningham and Shannon Quintana, with special music by Steve Grace. I had the unexpected pleasure of MC’ing the event and had a lot of fun doing it. The conference was amazing on so many levels!
Personally because the Lord gave me clarity and confirmation about where we’re at and what we’re doing….…In Acts 16:6-15 Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia pleading with him to come and help them. Paul then left Troas and traveled to Macedonia at the invitation of this unknown man. He arrived first in Philippi and found a group of women by the riverside praying on the Sabbath. After Paul spoke to the women (presumably he spoke of Jesus and the meaning of the cross), he baptized Lydia and her household and the church in Philippi was birthed. This is what spoke to me; it was the invitation of a man that got Paul to Macedonia but God lead him to a group of women to minister to and work with. Had Paul been so rigid as to say “I came to find the man in my vision, this is where I must start” he would have missed what God wanted him to do.We went to Australia because God called us to “go” and He confirmed this calling by a number of things, most importantly by His Word. But what got us thinking of Australia in the first place was the invitation of my good friend Greg (a man asking us to come and help…to start a church). It’s become clear this is not where the Lord would have us getting started; i.e. planting the church we’ve been trying to get started over the past year. As I mentioned in our previous newsletter when we decided to let go of ‘the refuge’ we immediately got involved with Christian Surfers in Manly, a group of people who had been praying by the riverside, so to speak.
So this is where we’re at and what’s going on:
Our Christian Surfers group has been meeting every Wednesday morning to pray since October and we’ve been meeting once a month on a Friday night for a meal and to discuss our vision, giftings, and godly desires for the community. We’re a core group of about 10 people. For 2012 we’re planning to start a community bible study at the beach, or a non-church building environment. We’re hoping to start bible studies in February, our next team meeting is 6 January.
We’re currently preparing for a week of outreach to the surf community during the Australian Open (a WCT pro surf contest being held Feb 11-19). On Thursday, 16 Feb we’ll show a Christian surf film at St Matthews Church and conclude with the gospel message; On Friday we’re doing a Christian concert with an evangelistic message; On Saturday we’ll show the movie ‘Soul Surfer’ with Bethany Hamilton being present to share her testimony. During the days of the contest we’ll be working with the ASP Tour chaplain to serve the contest/community in any way we can. In addition, we’re working together with World Vision since Bethany is an ambassador for them. WV is planning to do an environment/poverty awareness segment that features Bethany as the draw. WV decided to invite Tony Abbott to the event (he is the opposition leader to the current Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and possibly Australia’s next PM), but they put the invitation on Christian Surfers letterhead and signed “my” name as the one inviting him. So the Tony camp responded to me and said “he’s very interested in attending and will confirm soon.” Isn’t that crazy??? Maybe I’ll get a picture!!!!
I’m currently putting together a 6wk evangelistic course which we’ll run twice this coming year at St Matthews. And we’re planning to do a monthly outreach night called “Alive” (Friday 16 Feb is our first one). We’re planning to have rockin music, special guests, always with an evangelistic message. In the international group, though there’s a constant flow of people coming and going (it’s the nature of Manly), aside from the regulars who attend there’s one Chinese gal that recently gave her life to Christ and she can’t get enough of the Word or fellowship, Christy gave her the BIble Bus reading schedule and she's set out to read the bible in a year. She lives about an hour and a half from Manly and has to travel by train, bus, then ferry to get here but she comes a couple times a week. Her name is Jun.Also, God has raised up two ladies to start and run free Conversational English courses at St Matts which will allow participants the opportunity to attend our international bible study. This is an answer to prayer since there are approximately 6 million visitors a year to Manly, many of which speak English as a second language.
The founder of ICMS (the college where I’m chaplain) is arranging for me to write a regular column in the student newsletter (a 250 word spiritual tidbit to encourage people), he’s also looking into to providing a more visible platform for our Living Water group on the website and on campus. Keep in mind, this is a secular college…this is huge!
Every year the faculty at our kids school has a week long conference to prep for the new year, this year it takes place 23-27 January. God has opened the door for me to teach devotions each morning. Really looking forward to this!!
Christy is still working in the maintenance department at the kids school and getting to know her colleagues better as time goes on. She meets with a number of ladies for various things; a book reading club, women’s bible study and fellowship gatherings. All the ladies she meets with are from a variety of churches and Lord continues to give her opportunities to be a shining light for Jesus. Christy and the girls are excited about a monthly Christian Surfers meeting for girls and getting involved with CS as well. Its awesome that our whole family is able to get involved with CS, super stoked about this.
Malena is praying/considering college options for next year. Since US universities have certain stipulations for entry and the classes offered in Australia don’t always match up there are a number of challenges. Please pray with us regarding Malena’s education. She's had a number of opportunities to stand for Jesus and encourage her peers in the Lord.
Jesse will be entering year 9. At the moment his arm is in a cast, broken wrist from playing basketball. He's also taken an interest in fishing and has been wetting a line every chance he gets.
Nina is going into year 6 and doing well, she’s made a number of friends over the past year. She's also started surfing and is getting comfortable out in the water, soon she'll be pulling in to 6ft barrells. The kids are still homesick at times, but pressing on in the Lord.
Our current lease on the home we’re renting expires 8 February and since the Lord has us being involved primarily in the Manly community we’re hoping to move closer to Manly in Feb. Right now we live about 30 minutes from Manly.
We continue to covet your prayers and are so blessed for those of you who partner with us in prayer, this means a lot!! There are ups and downs, hills and valleys…adjusting to Aussie life has been challenging and not easy. But its been good. A big issue is settling into a home, we’ve moved 5 times over the past year and we’d like to setting down in a place for awhile. Spiritual warfare here is very mental (as opposed to external attacks), fiery darts, emotional struggles, thought life….these areas seem to be the devils playground. Again, we truly covet your prayers.
As you’re praying, if God leads you to want to support us financially there are two options for doing so:
1. If by credit card you can do so by going to:
https://www.easytithe.com/f/?k=6SSHN0DEHB4KG6DH
Under the ‘Missionary Name/Code’ prompt you’ll find us listed as “Hall, Brad”
2. If by check:
a. Make checks out to: Calvary Chapel, in the memo note: “Brad and Christy Hall.”
b. Mail checks to: Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Attn: accounting3800 FairviewSanta Ana, CA 92704
May God richly bless you this Christmas and in the New Year.
Love in Jesus,The Halls (Brad, Christy, Malena, Jesse, Nina)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
22 October update
G’day everyone,
Been a little while since our last update but we’ve been waiting on the Lord for confirmation before giving a report. We’re excited about recent events and looking forward to seeing how things play out.
I have taken on the role as Missions Coordinator for Christian Surfers in Manly Beach. In so doing we’ve decided to put our Saturday night bible studies on hold until the Lord says otherwise. Christy and the kids are all excited about this new venture with Christian Surfers and looking forward to jumping in and getting involved. We’re starting with a leadership core of about 7-10 people and we’ve decided, for now, to meet at 6:30am Wednesday mornings for prayer and surf, and the 1st and 3rd Friday night for bible study, fellowship, and inviting newcomers. Though we plan to get active with various outreach events, we felt it best to lay the foundation in prayer and the word, then see how the Lord leads in reaching out. Being employed at St Matthews Church in Manly provides a meeting location for future CS events and gatherings which we plan to utilize as the Lord leads.
Aside from Christian Surfers, I was invited to teach devotions to the faculty at the kids’ school. I shared with the staff/teachers yesterday and will again next month. I’ve also agreed to teach bible studies at a local public school (Barrenjoey High School) to year 9 students. This Thursday will be my first time and each Thursday following through the end of the school year. Since we’ve been increasingly burdened for the youth here, I’m really excited about this opportunity and hoping also to start up a youth meeting with Christian Surfers. I’ll keep you posted on when/if this develops.
For those who don’t know, Christy was hired by Covenant Christian School (where our kids attend) to help in the maintenance department, creating procedural manuals and helping organize the department. She works two days a week, this has been a great help financially as well as meeting new people and establishing relationships.
The kids have started Term 4 of their school year and will be finishing up the year at the beginning of December. For Malena, year 12 starts at the beginning of Term 4…so she’s a senior! And her entire 12th year is spent preparing for HSC testing (similar to SAT’s). It’s definitely a different system to what we’re used to in the States. Malena is considering college options for next year…a lot to consider; USA, Australia, Europe??? Her knee is healing up nicely, please continue praying for her recovery…she’s hoping to be cleared by the doctor to start practicing soccer again. Jesse is integrating well at school, playing rugby all the time, coming home with bumps, bruises and all kinds of new Aussie slang. Nina’s made a bunch of friends from school and is very active in school sports (soccer, eagle tag, and periodic biathlon).
The weather is finally warming up, summer is here!!!! We’re heading out to the beach today to meet up with some friends, maybe have some fish n chips! Tomorrow, October 23, Christy and I will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. Praise the Lord!
Thank you for your prayers and support, we’re so blessed to be partnering with you all in the work God is doing here in the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Love, the Halls
PS; lastly, as you pray if you sense God leading you to support us financially and you’d like to partner with us in God's work in Australia, you can do so by sending donations to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. You can do so either by check or credit card (via Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Website. Following are the procedures:
A. By check:
1. Make checks out to: Calvary Chapel, in the memo note: "Brad and Christy Hall."
2. Mail checks to: Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Attn: accounting
3800 Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92704
B. By credit card:
1. Go to: https://www.easytithe.com/f/?k=6SSHN0DEHB4KG6DH
2. In drop down menu look up “Hall, Brad” and fill in rest of your details.
Been a little while since our last update but we’ve been waiting on the Lord for confirmation before giving a report. We’re excited about recent events and looking forward to seeing how things play out.
I have taken on the role as Missions Coordinator for Christian Surfers in Manly Beach. In so doing we’ve decided to put our Saturday night bible studies on hold until the Lord says otherwise. Christy and the kids are all excited about this new venture with Christian Surfers and looking forward to jumping in and getting involved. We’re starting with a leadership core of about 7-10 people and we’ve decided, for now, to meet at 6:30am Wednesday mornings for prayer and surf, and the 1st and 3rd Friday night for bible study, fellowship, and inviting newcomers. Though we plan to get active with various outreach events, we felt it best to lay the foundation in prayer and the word, then see how the Lord leads in reaching out. Being employed at St Matthews Church in Manly provides a meeting location for future CS events and gatherings which we plan to utilize as the Lord leads.
Aside from Christian Surfers, I was invited to teach devotions to the faculty at the kids’ school. I shared with the staff/teachers yesterday and will again next month. I’ve also agreed to teach bible studies at a local public school (Barrenjoey High School) to year 9 students. This Thursday will be my first time and each Thursday following through the end of the school year. Since we’ve been increasingly burdened for the youth here, I’m really excited about this opportunity and hoping also to start up a youth meeting with Christian Surfers. I’ll keep you posted on when/if this develops.
For those who don’t know, Christy was hired by Covenant Christian School (where our kids attend) to help in the maintenance department, creating procedural manuals and helping organize the department. She works two days a week, this has been a great help financially as well as meeting new people and establishing relationships.
The kids have started Term 4 of their school year and will be finishing up the year at the beginning of December. For Malena, year 12 starts at the beginning of Term 4…so she’s a senior! And her entire 12th year is spent preparing for HSC testing (similar to SAT’s). It’s definitely a different system to what we’re used to in the States. Malena is considering college options for next year…a lot to consider; USA, Australia, Europe??? Her knee is healing up nicely, please continue praying for her recovery…she’s hoping to be cleared by the doctor to start practicing soccer again. Jesse is integrating well at school, playing rugby all the time, coming home with bumps, bruises and all kinds of new Aussie slang. Nina’s made a bunch of friends from school and is very active in school sports (soccer, eagle tag, and periodic biathlon).
The weather is finally warming up, summer is here!!!! We’re heading out to the beach today to meet up with some friends, maybe have some fish n chips! Tomorrow, October 23, Christy and I will be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary. Praise the Lord!
Thank you for your prayers and support, we’re so blessed to be partnering with you all in the work God is doing here in the Northern Beaches of Sydney.
Love, the Halls
PS; lastly, as you pray if you sense God leading you to support us financially and you’d like to partner with us in God's work in Australia, you can do so by sending donations to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. You can do so either by check or credit card (via Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa Website. Following are the procedures:
A. By check:
1. Make checks out to: Calvary Chapel, in the memo note: "Brad and Christy Hall."
2. Mail checks to: Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Attn: accounting
3800 Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92704
B. By credit card:
1. Go to: https://www.easytithe.com/f/?k=6SSHN0DEHB4KG6DH
2. In drop down menu look up “Hall, Brad” and fill in rest of your details.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Update - May 15
Good day everyone,
Its been a little while since our last update, there’s a few things to follow up on…
Things have settled down a bit since Easter, Movie night outreach, and the New Zealand bible college team were here. As mentioned in a previous update, though we had a great turn out for our Easter service, we haven’t seen any folks returning. I’m told this is typical for Australia. We’re praying that the seeds planted in people’s hearts will sprout and grow, drawing them to Jesus.
Last weekend we showed “Beyond the Dream” the Joey Buran story. It’s the story of a professional surfer achieving his dreams only to be found empty and still wanting…until he met Jesus and was transformed to become a preacher. There was a group that came from Christian Surfers and a few others as well. Greg Anderson shared his testimony after the film. Similar to Easter, believers were encouraged and seeds were planted.
The team (of 7) from New Zealand shared their time with us and the Reddens over a week (for those who don’t know, the Reddens are friends who are also ministering in the Northern Beaches). The team did a letter drop box in Mona Vale, leaving about 2000 fliers for the church in people’s letter box’s. They also scoured the beaches and invited people to the movie night. But for us, the greatest blessing was hanging out with each other. We really enjoyed the fellowship.
As of now, we’re still four families meeting on Saturday nights. But we’ve all had many opportunities to share with people throughout the community; Christy is meeting and talking with ladies at the kids school, frequently inviting people to church. I’ve had conversations with people as well, so has the Fisher’s, the Anderson’s, and the McLean’s. All that to say, word is getting around about what we’re doing and what we’re all about, I believe the Lord is preparing us, breaking up the fallow ground, and tilling the soil in people’s hearts; the footings for the foundation are being set. I’ve been teaching through 1 Corinthians and really enjoying it, hopefully everyone else is as well???
On a more personal note, Malena’s knee recovery is going well. She’s doing physical therapy daily and riding an exercise bike. And being in year 11 at school we’re now starting to consider college options…pretty crazy! Jesse’s playing soccer and basketball and Nina’s playing soccer on a boy’s team. The kids are enjoying school and making friends, although they do miss friends from Maui. The weather is cooling off, in fact over the past week its dropped into the 40’s…burr!!! The surf has been a little more consistant, last week was “all time!!!” North Narrabeen was going off!!! Was blessed with some big barrely bombs, praise the Lord.
Having been here now for over 9 months, though we’re convinced we’re in the center of God’s will and doing what we’re supposed to be doing, the spiritual battles have intensified. From bouts of discouragement to misunderstandings, confusion, and temptations…the fiery darts are flying. Yet we’re taking up the shield of faith and standing in the word of God. We’re so glad we’re overcomers through faith in Christ (1Jn 5:4).
I listened to a message recently, given by David Guzik at the Missions Conference earlier this year, and was greatly encouraged by it. He taught on Hosea 10:12, ‘Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you’.
He explained that throughout the world there are various types of ministries, some are relatively easy where there is much fruit and reaping of souls. Other places are hard and difficult, where we don’t necessarily “see” a lot of things happening. Metaphorically, the difference is a ripe crop being harvested VS hard soil being broken up and prepared for planting. Both seasons (hard VS easy) are equally as important in God’s kingdom.
One thing David said that really encouraged me is “those places where the harvest is being reaped and many are being saved, didn’t get that way without the hard work of someone first breaking up the fallow ground and preparing the soil.”
I know many have been here in Australia breaking up the fallow ground and I suspect we’re involved in that work as well. Whether we see the harvest or not God only knows, but I pray we’d be faithful to plow, till, and prepare the soil for the Lord, till He comes!
Thank you so much for your prayers, they mean a lot to us. One last comment, as you pray if you sense God leading you to support us and you’d like to partner with us in God's work in Australia, you can do so by sending donations to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Following is the proper procedure:
1. Make checks out to: Calvary Chapel, in the memo note: "Brad and Christy Hall."
2. Mail checks to: Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Attn: accounting
3800 Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92704
May God bless you richly as you seek His face.
Much love,
Brad, Christy, Malena, Jesse, & Nina Hall
PS, we hope to send some photos soon to give you a look at how things are here.
Its been a little while since our last update, there’s a few things to follow up on…
Things have settled down a bit since Easter, Movie night outreach, and the New Zealand bible college team were here. As mentioned in a previous update, though we had a great turn out for our Easter service, we haven’t seen any folks returning. I’m told this is typical for Australia. We’re praying that the seeds planted in people’s hearts will sprout and grow, drawing them to Jesus.
Last weekend we showed “Beyond the Dream” the Joey Buran story. It’s the story of a professional surfer achieving his dreams only to be found empty and still wanting…until he met Jesus and was transformed to become a preacher. There was a group that came from Christian Surfers and a few others as well. Greg Anderson shared his testimony after the film. Similar to Easter, believers were encouraged and seeds were planted.
The team (of 7) from New Zealand shared their time with us and the Reddens over a week (for those who don’t know, the Reddens are friends who are also ministering in the Northern Beaches). The team did a letter drop box in Mona Vale, leaving about 2000 fliers for the church in people’s letter box’s. They also scoured the beaches and invited people to the movie night. But for us, the greatest blessing was hanging out with each other. We really enjoyed the fellowship.
As of now, we’re still four families meeting on Saturday nights. But we’ve all had many opportunities to share with people throughout the community; Christy is meeting and talking with ladies at the kids school, frequently inviting people to church. I’ve had conversations with people as well, so has the Fisher’s, the Anderson’s, and the McLean’s. All that to say, word is getting around about what we’re doing and what we’re all about, I believe the Lord is preparing us, breaking up the fallow ground, and tilling the soil in people’s hearts; the footings for the foundation are being set. I’ve been teaching through 1 Corinthians and really enjoying it, hopefully everyone else is as well???
On a more personal note, Malena’s knee recovery is going well. She’s doing physical therapy daily and riding an exercise bike. And being in year 11 at school we’re now starting to consider college options…pretty crazy! Jesse’s playing soccer and basketball and Nina’s playing soccer on a boy’s team. The kids are enjoying school and making friends, although they do miss friends from Maui. The weather is cooling off, in fact over the past week its dropped into the 40’s…burr!!! The surf has been a little more consistant, last week was “all time!!!” North Narrabeen was going off!!! Was blessed with some big barrely bombs, praise the Lord.
Having been here now for over 9 months, though we’re convinced we’re in the center of God’s will and doing what we’re supposed to be doing, the spiritual battles have intensified. From bouts of discouragement to misunderstandings, confusion, and temptations…the fiery darts are flying. Yet we’re taking up the shield of faith and standing in the word of God. We’re so glad we’re overcomers through faith in Christ (1Jn 5:4).
I listened to a message recently, given by David Guzik at the Missions Conference earlier this year, and was greatly encouraged by it. He taught on Hosea 10:12, ‘Sow for yourselves righteousness; Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD, Till He comes and rains righteousness on you’.
He explained that throughout the world there are various types of ministries, some are relatively easy where there is much fruit and reaping of souls. Other places are hard and difficult, where we don’t necessarily “see” a lot of things happening. Metaphorically, the difference is a ripe crop being harvested VS hard soil being broken up and prepared for planting. Both seasons (hard VS easy) are equally as important in God’s kingdom.
One thing David said that really encouraged me is “those places where the harvest is being reaped and many are being saved, didn’t get that way without the hard work of someone first breaking up the fallow ground and preparing the soil.”
I know many have been here in Australia breaking up the fallow ground and I suspect we’re involved in that work as well. Whether we see the harvest or not God only knows, but I pray we’d be faithful to plow, till, and prepare the soil for the Lord, till He comes!
Thank you so much for your prayers, they mean a lot to us. One last comment, as you pray if you sense God leading you to support us and you’d like to partner with us in God's work in Australia, you can do so by sending donations to Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. Following is the proper procedure:
1. Make checks out to: Calvary Chapel, in the memo note: "Brad and Christy Hall."
2. Mail checks to: Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Attn: accounting
3800 Fairview
Santa Ana, CA 92704
May God bless you richly as you seek His face.
Much love,
Brad, Christy, Malena, Jesse, & Nina Hall
PS, we hope to send some photos soon to give you a look at how things are here.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Update - 4 March, 2011
Greetings everyone,
Since our last update a few things have developed, so I thought it was a good idea to bring you up to speed. Let me start with the praise reports:
1. After much prayer and waiting on the Lord, we’ve changed locations for our Saturday evening service. We’ve moved into Mona Vale and will be meeting at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall. It’s a great location, in the heart of town, surrounded by retail shops, café’s, restaurants, parking, a park, and plenty of foot traffic. We’re really stoked on the facilities and how it all worked out, God did a bunch of neat things in the transition from Beacon Hill. Our first service is tomorrow at 5:30pm (Saturday).
2. We’re still awaiting a decision on our visas. The decision is on hold pending the outcome our FBI background check. Once we receive the report from the FBI, clearing us of any criminal activity, then we submit the report to Australian immigration and they make the final decision. In the meantime, since our original visa is expired we’re legally in Australia under a bridging visa (a visa that allows us to remain in the country until the final decision is made on our application). I’ve developed a bit of a relationship with the officer processing our application, so he instructed me on how to apply to change the conditions of our bridging visa, which would allow me work. I overnighted him the application yesterday, he called me today to inform me that I’m now able to work in Australia while under a bridging visa, as well as Christy and Malena (if they want to). Praise the Lord!!!! I’ve been working at St Matthews church since January and have not been able to get paid, now I can finally get paid. Super stoked!
3. Jason and Tina have been with us now for about 4 weeks. Jason is aggressively looking for work and making contacts. And they’ve been leading praise and worship for the past couple weeks. They’re also volunteering some time at Baptist World Aid, hoping this will open doors for employment. We’re really blessed to have them with us and are enjoying their fellowship.
4. The kids are enjoying school and making new friends and they’ve all been able to get onto teams for sport; the girls are playing soccer, Jesse is playing basketball. School and sports have made a huge difference for them in settling down. We’re really thankful to God for this. Christy is helping out in Nina’s class with reading groups, meeting with some ladies for bible study on Monday nights, running the kids to this/that practice, and finally settling into a groove here.
5. My work at St Matts and ICMS (the college where I’m chaplain) is in full swing. I’m leading an international bible study on Thursday nights, it’s a group of around 15-20 people from all walks of life, some of which are students from the college. We’re currently studying through Mark’s gospel. On Wednesday afternoons I lead a bible study at the college in one of the classrooms, both students and faculty are attending. We’re currently studying Ephesians. I’ve also been given an opportunity to write a weekly column in the college newspaper (200 words), its titled ‘the parable.’ Its really an amazing opportunity; to write a column about Jesus and the bible for a secular college. God is opening some neat doors with people at ICMS, please keep praying that these relationships result in salvation.
Prayer needs:
1. Visa approval
2. Moving to a new house. We don’t have to get out of our place, but there are some circumstances that make our current situation really frustrating. So we’re waiting on the Lord, hoping something else opens up.
3. Favor and fruit in the new location. We’re hoping God gives us favor with the neighboring establishments at the new church location and that God brings people to the church. Also that we have clear vision and direction for outreach in Mona Vale.
4. For Jason to get a job.
Many blessings,
Love the Halls
Since our last update a few things have developed, so I thought it was a good idea to bring you up to speed. Let me start with the praise reports:
1. After much prayer and waiting on the Lord, we’ve changed locations for our Saturday evening service. We’ve moved into Mona Vale and will be meeting at the Mona Vale Memorial Hall. It’s a great location, in the heart of town, surrounded by retail shops, café’s, restaurants, parking, a park, and plenty of foot traffic. We’re really stoked on the facilities and how it all worked out, God did a bunch of neat things in the transition from Beacon Hill. Our first service is tomorrow at 5:30pm (Saturday).
2. We’re still awaiting a decision on our visas. The decision is on hold pending the outcome our FBI background check. Once we receive the report from the FBI, clearing us of any criminal activity, then we submit the report to Australian immigration and they make the final decision. In the meantime, since our original visa is expired we’re legally in Australia under a bridging visa (a visa that allows us to remain in the country until the final decision is made on our application). I’ve developed a bit of a relationship with the officer processing our application, so he instructed me on how to apply to change the conditions of our bridging visa, which would allow me work. I overnighted him the application yesterday, he called me today to inform me that I’m now able to work in Australia while under a bridging visa, as well as Christy and Malena (if they want to). Praise the Lord!!!! I’ve been working at St Matthews church since January and have not been able to get paid, now I can finally get paid. Super stoked!
3. Jason and Tina have been with us now for about 4 weeks. Jason is aggressively looking for work and making contacts. And they’ve been leading praise and worship for the past couple weeks. They’re also volunteering some time at Baptist World Aid, hoping this will open doors for employment. We’re really blessed to have them with us and are enjoying their fellowship.
4. The kids are enjoying school and making new friends and they’ve all been able to get onto teams for sport; the girls are playing soccer, Jesse is playing basketball. School and sports have made a huge difference for them in settling down. We’re really thankful to God for this. Christy is helping out in Nina’s class with reading groups, meeting with some ladies for bible study on Monday nights, running the kids to this/that practice, and finally settling into a groove here.
5. My work at St Matts and ICMS (the college where I’m chaplain) is in full swing. I’m leading an international bible study on Thursday nights, it’s a group of around 15-20 people from all walks of life, some of which are students from the college. We’re currently studying through Mark’s gospel. On Wednesday afternoons I lead a bible study at the college in one of the classrooms, both students and faculty are attending. We’re currently studying Ephesians. I’ve also been given an opportunity to write a weekly column in the college newspaper (200 words), its titled ‘the parable.’ Its really an amazing opportunity; to write a column about Jesus and the bible for a secular college. God is opening some neat doors with people at ICMS, please keep praying that these relationships result in salvation.
Prayer needs:
1. Visa approval
2. Moving to a new house. We don’t have to get out of our place, but there are some circumstances that make our current situation really frustrating. So we’re waiting on the Lord, hoping something else opens up.
3. Favor and fruit in the new location. We’re hoping God gives us favor with the neighboring establishments at the new church location and that God brings people to the church. Also that we have clear vision and direction for outreach in Mona Vale.
4. For Jason to get a job.
Many blessings,
Love the Halls
Friday, January 14, 2011
Update - January 14
G’Day everyone,
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and New Year. Since we didn’t send out a newsletter in December, I’ll do my best to recap the last two months.
Let’s start with the Hall family; the kids hit their half-year mark with home school and essentially “hit the wall.” As most of you are aware, our kids attended public school in Hawaii, so Home school, while it was great academically, was a real challenge for all of us. After praying about it we feel this was a good stopping point with home school and the kids will be attending Covenant Christian School, beginning at the end of January (the start of the new school year). Malena will be starting year 11, Jesse year 8, and Nina year 5 (11th grade, 8th grade, 5th grade as we say in the US). Covenant is one of the top schools academically in this area and all the faculty are committed Christians. We’re excited about this and the kids can’t wait to start school.
The new sport season is starting up soon, Malena will be trying out for soccer (haven’t decided which club to go for yet), Jesse is going for basketball and possibly rugby, and we think Nina will go for soccer also, but for the past couple month’s she’s been involved with Little Athletics (Track and Field). In fact, she was selected for a special competition to compete in Shotput. The ocean water has warmed up nicely and I’ve been getting to surf quite a bit. We’re supposed to get a big swell this coming Sunday-Monday. Its pretty much the first big swell since we arrived in August…Can’t wait! Christy and the kids have been going to the beach when I’m working and meeting with some friends there on occasion, meeting new people too.
We’re really looking forward to the end of this month, as the kids start school, and my job with St Matts takes on shape. I’ll be working part time, 3 days a week. But in the first week of February, one of those days I’ll be serving as chaplain at a secular college (www.icms.edu.au). In December I met with the CEO of the college and we really hit if off. All said and done he basically told me, “these kids today have no moral compass and they need to get on the right track. Brad, I want you to know that the college is yours to do whatever you want, if you want to hold a weekly class that’s fine, but these kids need godly direction.” So Feb 7-11 is orientation week and they’re allowing me to set up a table with biblical promotional materials, which will draw people to a weekly bible study I’m teaching at the college, and ultimately draw them to the Lord. I’m very excited about this and looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. Please keep this in prayer!
On Thursday nights I’m leading a bible study for international folks, last night 10 people showed up (people from Nepal, S. Korea, Japan, Chile, Germany, and of course Australia). 4 or 5 of them aren’t saved, but attend this study to better their English speaking skills. I taught Hebrews 1:1-3 about the superiority of Jesus, which turned into a great discussion about the gospel. At the end of it, I gave an invitation to receive the Lord which was not accepted. However, all of the people are interested in learning more and are planning to return next week. Please keep these people in prayer, that God would soften their hearts to receive Jesus.
On to the Refuge; on January 1st, we transitioned our Sunday morning services to Saturday evening. I prayed about this for awhile and am convinced this was the best thing to do. Most sports take place on Sunday mornings and if it’s a nice day, many families would go to the beach rather than church. It’s strange, making the change from Sunday to Saturday (since in America Sunday’s are traditionally church days), but here in Australia Saturday evening services are just as acceptable. Last week I started teaching 1 Corinthians and plan to go through the whole book over the coming months. What’s neat for me is that when we started 1 Corinthians on January 8th, I finally felt like we started with the ministry and what we came to Australia to do. The last 5 months leading up to this has been a gradual settling in and getting established, even though we’d been meeting for church. God has blessed us with another family, Scott and Kathy McLean, to lead us in praise and worship, and to get involved. And Greg and Simone are doing well. Greg is going to rotate with Christy in our children’s ministry. In a few weeks we’ll do a ‘letter box drop’ in the community to invite people church.
Last but certainly not least, Jason and Tina Fisher (Christy’s sister) will be moving here to Australia on February 10th. We’re really excited about them coming, looking forward to having family close, and know they’ll be a blessing to the ministry.
Areas for prayer:
1. Praying about weekly studies and prayer meetings, what to do, where to do it, and when.
2. Our visas are currently being processed, please pray for government approval.
3. The kids making quality friends when they start school; also that they get involved with the right teams/clubs for sports.
4. The Fishers safe arrival, a job for Jason, and visas for them.
5. Help with creating and updating our website (someone with graphics experience). Website address is: www.refugejc.com
6. Please be praying for the flood victims in the north. The flooded areas are about 500 miles north of us, so we’re not affected, but a lot of people have lost everything.
7. Lastly, as doors are opening and the Lord is moving, the enemy has ramped up his game. The battles are intensifying and the enemy is working to oppose us. Please pray we'd be victorious in spiritual warfare.
Many blessings to you all.
Love the Halls
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday and New Year. Since we didn’t send out a newsletter in December, I’ll do my best to recap the last two months.
Let’s start with the Hall family; the kids hit their half-year mark with home school and essentially “hit the wall.” As most of you are aware, our kids attended public school in Hawaii, so Home school, while it was great academically, was a real challenge for all of us. After praying about it we feel this was a good stopping point with home school and the kids will be attending Covenant Christian School, beginning at the end of January (the start of the new school year). Malena will be starting year 11, Jesse year 8, and Nina year 5 (11th grade, 8th grade, 5th grade as we say in the US). Covenant is one of the top schools academically in this area and all the faculty are committed Christians. We’re excited about this and the kids can’t wait to start school.
The new sport season is starting up soon, Malena will be trying out for soccer (haven’t decided which club to go for yet), Jesse is going for basketball and possibly rugby, and we think Nina will go for soccer also, but for the past couple month’s she’s been involved with Little Athletics (Track and Field). In fact, she was selected for a special competition to compete in Shotput. The ocean water has warmed up nicely and I’ve been getting to surf quite a bit. We’re supposed to get a big swell this coming Sunday-Monday. Its pretty much the first big swell since we arrived in August…Can’t wait! Christy and the kids have been going to the beach when I’m working and meeting with some friends there on occasion, meeting new people too.
We’re really looking forward to the end of this month, as the kids start school, and my job with St Matts takes on shape. I’ll be working part time, 3 days a week. But in the first week of February, one of those days I’ll be serving as chaplain at a secular college (www.icms.edu.au). In December I met with the CEO of the college and we really hit if off. All said and done he basically told me, “these kids today have no moral compass and they need to get on the right track. Brad, I want you to know that the college is yours to do whatever you want, if you want to hold a weekly class that’s fine, but these kids need godly direction.” So Feb 7-11 is orientation week and they’re allowing me to set up a table with biblical promotional materials, which will draw people to a weekly bible study I’m teaching at the college, and ultimately draw them to the Lord. I’m very excited about this and looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. Please keep this in prayer!
On Thursday nights I’m leading a bible study for international folks, last night 10 people showed up (people from Nepal, S. Korea, Japan, Chile, Germany, and of course Australia). 4 or 5 of them aren’t saved, but attend this study to better their English speaking skills. I taught Hebrews 1:1-3 about the superiority of Jesus, which turned into a great discussion about the gospel. At the end of it, I gave an invitation to receive the Lord which was not accepted. However, all of the people are interested in learning more and are planning to return next week. Please keep these people in prayer, that God would soften their hearts to receive Jesus.
On to the Refuge; on January 1st, we transitioned our Sunday morning services to Saturday evening. I prayed about this for awhile and am convinced this was the best thing to do. Most sports take place on Sunday mornings and if it’s a nice day, many families would go to the beach rather than church. It’s strange, making the change from Sunday to Saturday (since in America Sunday’s are traditionally church days), but here in Australia Saturday evening services are just as acceptable. Last week I started teaching 1 Corinthians and plan to go through the whole book over the coming months. What’s neat for me is that when we started 1 Corinthians on January 8th, I finally felt like we started with the ministry and what we came to Australia to do. The last 5 months leading up to this has been a gradual settling in and getting established, even though we’d been meeting for church. God has blessed us with another family, Scott and Kathy McLean, to lead us in praise and worship, and to get involved. And Greg and Simone are doing well. Greg is going to rotate with Christy in our children’s ministry. In a few weeks we’ll do a ‘letter box drop’ in the community to invite people church.
Last but certainly not least, Jason and Tina Fisher (Christy’s sister) will be moving here to Australia on February 10th. We’re really excited about them coming, looking forward to having family close, and know they’ll be a blessing to the ministry.
Areas for prayer:
1. Praying about weekly studies and prayer meetings, what to do, where to do it, and when.
2. Our visas are currently being processed, please pray for government approval.
3. The kids making quality friends when they start school; also that they get involved with the right teams/clubs for sports.
4. The Fishers safe arrival, a job for Jason, and visas for them.
5. Help with creating and updating our website (someone with graphics experience). Website address is: www.refugejc.com
6. Please be praying for the flood victims in the north. The flooded areas are about 500 miles north of us, so we’re not affected, but a lot of people have lost everything.
7. Lastly, as doors are opening and the Lord is moving, the enemy has ramped up his game. The battles are intensifying and the enemy is working to oppose us. Please pray we'd be victorious in spiritual warfare.
Many blessings to you all.
Love the Halls
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