Her actual condition is called sub-aeortic membrane. It is very, very mild at this time and is in no way dangerous or threatening and therefore there is no need to do any procedures any time soon. She will need to have once or twice yearly heart checks to make sure the condition hasn’t worsened. There is no time frame on how quickly this could change, but based on the fact that it has only progressed very slowly in her almost 5 years, we don’t foresee sudden changes occuring. This most likely will need to be dealt with at some point in her life, and the only way to deal with this is through open heart surgery. But the good news is, this is one of the simplest and easiest procedures that is done.

So that sums up today’s doctor’s appointment. Again, we thank you so much for keeping us and especially Caroline in your thoughts and prayers. We will definitely let you know of any future changes or needs in this specific area.

I’ll finish with a beautiful Bible passage that really blessed me:
“For You formed my inward pars; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.” Psalm 139:13-14

Rejoicing,
Cathy for all

Answer a few inquiries:

Why would you apply for citizenship?

Great question, one minor benefit is ease of travel and other minor benefits. The key reason would be show our commitment to the people we work with and are reaching for Christ to the ministry of serving in Australia.

Why now and not when you arrived?

We have to wait for four years of residing in Australia to be able to apply. So, it does add a bit of stress onto the year, but it is worth the effort.

You have to take a test?

Yes, it is newly introduced. It is a means of learning some of the history and details of Australia. It is not too hard, but it is a test.

Please pray for the process to go smoothly and we would love to show you our Australian passports when we come back to the US.

The adventure continues…

Russ & Cathy Matthews

We have that appointment on Tuesday, 9 March.  At this time, Caroline can continue life as normal, but it is something that will have to be followed up. We are thankful for the country we live in and the opportunity to get this checked. We trust the Lord will use this situation for His glory. We will  keep you posted. We would appreciate your prayers for Caroline.

We appreciate your support and prayers,

Russ & Cathy

1. Start of City Bible Forum (We are on Facebook City Bible Forum, Sydney, become a fan) and great series. (Did Jesus Say That? , Journey with Jesus -A perspective from John, Ecclesiastes, Counterfeit gods,etc.) Please pray we can find a new and more accessible venue for Wednesday and Thursday. Please pray for a fruitful year of ministry. Pray for our expansion into Melbourne & Adelaide and continued growth in Perth & Brisbane.

2. Sydney Prayer Breakfast - I was asked to be on the board for a first in Sydney. I know there are many prayer breakfasts around the world, but this one is a first for Sydney. Andrew Scippione (Commissioner of the NSW police) will be our speaker. Good Christian man and a big event. More details and website to come.

3. Spiritual Leadership course- Glorious Hope Baptist will be a running a course for the next couple of months for our leaders. Based on the book by J. Oswald Saunders. I will be assisting with the running of the course. Please pray for the leaders for our church to rise up to the opportunities of our growing church.

4. Life of Jesus course and Bible reading groups – All of our new courses are beginning in the city. Pray for many non-Christians to come to these courses and for a fruitful ministry.

5. Urban Fight Club (Men’s ministry) – UFC gets started next week with a good Aussie BBQ. Looking ahead to the year and how we can serve the Lord.

6. Church plants- We could use your prayers on these opportunities. I will send details soon, but I will be in discussions with some key leaders in the city for two fellowship plants in the city, Sydney. We are asking for God’s wisdom in these exciting new ventures.

7. School- We are still homeschooling for this year, but we are considering putting our kids into a great school next year. Challenges are distance from where we live. Thanks for your prayers on this decision.Also, it is a new curriculum for the kids this year (School starts in January in Australia and it is year round). Pray for their adjustment to a web based learning system.

8. Caroline’s health – Caroline started Kindy this year and is excited about all things. She will be going into the pediatric cardiologist for a second opinion on some tissue growing over one end of her aortic valve that shouldn’t be there and if it continues to grow it could cause damage due to disrupting the flow of blood. Thanks for your prayers for Caroline.

9. Footy season begins- Josh will be playing AFL (Real football-check out the promotion on my Facebook page) again this year. pray for his adjustment and protection for the season. Also, we would be a testimony to the players and families who attend each week.

10. Hope and Becca turn 16- I think the prayers for the parents go without saying on this one. Two words – Drivers Licenses. Two more words – White hair. Actually, pray for the girls. They are amazing young ladies and have servants hearts for the Lord. Pray for them during these challenging teen years. Pray they would continue to be a witness for you and testimony of all He is doing in their lives.

Well…that was supposed to be a quick update. My apologies for the length. Please keep in touch with us through signing up for our monthly updates on our website, just enter you e-mail in the RSS feed box. Also, we are on Facebook. Sorry, Skype is not the best option to contact us.

I will finish with a story: a good friend was all excited about the year of talks in Sydney. He had brought a non-Christian friend to the talks. His friend had commented, “You all really focus on Jesus, don’t you?”My friend stated, “Now he is getting it!”

All praise and honour goes to Jesus. That is what we are on about here in Australia. There is much to be done and we look forward to what he has for us in the future. We appreciate your prayers and support.

The adventure continues…

The Matthews Family

Cherrypickin’

^{Romans 1: 19-20}

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

We have been trying to get together with a couple in our church for months, the wife is a Christian and the husband is not. We had a bbq and had a few friends over to enjoy the beautiful day in Sydney. Conversation was on Christmas, New Year’s and the summer months. Inevitably the conversation moved to the Bible. The topic started with evolution and creation. One of the blokes there turned to our non-Christian friend and asked, “What are your thoughts on this, mate.” Everyone was expecting disagreement or even antagonism, but we all were surprised. My friend stated, “I believe that God created the world.” After a surprised pause, the guys started to ask clarifying questions and even sat down for a definition of what his views were on God. It started out encouraging and then spiraled into a fascinating, twisted, postmodern answer that had us going on for three hours on theological things. My friend went on to explain that he believed in God, respected Jesus, saw the world as God’s working hand through the tool of evolution, there is an ever after that exists for all and there is no hell,  and that mankind eventually moves to a point of awareness, eventually we become gods to share in God’s existence. From that clear definition, the group had a go sharing what the Bible and what God’s word states about these points. Then he did it, he started quoting scripture. My non-Bible believing friend started coming up against their arguments with Bible passages. The passages were out of context and misapplied, but beautifully placed and it had its effect. Confusion and backpedaling by the well intentioned Christians, it quieted some of his detractors. Yet, just as Jesus did in the desert, when his word is clarified and utilised properly it is the light for the conversation.

Respectfully, it was asked of him, “Within all you have to say, what do you do with Jesus’ statement No one comes to the Father except through me.”  He stated, I do not believe that portion. When asked what does he measure all of these things on, what was the standard, the measuring stick? Without any hesitation he said, “Myself and my personal study.” Things continued on for a while longer. Eventually the conversation was interrupted by darkness and exhaustion. All began to leave; my postmodern friend shook my hand and stated he had a great evening. He even text me the next day to thank us for having his family along.

Within his own definition, my friend represents a group of people, Cherry pickers. A definition that comes from the machine used to lift you to high places, usually to move where a person desires to be and to let them pick the things they desire. Cherry picking can used when considering the things of God, too. Apparatuses that lift them to heights to choose the portions of theology they like and leave the other portions to the side. If it does not fit into his basket, they throw it away.

It is fascinating that people chose to do this with God, but we would never do this with other portions of our lives. Driving: Only driving a car with the parts of the engine they prefer. Career: only do the parts of their jobs that they liked. Health: only utilise the advice of a doctor that we like for the sake of our physical existence.

If you choose to cherry pick in these portions of life, you either end up broken down on the side of the road, without a job or simply dead.

Why do people choose to do this with God? In this postmodern, western landscape, this is the mindset we see all the time. Pray that we would be able to continue with our friend and others that we come in contact with to clarify the Bible. Also, explaining that the choosing of these eternal things are not based on our own choosing, but God’s. We need to be thankful for this gift of God setting the standard.

The freed captive

Psalm 146: 7-8

The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.

The next night one of our Urban Fight Club members brought a mate over for coffee. His friend had just been baptised and has only been a Christian for eleven months. He was excited about everything that had to do with God. The answers could not come fast enough to all of the questions. He had come from a life of hard living and the Lord had brought him to this point in his life. He loved the people of his church (not one our family works with, but we do know the church) and he looked forward to sharing all about his new life in Christ. The enthusiasm and desire of new Christians can be described as “just not able to get enough of God.” Then the conversation shifted to frustration, he was being mentored and was in the Bible consistently. Why was he frustrated? He loved his growth in Christ, but in the process he was being told that there was only one translation of the Bible that he should be reading. He loved this new life, but why the limitation on God’s Word? He had become a freed captive, moving into freedom in Christ, but a potential captive of legalism.

We went on to describe a recent encounter on this very subject. We had the privilege to hear a Christian archeologist speak a few years back and someone in the audience asked, “Which translation of the Bible do you read?” He smiled with a knowing look of a potential trap and stated, “The original Greek and Hebrew.” But, he did not leave the crowd hanging on that answer. He went on to say, “Read the Bible you are reading, as long as you are reading the Bible. You need to be in the God’s Word. That is the important part.”

This is the same advice we gave our new young Christian. He has just been set free in a new life in Christ. Why would we want to make him a captive again? Just getting someone to read the Bible is a huge barrier to overcome. We would hope to not put up unnecessary barriers to keep someone from growing in their love for God and His Word.

Tale of two friends…

Please be praying for our friends, one to be set free from the bondage of sin and the other to grow in his new freedom found in his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Also, for our work in the varying spiritual landscape of Sydney.

Thanks for your prayers in the journey…

Russ & Cathy Matthews

Finances in Sydney: It has been an amazing year of ups and downs. The GFC, flux in the exchange rate, new supporters, losing supporters, increase in ABWE administrative fees, increase in the cost of living in Sydney and general cost of living in the largest city in Australia. We are thankful and amazed how God has continued to provide for our needs. One unique opportunity was presented to us this year. We have an Australian group that is willing to support us. So, we have been able to gain additional support from those we work with in the country we are serving. This is an encouraging confirmation of our work here in Australia. Also, due to many of our faithful supporters, we have been able to maintain our support levels throughout 2009.

We have been informed by one of our churches in the US and two of our individual supporters that our support will be changing in 2010. Thankfully it was not due to damaged relationships, but financial challenges in the lives of our churches and supporters. Our support for the coming year is currently at 97% of our monthly support levels. This means we are under-supported by $158 (US) on a monthly basis.

We would appreciate your prayerful consideration in making up this difference in our support. Please consider taking up a portion or all of this support need. Besides the work we are doing in Sydney, we commit to pray for you regularly.

To give go to the ABWE link provided for the easy to follow instructions:  www.abwe.org/give/

To give you perspective of what this support would be going toward here is a list of our 2010 ministry needs.

Ministry opportunities in 2010:
• Application for citizenship (February)
• Working towards a church plant in the city in 2011
• Exciting programme at City Bible Forum (new speakers, new evangelistic outreaches, new courses)
• Growth and planning for Urban Fight Club (Men’s ministry)

• Active role at Glorious Hope Baptist Church (Preaching, evangelism and teaching)

• Furlough (Appointments set w/ all churches and a supporters dinner in October) Anyone who would be willing to assist in some of the financial costs of flying to the US would be appreciated.
• General expenses of living

Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to seeing you in 2010. We hope to see you at one of our supporting churches or at the supporters dinner we are planning at the end of October. More details will be coming for this event in the next month.

The adventure continues…
Russ & Cathy Matthews

“All that wait on the Lord, cheerfully stay themselves on him. This redemption is redemption from all sin. Jesus saves people from their sins… All that wait on God for mercy and grace, are sure to have peace.” –M. Henry

It would be hard to summarize this year, the closest we could find was in two words, action and waiting. These are not two words that normally come together, but they define the year. We have highlights and low-lights for the year, but they seem to fall within these categories. There have been many activities going on in Sydney and at church and we are still waiting on the Lord for the response of the people who were involved. This has been a building year for many ministries and it will be exciting to see what the Lord will do with the seeds that have been planted throughout the year. We want to thank you for being part of these events through your financial giving and prayers. We thought that giving a list of praises and continual prayer points would be a good way to round out the year. We will include a list of things to look forward to in 2010.

Action – Highlights & Praises: (Look through our updates in 2009 to get more in depth stories)
• Inspiring People – over 1200 in attendance and 150+ involved in follow-up courses
• An amazing programme of speakers at City Bible Forum
• Russ giving the talk series on Lighten Your Load – Evangelistic series in November out of Matthew 11
• Visit from the Kevin and Jeanie Thomas (Saylorville Baptist)
• Life of Jesus courses & Bible Reading Groups in the city
• Urban Fight Club – Building year
• Nehemiah series at Glorious Hope Baptist
• Distance Education programme for the kids through Australian Christian College
• Josh playing Australian Rules Football

Waiting – Prayer points:
• The salvation of Olivia, Benji, Annie & others who continue to come to the various courses
• Finances for city ministry and personal support needs
• Health & weariness from this past year for ministry team & family
• Decisions for church opportunities & planning for ministries throughout Sydney
• Changing roles at City Bible Forum & Glorious Hope Baptist

What is coming in 2010:
• Furlough (Appointments set w/ all churches and a supporters dinner in October)
• Application for citizenship (February)
• Working towards a church plant in the city in 2011
• Exciting programme at City Bible Forum (new speakers, new evangelistic outreaches, new courses)
• Growth and planning for Urban Fight Club (Men’s ministry)
• Girls getting their drivers license

This does not begin to encapsulate all that has happened this year, but we are amazed at God’s work in this land of Australia. If you would like more details about some of the above items, e-mail us or look through our website and we will get you the answers to your questions about our ministry opportunities. It is a slow, hard work, but we fall in love with the people of Australia and God more and more each day. We will admit that this year has been hardest in missing family and friends in the US, but we are thankful for how the Lord has provided “family” and friends here through the many people we have come to love and serve here. Also, we have grown more in our relationship with God, it has been great to look forward to sharing the message of the Gospel with the anyone who will give it a listen. We have seen the Lord provide in mighty ways this year and we look forward to what He has planned for us in 2010.

We will keep you posted on our movements in the US in 2010. Please pray for our preparations and traveling, it will be hard to be away from home (Australia), but we are looking forward to seeing all of you.
Thanks for being part of this year through your giving and prayers, even through the tough economic times. We are grateful for your faithfulness to support the Lord’s work in Australia.

The adventure continues…
Russ & Cathy Matthews

Caroline was just diagnosed with whooping cough. It is an epidemic in Australia, about 30% of the population has contracted the cough. Some of our friends have contracted the WC and been out of commission for months. Caroline has to be in quarantine for five days. We actually will have to be in contact with the Australian Health Dept. Fortunately she has a very mild strain and the only real symptom is a terrible cough that tears through her whole body when it happens. Otherwise she’s her happy little self. Still it means we’ve all been exposed and we’re all on a course of antibiotics and in lockdown mode until those are done. Changed the weekend schedule, but thankfully Caroline is doing well. The weather is unseasonably hot, like a furnace with temps in the 40’s (100-105 F) and with no a/c it makes things a bit uncomfortable. So we’re sweating it out here in the house.

Some people had heard the news through different contacts. We just wanted to clarify the situation for everyone. So, she is doing well, it was caught early and thank you for your prayers.

The adventure continues…
Cathy

Church leadership change- One prayer request was for a potential leadership change at Glorious Hope. Through well managed discussions and prayer, our Youth Pastor will be stepping down from his role in January. We have a new leader starting in the New Year. The youth is excited about the process and what the New Year will bring. Please pray for our current youth pastor and his new journey of ministry and our youth programme in 2010.

Citizenship- Please keep us in your prayers for our application for citizenship to Australia. We will begin the process next month. Also please be in prayer for all the preparations for our furlough in 2010.

We are grateful to you all for your support and prayers.

The adventure continues…

Russ and Cathy Matthews