Surprise Visit

Today we had a very nice surprise! I got a call from Sean when I got out of school and he said that Lindsay Cameron was in town and wanted to meet with me in an hour! Unfortunately, Sean couldn't get off work to come meet him. For all of you who don't know, Lindsay Cameron is the National Superintendent of Australia. So he's pretty much the big important guy in the Wesleyan Methodist church in Australia. Sean told me to go meet in McConn, the coffee shop at IWU. I was a little nervous because I had no idea what he looked like, but I found him on my first guess! I didn't have to go up to any random strangers and ask if it was him!

It was such an encouragement to be able to talk to Lindsay. He shared more with me about the culture and the Wesleyan Methodist church in Australia. I enjoyed hearing about his heart for the people of Australia. Lindsay is originally from Australia but he and his wife served in South Africa as missionaries for a while. He shared with me that things are changing in Australia. Before he and his wife left for South Africa in 1997, religion was not something that was ever talked about in public. You kept your faith to yourself and from my understanding, it was inappropriate to talk about your faith. Then, when they returned, they started noticing that people were more open about their faith and Australians were no longer opposed to talking about their religion. It's not that they were necessarily excited about it, but they weren't turned off from it. I asked Lindsay what we can specifically be praying for. Lindsay's biggest desire is to see a revival in Australia and he believes that we need to first have a larger evangelical presence in the country. So that is what we are going to start praying for. We are going to pray that more churches are planted so that the Lord can lay a foundation to create a revival in Australia.

It's so encouraging to see what the Lord is doing and to talk with someone that is there! It was a wonderful surprise today to talk to Lindsay. I'd ask that you would pray with us that churches will continue to be planted in Australia. As far as the visa goes, we haven't heard anything new. Lindsay said he was going to try to email some people to see where everything is at. We'll let you know as soon as we hear anything!

Long overdue update

This is a very long overdue post. Everything has slowed down so much that I feel like I don't have too much to write about! But I will tell you everything that has been going on :)

Visas-The last we shared, the Australian Embassy was waiting on 3 things from us. A local criminal history check, an FBI background check and proof that our nomination has been approved. I sent out an email update last week asking you all to pray for our FBI background

checks. Well, thanks to your prayers, they came in!!! It came about 2 months earlier than we had expected. Now, all that we're waiting on is proof of our nomination. The Embassy in Australia asked for more information 2 weeks ago in order to get this approved. They said once they had that info it should be processed immediately. So, it should be any time now that we have the letter of approval. That should be the last piece of the puzzle, but ya never know. We will pray it is though :)

I (Sam) was recently offered a paraprofessional position at RJ Baskett Middle School is Gas City. After a lot of prayer I decided to take it. I will be working as an aide in a Special Education room with students dealing with emotional disabilities. I am learning SO much and it's been a good experience. I'm so thankful for the way the Lord provides. Who knew I'd end up in middle school?? Not me!

Besides that, we're doing great. We're just hanging out and waiting! We had the privilege of going to North Carolina last week with 2 of our good friends Nathan and Kammi and their son Markwith, to visit our new little godson, Hudson, the son of our friends Darren and Courtney. They are so cute that I just can't resist sharing a picture!

We bought the shirts that the boys are wearing through and organization called Ordinary Hero. The money from the shirts goes towards a family at our church that is adopting from Ethopia. If you are interested click on this link! They have all kinds of fun stuff. Then, when you go to buy whatever it is you want, click on Jennifer Travis as the affiliate. You can help bring their precious little girl home!

I hope that everyone is doing well and enjoying the beautiful Spring weather!!