March Prayer Letter

O-Week!
Just a few days ago we ended the first week of campus ministry, known as O-Week, for Orientation week.  This is the crucial time in the first semester to connect with first year students – so we went about setting up stalls and trying to connect with first years much the same as we have in the US for the last several years.  We handed out fliers for a survey where students could share info and be entered for a chance to win a camel (to help a family in Africa) or an iPad.  (Sound familiar??  We did the same survey in Pittsburgh in Fall ’10!).  About 300 students filled out surveys, so the staff team followed up many of these students last week on coffee dates where they were able to share the gospel and invite them to be involved in Student Life!  One interesting situation that came up over and over was Student Life’s interaction with the Marxist clubs.  Many of our staff had great conversations with these folks, so please pray for good communication of the gospel – and keeping Jesus central in these conversations!  It is overwhelming to see how many world-views are influencing the culture of Melbourne – Marxism, Islam, New Age, among just a few.  We were made more aware of the spiritual battle for the souls of students and Melbournians this week and we’d love to partner with you in prayer that Jesus would show His truth!  It was a crazy week and we were exhausted afterwards but it’s rewarding to know that our strength is in Jesus and it’s all for His glory!

A Special “Vision”
I’m (Maria) hesitant to call this a vision, but I wanted to share a special moment I’ve had here in Australia with Jesus with you!  I was at my dad’s cousins’ house and she has a beautiful garden with an open space with 4 olive trees making a beautiful shade.  When I saw it, I immediately thought of the Garden of Gethsemane scene in the Gospels.  Gethsemane in Greek means oil press, and we’ve taught before about how if an olive isn’t pressed it gets fat and dies.  But the process of being pressed isn’t easy.  As I was walking through it, I sensed the Lord speaking to me about how this time in Australia will be a time of squeezing out any impure oil in my life and replacing it with His pure oil.  I’m excited for how He will lovingly help me face some of the darker areas of my life and shine His light and change me to be more like Him!  Please pray for me as I realize more of how different life is here and seek to ask Him to enter into all areas of my life.

Changes
We have decided to move out of our shared house sooner than later, so we are trying to find the best place for our family that will suit our needs.  It was a mutual decision that both families are happy with.  We are excited to see how God meets our needs “beyond what we’re able to ask or imagine!”

Prayer Requests

• praise the Lord for graciously meeting with us throughout our time of busyness!
• pray for us to find balance in our schedules and time for ministry & family & rest
• pray for us to be wise about what living space we choose to make our own and the process of moving house and getting the things we need.
• pray for us & the students to walk with Jesus and keep Him at the center of our lives.