Monday, September 23, 2013

Praying Friends,
Thank you so much for lifting us up before the Lord in prayer, and thank you to those that have given sacrificially so that we can be here to minister God's word to those in need.  Please know that your prayers are being answered and that your gifts are greatly appreciated and necessary.
When we were preparing to serve here in Australia, we asked for people to pray that the Lord would prepare hearts even while we were still in America.  He has answered that prayer.  The people of Grace Baptist Church have been more open with us about their lives and how the Lord has been working.  There have been those who have shared areas where they are struggling and need victory.  I have been praising the Lord for their openness and honesty to us.  We now know what the needs are in their lives and how to pray for them and encourage them in the Lord.  All of this in just seven months!  Glory to God!
There have been several things happen since the last update.  We have continued our study through James in our weekly Bible study, and on Sundays I have been preaching through Galatians.  Both studies have been challenging and the Gospel is being preached every Sunday through Galatians.  The ladies had an activity a little over a week ago, and it was a cooking activity.  They gathered to learn a new recipe and enjoy fellowship with one another.  Christian fellowship is a must here in Australia.  The activity went well and the results of the cooking were amazing!
Activities are on the horizon for this month and into next month.  We are currently in the school spring holidays for the next two more weeks.  This week we will have a teen scavenger hunt at a local shopping plaza which should be fun, and the first Saturday in October we will be having a picnic for the children of Grace.  Please pray for these activities.  My desire is to see the teens invite their unsaved friends to these activities and the children's picnic has been a challenge for grandparents to bring grandkids and adults to invite neighbor children.
There have been visitors to church over the last month.  Several visitors have been attending regularly.  Praise the Lord!  I have met several other people that say they are looking for a good solid Bible preaching church and I have invited them to visit.  Please pray that God would direct exactly who He wants to visit Grace Baptist Church.
On Friday we celebrated our ten year anniversary.  A family from the church offered to watch the kids and Sara and I went on a date.  It was a wonderful time for us to be able to go into the city at night and see the lights and have a nice meal together.  I am so thankful for the wife God has given to me. 
Thank you for praying and thank you for taking the time to read this update.

In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family