August 2014

Southern Cross Ministries

Greetings to all.  We are in the final days of a winter that has been colder than average; especially in June and July.  We had a number of frosts and it seems that everyone we knew had colds or the flu.  Many of the kids in Becky's class at school are still sick so we are hoping to stay well. 

Our greatest prayer request at present is for Wendy, the wife of Gordon, one of our elders.  She was diagnosed with breast cancer just a bit over a week ago.  On Wednesday she had a mastectomy.  A few hours ago Wendy wrote:  "The sentinel node pathology came back late yesterday. I have to have more surgery this afternoon, as there was cancer present in the nodes. This is a more painful procedure and there is an increased risk of lymph-oedema later. But we are still trusting The Lord to work this out. Please pray for a good outcome this afternoon."  This surgery will be about 5:00 pm Friday local time or 3:00 am Friday US EDT.  Please pray for the best possible outcome for Wendy and for a full and speedy recovery.

We have been exceptionally busy since our last report.  We know that you have been praying for us and we appreciate it greatly.  I hope you are able to pray more specifically for us as you see the needs and we also hope you are encouraged by what is happening in the work Down Under.  We are especially glad to have Kerry Allen with us for his eighth visit.  It is always a time of strengthening and encouragement to our congregation when he comes to teach and preach.

One other prayer request is that on next Tuesday evening (Sept. 2), Kerry and I (along with Becky) will be meeting a minister and his wife from a denominational church in Toowoomba. This meeting was arranged by a family in our church who will be hosting us all for a meal.  The couple has become disillusioned with what they see as traditionalism and doctrinal error in their church.  Pray that we may be discerning in understanding where they are in their faith and understanding and wise in sharing with them in ways that are true, loving, and helpful.

The latest newsletter is available to download in Adobe Acrobat format from the link at the top of this page.  If you have trouble with it, please let me know.  Also go to www.jimandbecky.smugmug.com to view some photos from the church, Bible Institute, and our recent travels in Queensland and New South Wales.  You will need the password:  "southerncross" to access these photos which are in a folder called Winter 2014.  We will try to upload a few more photos in the days ahead.

Our latest studies on 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Habakkuk are online at:  http://www.scbi.com.au

Don't forget to download the 3rd Quarter 2014 newsletter by clicking on the link at the top of this page.  This is a four page color newsletter suitable for distribution or display.

We love you and we are thankful for your partnership.

Yours in Christ,
Jim, Becky, Daniel, Samantha, Andrew, and Cody Newman