An online web journal (weblog) of Mike & Vanessa Allbutt. (Updated as often as we remember to.)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Arriving soon
This newsletter is long overdue, but we have delayed writing until we had certain information to share.
Christmas day 2009.
Our biggest news is that Allbutt baby number 4 is on it's way! This was totally unplanned and unexpected, but after some time to adjust (mainly for Vanessa), we are getting used to the idea and looking forward to another little bundle of joy.
Australia days
We had intended to travel back to Australia later this year, but with the baby due to arrive in September 2010, we have had to change plans a little. We have booked our plane tickets, and we will be arriving in Brisbane March 26th (the weekend before Easter) and will be in Oz for three months! Here are the exact dates of where we will be when:
- Brisbane
- March 26th to April 23rd
- Launceston
- April 23rd to May 20th
- Melbourne
- May 20th to June 23rd
During this time, we look forward to catching up with as many people as we can, so if you want to make a time (either to catch up, or for us to share in a small group) email us and we'll make a time.
Ministry
Our playgroup MaNe has started off the year in a new venue, since the new house we moved to in December is not suitable. It has been encouraging to see so many mums come each week. At one point there were 15 mums plus 1 or 2 children each.
As we will be leaving for three months, we are seeking to get the mums more involved in the everyday running of it, to ensure it continues to run smoothly. God blessed the group with two other strong Christian mums who are keen to keep the group running while Vanessa is away.
The El Faro Thursday night Bible study has been really well attended with as many as 35 adults coming. It is encouraging to see people grow, and learn to apply Bible teachings to their lives.
Mando and Myra host the El Faro meetings but are also returning home for two months, at the same time we are away. As yet, we are not sure what will happen to the Thursday night Bible studies. Please pray that we can make the right decision about it, whether to find a temporary location, or to cancel it until we return in July.
Mike and Mando have also had awesome opportunities to share one-on-one with many of the local guys at the beach. For each day of the month of February we are meeting at first light on the beach praying the Mexican & world surfing scene.
Praise Points
- Andy & Olivia Hall returned from Europe to help with the CS ministry
- Friends who will house sit our place while we are away
- New venue for MaNe & the many mums who attend
- Progress of the Alpha Course for surfers each Friday night
- Divine appointments that happen daily
Prayer Points
- Preparations for the trip to Oz, that we get everything done in time
- That we receive our visas back soon (currently at Immigration being renewed)
- Provision of accommodation and car while in Melbourne (as well car seats for the 3 children)
- Wisdom to make the right decisions for the ministries we will leave behind
Thanks again for all your prayers, support and interest. We appreciate you and look forward to seeing many of our friends in a few weeks time!
Adios from Mike, Vanessa, Priscila, Joel, Olivia & #4.
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[By Mike 5:59 AM ] +
I trust that this Allbutt Journalings helps bring you up to date with what I have been up to recently. If you want to contact me then click here. Thanks for reading some of my thoughts. If you want to read some of the older files then they have been stored in the archives here.