Birmingham Missions Cohort As I've been "stranded" in the States due to the pandemic, one way in which I've been able to be involved in missions is through the Birmingham Missions Cohort. "B-MC" ("Bee-Mac") "is an intentional community seeking to train and mentor young professionals to use their gifts in God's global mission." Seven young adults were accepted into this first Cohort, and have been meeting twice per week since the end of January. Various missionaries have been visiting with the group, while others have been teaching on various missions topics. Dr. Richard Pratt speaking (via Zoom) to the B-MC on "The Mission of God"  As announced in my November newsletter, my initial intention was to move temporarily to Birmingham and get involved in a local international ministry in order to then involve our cohort members. However, due to Covid, that was no longer a legitimate option. Additionally, I deemed it good stewardship to finish my basement apartment renovation sooner rather than later in order to start getting a return on my investment. So, rather than moving to Birmingham, I have been commuting to Birmingham once each week, helping to lead Thursday night meetings, then returning to Jackson on Fridays. I've also been meeting regularly with one of the B-MC participants as his missionary mentor. This current week, I have stayed in Birmingham for the weekend in order to lead a couple of international activities. On Sunday morning, our group will visit the local Hindu temple in order to learn more about this false religion and the Indian culture. Then we will worship together at the Briarwood Hispanic ministry, exposing the participants to a fully Spanish worship service. Next week Saturday we will travel three hours to Clarkston, Georgia, just outside Atlanta, home to a significant international refugee community, largely Muslim. We will learn about ministry opportunities to internationals right here in the States. One of our goals for B-MC is for each of the participants to be more involved in cross-cultural ministry locally, but we have also been praying for three participants to become long-term overseas missionaries. Additionally, we have been praying that this new MTW ministry will be replicated in other cities to further equip young professionals for ministry. Please join us in this prayer.   Prayer Points   Pray for the B-MC participants, and that each of them will be faithful to the great commission, whether that be overseas or here in the States. Pray for B-MC to be replicated in other cities to increase the call to foreign missions. Pray that God will allow for the reopening of the Australian borders and that I will be able to begin my ministry in Sydney in July 2021. Pray that God will soon provide the required financial support that will allow me to equip young adults in Australia to serve as missionaries throughout Asia-Pacific. Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Australian Borders   With the continuing pandemic, the opening of Australia's borders is still not known. The most recent prediction from my immigration lawyer is July, but that is by no means a certainty. Please pray toward that end. Support Status   THANK YOU to all those who have faithfully partnered with me through funding the work to which God has called me. Especially during these uncertain times, when I'm unable to serve in Australia, I appreciate your partnership. My current support level is at 97%. An additional $288 in monthly pledges is needed before I can be cleared for departure. If you would like join me in equipping young adults to reach Asia for Christ, you can either: Email me with your pledge, or Give online. House Update   As you may know, I bought a house in September and have been renovating the one-bedroom basement apartment since then. I will occupy the apartment when in the States, and will be able to rent both it (during my time overseas) and the main floor as short-term rentals. Work is finally nearing an end, as I will soon be installing flooring and other finishing touches. I am thankful that God provided such an ideal home, as it has provided meaningful work during this interim period, and will provide additional income once I am able to list it for short-term rental. It will also provide an ideal location for my own local ministry and hospitality while in the States.   Ministry Overview Click here for a video presentation on the ministry to which God has called me in Sydney.