Visa Update
Just moments ago, I learned that
Harbour City Church's application to renew their sponsorship permit (ability to sponsor foreign worker visas) was rejected. As my visa application is tied to HCC's sponsorship, my visa will also be rejected.
The reasons for the sponsorship rejection are financial. When reviewing the financial records of the church, they see a lot of funds going out (donations to various ministries). Additionally, a visa sponsor is responsible for paying the salary of their sponsored workers, and for paying for their moving expenses out of the country if their visa expires or is rejected. We provided documentation that MTW pays the entirety of my salary, and also for my repatriation, should that be necessary. It appears that either the government looked no farther than the ledger sheet, or they are not satisfied with a foreign entity being financially responsible. However, HCC has sponsored missionaries in the past, and with a much more tenuous financial condition.
The church is able to appeal the decision, which must be done within 28 days. We will be looking into the situation to determine whether we believe we have grounds to appeal.
In the meantime, I have not yet heard anything about my visa application; there is no way of knowing whether it has been processed, or when I would be notified of the rejection. Once that happens (if we do not successfully appeal the sponsorship visa), I will have 28 days to leave the country.
I appreciate your prayers for this situation. I am in Australia at the will of our heavenly Father. He brought me here, and he is able to keep me here if that is within his greater plan. I see many opportunities for ministry here, and desire to be a part of that. But I also know that God's plans are far greater than anything I could ever imagine. Pray that I will make the most of my opportunities, wherever they may be, and that I will be open to the will of God.
Ministry Update
City Sanctum has been meeting for over a year, post-Covid. Our November meeting brought participants eager to hear about how to cope with toxic work environments. It was discouraging to hear of so many difficult work lives; we live in a very fallen world. And yet we were able to encourage each other to be faithful in our Christian calling, working our best, loving our neighbors, and taking every opportunity we are given to share the love and grace of Jesus Christ. (Audio of past talks is available on the website, as well as on
Podcasts and
Spotify.)
I had many opportunities to teach at our
university ministry the last several months. I did a three-part series on the gospel and apologetics, as well as talks such as "When I Doubt," and "Looking Out for #1" (honoring God's name). If able, I am scheduled to speak at summer camp (January) on (1) calling and vocation, (2) the gospel and my testimony, and (3) apologetics.
I'm thankful for the many diverse means in which God provides ministry opportunities such as leading a men's small group, participating in our cycling club, or spending time with a young man as we build a "Setters of Catan" board and a chess board. Please pray for the Holy Spirit's work in these young lives.
