December 27, 2024 -- Visa Update

Visa Update A month ago, our church's visa sponsorship application was rejected, and we were told that my visa application would also be rejected as it is dependent upon the church sponsoring my visa. It brought a lot of stress, as I felt that my departure was imminent. However we could file an appeal if we believed we had adequate grounds. A week later, a few of us had an encouraging dinner with a former university ministry member who now works in immigration law. She stated that the appeal board is likely two to three years behind in deciding the appeals. Doesn't sound encouraging? She added that it's very likely my visa application will not be considered until the sponsorship application is decided -- so I likely would have 2-3 years in Australia waiting on that decision. Then if my visa is approved, I would have an additional two years. Of course all of that is conjecture; the appeal could be decided much more quickly, as could my visa application, each of them one way or the other. Our appeal was lodged about a week ago, so now the waiting begins. While the uncertainty of ministry here can be unnerving, it's also a wonderful reminder of life in general. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. But as Christians we have an absolute guarantee that God is leading and guiding, that we belong to him, and we have eternity with him as our ultimate destiny. In the meantime, I am planning life and ministry as though I am here for the long term, trusting that God's will is playing out exactly as he has determined to be best for me and for the ministry here in Sydney. I certainly do appreciate your prayers in all of this. Ministry Recap in Photos City Sanctum Dinner Catan Board Christmas Dinner Financial Need One-Time Expense With the unexpected immigration sponsorship appeal comes an additional financial burden. Government and lawyer fees could be as much as $7,000 USD, depending on whether immigration services requires an actual hearing, requiring the presence of the church's immigration lawyer. This unexpected expense is not within the church's budget, and as my own worker visa is dependent upon the church's ability to sponsor me, it has fallen to me to pay the additional cost. However the appeal is bigger than just me and my visa. Without the ability to sponsor visas, Harbour City Church would be unable to recruit any additional missionaries for church planting, university ministry, and various types of church planting support ministries. Would you consider an end-of-year contribution to help cover the cost of the sponsorship appeal?   Monthly Partnership Additionally, a long time supporting church in the US notified me earlier this month that they need to discontinue monthly support, beginning with the new year. This is a loss of $300 of monthly support. Without adequate support to cover monthly expenses, I could be required to return to the States until additional support is pledged. Would you prayerfully consider joining my support team as a monthly partner? I appreciate your consideration. To contribute, whether one-time or monthly, click here. Calendar   January 9 City Sanctum. New three-month theme: "Leading Well" January 20-24 University Ministry Summer Camp. I'll be speaking three times, on: Apologetics Sharing the Gospel thru your Testimony Discerning Vocation & Calling Prayer Points   Praise God for time -- a bit of a reprieve from what seemed like an impending exit from Australia. Praise him for the ministry opportunities in the time he is allowing me. Pray for the appeal process -- for God's timing, whether that be a long process that alone extends my time here, or a quick resolution. Pray that God will sustain me during the wait. Pray for upcoming ministry talks, and day to day ministry opportunities.