Discerning the Call John Piper has said that there are three options for the Christian in response to Christ's gospel mandate: to go to the nations, to send those who go, or to disobey. It's been my joy, during this global pandemic, to help people discern their role in God's global mission. Having helped to facilitate the first MTW missions cohort in Birmingham this past Spring, we are on track to bring this ministry of discernment and equipping to Jackson in the Fall. Jackson Missions Cohort (J-MC -- "Jay-Mac") will engage as many as 15 participants, exposing them to a variety of missionaries and pastors talking about God's calling upon us, the opportunities to reach the nations both abroad and right here in Jackson, how to appropriately share the gospel across cultures, and what life is like for missionaries overseas. In addition to guest speakers and missionary panels, we anticipate visiting a local Hindu temple, and worshipping with an international church here in Jackson. Each participant will also be matched up with an experienced missionary mentor who will pray for them, listen to them, and speak into their lives as they seek how God is calling them to participate in his global mission. We are currently accepting applications to participate in J-MC; please pray that God will lead the right people to apply. Pray that they will discern their missional calling -- whether to go overseas, or to hold the rope for those who go, and how to be involved in the gospel mandate right here in Jackson. If you would like to apply for J-MC, or learn more about it, follow this link: www.MTW.org/j-mc. Status of Ministry in Australia The Delta variant has hit eastern Australia hard -- by Australian standards. The country has enacted some of the strictest Covid restrictions in the world, and has comparatively very few cases. Yet they have had hundreds of new cases a day over the last few months. While the country had finally relaxed the restrictions a few months ago, they have returned to lockdown with the onset of the Delta variant. What does this mean for my plans to serve in Sydney? The only thing that is certain is that it won't be soon. The government is planning to keep their borders closed until 70-80% of their population is vaccinated; currently just 21% have been vaccinated. The government hopes to reach 80% by the end of this year. Speculation is that once the borders do open, it will be a gradual process, first allowing more of their own citizens to return before issuing visas to foreigners. My sense of calling to Australia has not wavered. God has provided meaningful and relevant work for me in the interim including work with the Birmingham and Jackson Missions Cohort ministries. While not what I intended to do this past year, these experiences have helped prepare me for the equipping ministry to which I feel called in Sydney. God's timing is always perfect. As long as he provides meaningful work for me which leads toward the ministry in Sydney, I will be patient and follow his leading. Please pray that I will be sensitive to God's leading, and obedient to his call. Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Calendar   Jackson Missions Cohort Application Deadline     August 31 Saturday Retreat     September 11 Regular weekly meetings     Monday nights     Sept. 13 - Nov. 15   Open House Celebration     Saturday, Sept. 4; 4-7 pm   November 16: Birmingham Missions Cohort I've been invited to speak to the B-MC group on "Vocation & Calling." Prayer Points   Pray for J-MC: Final planning work People led to apply Participants will be sensitive and obedient to God's calling Pray for Australian borders to be opened sooner than later, and that my visa application will be quickly approved. House Update   My basement apartment remodel is finished! The apartment is mostly furnished and equipped. Once smoke alarms and window blinds arrive and are installed, I'll be able to list the apartment on the AirBNB website and start to benefit from this investment. I will be hosting an open house celebration on Saturday, September 2 from 4 to 7 pm. Anyone in the area is welcome to stop by to help celebrate God's provision of this home. This is NOT a housewarming, so gifts are not appropriate. Rather, just come, see the apartment, and enjoy some hors d'oeuvres and fellowship. If you would like to stop by, please email me for my address.   THANK YOU for your prayers and faithful partnership in the gospel!

Jackson Missions Cohort If you've been following my ministry updates, you know the focus of my ministry in Sydney will be mentoring young Asian-Australians toward gospel work both in Sydney and throughout Asia-Pacific. But of course my move to Australia has been delayed by the pandemic. But God's timing and providence are always good, and he has been preparing me for that ministry during even during a global pandemic. Last Fall, I joined the Birmingham Missions Cohort (B-MC) committee, helping to plan and facilitate an equipping ministry for ten weeks (February-May). Participants met twice each week and learned about missions, met with missionaries, heard from many speakers, and participated in several local and regional excursions with internationals and refugees. B-MC has strengthened my sense of calling to Sydney, and increased my ministry toolbox for the work to which God is calling me there. B-MC participants & committee members As Australia's borders remain virtually sealed (see "Australia Status" below, as well as the news link at the bottom of the sidebar), I am planning to bring the missions cohort program to Jackson this Fall. On June 1, I am hosting an informational meeting for representatives from the Jackson metro PCA churches with the purpose of assembling a committee to develop and facilitate a Jackson Missions Cohort. As we are able to use and build upon the Birmingham program, most of our work is already done. Please pray for the June 1 meeting. And pray for J-MC to be a success in equipping future missionaries, as this is one of the ultimate goals of the ministry. Australia Status Australia is one of the most geographically isolated nations on earth. When Covid first struck, they quickly closed their borders and enacted a strict social shutdown. Although some 900 Aussies have died from Covid, they've been able to essentially eliminate the virus within their borders. When a case does pop up, the region is quickly shutdown, keeping their Covid cases nearly nonexistent. Australia currently has very limited access to Covid vaccines, and the rollout of what they have has been very slow; 30% of Aussies do not intend to get the vaccination, and many of the other 70% are in no hurry to do so because of the success their shutdown has had. But until the majority of Aussies have been vaccinated, their borders will not re-open. My immigration lawyer is now saying he doesn't anticipate the borders opening until at least December; the government is talking about mid-2022, but businesses, universities, and others are pressuring them to open up more quickly. This leaves me and many others like me in the lurch, with no end in sight. While that can be discouraging, I'm thankful that God has provided meaningful work for me in the States -- both work on my house renovation and ministry work (see article above). I'm also extremely thankful for so many of my financial supporters who have continued to faithfully give. As a supported missionary, I'm always conscious of the fact my salary comes from friends who are trusting that I am being faithful in my calling, making good use of their contributions. Being "stranded" in the States has greatly intensified my fears in that regard. I can tell you, regarding the contributions toward my ministry, that I am living well below my budget while in the States. This means that the unused funds are accumulating and thereby decreasing the amount of money I need to raise. In fact, although I have actual pledges for 88% of my budget, accumulated funds, once prorated over the course of a four year term in Australia, brings me to 99%. As I will likely go over 100%, those additional funds will decrease the amount of support I need to raise in the future. So again, THANK YOU to all those of you who continue to give toward my ministry in Australia. Your faithfulness is a huge encouragement to me. And THANK YOU also to all those who lift me up in prayer; funds may get me physically to the field, but prayer sustains me and the ministry. Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Calendar Tuesday, June 1 J-MC informational lunch meeting with potential committee members from Jackson area PCAs. (If you are local and would like to attend, please email me for more information.)   June 28-July2 PCA General Assembly in St. Louis, MO.   Fall 2021 Jackson Missions Cohort ministry (exact dates and duration to be determined). Prayer Points   Praise God for a successful B-MC! Six young adults met two nights per week for ten weeks. We had a wonderful time on the last night hearing how God has worked through B-MC. Some of the participants are taking next steps in exploring missions as a possible career! All of them have been challenged to see the opportunities for involvement in missions among the internationals living among us in our own cities. Pray for J-MC. Pray for the info meeting next week, for the formation of a committee, and for many eager participants whose love for the lost will grow and whose support of missions or sense of calling to missions will blossom. Pray for Australia. Pray that the borders will open sooner than expected. Pray for the ministries that are struggling to meet the needs of people during hard times and with limited staff. Pray for the seeds of the gospel that are currently being sown. Pray for me. Pray that God will continue to encourage me during this time of uncertainty. Pray that God will continue to provide meaningful ministry opportunities right here in Jackson, MS until such time as I'm able to depart for Australia. Praise God for providing the funds for my ministry, both while here in the States as well as in Australia. Praise God for the way in which he is using B-MC and J-MC to prepare me for ministry in Australia. Ministry Overview Click here to watch a video presentation about the work to which God has called me in Australia. Click below for an Australian news article about the border situation.

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.

Borders Opening? When the world shut down about ten months ago, my Australian immigration lawyer predicted Australia would not open up its borders until at least the beginning of 2021. He is now optimistic that he can get me a visa and permission to enter in July. I'm excited that there appears to be a glimmer of light at the end of this Covid tunnel. Support Raising Update Before I can depart for Australia, I need an additional $500 in monthly pledges. My support level has fluctuated over the last year, and I will lose one church which is disbanding at the end of this month, leaving me at 94% of my needed pledged support. I currently have thirteen churches and sixty-three private individuals partnering with me at various levels. Would you consider partnering with me as well? Here's how you can make a pledge: Email me with your pledge, including amount and frequency (monthly, quarterly, or annual). Email Savannah at MTW, including amount and frequency as stated above. MTW Website: You can make a contribution and indicate that it will be recurring. You can also arrange for automatic debits from a bank account or credit card if you prefer. Thank you for your consideration! House Update Since moving into my house in September, I've been busy renovating the basement apartment. I recently finished kitchen cabinets, most walls and ceilings are prepped for paint, and I'm beginning to build a new shower and the bathroom vanity. I hope to have the apartment finished by mid-February before the Birmingham Missions Cohort starts. I'm very thankful for God allowing me this project to remain productive while waiting for the Australian borders to open.   Equipping to the Ends of the Earth Click here for a video presentation on the ministry to which God has called me in Sydney. Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Calendar February 19-20 MTW Virtual Missions Conference I don't know how it will all work, but there will be various missionary speakers, and even an opportunity to visit with individual missionaries (including me) online. Everyone is welcome -- you don't have to be a PCA church member!  Register online.   February 22 - May 6 Birmingham Missions Cohort. (See the November newsletter if you missed the article about this exciting new ministry.) Despite Covid, we are moving forward, hopeful that in-person meetings will be possible.   February 26-28 Redeemer PCA Missions Conference; Jackson, MS   July Departure goal for Sydney Prayer Points   Praise God for reason for optimism about a July departure! Pray that God will supply the final 6% of support needed for departure by July. Pray for the Birmingham Missions Cohort -- for 12 participants, for engaging and effective training and mentoring relationships, and that the cause of the gospel would be benefitted with additional missionaries and senders of missionaries.

Birmingham Mission Cohort I'm pleased to announce that I have begun working with a new MTW ministry in Birmingham, Alabama. The Birmingham Mission Cohort (B-MC, pronounced "B-Mac") is the result of seven others in Birmingham (missionaries, pastors, etc.) who have been dreaming and meeting since September to develop a mentored mission-training program for young professionals. The plan, as I understand it, is for a ten-week program to run February 22 - May 6. Twelve young professionals will meet twice each week for missions training, as well as meeting regularly with an experienced missionary/mentor. The group will also be exposed to several international ministries in Birmingham (with internationals living there). We are praying for at least three of the twelve participants to eventually serve as foreign missionaries. I've been invited to join the committee and to head up the international missions component, as well as perhaps do some teaching, and mentor one (or more) of the young men. I'll be meeting regularly with the committee via Zoom, but will need to move temporarily to Birmingham, likely in January, to be more fully involved in the program and with whatever international ministry I may be able to serve. Although the B-MC committee desires to see this ministry become a regular event, this is an interim ministry for me as I wait for God to open the doors to Australia. And as there are many similarities to the equipping ministry in Australia, the B-MC should also prove beneficial in preparing me for the work in Sydney.   Please feel free to share this information with any young professionals you may know in the Birmingham area! Missionary House Update It's been two months since I moved into my new old house in Jackson, MS. It certainly has kept me productive! Here's an overview of what has been accomplished in the basement apartment: Gutted the bathroom & kitchen areas. Removed ceiling from the combined living-dining-kitchen area. Built a laundry room. Built wall cabinetry for the bedroom. Hired a plumber and electrician for their expertise. Built a bed platform, with nightstands and headboard. That doesn't look like a very long list to me! But it, and many other details, have kept me very busy. With my temporary move to Birmingham in January, the need to finish the basement and to secure a renter is amplified. My desire is to give priority to missionaries, so spread the word if you can! Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Prayer Points   Praise God for providing such an appropriate ministry opportunity for me while waiting for God to open world borders! Pray for the preparation work of the B-MC. Pray for twelve teachable young professionals to apply for the program. Pray for an appropriate international ministry for me to join while in Birmingham. Pray that the B-MC will help prepare at least three participants for long-term missionary service. Pray that the B-MC will help prepare me for long-term ministry in Australia. Pray that I will be able to get my basement apartment fully renovated by the end of the year, and then get renters for both the basement and main floor before I leave for Birmingham in January. Pray for appropriate temporary housing in Birmingham. Pray for missionaries around the world, including my own teammates in Sydney, who are stranded (some in their home countries, and others unable to return to their home countries), and are struggling to be faithful missionaries of the gospel during such difficult circumstances. Praise God that my household effects arrived in Jackson from Osaka yesterday! It's wonderful to have furniture, books, and kitchen supplies again!   Thank you for your faithful prayers and/or financial partnership in the work of the gospel during such unusual and difficult times.

The Gift of Time; an Investment in Future Ministry

Missionary House Project I am in my new (old) house! Closing on the house took more than a month (bad news) because interest rates are so low right now (good news) so the mortgage companies are all slammed with new loans or refinancing of loans. But the important thing is that God has provided a home! A little background for those who are wondering what happened. I am still planning to serve with MTW in Australia, but it will likely be another year before they open their borders. For several years, I've been thinking about buying a home for investment purposes, a place to live while on furlough, and a source of additional income by renting it to other missionaries or AirBNB guests. Through COVID-19, God has given me the gift of time, and through this house I have the gift of purposeful work, as I do most of the renovations myself. The house is in the historic Belhaven neighborhood of Jackson, MS, just one block from the university where I worked for nine years before moving to Japan. The main floor has three bedrooms and two baths, plus there is a one-bedroom apartment in the walk-out basement. The apartment is not currently habitable, so I am living on the main floor and will be remodeling the basement first. When that is finished, I will start renting it out to help pay for the work needed on the main floor. As I plan to do the vast majority of the work myself, it will likely be a long process. But God has provided plenty of time! I am feeling very blessed with this house. It is in a popular neighborhood (very much in demand in the AirBNB market), and is only a few blocks from First Presbyterian Church, so an attractive location to missionaries as well. With the income from the two units, I should have more than enough to cover my monthly mortgage and utility bills. Of course I will need to hire someone to manage the house in my absence. But I look forward to getting a little experience doing that myself before my departure. I appreciate your prayers as I work to make this house into a home that will be a blessing to many missionary families, as well as an investment that can pay my bills and provide for my future needs. If you want to follow my renovation adventures, I'm sure I'll be posting many pictures on Facebook! A Man's Best Friend Now that I'm living in a house of my own, I adopted a senior dog just yesterday. Maggie (Magnolia) is a ten-year old pit bull who has lived almost all of her life in a shelter, meaning that she is institutionalized, much like a prisoner. She's very timid, and would probably love nothing more than to return to the kennel she knows all too well. I'm told it may take a couple of months for her to adjust to "life on the outside," but that she will then be my best friend. As I'll be working from home for the next year, it will be good to have a companion! Follow FB Group Forward to a Friend Prayer Points   Praise God for providing an appropriate house, a great interest rate, and purposeful work during COVID that will be a blessing to many other people. Pray that God will bless my efforts in renovating and furnishing this home, that he will keep me safe, and provide the resources -- financial and people -- to accomplish this task.  Pray for my MTW team in Sydney as they strive to continue ministry in a nation where there are strict social distancing laws. City Sanctum is now only an online ministry. Harbour City Church is now meeting in groups of about 20 at various homes for online worship. The church leadership is also looking for a new place to worship once they are able to meet again. The place where they previously rented is no longer an option. Pray for our world. Pandemic, injustice, persecution, racial tensions.... Facebook Group   I try to send out these email updates about once per month. I don't want to fill your inboxes with too much mail! If you are on Facebook and are interested in more frequent, shorter updates and photos, click the link below to join my Facebook group.   THANK YOU! I want to thank all of my financial ministry partners for your faithful and sacrificial giving. It's difficult to express what that means to me -- to have your partnership in the gospel. Especially right now, as I am not able to be in Australia doing the work that was planned, I appreciate your faithful partnership which makes it possible for me to have the time to renovate a home for future ministry in this neighborhood and to many missionary families who will live in this home.