Field Address: P.O. Box 461
Essendon, Victoria 3040
Australia

Sending Church: Rodgers Baptist Church
P.O. Box 460639
Garland Texas 75046

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January 2010

Dear Friends:

I write this letter with an abundance of gratitude towards the faithfulness and mercies of God, and with a heavy burden from the many challenging opportunities we have faced through the past few months. First, please forgive me for the extreme lateness of this report. We are thankful for your prayers, financial support, and your love towards us.

Caitie Emmaline Issa born October 9, 2009, in Melbourne, Australia:

The Lord blessed us with a healthy and beautiful baby girl (see top two pictures.) She has me wrapped around her tiny finger. Amanda had a healthy pregnancy and we ended up with a caesarean delivery. Thank you for your cards, emails, and gifts. Thank you to our friends at Rodgers for the generous monetary gift. As all parents know, babies cost a bundle!

Baptism (third picture on left from top) and discipleship (many in the other pictures.)

I meet on a daily basis (five to six days a week) with individuals who are searching and asking questions about the truth. I have seen many come to trust in the message of God's Grace and many hours are spent with each individual to help them understand who they are in Christ, and abiding in His love. Aside from our regular services and Bible studies, I found that the young people in Melbourne learn more one-on-one. Recently I baptized a Lebanese man with whom I have discussed the gospel for two years.

Young Adults Retreat "HOPE":

We had 65 young people join for a weekend retreat we called HOPE. Like everything else in our ministry, we always point people to Christ as the author and finisher of our faith. People came from various parts of the State and the entire retreat was planned by young adult leaders. They see our vision and the Lord has been working through them.

Children's programs:

We had 120 children attend our three-day program. We have been short on leaders due to some having moved to other cities. However, the Lord still provided the help needed even when we reached our capacity for the building we rent. We are now running a weekly two-hour program for the children in the church and the community.

Leadership and Pastoral Training:

We took 24 leaders for a weekend retreat to focus on reaching the next generation with the gospel. Two things we are contentiously doing: 1- Lead people to understand their relationship with God and each other. 2- Train leaders who can pass on this message. Sounds simple, but we toil every day for people to see the simplicity of the gospel.

Please pray for:

• The spreading of the gospel.
• Leadership training.
• Our family for protection (teaching the truth has come with a huge price) and provision (Melbourne is very costly.)

Silas & Amanda