AUSTRALIA Queensland

Arriving at the end of 2022, we marvel at the speed in which another year has passed! Reflecting upon it, we first acknowledge the unmeasured goodness of our God, giving thanks for sustained health and strength; the spiritual and material blessing He bestows upon us and the privilege we have to serve Him in some small measure.

In Australia, imposed Covid restrictions are largely lifted, and we function normally again. The pandemic left its mark, not only on society, but on the lives of Christians. In our local area we discovered a number of believers isolated and lonely, the Lord using the pandemic to cause them to review what it means to gather in a local church. During the pandemic we changed the time of our Sunday Gospel to the afternoon and began holding a teaching meeting on the Lord’s Day evening. We taught through the dispensations and followed this up with the book of Romans. This resulted in many of these families coming along, taking an interest in God’s Word. Whilst it was a blessing to see these believers coming to the hall, we needed to get to know them personally, so began a weekly BBQ meal in the homes of 2 local believers, spending time getting to know them. As a result, many began observing at the Local Assembly and since, there have been a number baptised and received into fellowship.

The Lord prompted us to commence a Friday evening youth outreach in our local town, along with a Sunday afternoon gospel outreach and the outcome has been extraordinary. Please pray for these works. If we’ve learnt anything, it’s reminded us of the value of systematic theology, consistency in the gospel and the essential component of hospitality.

During the months of June – September we travelled as a family to the USA labouring in Gospel and conference meetings. Whilst away, local Saints continued the gospel work in our town, as well as commencing a new Bible Study, meeting more Christians and teaching God’s word. We are thankful to witness the blessing of the Lord upon this work.

Since October, we have spent time in New Zealand for conference meetings and Assembly visits and I presently write from Singapore, where I have 2 weeks of ministry meetings.

Please continue to pray for the essential work of the Gospel Billboards that we continue across Australia.

As always, we appreciate and need the prayers of the Saints.

CLIVE & RACHEL BARBER