FROM CITY TO COUNTRY

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love and your endurance inspired by hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

Pictured: The Church in Minnipa South Australia where we served and worshipped last Sunday morning with the locals.

The Sunday before last I was singing at the Sydney Opera House. This last weekend I had the honour of singing at the Anglican and Uniting Church in Minnipa on the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. Pastor Tim Coleman gave a great word from the book of Acts about the journey of faith we are called to take. He’s a pentecostal Pastor with a great vision for the entire region. People from various denominations of church attended and everyone bought a plate of food or a pavlova or cake. Lunch was a literal feast as James, a local sheep shearer cooked up the best BBQ steaks and chicken this side of the border. Life can be pretty tough in these parts, especially if the rains don’t come… but people are honest and real. They are generous and full of faith, They sing loud and they drive long distances to enjoy the fellowship of church family. There is a sweet spirit in these little churches that can sometimes be lost in the rush of life in big cities. I’ve learned to really appreciate it over the years. 

If your walk with God is all about programs and deadlines and schedules… maybe its time to go for a long drive and spend a Sunday in a little country church out bush.

Thanks for your friendship and interest in our mission.

Godspeed,
Steve

Teen Challenge Vision Night

Pictured: Ryan Grace speaking at the Living Waters Church in Kyabram, Victoria

The church in Kyabram was packed last Saturday night as we did our first ever TC Vision Night. The team from TC put on a great BBQ followed by our concert with Dave Graffin, Trentan Kruger, Steve and Ryan Grace. The highlight of the event was the stories of transformation of three men in stage 4 of their recovery program. Miracle stories from despair to hope through faith in Christ. 

$2,500 was raised on the night to support the ongoing work of TC and we are very grateful for the support from Ps Trevor and Lynette Kay and the church family at Living Waters for making the night possible. Thanks so much!

You can find out more about Teen Challenge at their website: http://teenchallenge.com.au/

THE LAW OF PROSPERITY

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers.
– Psalm 1:1-3

Photo credit: Steve Grace

There’s something so powerfully inspiring about trees. They enable planet earth to breathe new oxygen, yet for as long as men and women have walked the earth they have provided timber for homes and warmth for every winter since our Genesis beginnings. Trees are a spectacular part of God’s creation.

When our delight is in pursuing God’s law of love and grace, we are like a tree planted firmly by streams of water. Water in the Bible is symbolic of the presence of the Holy Spirit and our desire should be that the fruits of the Spirit are seen in our lives with every new season. That’s what real prosperity is… its not about becoming wealthy and influential and successful in the world’s eyes. It's about knowing who you are in Christ and living every day honouring Him. His laws are profoundly simple; Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind and love people as much as you love yourself. I like that!

Thanks for travelling with us.

Godspeed,
Steve

BROKEN DREAMS

Our amazing tour trailer took a big hit on the road back from Inverell, NSW. The Bruxner Highway is a shocking road and took its toll on our poor trailer. The main chassis frame of the trailer was fractured badly to the point that the insurance company have written the trailer off. This is bad news for us as it will take a lot to replace our custom built tour trailer. The reality is we have to let it go, move on and believe God for the next season.

Fortunately, our insurance company have helped us to purchase a smaller trailer to get us through this next tour across the Nullarbor plain to Western Australia and back. We will be on the lookout for a future touring trailer as we continue doing ministry.

DOING A NEW THING

Praise to the Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago.

– Isaiah 25:1 –

We’ve had a crazy few weeks and had to trust the Lord for His 'new thing' as we prepare to set out on tour for a few months.  The Sunliner Tour trailer we’ve used for the past few years finally gave in to the ordeals of Australian roads. The chassis was broken beyond repair and was written off by our insurance company. Initially this was devastating but we realise it may end up being a blessing. It’s all part of the journey of faith and the adventure of serving God.

Pictured: Steve & Kerrie on the road again.

Thank you so much for your continued interest in the work we are doing across Australia. We are quietly excited that we are entering a new season of revival and restoration for many towns and communities across our nation. 

"Forget the former things;  do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

– Isaiah 43:18-19 –

Thank you for your support.

– Steve

Honouring a Humble Hero

Pictured: An opportunity to meet Billy Graham in 1998.

He reached more people in his lifetime than any other person in history. His message was simple and real.. His message was Jesus.. I will never forget the time I met Billy Graham with my wife Kerrie. Backstage at a major evangelistic crusade in Alburqueque, New Mexico. It was May 1998 and I’d been invited by Franklin Graham to sing to the massive crowd that filled the football stadium. It was an historic event and one of the final Evangelistic Rallies that Dr Graham would be preaching at after decades behind the microphone and public events in nations across the globe.

The remarkable thing about Billy Graham was his down to earth approachability and genuine care in every conversation. He had an unconditional love for all people’s. He probably did more to empower oppressed people groups and bring hope to civil rights than any other man of his time. His message bought real revival to nations in the post WWll years, including Australia… a country he had a great love for. 

For Kerrie and I it was such a privilege to meet Billy Graham and his family. That North Carolina spirit of hospitality is very authentic.. It was like catching up with an old mate as he reflected on his many memories of missions to Australia. 

Our prayer is that millions more will take on the heart, passion and convictions that compelled Billy Graham to bring the good news to a lost and dying world. THANK YOU BILLY.

– Steve Grace

One Hundred Years of Hope

 “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord … that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them”  
– Revelation 14:13

His humble message of hope and his vision to travel the nations of earth proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ has seem millions of lives transformed. Billy Graham communicated to over 215 million people through his public rallies in 185 nations. Countless lives have been changed as the Gospel of Jesus Christ was passionately preached to generations. Billy had a way of connecting with cultures like no other. 

We simply want to express our thanks and offer our heartfelt prayers to the Graham family at this time as they farewell a man greatly loved and admired globally. Thank you Billy for your legacy of faith and a hundred years of hope in Christ’s promises. We are grateful.

New Tractor Donated

The Furguson TE20 Tractor donated for the future missions base in Tenterfield. Ced Grace with John Doeke, Steve and Dave the tractor mechanic.

A 1953 Furguson TE20 Tractor has been donated to World Missions to help us develop our future ministry base in Tenterfield NSW. John has been a tractor enthusiast for many years and has fully restored the vintage tractor mechanically.. It’s basically got a brand new 4 cylinder Vangard engine and is ready for work. We plan to repaint the old Furgy back to its classic grey colour and use it for practical jobs around the property. 

We are grateful for God’s provision with this new venture and plan to establish a tax deductible giving account that will help with future buildings and construction. Thanks so much to those who have already expressed interest in helping with the dream. Thanks also to Dennis and Kim for your part in the faith adventure.

On The Road Again

We did it! 10 events in 10 days. From the Capital Theatre in Tamworth and three nights performing at the legendary Scripture Union Gospel Tent, to an outdoor event in Inverell, the showgrounds Pavilion in Grafton and then a concert off the back of a truck in Boambee… then two great church services am - pm at Lifehouse Church in Coffs Harbour!! It was a demanding kickstart to 2018 but we are so thankful to the crowds who turned up and the locals who organised the events.

Stay tuned for the upcoming tours across Australia including the Goldfields Celebration with Will Graham in May. Will will be doing a three day evangelistic rally in Kalgoorlie on the 18th - 20th May. We are excited about being involved and invite you to begin praying for the event. We are believing people will come from all over WA for the historic meetings. Steve Grace and Skypilot will both be performing along with some bands from the USA and Indigenous bands from the desert country. More news soon!