Glendale Church

Today was my first day back in the pulpit at Glendale. I really felt that God wanted to preach a lesson preparing us all for the mission of the Glendale church for 2008. It was good to get back to the Glendale Church. They are a great bunch of people who are committed to spreading the message of Christ to the whole world beginning with theirs.

Here is the sermon I preached if you would like to listen to it. http://preachergeorge.com/AudioSermons/Sermons%202007/123007ChangeTheWorld.mp3

Back in the USA

Travel can be a lot of fun but it an also be a bit of a struggle. It was 21 hours since I left sunny Sydney to return to sunny Glendale. AFter 18 hours I got on the Van Nuys Flyaway bus to try save someone a trip to LAX to pick me up. What happens? It breaks down on the 405 freeway. Anyhow after a little wait another came and took us on our way. Reminds a lot about life.

It has been great trip to Australia. Nothing ever turns out as exactly planned but at least Julie and I are back in Burbank and the cats are happy.

Harrison's New Skateboard Ministry

Homeward Bound

The boys, Harrison, Ben and Alexander with their Uncle Andrew's dogs, Minnie and Toby

Finally received our visas yesterday. That's a relief. I will arrived back on Monday the 24th. At least I got to spend a few days extra with my family in Australia. It worked out well. Julie's mother got admitted to hospital night before last with chest pains and her father is still recovering from a knee transplant. It really helped them having us here. She is doing OK now. The doctor said it wasn't a heart attack but they are still doing tests to find out what is going on.

Alexander, number 3 son, got accepted into his college and will start February 18.  Australia's school year is the same as the calendar year (Just in case you were wondering). Ben and Harrison continue to do great work for the Lord. I will post a video of a ministry that Harrison has been invited to join and help expand and use the experience he gained from setting up his Rock Concert Ministry (the Den and the Den Underground).

Australia

Julie and I are in Australia at the moment. Arrived in the Gold Coast and got to visit with my 85 year old mother a couple of times. She is still living at home and gets daily care from various agencies. She is doing well but her body is failing her. It has 4 years since I have seen her.

Two of our sons, Ben and Harrison, along with Ben's wife, Carly, and Harrison's girlfriend, Cesia joined us for a couple of days on the beach at Burleigh Heads. Great time of relaxation and getting caught up with their lives. 

We then headed to Sydney where we stayed for a few days with Julie's folks, Ron and Edna Wallace, in Randwick. It was great being with them. Alexander, our third son, came over and visited with us for the day. I preached at Gosford (1.5 hours north) on the Sunday. Had a great day with them. I had worked with this church for a couple of years back in the Mid Eighties.

On Monday, Dec 10, we spent 3 hours in the US Consulate submitting our visa applications. They are being delayed so it is not looking like I will be back in the USA on the 19th as planned. Still trying to get back on the 22nd.

Alexander had his 20th birthday yesterday and the whole family got together for a BBQ at Bronte Beach. Spectacular day. Julie and I are no longer parents of teenagers. What a milestone. It must mean we are getting old. Say it isn't so!

Speaking of Alexander, one of our goals for this trip was to get him into college. He really wants to get into the Graphic Arts field. I was able to find an excellent private college, Billy Blue College in Sydney. The government will pay his fees as an interest free loan and he doesn't have to repay it until he gets and job and earns over a certain threshold. He has submitted an application and gets an interview next week. 

Today I preach at the new Northside Church in the Pymble area, about 45 minutes away. I hope I can be an encouragement to them in the difficult work of a new church plant. Julie's sister and husband are leaders there. This evening we do Christmas with the boys seeing I am not going to be here for Christmas (at least I hope not but you never know how long the US consulate is going to take to process our visa).

On Tuesday night I have been asked to lead the Bible Study at the Eastside Church in Bondi Junction.

I will post some photo later today. Please be praying for us.