Last night I spoke with the lawyer directly and found out a little more of what has been going on. The lawyer's assistant that had knowledge of our file is no longer with the company. This seems to have made quite a setback on our case. Right now in the visa process the lawyer's office will be preparing the nomination by the Church plant we will be working with. Once the paperwork for the nomination is complete then we will be able to proceed with the visa process.
In our phone conversation we were given some disappointing news. We were told that our FBI clearance has expired, again. This will be the third FBI clearance that we will have done for our lawyer, and to give you an idea on how long ago we started this process the FBI clearance expires one year from the time you have it done. Also, we were told that our immigration physicals have expired as well. Those too last for only a year. So you can see we have been in the application process for a while now.
Please pray that the Lord would stir the heart of this lawyer to action. We have started the process with this lawyer and it would be devastating to switch mid-stream. Also, please continue to pray that the visa process would move quickly. Our hearts are in Australia and we want to be there, but as you can see the longer we wait the more costly this process becomes.
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse came to mind this morning as I thought about the phone call last night. I just want to praise the Lord for bringing us this far in the deputation process, and also praise God that He is in control. The Lord is good and He will have this all worked out in His timing!
Thank you all for your prayers, and may God bless you.
In Christ,
Mark Pitts and family
