Praying Friends,
The past few weeks have been filled with special celebrations.  Sara and I celebrated eleven years of marriage recently.  God has been so good to us!  I have been blessed with an amazing wife.  The time has truly flown by, but we thank God for each and every day that He has blessed us with.  Also, I celebrated my second Father's Day here in Australia.  Mother's Day is the same as in the States, but Father's Day is celebrated in September as opposed to June.  The Lord has blessed me with some amazing kiddos too. 
The weather has warmed up here as of late and we have been able to take several nice bush walks and enjoy God's great creation.  Kangaroos hopping, rabbits scurrying, and birds of all colors flying everywhere filled our walks.  The kids love finding "treasures" along the way which comprise of rocks, sticks, and other random items they spot. 
Recently we have come to realize that the dangers of terrorism are not limited to a certain region of the world.  A couple of days ago there was an act of terrorism that took place about 45 minutes from where we live.  Melbourne is a very diverse city and its suburbs reflect that fact.  Just my immediate neighbors represent five different cultures.  Please be in prayer for our opportunity to share the Gospel in our community and in the surrounding communities. 
Thank you for reading our blog.  We appreciate you taking the time to catch up with us and your prayers are very appreciated.

In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family

Bush Walk

Scenic!

Father's Day

Praying Friends,
Lamentations 3:22 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not."  Today I am thankful for the Lord's mercy to me and my family.  He has been so merciful and gracious to us while here in Australia.  With the business of life it is good to slow down and take the time to count our blessings.
One of the recent blessings in our ministry was voting in a new deacon at the last business meeting.  It is so wonderful to see the Lord's work in the lives of people and in the progress of His church.  It has also been a blessing to be in the public school teaching Special Religious Education.  Though it is only for a half an hour a week, I have enjoyed getting to know the students and teachers at the primary school.  Another blessing is celebrating Grace Baptist Churches 15th anniversary next month.  God has been so faithful to this work, and we pray He will continue to bless Grace's witness in the community.
Spring is finally in the air here in Melbourne.  Flowers are blooming and the weather is warming up (though sometimes I wonder if winter is still trying to make a comeback).  Our children are back to school again which makes our house a busy place, but it is a joy to see my children learn and grow in their understanding.  With the warmer weather brings many activities and outreach opportunities.  Please keep us in prayer as we will be busy at home and in the work at Grace. 
Thank you for reading this update, and your prayers are always a blessing.

In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family