Yesterday I heard from our lawyer in Australia, and he updated us on the visa process.  Apparently we were still in the skill assessment portion of the process.  The company that was assessing our qualifications has sent their final results to our lawyer.  The results were favorable and our lawyer was very pleased with the assessment.  He said it was a big hurdle in the process, and though we are not yet finished he said it was a big step toward getting the visa.  Right now our lawyer will be applying to the Australian Government for our actual visa.  From what I understand, all the previous things were building up to the actual application so that the application could go through faster.
Please pray that the Australian Government will approve of the visa quickly.  We have been able to communicate with our co-workers in the Melbourne area and it is exciting to hear the news of the work.  The Lord has us right where He wants us, and He will get to Australia in His timing.  Please pray that our hearts will accept His time frame.
In Christ,
Mark Pitts and family

This week I contacted the lawyer's office in Australia and they said they were going to find out from the immigration office about our visa.  The lawyer's secretary said she would contact me with any word.  As of right now, I have received no word from her.  Please continue to pray with us that the Lord would provide the visas, and that He would give us patience as we wait.
As we wait for the visas, we have had the opportunity to minister in our sending church.  This has been a great blessing.  We have been gone for so long on deputation, and it is nice to spend some time in our home church and get to know the people more.  Also, we have had the opportunity to meet our new Senior Pastor.  Pastor Paul Rebert has been serving at First Baptist for about three weeks or so, and we have had the opportunity to get to know he and his family.  The Lord has used this time to grow us and encourage us through our sending church and our supporting churches as well.
Thank you so much for checking this site for updates.  We praise the Lord for your interest, and your prayers.  We hope to be able to share the news soon that we have been approved for visas to Australia.  Stay Tuned!!

Hello prayer warriors!  Today I have found out that the last piece of the puzzle is in place for our visas.  We have sent the last bit of paperwork, and we are expecting to have our visas by the end of this month or very early in February.  That is if it is the Lord's will.  We are not trusting in the speed of the government or our lawyers, we are trusting in God.  His timing is perfect.  Thank you for your prayers for us.  The Lord is working and all glory goes to Him.
In Christ,
Mark Pitts and family