Praying Friends,
Today I read in my devotions how God is our strength and shield, and how He helps those that put their trust in Him (Psalm 28:7).  It is comforting to know that during those times of difficulty and weakness God provides strength.  He provides the strength necessary to serve Him in face of spiritual opposition and persecution.  I praise the Lord to know that He is protecting us even now, and that we can rest in Him safely as a soldier finds security behind a shield.  The help from the Lord is not just in the times of storm but in the sunny days as well.  His help is applied to all areas of our lives as believers, and the psalmist encourages us to continue to trust in Him.
The Lord has been our help in many ways recently in the ministry.  Last week we celebrated the anniversary of Grace Baptist Church.  God has shown His power and protection in the growth and preservation of this group of believers.  It was a wonderful time together and we pray that the Lord would continue to bless this church until His return.
This weekend we had another visitor from the United States, Pastor Paul Rebert.  Pastor Rebert is the pastor of our sending church, First Baptist Church in Danville, Illinois.  He graciously added to his already busy schedule by visiting us before he ventured on to several preaching opportunities in the Philippines.  He visited only for three days, but we kept him busy.  God used him in speaking to the men at our men's breakfast and also in preaching on Sunday morning.  He also had the opportunity to see the culture and diversity while walking the streets in downtown Melbourne.  May God use him greatly while in the Philippines.
This weekend we have church camp in Anglesea.  It will be a time of hearing God's Word and spending time in fellowship with other believers.  Please be in prayer that God would encourage hearts during camp.
Thank you so much for reading our updates and we are encouraged by the prayer support that we are receiving.  May God bless you all!
In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family

 

Anniversary Service

 

Pastor Rebert at the Queen Victory Market

Praying Friends,
Here are just a couple photos of our most recent activity, the children's picnic.  The day started out very chilly, but God pushed away the clouds and brought out the sun and it warmed right up.  There were three extra children for our activity and they all had a great time.  Our desire is to see more kids in our children's program at Grace Baptist Church.  Please pray that we would see families start to attend and respond to the Lord.
Thank you for your prayers. 
In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family

Praying Friends,
Thank you so much for lifting us up before the Lord in prayer, and thank you to those that have given sacrificially so that we can be here to minister God's word to those in need.  Please know that your prayers are being answered and that your gifts are greatly appreciated and necessary.
When we were preparing to serve here in Australia, we asked for people to pray that the Lord would prepare hearts even while we were still in America.  He has answered that prayer.  The people of Grace Baptist Church have been more open with us about their lives and how the Lord has been working.  There have been those who have shared areas where they are struggling and need victory.  I have been praising the Lord for their openness and honesty to us.  We now know what the needs are in their lives and how to pray for them and encourage them in the Lord.  All of this in just seven months!  Glory to God!
There have been several things happen since the last update.  We have continued our study through James in our weekly Bible study, and on Sundays I have been preaching through Galatians.  Both studies have been challenging and the Gospel is being preached every Sunday through Galatians.  The ladies had an activity a little over a week ago, and it was a cooking activity.  They gathered to learn a new recipe and enjoy fellowship with one another.  Christian fellowship is a must here in Australia.  The activity went well and the results of the cooking were amazing!
Activities are on the horizon for this month and into next month.  We are currently in the school spring holidays for the next two more weeks.  This week we will have a teen scavenger hunt at a local shopping plaza which should be fun, and the first Saturday in October we will be having a picnic for the children of Grace.  Please pray for these activities.  My desire is to see the teens invite their unsaved friends to these activities and the children's picnic has been a challenge for grandparents to bring grandkids and adults to invite neighbor children.
There have been visitors to church over the last month.  Several visitors have been attending regularly.  Praise the Lord!  I have met several other people that say they are looking for a good solid Bible preaching church and I have invited them to visit.  Please pray that God would direct exactly who He wants to visit Grace Baptist Church.
On Friday we celebrated our ten year anniversary.  A family from the church offered to watch the kids and Sara and I went on a date.  It was a wonderful time for us to be able to go into the city at night and see the lights and have a nice meal together.  I am so thankful for the wife God has given to me. 
Thank you for praying and thank you for taking the time to read this update.

In Christ,
Mark Pitts and Family