It's super exciting to see the progress on our building project. Some retaining walls have been constructed, footings for the building are being excavated and the actual foundations pour is not too far off now. When we broke ground and began the project with demolition at the end of 2019, our hearts were full of joy. At the same time we had no idea in 2020 we would be building through a global pandemic. It's been a long journey to get to this point as a church, full of God stories, great faith and amazing provision to overcome many obstacles and battles on the way. But it turns out in the year of the build we face our biggest challenge yet. 

Many people are facing tough economic times, which is also the experience of our church. As our project continues to gain momentum the time has come when we are about to draw on our building loan. This necessary step could make us fearful, however our faith in God remains solid. It's always been his work, it's always been way beyond us, and the greater the odds against us, the greater the glory to him. So we press on with obedience and faith, confident that Jesus' words remain true. That when we seek first the Kingdom of God, he will supply all we need (Matthew 6:33). Remember these words God gave us when we began building. 

Don’t be afraid—you’re not going to be embarrassed. 
Don’t hold back—you’re not going to come up short.
(Isaiah 54:4 MSG). 

Back in March, we were praying for Joan Koskela as she set off on a mission to train church leaders in life and counselling skills in Uganda.  Joan was able to train for 7 days out of the scheduled 10 before COVID-19 regulations shut the class down. However, participants were sent home with a USB containing the full 2 weeks of training. Then the miracles for Joan began:

• All modes of transport in Uganda were banned (except for cargo haulage), with flights in and out of the country being the first to go. Mounting tension over the presence of foreigners who were seen to bring the virus to Uganda led the Australian Embassy to advise Joan to lay low and hunker down for between 4-8 months!
• Three flights Joan booked were cancelled until she managed to get one of the last 5 seats on a charter flight organised to ferry American citizens back to USA (Americans were given priority, naturally). This flight would get her to Qatar. But how to get to the airport (an hour’s drive away) to catch that flight with all travel banned unless emergency permission was granted?
• Friends in Samford who were praying for Joan just happened to know a man in Uganda who they contacted about Joan’s situation and he organised a police escort for Joan to the airport!  And the flight to Qatar went ahead despite warnings that it might not.
• After 20 hours of watching flights being continuously cancelled in Doha airport, Joan caught an almost empty plane (only 39 passengers) to Brisbane. The only reason this plane was flying was because there were 250 people that needed to be air-lifted from Brisbane back to Doha.

Joan testifies to feeling the prayers of God’s people carrying her home to safety and stands amazed at God’s miraculous power in orchestrating everything for her good. She thanks everyone for their prayers.

Hi Grove family!

Over the next few weeks, our office staff are doing a call around to check how everyone is going. It’s been almost five weeks since we have gathered as a church, and while there has been various catchups through online prayer meetings and connect groups, we would love to personally talk to everyone for a number of reasons.

1. At The Grove we believe people matter. So our first reason for the call is to simply check how you are going in the current crisis and see if there is anything we can help with, or pray for you about. 
2. We would like to gain a clearer understanding of how the online services and online parts of ministry are connecting with you. There are always some great blessings and benefits, but there are other aspects that may not work as well for everyone. It will be so helpful for our ministry to receive your feedback.
3. We would like to give you an opportunity to ask questions. The person calling may not be able to answer them all, but can connect you with the relevant person or get back to you with the information you need.
4. We also would like to gather information about people in isolation in our church family or connected to us who may need a care package, hamper or some encouragement.  
5. Finally, the call will also provide an opportunity to update communication details with us, like email or mobile numbers.

Ros and Sandy will make the majority of these calls, but may first text you to see when a good time to have a short conversation might be. We pray our church care call will be a blessing to you and us.

Marty