Hey Family,

I wanted to write a specific update to you guys because you understand the context and heart of what we are doing AND I need your help/network. 

As you know, our church gatherings are a little different to the normal, with no building, staff or even shared bank accounts. Every leader works normal jobs and sets time aside to equip and disciple others.  But with me being one of the main drivers/leaders in the initial "setting up" phase, I've had to structure my week to allow for extra time set aside to lead. So I have 2 part-time roles, to support kingdom work and care for my family...
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  1. a small Web/Graphic Design business.
  2. a Power To Change missionary. ​
However, our biggest ministry is reaching the ever growing de-churched population, each bringing unique pain and baggage with them. The last thing we want is to serve them and then ask them to pay us for it... so it puts us in an interesting place in terms of how to survive financially. 

So I am reaching out to you and your networks, to see if there are any people you know who might be in a place to help support what God is doing here. 

Please watch the video below for a clearer explanation of how we are looking for help. 
And if you want to know more about Old Mates, follow this button.

What is Church MovementS?

*These are Pre-COVID stats. Researchers now estimate around 80-85% leaving.

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NEWSLETTER 
A short, to-the-point, easy-to-read, update for those who want to track closer to with this and pray with us.  

OLD MATESUpdate

Old MATES is up and running! We have met twice in the last 6 weeks and have begun the long process of building a healthy community.
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I am (currently) the only follower of Jesus among the group and would love your prayers. Already, there have been some heavy things shared within the community.
Some of the things that have come up (without going into to much detail) are: navigating life as a newly divorced dad with kids, balancing tricky family of origin relationships while trying to be a good husband/dad and coming to terms with having alcoholic tendencies.​
...And this is only one month into it!  

​The freedom and grace of Jesus are desperately needed here. However, it is hard ground. Many bring a painful experience of "religion" and a concept of Jesus that is far from the reality of who Jesus actually is. 
So please be praying for wisdom, discernment and boldness to speak life into these times. Please pray that I, too, would be vulnerable, and honest about where I find joy and strength. 

My hope for Old Mates is that other local Christians will be able to connect into this space; but for now, it is just me who is seeking to be a worthy ambassador of the Kingdom in this community.

In the next two weeks, 4-6 of us from Old Mates will be setting aside a Saturday to bless an elderly couple in the community.  They were hoping to get a backyard project/gardening done but have been unable due to health/age. This is an excellent opportunity to spend time working shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the guys, while also helping the broader community and serving this local couple. 

Please be praying for what God is doing here.  I do not feel well equipped for this at all and have a desperate dependence on the Spirit.  Please join me in praying that God would continue to open doors with these guys and that one day, they too, will know Jesus personally.

OLD MATE - Aussie slang, used anytime you forget someone's name. We also use it tongue in cheek, about the fact that we are starting to feel older.

M.A.T.E.S. Acronym for Men Active Together Encourage Strengthen