Weekly Prayer Points,
9 August 2010.

G'Day from Steve

Maps and Calendars.

The next time you open your Bible take a quick look at the maps in the last pages of this amazing book. They will reveal significant era's in history. The exodus from Egypt of Moses and the people of Israel, the travels of Jesus and the disciples, the missionary journey's of the apostle Paul. Some Bibles even have maps of Solomon's temple where the ark of the covenant was placed after it's own travels through the wilderness. It fascinates me that God is into maps and history yet he loves us enough to allow us to make our own way, ever present to rescue us from our self destructive decisions and careless behaviour.

For many months now we have been working on maps and schedules for the Heritage National Tour of Australia. A missionary journey in the same spirit as the great Apostle Paul. A team of people dedicated to proclaiming the good news and exciting believers to even more effective mission. Well.. we are on the road and working hard to make every concert a great event for the people who turn up. The concerts are free. We are trusting God will supply all our needs as we travel. It's real faith adventures in action and we are determined to reach every destination on the map in the coming months.

Because of Jesus Christ, the presence of God no longer lives in the ark of the covenant in a sacred temple. The presence of God is available to all by the power of the Holy Spirit when we believe that Jesus died for our sins and that through Him we are reconciled to God, forgiven and free forever. That's a message worthy of making some travel plans and praying over maps. People need to know that the very presence of God that raised Christ from the dead can live in them as well.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12.1

Thanks for your prayers and support for the Heritage Tour 2010. We are on the way and we are going for it.... no matter what.

Godspeed,

Pictured: The Heritage Tour

First week of the Heritage National Tour

Pictured: Don - guitar, Jess - violin, Steve, Ryan - Cajon drum, Jordan - Bass. The acoustic set of the concert.

Over 2,000 people have attended the Heritage events of the past week. People have come to faith in Christ. Many more have been encouraged. It has been an amazing start to the tour. As the team all adjust to life on the road, to early mornings and late nights, to long travel days and constant ministry we are well aware of the toll it takes physically and mentally. We're starting each day with team devotions, prayer and Bible study and learning that in our own strength we will not last the distance or the demands ahead.... but in the Lord's strength we are more than conquerors and will see great miracles take place in many people's lives.... including our own.

Thanks for praying with us as we adapt to "life on the road". There's a long way to go.

The Workhorse

Pictured: Steve's Taylor 615 acoustic guitar.

Two months ago this Taylor 615 guitar was in remote Aboriginal communities of Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. Two weeks ago this guitar was in Mt Hagen PNG being used to minister to thousands of people..... Two days ago this guitar was in the Town Hall in Warwick QLD being used to preach the Gospel. There is something special about having good equipment to present the best message in the universe. Thank you for supporting our ministry as we reach out to people across the nation and world. We need your help to accomplish the task. It's a team effort that wins the game and we appreciate your partnership in all we are doing.
Thanks.

The Crew and the Convoy

Pictured: Some of the team with the Wycliffe Bus, the missions van and equipment truck.

Well.... we are starting to look like a serious touring outfit!! We will have a team of 19 people on the road with us this week. All ready to serve in missions and evangelism. We praise the Lord for the enthusiastic spirit in the team. Thanks to many of you who have helped to get the vehicles on the road and also for supporting some of the team who have all taken steps of faith for the venture. We're ready for action!

Vehicle Breakdown - Week One.

Pictured: The Sprinter van and the Pajero in a Caravan Park in Warwick QLD.

Our Mitsubishi Pajero blew a crankcase seal while driving up a mountain range called Cunningham's Gap on Saturday. Miraculously there was still some oil in the engine by the time we arrived in Warwick to set up for the concert. But we quickly realised by the pool of black oil under the motor that the vehicle was going no further. So it remains parked at Warwick Baptist Church waiting for a diesel mechanic. Pray with us for wisdom as we have some big decisions to make about a new vehicle. Our only option is to lease a near new 4X4 as the ministry is not eligible for a bank loan yet. So we are believing for some miracles and trusting the Lord for His provision this week!!!

Country Town generosity

Pictured: Kerrie, Ps Jeff, Steve, Grandpa Grace and Sharon with her Nissan Patrol ready for a week on tour.

When your vehicle breaks down in an Australian country town like Warwick, QLD.... expect a miracle. Within hours of getting the news that our Pajero had some serious engine troubles a local farming family offered their Nissan Patrol 4X4 to us for a week. Sharon and her husband Chris who live on a property 30 minutes from Warwick only bought the 4X4 two weeks ago but felt the Lord prompting them to make it available till our Pajero is repaired. The local Baptist Pastor took up a love offering at the end of the concert to help with repair costs. We are so grateful.

Grandpa Grace guest appearance at Warwick Concert

Pictured: Grandpa Grace with Kerrie and Steve.

10 minutes before our concert started at the Historic old town hall in Warwick, Grandpa Grace arrived back stage. He had driven 4 hours from the Sunshine Coast to come and experience a Heritage Concert. Naturally he became the special guest speaker for the night and basically stole the show!! People were greatly blessed by his stories of 1960's missions experiences in Papua New Guinea. It was such an honour to have 3 generations of Grace's all sharing the stage for the night... all passionate about Jesus and the Gospel. Thanks Dad. You made our day!

Sound Production for the Heritage Tour

Pictured: Digby at work behind a Midas Pro 6 series console at the QLD Scripture Union Chaplain's Conference last Wednesday night.

He has taken a huge step of faith to come and serve the Heritage Tour. Digby Ho Leong has come from Papua New Guinea to serve every concert over the coming months. In this first week we have been amazed at his abilities to create a great sound in every venue and serve the local organisers. Digby has a reputation of being one of PNG's best sound and production engineers. Please pray for Digby's family at home in Port Moresby. We are grateful for the sacrifice they are making so he can travel with us.

Sunday night in Toowoomba

Pictured: Steve giving the altar call as Chase Merrell and the band prepare for worship.

24 people responded to the altar call on Sunday night at Hume Ridge Church in Toowoomba. The 2 hour Heritage concert attracted 650 people of all ages. Youth groups, families and old folks all appreciated the presentation and the Missions Expo was busy with interest at the end of the event. We are grateful to Ps Dale White, Brendan Walmsley and the team for all their help in making the concert a night to remember. We thank the Lord for the lives impacted!

Thanks Lauren

Pictured: Kerrie and Lauren

It has been such a delight to have Lauren Free helping out in the office over the past month with Heritage Tour preparations. Without Annette Telford and Lauren's help, Kerrie would not have been able to accomplish all the logistical preparations needed to get the 76 towns and cities tour together on time. We simply want to say "Thanks". We love and appreciate you.

Heritage Tour - Outback Skies TV Vision

Pictured: Outback Skies website.

We have begun filming this week. The planning and pre-production is going well. We are seeing God open doors, and close the ones that he does not want us to walk through. We have had some good interest from Christian television stations, and need continual prayer.

Go to www.outbackskies.com

Heritage Promo Video

Watch the New promo video online:
http://www.theheritagetour.com/media/downloads/video/

 

Testimonies

We are constantly encouraged by some amazing letters in the mail from people who have been blessed by the ministry. As many of you pray regularly for our work we wanted you to also partner in the blessing of these letters. Thank you to each of you who take the time to communicate with us about what God is doing in your life. We really are encouraged by your words.

You can check out the new testimonies page by Clicking Here

Prayer Requests

• Ongoing financial support for all the projects and missions planned for this year. 
• For 'grace' magazine.
• For the team serving in the Steve Grace Office as they continue co-ordinating and communicating with Churches across Australia. .
• For God's leading as we pray about plans for 2011.

Until next week,

Steve & Kerrie Grace