Proctors in Australia

January 2010 Report from the Proctors in Australia

G’day to each of you our friends and supporters!



Furlough’s end – a time to Reflect and to be Thankful

Our time in the US is quickly coming to a close, and what an encouraging time it has been!
(Dan is flying back on the 13th January and Kim just a week later on the 20th.)
When we reflect over these last 6 months, 4 ongoing and significant events stand out in our minds that best describe our wonderful time here in the States. One of those events, and one that we faced almost immediately upon our arrival, was dealing with Kim’s major medical concerns and needs. A second ongoing part of our trip was the blessing of personally reporting to the churches and individuals who have so graciously supported us with their prayers and financial gifts. Another wonderful ongoing facet was the regular opportunities we had to catch up with most family members and the many particularly special friends we’ve made over the years. Finally, another very significant part of our time here has been for us to come to a final, prayed-through decision regarding significant ministry changes for us as we return to Australia. We’ll briefly explain those changes below.




Kim’s Medical Needs

We certainly praise the Lord for how He oversaw the timing and provision for Kim’s serious and necessary surgery. Her successful recovery, though slow & gradual has been very encouraging, and she’s moved beyond the point of vulnerability for further complications!
Again we’d like to say “thank you!” to each of you who interceded on her behalf!




Appreciated Reporting to Churches and Friends

We thoroughly enjoyed catching up with each pastor, and many of the staff and congregational members of just about every church that has remained faithful in sustaining us in prayer and financial gifts. We are especially aware of the global economic downturn that has had such an impact on so many households and therefore on most churches. As is always the case, we’ve encountered a variety of changes in some of the churches, whether a change in leadership or a change towards some new direction, a different philosophy of ministry or maybe a particularly new emphasis.

Regularly, God used various individuals to greatly encourage us through their special interest in us personally and in what the Lord is doing in our lives and ministry.

We want to extend a special “thank you!” to Tri-County Baptist Church in West Chester, Ohio for the use of a very dependable and comfortable car, and to Heritage Baptist Church for providing housing and much, much more while in Lynchburg, Virginia. We were also greatly blessed by a new and very special ministry directed by Zane & Burma Abbott (veteran missionaries to both Japan and Canada). This is a ministry of Hospitality, (housing and food), that they have recently initiated for travelling missionaries and military service personal. It is located near Lynchburg, Virginia and it was such a blessing for Kim and I during our time in the States! If you know of anyone in ministry who could use their services while in the Virginia area, their phone # is (434) 525 8429 – they would love to be a blessing to anyone in need!




Time with Family was Extra Special!

As we travelled we had the joy of visiting with our many family members as they hosted us in their homes and scheduled various family activities around our itinerary. Dan’s mom, Barbara Proctor turned 80 years young in October and we celebrated this grand mile stone, had a family reunion and joined for Thanksgiving meals all on the same weekend!



New Ministry Opportunities as we return to Australia!

As stated above, we return to Australia with plans to embark on new and different ministry responsibilities. In October Dan announced to our church in Australia his intentions of resigning from the position of full-time pastor. After speaking first with the church leadership and later with the church body in a phone-hookup meeting, Dan made the final arrangements to step down, but made himself available to remain available in helping establish new leadership.

In the mean time, discussions have been going on with the leadership of the Christian Community Churches of Australia, a fellowship group of 250 independent, autonomous churches that our church has been a part of. They have asked Dan to consider developing a position where much could be done to enhance and strengthen the networking between each of the churches and with each of their supported missionaries. This would also include being involved with church planting as well as leadership development and mentoring. Once we get back to Australia a number of discussions will be held with the leadership to work through the finer details. We will write again and explain exactly what we are doing once the details have been established.

Recharging our Batteries!

Dan has really enjoyed and appreciated the time he’s had in the book of Acts during our earlier time in the States and over the last couple of months he has had an encouraging time in the books of I & II Peter – great studies! Kim has really appreciated a devotional book called “God Calling” written by two anonymous authors and edited by A.J. Russel. Including the reading of parallel passages she was given from Scripture, the daily devotionals have been a regular source of encouragement to her! Dan is also enjoying currently reading Ed Dobson’s book, “The Year of Living Like Jesus”; Steve Reynold’s book, “BOD4GOD”; John Eldredge’s book, “Walking with God” and Dwight Robertson’s book, “Plan A, and There’s No Plan B”. The common theme of each of these great reads is the emphasis to “live more like Jesus” with the added encouragement to “grow more in love with The Father” and thereby in love with each person God has placed around us!

May the true blessing of our Lord Jesus be continuous for you this year as you “...look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our Faith...”!
We love each of you and thank you for your faithful prayers and financial gifts!

In Christ,

Dan & Kim Proctor – Sydney Australia