The Proctors in Sydney

G'day to each of you, from "down under"!

About Time
It has been quite some time since we've reported to each of you our faithful prayer and financial supporters! For you we remain extremely grateful--as many of you have confirmed your commitment to pray for us and this remains a great necessity. You who are sacrificing with your personal financial giving, as well, continue to minister encouragement to our souls!

Support Levels
As I've mentioned in our previous report to you, our support from the States has been hit by natural attrition over the last several years. However, we have gained back minimal support from some individual supporters. Thankfully, the group of churches we are working with here in Australia is providing a degree of financial support as well.

What's Happening?
I promised in our last report that once we'd finalized the details of our new ministry position we'd share the details with you so that you might gain a better understanding of how to pray for us. We arrived back in Australia in January, this year. Please know that we've been keeping ourselves busy with an innumerable variety of ministry opportunities. It is, however, a great blessing to now have a more specific understanding of our longer and shorter term goals and to have a clearer sense of what is expected of us by the oversight Committee of the large church organization to whom we have been accountable to called "Christian Community Churches of Australia"! Up to this point Kim and I have been serving in our new church home, Norwest Community Church. We have been involved with speaking engagements, prayer meetings, visitation, mentoring, counseling etc.

We've had several opportunities to help out in other churches both in the capacity of filling the pulpit and in some mentoring of other pastors and church leaders, which is basically what I'll be doing in this new position.

In regards to the details of our new ministry responsibilities, I'll try to summarize here:

• First, locally, and eventually on a broader, more national level, we'll be traveling and spending time with the leaders of this growing group of churches.
• We'll be preaching / teaching in the churches, as well, when requested.
• We'll consult strategically with churches that would like to help in ascertaining where they currently are and where they are heading, or would like to head in reaching their community with the Gospel.
• We'll be encouraging new church plants.
• We'll encourage a stronger sense of world-wide needs in the area of Missions.
• We'll also encourage stronger leadership and training in various essential areas of ministry by presenting the opportunities that exist to further personal education through several accredited, solid Bible institutions that exist here in Australia.
• We'll endeavor to be an ear, as well as, a source of prayer support for those who need encouragement or who desire advice in regards to various issues that may arise (many pastors and leaders are struggling with various personal or church trials and others are dealing with pastoral-related emotional stress).
• We'll seek to encourage a stronger and more unified bond between the churches so as to be a greater witness and effective force in the face of the growing hostility and secularization of this very "western" society that is, sadly, becoming increasingly more in a state of apathy and indifference towards the things of God.
• Ultimately, we'll have far greater opportunities to minster to churches in Australia that we've ever had before. The 22 years experience we've had in church planting and being a pastor is of great benefit to our being able to make a contribution to the multiple facets of church growth and provides, as well, a great level of credibility with fellow Australians.

Project Mobility

Due to the changes in ministry, as we've explained above, I'll be traveling a great deal more than in the past. Also due to increasing fuel prices and other travel expenses, I'm planning to purchase a motorcycle to help ease some of the travel and schedule conflicts for Kim and me. We do have a Mitsubishi sedan which we both are able to use. The 1994 Mazda that Kim has been using for many years had pretty much "bit the dust"!

The motorcycle will be very useful for most, but not all of my personal travel needs, yet a great blessing in many ways. I'll need so spend abotu $5,000(US) for a proper used motorbike. (In Australia, by the way, motorbikes are almost twice what they cost in the U.S.!) If you can help towards this project, above your regular financial support, in any way, we would be so gratful.

Positive in Prayer

We are very excited about the prospect of how we can serve in these new ways here in Australia!! Please be much in prayer for us that we can truly be a blessing to both many individuals and churches. Please pray for wisdom and organizational skills, and that we would gain deeper insight as to how we can make a difference and have a greater impact in Australia for the Glory of our great King!

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

Proctors in Australia

G’day to each of you who faithfully support us through your prayers and finances, Let me begin this letter by introducing you to the newest member of our personal family and our church! Her name is Ava Psalm Keegan and she is our second Grandchild with our daughter Meagan, ( the first one was lost to a miscarriage and is now in Heaven)!

She was born on the 26th March and we “Praise the Lord” for the fact she and mum are in great health!

As we’ve said in our previous letter, we will be returning to the States on the 22nd of June for furlough. God has miraculously provided our “return flights” and some our itinerary has been established. Our greatest need now, for furlough, is a vehicle to travel around in. Every time we’ve come back to the States, God has miraculously provided a vehicle of just the right size and at just the right time! Please be praying with us for this need to be met again! If anyone knows of a possible vehicle for us to use, please let us know. Kim & I will be traveling mainly along the east coast of the US and will need the car from about August to January of next year.

Also, if you’d like us to come to your church for a meeting or for a Missions Conference please let us know and we’ll discuss with you an appropriate time!

While I’m away from Australia, the national pastor who is assisting us at the church will be looking after all church matters. Please pray for Albert Garlando and that this will be a great opportunity to gain valuable experience!

Recently, our church voted to become listed and affiliated with a large group of churches here in Australia who are just like us in doctrine and philosophy and who are very community orientated. Though we remain independent and autonomous as a church and self-governing in our polity, we will have far greater resources to work with in trying to reach our local community for the Lord!

We had our annual Church Camp in March where almost everyone attended for the weekend. Our speaker brought several messages on the importance of personal soul winning and we ended the weekend with a showing of the Christian Movie, “Fireproof” which had a great impact on our families! Thank you, again for praying for us and for your sacrificial financial gifts. We are very aware of the financial conditions in the States right now and therefore appreciate even more how each of you give sacrificially.

We are looking forward to seeing many, if not all of you, later this year, Lord willing!! Many blessings be upon you from our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dan & Kim Proctor

Proctors in Sydney, Australia

G'day from very warm Australia!

Kim and I trust each of you had a wonderful Christ-filled Christmas and that you are looking ahead with great expectation to the year ahead! Because of the faithfulness of the many of you that support us in prayers and fiances, this past year has been very encouraging as we've prayerfully sought to serve our wonderful Savior and Lord according to His direction and will.

Upcoming Furlough
Please note that Kim and I will be traveling back to the states in June, 2009 and visiting churches, family, and friends. We plan to return to Australia later in January of 2010. If any churches are having "Mission Conferences" or any other events let us know of these occasions as soon as possible! This is the first time in over 20 years we've had to make "raising more support" one of our primary objectives due to that fact that overall support levels have dwindled greatly over the last couple of years. We would very much appreciate your prayers in this regard. We remain very aware of the worldwide financial climate that is affecting everyone, yet we are greatly encouraged that the One who is the true "source" of meeting our every need will ensure His faithful promises of provision are fulfilled! How great is our God!

Church and Ministry Life
We are able to end the year on a very positive note as the church witnessed two very significant events. One event was the special occasion where we voted in a national as a second pastor to help shepherd and lead the church. Please pray for Albert, who has been in our church for several years and comes with a great deal of experience including a strong desire to serve the Lord. The other event was when we gathered around a church member's backyard pool and witnessed two baptisms. Dave, a policeman and the husband of one of the ladies in our church, who became a believer in early 2007, has been continuously growing in the Lord and is serving faithfully in the church. He has a strong "reformed" background, so we had to take some time to instruct him on the Biblical view that baptism is an act of obedience that follows salvation and involves total immersion in water (he had been "sprinkled" as a child). Also, Stephanie, his 14 year-old daughter, who had been greatly struggling with a number of emotional issues, became a believer last year (this was clearly a result of her dad's changed life). We immediately began to see a true change in her life, and she has become a mature witness for the Lord in her school as well as an effective teacher in our Sunday School.

She too submitted to the Lord in baptism on this beautiful day! I wish each of you could have heard her dynamic testimony of God's goodness and grace in her and her family's life!

On a more sombre note, we experienced the recent loss of a faithful family in our church. The husband is struggling to accept responsibility for some personal needs in his own life and much to the disappointment of his wife and 4 lovely children, he believes running off to another (sister) church will solve his problems. Please pray for this husband and dad that he will, even at this other church, face up to his personal responsibilities and get the type of spiritual and professional help he needs.

We are still seeking to instill in the hearts and minds of the our people the need to be reaching out into our local community. We have recently discovered that there are a couple of suitable rooms in a local Council building where we'll be able to sponsor a ladies Bible study and "play group" for local young mothers who often look for places to take their children to play and to socialize with other mothers from the community. We can use these well-equipped rooms for up to 3 hours at a time costing only $10 per session. On another note, we've had preliminary talks with a group that owns a 2.5 acre vacant lot in the middle of a very large community. We are praying for the possibilities of using this for future ministry opportunities. Please pray with us in regards to being effective in our community and beyond.

On the Home Front
Kim is remaining busy with helping in the Sunday School and ladies meetings, and she is often hosting events where we meet and minister to the folk in our church. She continues to be a real blessing to me as a Godly, supporting wife! We are both becoming more excited as our daughter, Meagan, continues to "look swell" in her pregnancy of our first grandchild which is due the first week of April! Please pray concerning a condition she possible may have called "gestational diabetes."

Our daughter, Linsey, is about to enter her first month of training in the Police Force! Before she even had the opportunity to face the real dangers of this new vocation, while recently driving home from her current job as a child-care worker, she experienced "micro-sleep" and crossed over in the the path of an oncoming car. According to the witnesses that were traveling directly behind her, she barely avoided a head-on collision with an oncoming car by just centimetres (inches). She woke in a daze just as she reached the rough part of the other side of the road; steered away from a fence; ran down a small tree; and crossed back over the road before she could gain full control of both herself and the car! We are so very thankful to our great God for protecting her from physical harm and the possibility of something far worse. She was actually able to drive the car home afterwards. Ben, our youngest, has recently been engaged to a beautiful young lady we have known for all of her and Ben's life. Her name is Sarah, and we are very thankful to the Lord for their lives together and look forward to celebrating their union on the 16th of May, 2009.

Again, we appreciate each of you and look forward to, hopefully, catching up face to face later this year!

Your Servants for the Glory of God!

Dan and Kim Proctor - Sydney