Dear friends,
We have decided to send this email to you as a friend who has had a part in praying, prophesying and partnering with us in our next step. As you know, for the past year we have been stirred and prodded by the Holy Spirit to prepare for change. While continuing to serve as elders at RCC (which we LOVE), we have been diligently seeking Him (along with Terry and Sandy Kreuger) regarding what His dreams are for us.
God has spoken clearly and supernaturally to us that we are to be part of planting a church in Launceston, Tasmania, Australia. Tasmania???
Why Tasmania?! Only because Jesus has said Tasmania! Aren’t we too old to plant a church? That’s what we thought! Apparently, Jesus thinks differently.
He has spent much of the last 9 months dealing with our hearts in bringing us back to a place of total trust in Him and a willingness to obey His directions, even if it means being stretched and uncomfortable. Many of the relating churches in Australia have been praying for years to see churches planted in Tasmania, the southernmost island state of Australia. Now seems to be the time!
Onto some practical things:
We are busy packing up some of our belongings to be shipped. They will be picked up on October 30th, since it takes 2-4 months to reach Launceston. A generous gift from Tyrone and the ministry fund is covering our relocation. On January 2, 2018, we will fly to Australia. After getting settled, Redemption Hills Church will begin meeting in February. At this time there are 8 people in Launceston who are keen to see a church planted there.
Some have asked how they can partner with us in this church plant. We realize more and more how much we need team to see this church established, both “hands-on” in Launceston AND “hands upholding” in the nations. Obviously, prayer is the greatest partnership! Please pray for:
1. Grace for us as we move, especially in leaving family and friends. We have had the delight of living with Andrew and Joanne (our son and daughter-in-love) for the past year. The time with them and our granddaughters (Karisa, age 8 and Kaitlin, age 5) has been special. Leaving them is gut-wrenching for all of us.
2. A team to be continually added. Already, Tim and Kate Oliver in Launceston, are an incredible gift and blessing.
3. Resources to bring this plant to fruition.
Financially, we recognize God is our source, and through the years He has been faithful to provide. Many of you have been the means He has used to do that. Quite a number of you have asked how to help us financially; we are humbled by your concern and generosity. If Jesus directs you to be a part of helping this way, we would greatly appreciate it. Either a one-time gift for the church start-up, or on-going support for us over the next year would be really helpful. You can send any support via:
Redemption City Church
P.O. Box 1202
Broomfield, CO 80038
Make sure you include a note designating it for church-planting/Russ and Mary Doty.
Pioneering a new church in a new region at our age is both exciting and daunting. We feel better prepared than at any time in our lives, but the costs seem greater as well. Fortunately, the privilege of loving, serving and obeying Jesus STILL far outweighs the cost.
Thank you for your partnership with us.
Love,
Russ and Mary
