Ministry Update
April has always been a very anticipated month for us, not only because it typically brings the beginning of the long-awaited spring season, but also because it is a very important lead-up to many of the years biggest ministry events.
Preparation for HBC's 2024 Vacation Bible School is in full swing, most of the necessary teaching and helping positions have been filled, our flights to Paris this summer have been purchased, our departure date set for July 28th, and the details regarding our bi-annual mission conference are being decided over the coming weeks.
Trenton spent the majority of this month preparing messages for the teens, men's group, and one Sunday service. He's also been very active in discipling two individuals, one from our teen group at church and another from his work, all while maintaining an incredible score on his store excellent visit.
Hanna has likewise been busy with the release of her new book on April 8th. She made over 60 orders her first two weeks and the number continues to grow, selling about twenty copies at her very first book signing on May 10th, which resulted in a wonderful turnout, some people coming from over an hour away to meet her and get their books signed.
Our church is also in the final stages of forming a team to travel to Uganda this upcoming July to help ABWE missionaries Denny and Cassie Nuwagaba run their children's camp ministry. We have a final meeting coming up on the 19th before we start fundraising, so please keep our church in your prayers as many people seek the Lord's will in regards to whether or not they will be going.
Life/Health Update
Hanna had another throat procedure on the 11th of April, which did not result in any answers. The medicine she is currently on is notorious for giving her infections, so there was no way to really tell if her eosinophil levels were high because of that or because the medicine isn't working. She is currently talking with her doctor about ways they will try to get around that, but it is looking as if she will need to be put on a second medication and then have another procedure within the coming months.
Writing Update
Despite the outstanding first month release of Hanna's debut novel "What I Call Home", she has not ceased progress on book two in the series. Since the very end of December, she has written a total of about 100,000 words, two drafts over a period of five months (which is crazy compared to the first!). She has one chapter left of draft two before she moves on to draft three, and hopes to have it to the editor by the time we leave for Paris the end of July. Once the third draft is finished, she will be sharing some much anticipated information regarding characters, plot, storyline, and a possible cover release, so stay tuned!
On the Field
We've chosen to spotlight our missionary colleague Russ Matthews this month in anticipation of the release of his second book on May 12th. The book, entitled The Maker's Quest, is said to be a modern-day Pilgrim's Progress in which a young filmmaker embarks on a journey that will bring him to the very limits of his soul. You can pre-order the kindle version of the book here https://a.co/d/eoEsVCY or check out his first book, The Word Becomes Film, here https://a.co/d/4vzWlnP .
Russ Matthews, who works for Sydney Bible Forum in the heart of downtown Sydney, is also active in film reviews for Reel Dialogue, his latest being with famous Christian artist Joel Smallbone of For King and Country, who recently came out with a movie detailing their family's story of faith in the midst of life's most challenging of circumstances. I'll include the link for you to watch the interview below. The movie, entitled Unsung Hero, debuts in Australia on May 30, but if you are in the US, it's already playing in theaters all across the country and we highly recommend you go see it!
Top Photo: Hanna's first book signing on May 10th was a huge success! Thank you to everyone who came out to support her during this exciting time!
Bottom Right: Our annual ladies tea was held on May 11th. Here's a picture of Trenton and our pastor who put in lots of work escorting ladies to their tables. We had a great turnout as well! Over one hundred people!
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