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After their departure from Fiji in 2001, the Carvers returned to their homeland of Australia. They moved to the city of Lismore, New South Wales, with their children and grandchildren, the VanSants and Carver Jnrs.

The Far North Coast of New South Wales has not had any United Pentecostal Church, and is a region renouned for Alternative Lifestyle. Nimbin and Byron Bay, just 30 minutes from Lismore, have an international reputation as hippie and surfie destinations. However, the whole region is a mix of all types, with New Age and Eastern Religions very commonly accepted, as well as a noticeable Christian presence.

Currently, they are conducting meetings in a rented hall, and getting to know people in the community. The assembly has purchased a block of land in the Goonellabah Industrial Estate, and a small but needed building is undergoing construction. Rev. Carver is the Senior Pastor, and his son-in-law Rick VanSant is the Pastor of the assembly.

Their vision extends not just to the local area, but further afield also.

Rev. Carver is also the pastor of the church in Cairns, a tropical city in North Queensland, Australia, with a lovely group of church folk.

In 2002, the Peter Gration family, who was pastoring the church in Cairns, Australia, became missionaries to Papua New Guinea. Having previously served in the Solomon Islands, this was much needed for the New Guinea church, but left the Cairns Assembly without a Pastor. Rev. Carver responded to the need, and became their Senior Pastor, flying from Lismore to Cairns (about 2000km) whenever possible to supervise and oversee the work. His goal is to raise up some of the men to be in a position where they can continue the work.

Also in 2002, the Carvers returned to Papua New Guinea for the first time since leaving the country in 1987. Instigated by then missionary Brian & Esther Henry, they returned to a heroes welcome. They continued to make visits for various meetings and events, not knowing that Bro. Henry had felt in his heart for a number of years to leave Papua New Guinea.

Bro Henry made his intentions known to the PNG church in September 2004, the National Board of Papua New Guinea then requested the Carvers to once again be Superintendent of the work. This means that the Carvers now travel from their base in Austalia to Papua New Guinea approximately once every 3 months for a month, to oversee and organise the church there. The Peter Gration family, now under Associates In Missions appointment, reside in Papua New Guinea and are invaluable in maintaining the work during the Carvers' absence.

There is so much happening, it's hard to keep up! Make sure you check out the Latest News for up-to-the-minute information on the progress in Lismore, Cairns, and Papua New Guinea!

- 12 May 2008

• Richard Jnr treks through a massive landslide to teach the ministers in the Western Region [more]
• Richard & Andrea's Feb-May Newsletter [more]
• National Conference 2008 in Goroka is a blessing [more]

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10 May 2008 - Andrea has been diagnosed with Graves Disease. It looks as if she may have to return to Australia for treatment. Please pray for her healing and Richard & Andrea's finances.

1 May 2008 - Increasing frequency of armed holdups in Goroka. Please pray for Richard & Andrea's safety, and that of the church members and Headquarters

Ongoing Request - Pray for Peter & Robyn Gration during their Deputation Travels