The lifestyles of people here are much different than ours.  Gambling, lotteries and social drinking are the norm.  Most of the people here drink alcohol.  In fact, in Australia many Christians find “casual” or “moderate” drinking totally acceptable.  We have even met pastors and their families who drink.  One evening last month we were surprised to find a drunken teenager climbing our fence to get out of our backyard.  That same evening over 20 young people were drunk in the sports oval beside our house.  Throughout the evening they damaged property on the oval and broke beer bottles everywhere.  A few nights later several youths broke out all the lights on the concession stand near our home and bashed out a roller door.  There is definitely a need for a youth program here.  It is a huge gap to bridge but our hearts are burdened for all these young people who feel that they have to turn to alcohol, drugs and vandalism for pleasure or out of boredom.  Australia has an alarming suicide rate as well.  Pray with us as we seek the Lord for wisdom and direction.

Dwayne Keefe, Australia