May 15

April seemed like a whirlwind around here.  We are thankful for God’s protection and for His provision of health and strength.  He is at work and we are grateful for the privilege of serving Him here in NB in this multi-cultural and multi-lingual setting. One thing that He is making very clear to us is the need for more workers, particularly in reaching the spiritual desert among French speaking people in NB.

French Easter Sunrise Service

God filled the church for the Good Friday service (English). We were joined by visitors plus people from two sister churches for a precious time of reflection on Christ’s suffering and the salvation He has provided for us. We had a French Easter Sunrise service for our French speakers while the others had a Sunrise service in English, followed by an Easter Brunch for all at 9 a.m. and an Easter service at 11 in which the choir sang two anthems.

The EBBI school year ended on April 28 with graduation.  My English Composition students were probably as happy as I was to finish the year with God’s help. My prayer is that they were able to improve their communication skills for their future ministries for God’s glory.  The student choir prepared for the musical ministry they had coming up, which includes graduation, Bible Conference, and summer ministry team.  Our son Caleb took a few dual-credit classes during the school year and participated in student choir, so he is part of the summer ministry team that is representing EBBI in churches in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island this month (May).  

M from Quebec defended his doctrinal statement before an examining council and did an excellent job articulating his faith and convictions despite English being his second language.  With his humility and teachability combined with his love for the Lord and a hard work ethic, we are eager to see what God will do with this life. 

He graduated from the four-year program so is seeking God’s direction for future ministry. This summer, he will be filling in for us here in our French ministry while also doing an internship with the English ministries and using his carpentry/building skills to help the church. 

April ended with the annual Spring Bible Conference and the 65th Anniversary celebration of Emmanuel Baptist Church. 

Having Pastor and Mrs. Roger Rosenau here from our sending church (Springville Baptist Church) was especially refreshing for us personally, as was having Pastor and Mrs. Friesen here from Regina, SK.

Praise for

• the finish of the EBBI school year (and my English class!), and for M’s graduation and testimony, and for celebrating 20 years since the beginning of the school. Praise for God’s helping the students on the summer ministry team to prepare for meetings this month in the Maritimes.

• a time of challenge and refreshment for Spring Bible Conference and for the 65th Anniversary of EBC. Praise for a visit from the Rosenaus!
• good contacts and opportunities to share the Gospel with both French and English speakers through door to door outreach. 
• Visitors that have come to our French service. S, a French Acadian, is looking to connect with to a French local church. D from Congo came to our English service for the first time yesterday — he needed the service translated into French and expressed interest in the French service. 

• a lovely Ladies/Mother-Daughter Event last Saturday with 35+ in attendance, including visitors.
• God’s provision of an excellent business internship for Adrianna that meets all of the requirements of her program. 
• a lead that God gave us through Pastor Rosenau that is helping us to move forward with our Canadian residency status.  Praise that we were able to connect with an immigration consultant (for a fee) for the help we need.

Pray for

• God to direct M regarding future ministry, and that God will use him greatly here this summer in our absence.
• good contacts and for hearts to be receptive to the Gospel through door to door outreach and through street evangelism this summer. 
• visitors, returning and new, to our French group Espérance Vivante, and that God will guide us and help us to reach the French population here. Pray that God will send laborers to French Canada (NB and Quebec).
• more church members to be motivated to reach the community around (both French and English).

• the EBBI ministry team (with Caleb) as they minister in churches around the Maritimes this month, that God will use their ministry to lead individuals to dedicate their lives to the Lord for His service and to enroll in EBBI for biblical instruction.

• the Spring Music recital on May 19 and for the Maritime Games youth competition where we will be helping with adjudicating on May 25-27 that seeks to encourage Maritime youth to serve the Lord with their God-given talents and abilities. Our church has a Bible quiz team that Caleb is leading, Caleb will be preaching, and Josiah did a kids program for a Christian Service project and will be playing the trumpet.
• the final ladies Bible study of the season on May 25.
• God’s help with moving our residency status forward without long delays and great cost.
• guidance as we prepare for our travels to the US this summer.
• Adrianna as she serves in her local church youth group ministry this summer.