The Baptist Church of Reims is in the process of organizing to achieve legal recognition. The church was started by missionaries Mike and Elva Farrell as an extension of our mission, and now is preparing to stand on its own. Jonathan has been involved in meetings with church leaders to create church Statutes and a Confession of Faith. Please pray for these leaders that they would have wisdom to complete these documents in order to present them to the congregation for a vote in January. The documents will then be submitted to the government for approval. This is an essential step in indigenizing this church.
The church building was purchased in 1998 with seating capacity of about 80 people, with room for the congregation of less than 20 and plenty of room for future growth. Little did they know how the Lord would grow this church over the ten years that followed. We are now running close to 90 on Sundays, creating a genuine problem for attendance often exceeding 100 people during special events. The sale of our current building would not provide adequate funds to purchase a new building. Last month there was a fund started to begin collecting money toward a new building. We trust the Lord to lead to where He would have us relocate.
Praise for the:
- encouragement the Sango Bible study group has been to some who have experienced grief from recently losing family members.
- safety God has given us each Wednesday as we travel to the Institute.
- visitors who attend church each week, and for those who return.
- improved euro-dollar exchange rate.
Pray for:
- the church leaders as they complete the Statutes and Confession of Faith.
- funds to purchase a new property and grace in welcoming visitors and regular church attendees despite the inadequate space.
- us as we prepare the Institute choir and ensemble to minister in our church here in Reims November 23rd.
- the additional financial support that is needed.
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