Praise and Prayer for April 17, 2009

The Easter morning brunch at church was well attended. There were 112 people counted including a number of visitors. It was uncomfortably crowded in our small meeting room, reminding us of the urgency in finding a new building in which to meet. A number of groups presented either a song or a skit during the morning, and we had the children from S.S. sing a couple songs that they have been working on. A young Chinese man, who was recently saved, gave a clear salvation testimony and was baptized. It was encouraging to see many Central Africans among those visiting. Pray that those who were unsaved might reflect on what they saw and heard Sunday morning relating to Christ’s death and resurrection, and that those who do not normally attend church would want to come back, despite the lack of space.

Tomorrow, Jonathan will be meeting Pastor and Mrs. Ken Young at the airport in Paris. Sunday will be a full day, as Pastor will be preaching with the help of a translator in both the French and Sango services. Monday morning we will make the five-hour drive down to St. Albain where our team conference will be held and the Youngs will be ministering to both the adults and the teens. Thursday morning the conference finishes up and we will return to Reims. Thank you for your prayers concerning the conference as well as safe travel to the airport and to the conference.

Praise for:
- the Easter breakfast on Sunday and for the visitors who came.
- the salvation, baptism and testimony of the young Chinese man.
- Elva Farrell’s recovery as she is home and doing well.

Pray for:
- Sunday’s ministries and good attendance in each of the services.
- the Field Conference and for the Youngs’ ministry among us.
- safety as we will be travelling nearly 1,000 miles this week.
- good health for each of us, as we struggle with coughs and sinus infections.
- the shipping of the Sango hymnal to CAR – so far there is no shipping container space available!

Praise and Prayer for April 10, 2009

Although the Sunday morning service started with many people still absent, the number present swelled to 94, including the most children that we have ever had present for our Sunday school ministry since we arrived two years ago. There were 20 children in classes plus three babies present. There were several first time visitors, including some Central Africans that are connected to one of the other families that attends. Our theme was Christ’s death for sin and resurrection, so it was great to have visitors for that lesson especially. We said goodbye to a family that has been very active in the church for several years, including their two children who have been regulars in Sunday School. They moved this week to the south of France due to work.

The Easter season gives special opportunities to remind people what the real celebration is. This week, Jonathan was able to join E. and R. for tract distribution in mailboxes door to door. We had a few personal contacts. Pray that the 600 tracts will be read and that people will come to Christ through this outreach. On Sunday, our church will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with a special Easter Brunch and program. Included in the program this year will be song presentations by our choir, the Sango group, the Sunday school children, and Adrianna and Caleb. We anticipate a full program and a full building so appreciate your prayers that God will use this special celebration to bring people to Himself.

Praise for:
- for a Savior Who lives! He is risen!
- good attendance Sunday with many visitors, who heard the Gospel.
- safety in travel and for good classes at Algrange.

Pray for:
- Elva Farrell in the hospital since Tuesday, recovering now from surgery.
- preparations for Field Conference and for the Youngs’ ministry among us.
- the shipping of the Sango hymnal to CAR – so far there is no shipping container space available!

Praise and Prayer for April 3, 2009

Praise the Lord for the good participation and fellowship at the Soirée Crêpe on Saturday evening. Sunday was a busy day, but God blessed in the services as Jonathan preached both in the morning French service as well as in the afternoon Sango service. Cherith was home with a sinus infection and kept Caleb home in the morning and both kids home in the afternoon, but we were glad for all those who came out for services. We recognized all of the children that have been coming to Sunday school in the morning service and publically thanked the teachers…and the parents for bringing the children! Mike and Emily (Farrells’ daughter) were also home sick, but it was good to have Elva back in church after their US trip.

Our Annual French Field Conference is coming up April 20 – 23 and will be held about five hours from Reims. Pray for us as we organize the music for the conference as well as prepare our ministry report. We are thrilled this year to have as our guest speaker, Pastor Ken and Rose Young, our dear friends and the pastor of Wealthy Park Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, MI. Please pray for their preparations and for travelling mercies, as they will be adjusting to jet lag while jumping into action the day after they arrive.

Praise for:
- God’s help for Jonathan as he preached on Sunday and for our Algrange trip and ministry on Wednesday.
- healing for Caleb, Mike, and Cherith.
- the encouraging visit of our good friend Marc, who is staying with us until Tuesday.
- the arrival of the first copies of the newly printed Sango hymnal “Bia ti Sepala Nzapa” this week.

Pray for:
- Adrianna as she had to stay home from school and the School parade today because of a fever and upset stomach.
- time to complete some necessary correspondence and reports.
- the details to be worked out for the shipping of the Sango hymnal to CAR.