Praise and Prayer for July 1, 2010

The weather here in Reims turned HOT this week. We are thankful that our apartment has stayed below 80F (91F outside) and that the humidity hasn’t been high. The movie “Flywheel” was very well received Sunday night, though there were only 16 present. The spirit was good and I believe we were all challenged to examine our lives and make sure we are living for the Lord. This Sunday night we are having our “cloture” or closing service. It will be held at one of the member’s homes and I will be bringing the challenge. We are very thankful for the good progress that has been made this week on important paperwork, including much time working with our mailing list and expense reports. The Summer Sunday school program will be beginning this weekend – and we are finally ready for it. The schedule for July and August includes 17 volunteers willing and available for the selected dates! Praise the Lord for faithful helpers! We told the children in opening exercises last Sunday that while school was letting out this week and they would have vacation from school, there would still be Sunday school throughout the summer and we hoped they would be there regularly.

Yes, today is the final day of school here in France for the kids. Jonathan accompanied Adrianna’s class Monday on the last field trip of the year: the Library. Adrianna and Caleb both made special thank you cards to give to their teachers (and the teacher’s assistant in Caleb’s class) along with a jar of homemade strawberry jam (which Caleb also helped pick the strawberries for!). It is hard to say goodbye to teachers, parents and children knowing there will be little contact or opportunities to witness now until school reconvenes in September. We are looking forward to seeing several children and their parents at least once during the vacation as Adrianna has invited several friends to a special Birthday party on July 23.

NEEDED: We are looking for an English song/chorus book to use with an English outreach. If you or your church has from 15 to 20 songbooks that are no longer needed, and you would like to see them put to good use, please contact us for further details.

Praise for:
- contacts made this school year.
- the good reception of the film “Flywheel” Sunday evening at the Sango service.
-good progress made on important paperwork this week.
- church members who are willing to serve in the Summer Sunday School program.
- the safe arrival of Anita in Australia, Arnaud in Canada and Lin and her daughter in China.
- a safe move for Jonathan’s Mom and for good help from family and church family.

Pray for:
- a good turnout Sunday evening--the closing service for the Sango outreach.
- Jonathan as he prepares messages and Bible studies.
- good attendance in this summer’s Sunday School program.
- strength for Jonathan’s Mom for unpacking and getting settled in a new place.
- guidance as to our future ministry.