Praise and Prayer for November 5, 2010

This update has been pulling on us since Monday when something came up that kept me from getting it written. It has been a busy time and we have felt like we are clinging desperately to the protection bar on a roller coaster trying not to let go as it swoops and swerves around each turn. There is much going on this weekend for which we need prayer, so we do want to get this out, even if it is late. We met with a couple of the lead Sunday School teachers last Wednesday to begin handing over some of the responsibilities for scheduling. Cherith also met with the pastor’s wife and the wife of one of the deacons to plan out the details for the Ladies Tea coming up this Sunday. On Thursday we travelled four hours to Bergen Op Zoom, Holland where we enjoyed some good fellowship with John and Anna Kay Haskell (serving with BMM) and did some desperately needed clothing and shoe shopping for the kids.

Our Christmas choir began preparing on Sunday with a good number of people, though the man to women ratio was greatly in the women’s favor. On Tuesday we visited a good size (for here) Bible bookstore in Paris to check out their selection of Bibles for children and to visit with newlywed Mrs. Jennifer Dusseaucy (whose wedding we attended in Caen in September) at her place of work. The kids went back to school Wednesday after nearly a week and a half of vacation. That day, Cherith and another lady from church worked on gathering materials for the Ladies Tea. Last evening, we held our first English Encounter with four in attendance. Our next one is scheduled for November 18.

Tomorrow, I will be driving to Chauny to pick up Mrs. Margaret Stauffacher and bring her back to Reims where she will spend the night with us. She is the keynote speaker for the Ladies Tea Sunday afternoon. We are looking forward to a blessed time with “Aunt” Margaret. Pray that she will have the health and strength necessary to be able to come and minister to the ladies. There are nearly 40 that have signed up to come, mostly from our church and a few from the sister church in Laon. The choir will be practicing before the service this Sunday (and each week), so we hope that everyone will be able to make it to practice. Cherith has been working hard to record voice parts in some of her not so spare time! I will be preaching Sunday morning so would appreciate special prayer for clarity of thought and speech and that the Lord will use me to clearly present His Word. Cherith is responsible for many of the aspects for the Ladies meeting so is also in need of your prayers.

Praise for:
- good health and strength and for the Lord’s help with each of our responsibilities.
- the willingness and desire of several in the church to serve the Lord in new capacities, for the good number willing to sing in our Christmas choir.
- safe and profitable travelling to Holland and Paris.
- a good first English Encounter.
- God’s help for both Cherith and myself as we have prepared for ministries this Sunday.

Pray for:
- me as I preach on the Apostle Peter’s “Three keys to a successful Christian life” this Sunday morning.
- Mrs. Stauffacher, Cherith, and many others as they work together to honor the Lord and ENCOURAGE one another at the Ladies’ Tea.
- good attendance Sunday for choir practice, the church service and the Ladies’ Tea.