Praise and Prayer November 13, 2012

The Annual Church retreat on November 1-3 went very well with around 70 in attendance, representing our three Bordeaux churches (downtown, Pessac and Floirac) as well as a church in the Basque region down near the Spanish border who came for the first time.  The theme of the retreat was “A Dynamic Church” with messages on persevering in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer and passion for souls.  Acts 2:42 was the key verse.  

There were a number of unsaved people present, including some from our church, and we have heard reports that God continued to work in hearts during the retreat.  There was a great testimony also watching God’s Family working together, serving one another.  

We were responsible for the children’s ministries, and had help from several other church members.  There were 15 plus children divided into two groups: 0-3 and 4-11.  We learned about God and God’s Home (Heaven).  The kids listened intently, worked hard on memorizing verses and learning a song to present to the adults, as well as on their crafts.  

Our children were especially happy to make friends with children from Christian families and we were blessed to get to know many of our brothers and sisters in Christ from around this area.  The Retreat was held in the beautiful facilities of the Chateau Peyreguilhot about 2 hours from Bordeaux where it has been held for many years. 

Caleb came home from the Retreat with a high fever, which lasted for a few days until we got him to our doctor who discovered Strep.  We praise the Lord that he responded immediately to the antibiotic and the fever hasn’t been back.  It is also a big praise that none of the rest of us came down with it as the doctor reminded us that it was extremely contagious.  

On November 7, three of us met in Merignac to pray for the new church project there.  I led the Bible study on the Lord’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, beginning the chain of events that would culminate in the sacrifice on Passover of the “Lamb of God”, providing for the forgiveness of sin for all who believe.  Please pray that the Lord raise up a team of prayer partners committed to pray especially for this work: for the spiritual needs of the people of Merignac and for the plans and preparations in process for this work.  

Praise for:

- God’s blessings of the Church Retreat in so many areas.

- the Lord restoring Caleb’s health after having Strep throat, and for His keeping the rest of us from coming down with it. 

- the Lord’s  help in our preaching and teaching ministries, and for His help in preparations. 

- the visitors that have come to church including two pre-teen unchurched girls that were in Sunday school last Sunday.  Pray that they will return!

- the prayer meeting in Merignac, and for the team of prayer partners for this work that God is putting together.

Pray for:

- the second Ladies’ Bible study this evening (November 13) and for Cherith as she leads.

- Pastor’s Corenthin’s wife, Claire, who was hospitalized last Friday evening with a pulmonary embolism.  She continues to have tests and treatment in the hospital, while her family gets along without her.  Cherith will greatly miss her at the Ladies’ Bible study this evening.

- the addition of men and children to the downtown church, and for the Lord to send one or two families to help with the work in Merignac.

- the church plant project in Merignac and for committed prayer partners.

- wisdom and grace for each contact the Lord gives us, that His love and light would shine through our family to those around us.