While our
hearts ache from reports of suffering in the CAR, in Boston and Texas, we are
reminded of Paul’s encouragement to be faithful serving the Lord where He has
placed us. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in
the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58) We do praise the Lord for His help and
the work He is doing in hearts here in France. His blessing was evident as we presented the Easter Cantata
“The Centurion” three times during Easter weekend. There were numbers of visitors present for each presentation,
many for the first time, and the Gospel was clearly presented through music and
drama. We pray that God will
continue to work in those hearts who heard His Word there.
It has been
exciting to see the thirst for spiritual things that T. and N. have exhibited
in my weekly Bible studies with them.
I believe the Holy Spirit has been working in their hearts, and at least
N. seems to realize that she is not ready to die. Her sectarian beliefs and connections are definite
roadblocks to her understanding and acceptance of the Gospel of saving faith in
Christ. Trusting one’s own works
for salvation is so much easier for them to accept than trusting the finished
work of Christ on the Cross. This
week N. flies back home and we don’t know if we’ll see her again. She is taking her own copy of the study
we have been doing using “Stranger on the Road to Emmaus” and is determined to
continue going through the study.
T. wants to continue the study for now, though that may change if he
can’t find a job in this area.
Praise
for:
- the good presentations of the Easter
Cantata. Praise the Lord for His
enabling for all, including Adrianna who had a significant part in the drama.
- the Lord helping Cherith and one of the
other ladies in our church as they recited Exodus chapters 11 and 12
respectively on Sunday as part of the “Living Bible” presentation after our
fellowship dinner. What a blessing
God’s Word is to our hearts as we memorize it and as we hear it recited.
- the work God is doing in several lives
here.
- God’s amazing provision for Lane,
Charissa and Elizabeth Elmer to come from Michigan to minister to our children
at our annual French team conference in May.
- the answer
to prayer in L. finding a job/internship.
Pray
for:
- an end to
the violence in the CAR and that a viable government would be set up soon. Pray for many who have lost so much,
including many Christians.
- those who
are studying God’s Word, that the Lord will open hearts to understand and
receive His truth.
- jobs for
Pastor Christian, our friend J. from Reims, and for T.
- us as we
prepare to begin an evangelistic Bible study in our home.
- the Lord to
open the door for financing for a house that we have found.
- preparations
for our French team conference that we will be having in Bordeaux this
year. Besides logistics for
housing, the music ministry, and the children’s ministry, there are also annual
financial and ministry reports to prepare.
