Praise and Prayer April 23, 2013

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.