We are so
grateful for the freedoms that we enjoy, and today we remember in a special way
all those who have sacrificed so that we can enjoy this freedom. News headlines these days remind us
just how much the world is in need of freedom in Christ through the Savior who
showed us not only how to live but also demonstrated God’s infinite love by dying
for our sins so that we could have eternal life. God has given us the privilege of being His ambassadors in a
corner of our globe where He is unknown to most people. 
Your prayers
for us and for our ministries are so vital and we appreciate them so much. Each week comes with new challenges,
opportunities and blessings. We
enjoyed a very special blessing in welcoming Lane Elmer and his daughters
Charissa (18) and Liz (16) for 10 days this month. Lane’s wife Valerie is Cherith’s cousin, so not only was it
a great encouragement and help in our ministry but it was precious time to
connect with family from home.
They were an encouragement to our church family and Pastor Christian as
they shared in church in both the French and English services and helped to get
a lot done at church for a work day (deep cleaning, painting, and even cabinet
making as Lane built a custom fit kitchen cupboard from raw materials). Their main ministry was to the 9 mks
during our annual team conference, which was a great highlight for the kids. We were also blessed this month by the
visit of Charles and Babs Anderson, who before retirement served as the pastor
of the downtown Bordeaux church before Pastor Christian.
Praise
for:
- an excellent French team
conference. We were blessed by the
good Bible messages on the life of Hezekiah by our speaker, good music, good
fellowship, and good food. Praise for
God’s protection when our car was hit by a tourist train on the special visit
to Saint Emilion that many of us at the conference made.
- good progress made at a planning
meeting for the new church plant project on May 18. We were thrilled to have two French brothers join the
Christys and ourselves as we discussed and formulated the mission and purpose
of the church, discussed the search for a place to meet, and outreach strategy.
- those in whom God’s Spirit is working
through one on one Bible study, Ladies’ Bible study, Adult Sunday School,
English Outreach, etc. For the
Living Bible presentation for May, Adrianna and Lydia C. each quoted half of
Exodus 13.
- the acceptance of our loan application
by the bank and that we are moving forward on the purchase of a new (to us)
home. Final signing is scheduled
for June 14.
- Mothers
everywhere! We know that this
title represents much challenge in our world, but I am so thankful for the
godly Mothers in my life.
- for God’s
goodness and our celebration of our 12th Anniversary on May 26.
Pray
for:
- the Lord’s
leading to the right place and His financial provision for us to rent a meeting
place for Sunday services beginning this Fall. It may cost up to $300 a week to rent a meeting room in a
Hotel just for Sunday mornings.
- all of the
details to work out and plan regarding the new church.
- guidance
and wisdom in the opportunities God is giving us to teach His Word, and for the
Lord to give understanding and acceptance of His Word.
- the
spiritual needs of B. a high school senior who was highly involved in the
church. His struggles and the
influence of an atheistic philosophy professor have brought him to the point of
turning his back on spiritual things including church. Pray for his family and that the Lord
will increase the faith of His children.
- Mr. and
Mrs. C. to soon be given placement in a retirement facility where they would
receive the care they need. They
submitted their request some time ago, but so far nothing is available.
