Monday, May 27, 2013

Praise and Prayer May 27, 2013


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.




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