Thank you for
your prayers for our family and for our ministry here in
Saint-Médard-en-Jalles, France.
While the work and living in France fills our days, our hearts and
prayers have also been acutely tuned to the situation that our Central African
brothers and sisters in Christ are facing in the CAR. A surge of violence in the capital, Bangui, this past week
has left hundreds killed, many more injured and great numbers displaced from
homes. Christians have been
particular targets as ex-rebels (whose leader took over the country in a coup
last Spring) have pillaged, raped and killed those who were not part of the
Muslim community. 
Preparations
have been coming together over the past few weeks for a special Christmas
outreach at our new church. We will
be having a Christmas breakfast and program this Sunday, December 15, beginning
at 9:45 a.m. Many have already
been invited and many more will be invited in the next few days, including on
Saturday morning. As we did last
Saturday, a number of us will join the crowds outdoors at the open market to
connect with people through a Christmas survey, Scripture gift calendars and a
personal invitation to our Christmas celebration Sunday. We would love to see close to 30 people
present Sunday morning.
Praise for:
- the
excellent church retreat Nov. 1-3 with the participation of five churches.
- God’s
provision for our financial needs through those of our prayer warriors who have
given one-time gifts toward these needs.
- good
participation from our group of believers in distributing church flyers and
invitations to our church’s Christmas celebration.
- various
opportunities the Lord has given us to witness and to connect with the people around us.
- a young
lady who has attended our services for several weeks, and for a friend that she
brought with her one Sunday.
- the
building that we are meeting in, and for a green light to continue to use it
for the next six months.
Pray for:
- the CAR and
for those involved in this violence to lay down their arms and for peace and
security to return. Pray for the
family of our friend Pastor Doui who was killed in his home last week, and for
all those who have been injured or who have lost loved ones. Pray for the French intervention (2
soldiers were killed this week) and for the humanitarian groups desperately
trying to keep up with the incredible physical and medical needs in the
country.
- our
Christmas breakfast and program this Sunday, for the attendance, and for
blessing for each of those taking part.
Jonathan will be leading the service but is currently suffering from a
bad head cold (and no singing voice!).
Several will be presenting songs and verses and Ed Christy will be
preaching.
- the
opportunities that we are having to open our home and share with those around
us, that God will guide in the things we say and do, and that His light will
shine through us.
- God’s care
for Mr. and Mrs. C. as they face many challenges as their health and strength
decline.
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