Praise and Prayer July 21, 2016

Thank you for keeping France in your prayers, especially after the horrendous attack of civilians watching fireworks in Nice on Bastille Day.  God only knows how many of those killed were prepared for eternity.  I wonder how many of them had even been given the opportunity to hear the Gospel message.  Please pray that God will cause the hearts of people across France (and the world!) to realize the brevity of life and the need to prepare to meet their Maker when death comes.  Pray too for believers in France and elsewhere to take seriously God’s call to be His watchmen, sharing His message.

God used our friends, the Mackeys, in amazing ways on their missions’ trip to Saint Medard.  God blessed the American picnic that we had for our English outreach club with excellent attendance and beautiful weather. 

There were 18 of us present, including an unsaved dad – the Mr. D. that many have been praying for.  One of the highlights was having a sharing time when each kid shared (among other things) one of their favorite parts of the club this year.  More than one indicated that their favorite part was hearing the “stories of Jesus”.  Hearing that did my heart good and encourages us to keep on. 

When we planned to have a three-day VBS with the Mackeys’ help, we truly had no idea what kind of response there would be.  But you prayed, and God blessed.  

There were 5 outside kids that joined us on the first day, 10 on the second, and 14 on the final day!  What might have happened if we had been able to have club for five days?! 

Each day also gave opportunities for great contacts with parents with whom we had only limited contact with earlier.  We hosted the VBS at our home since our church facilities are too limited and only available on Sunday and Wednesday. It rained on the first two days of VBS, but we were able to handle the smaller numbers indoors.  Then on the final day, with the largest group, God gave sunshine and we were able to use the patio and the yard.  The ages of the kids varied from preschool to 7^th grade.  Michelle and her girls did an amazing job of helping us put on a full-blown VBS with signs, skits, exciting Bible lessons, memory verse activities, crafts, games and snacks.  

What a joy to see the kids excited about learning Bible verses, answering questions and inviting friends.

When the kids were asked if they would like to participate in another VBS if we were to have another one some day, there was a unanimous “Oui!”, including the two 7^th graders that came on the last day.  

Parents too were extremely appreciative of all of the work that went into the program and seeing their kids so motivated, and some even brought gifts of appreciation.  

Each child went home on the final day with a letter giving information about the various opportunities and ministries that we are involved in that are available to them and inviting them to church.  We praise the Lord for all that He accomplished through this first VBS, even more than we had hoped for including good contacts with more families.  One of those families has invited our family for supper this week in order to get to know us better.  Pray that God will cause the seeds planted to fall on good ground and produce fruit for eternity.

Praise for:

- the blessing and help that the Mackeys were to us and the people of Saint Medard. 

- all who participated in the English outreach picnic and our first VBS ministry, and for all who heard the Gospel message for the first time.

- Adrianna completing her 7^th grade material and for the good contact we have had with a dear neighbor lady who has been helping Adrianna with French this year. Praise that the Academic inspection went well and that we are approved to continue homeschooling Adrianna next year.

- the wedding of our teammates' daughter Jana on July 2.  Praise for this couple's involvement in our church.
- the time that Cherith’s parents will be spending with us on their way back to the USA from Cambodia.

- a new visitor at church last Sunday, and for progress in our mailbox campaign.

Pray for:

- God’s Word planted in hearts through the English and VBS ministries to bear fruit for eternity.

- Mrs. S., our neighbor, to open her heart to God’s Truth and come to Christ through faith. 

- God’s wisdom and enabling in our preparing and ministering of His Word. Pray for receptive hearts and stronger commitment for some of our people.

- planning for fall ministries including Bibles studies, English outreach and a film outreach.

- the lost to come to Christ, that the Lord would add to our numbers at church, and that He would provide us with a church building in His time.