As we
traveled, our children counted license plates from 47 out of 50 states! What a
joy it was to connect with so many dear people in such a short time.
On August 26 we joined all of Cherith’s siblings
and many friends and family at Grand Valley Baptist Church to celebrate God’s faithfulness
to Cherith’s parents over the past 38 years of full-time missionary service. This was the first time for all of
Cherith’s immediate family to be together since our wedding in 2001, and that
was before any grandkids!
We
praise the Lord for the many ways that He has used their faithful service in
both Africa and Asia and we know that He will continue to use them as they
continue to serve in retirement.
Upon our return to France, we hit the ground
running as we took part in the wedding reception for Pastor Christian’s son
Timothée on Saturday and jumped right back into church ministries in the midst
of unpacking and jet lag.
The kids
began school that Monday and since both Adrianna and Caleb are homeschooling
this year, that has required many hours of Cherith’s time each day, especially
as Caleb adjusts to a new system.
Praise
for:
- God’s protection and blessing on this past
summer of home ministry, for the loving kindness shown to us by so many loved
ones, and for precious time with family and friends. Praise for God’s provision
for our airline tickets and the children’s BJU Homeschool curriculums.
- each of the churches and individuals who
faithfully partner with us in this ministry, and for the opportunity to present
our ministry in two new churches.
Praise for those individuals who have increased their support and others
who have begun to partner with us, bringing our current support level to 86%.
- the opportunity to participate in the
celebration of Cherith’s parents’ retirement.
- the R family’s safe arrival and settling into
their new place in the Paris area.
- a good opportunity to connect with the
neighbors in our cul de sac for a little potluck lunch and afternoon of
visiting, including formally meeting two of the families for the first time.
- some good progress these past couple weeks for
increasing the visibility of our church (website, pens, signs). Praise for good
help with the website from John G. and Kéran X. Praise too that we were able to find a place in Bordeaux
center to laminate some Scripture verse posters to use to cover wall
advertisements in our church auditorium Sundays.
Pray
for
- continued health and that we will know God’s
enabling when our strength is small!
- the R family to be able to find a good church
near their new home and to continue to grow in Christ.
- the preparations for beginning another year of
the English outreach on October 6. Pray for all of our contacts with unsaved
friends.
-
more churches and individuals to partner with us through prayer and financial support
as God leads, and that He will continue to help us through each month.
