Praise and Prayer October 15, 2018

(Begun in Algrange, October 9)

I am writing from the Bible Institute in Algrange (in the northeast corner of France) where I am teaching a class on the world of the Old Testament to the first year students this week.  

It is encouraging to see the young people that God has brought here who are serious about deepening their knowledge of His Word and gaining ministry experience.  Getting to rub shoulders with the other professors and the new co-director of studies and his family who arrived in July is another of the blessings I am enjoying this week.

While I hated to leave them, Cherith and the kids stayed home in Saint Medard this year where school and other activities continue at full speed!  The boys are fighting a nasty head cold which we are praying will heal without spreading to the others!  Cherith and Caleb will both be seeing the pulmonologist on October 18 to followup other tests for Cherith, and for a first checkup for Caleb who also struggles with a chronic deep cough.

Praise for

• a very good contact with our neighbors at the neighborhood picnic September 9.
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• a very special time with Cherith’s parents, for their help and encouragement to our family as well as to our church as Mom shared her testimony and Dad preached in our services.  Praise for the profitable time that they had with unsaved family in Holland who they met for the first time this month.

• God’s blessing for our special evangelistic outreach and meetings in September.  There were many contacts with friends and neighbours along with others in this town through personal invitation and witness.  Nearly all of 5,000 flyers were given out.  We were encouraged by the help and ministry of our speaker (a pastor from Paris) and four people from his church who worked tirelessly to help this outreach.  Praise the Lord for bringing out unsaved visitors to each of the meetings and for the excellent evangelistic messages.  Our room was full Sunday morning! 

• some encouragement at our church despite the news that we will be losing one of our core families.  We have had first time visitors several of the past few Sundays.  Praise for all who have heard the Gospel so clearly recently. 
• the arrival of Jessica and Joel, dear friends from PA, and for their encouragement and desire to help during their two week visit.

Pray for

• the Bible Institute ministry, for the students and professors, and that God will continue to call others to train for His service.  
• Continued fruit from the evangelistic meetings and that those who have visited would return.
• The multi-church Retreat at the end of this month (October 26-28).  Pray that each one who attends would be blessed and encouraged in their walk and service for the Lord.
• God’s provision for the building needs of each of our Bordeaux churches.  Besides our church needing a permanent place with more space, the three other churches in the region are also looking to God to provide for their building needs.
• The English club outreach ministry that began a new year on October 5.  Pray for us as we prepare and teach and also for the children to be attentive with open hearts.  Pray for us to be able to reach out to some new families.

• Cherith and Caleb, still seeking medical help as they continue to suffer with chronic coughing.
• Bonnie Bixby as she moves back to the USA and prepares for her retirement.  Pray for those she leaves behind here, including church family and mission family.

• Our family as we prepare for a special ministry opportunity this Christmas break.  I have been invited to give a seminar on church music and worship for the people of the church in Kezmarok, Slovakia where Don and LeAnne Waite serve with BMM.  Pray for guidance in preparation and that God will use our family to be a blessing to the Waites and to their church.