Praise and Prayer February 11, 2014

Thank you for praying for our film outreach January 31.  Though we had hoped to see more present, we have seen the hand of the Lord at work and we are thankful.  One man showed up in response to the 1000 invitations that were given out, but he was someone who had come to one of our first Sunday services with his family.  Neither he nor his wife are Christians but he had shown some interest in spiritual things while his wife has been pretty closed, having been burned by JWs which are very actively present in our town.  There has been some further contact with some of our acquaintances because of the film outreach.  The devil has built up walls of skepticism, fear and doubt in many people’s hearts regarding spiritual things.  When we see the influence of the Jehovah’s Witnesses in this area, it is no wonder that many are turned away by our attempts to reach out.  How we need God’s wisdom and guidance so that things we do and say will help to soften people’s hearts and lead people to trusting Christ, rather than pushing them further away.

We had a special encouragement when a friend of ours from our days in Reims came from Paris for a few days visit.  He was one of those from the church who had helped us move into our first apartment in Reims in 2007!  It had been a couple years since we had last seen Jessy, so it was a treat to enjoy his fellowship and share our work with him.  He gave us a hand with getting flyers out as well, a great help as I was already having trouble with my knee.

Praise for:

- the work God is doing through the film outreach, and through the flyers.

- visitors that have attended services recently, including a Christian family from the other side of town.  We were delighted to know there was yet another Christian family in town and they were encouraged to see the existence of an evangelical church in our town and showed interest in inviting their contacts to future outreaches.

- some special opportunities to interact with L’s unsaved parents who are visiting from China both in L’s home and at the church fellowship dinner.

- contacts with school children and parents through Birthday parties, school bake sales, accompanying field trips, etc.  This Saturday, Adrianna will be having several friends over for a Valentine’s day baking party, with supplies sent to us from a prayer warrior back home in MI!

- the good results from X-rays and MRI of Jonathan’s knee, that the pain he’s had wasn’t caused by anything too serious.

Pray for:

- God to work in the hearts of those who have heard the Gospel but have not yet made decisions (A, F, C and M).

- our weekly flyer distribution and that God will bring more people to church.

- health and strength as our family fights colds, etc.  Pray for healing for Jonathan’s knee as he works with a physical therapist. 

- wisdom and guidance in our outreach as well as in our preaching and teaching ministries at church.

- God’s protection of our Christian brethren in CAR, and for wisdom and protection for those responsible for restoring peace.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  We praise the Lord for His working in 2013 and look forward to all that He will do in 2014.  We celebrated the New Year with the church in Pessac and some of our friends from the Bordeaux center church.  I had been asked to preach so after a time of food, fellowship, games, singing and testimonies, I spoke on reaching the goal that God has for us this year and throughout our lives.  The year closed with a time of prayer and then we all went outside to sing “Thine be the Glory” (A Toi la Goire), accompanied by a trumpet and a trombone.  Neighbors came out of their apartments to hear and call out Happy New Greetings to our group of around 30. 

We will have our first film outreach on the evening of January 31, as we begin a new type of outreach into the community of Saint Medard en Jalles, with showing Christian and Gospel films every two months or so.  This adds another level of work and logistics to our busy schedules, but we pray the Lord will use this tool to bring even more people into the hearing of the Gospel and give us good contacts through it.  Do you know of any good Christian films that would be appropriate for this type of outreach?  We would be grateful for your suggestions!

Praise for:

- the work God is doing in C’s heart, and for F coming to church Sunday for the second time.

- Josiah trusting Christ as his Savior, and for the work God is doing in the hearts of each of our children.

- God’s help as we prepare for the film outreach, producing the flyers, getting the film “Amazing Grace” and securing the permission to use it, and for 300+ people that received a flyer on Saturday as five of us distributed them at the open market. 

- an opening at a nearby nursing home for Mr. and Mrs. Craps, and that they have been accepted.

- some positive steps in the situation in CAR, as the Muslim president was convinced to step down.  Praise for the attention and concern given to the situation there by the UN, the EU and particularly France who has sent 1600 French troops.

Pray for:

- C and for God’s direction and strength as she makes decisions concerning her Christian walk for God’s glory.  Pray that F will keep coming and that his brother will return.  Pray that others who were at our Christmas outreach will return.

- God’s continued work in Josiah’s heart, as well as in the hearts of Adrianna and Caleb.  Pray that God will help them to shine His light around them at school. 

- continued preparation for the film outreach, securing a screen, testing the equipment, distribution of flyers these next two Tuesdays and this Saturday at the open market.  Pray that God will bring just the right number of people on January 31 and that He will use this tool to reach more people with the Gospel.

- peace and  stability to return to the CAR.  Divisions remain between Muslims and the majority of the population, and while disorder continues, the situation in outlying parts of the country continues to deteriorate.  Just today we had word that another of our pastors was killed when the vehicle he was riding in was stopped by Muslim bandits who had each of the men and boys get out and then shot them.   

Where is Jesus?

Our family visited the Christmas market in downtown Bordeaux.  We enjoyed walking through the rows of small heated cabins brightly decorated with all kinds of things for sale, from caramelized almonds to hand painted figurines.  Our snack consisted of a cone full of fresh roasted chestnuts right out of the pan and another cone a little later of hot churros (Spanish doughnuts).  As we left the market to return home we noticed a good sized manger scene on display.  I was encouraged to see that the True meaning of Christmas was not forgotten, and that the manger scene was present to remind people.  Upon closer inspection, we discovered the the manger scene was missing the most important figure, that of the Christ Child.  Probably some mal intentioned prank.  However, the message was poignant.  There amidst the throngs of people celebrating Christmas this year, we couldn't help but wonder how few there would be that would be celebrating Christmas without Christ, Immanuel, God with us.  And we are reminded of the purpose for our being here, to proclaim the Good News of a Savior who was born in Bethlehem so that He could die on Calvary, offering eternal life to all.  Please pray for God to use us to this end.

Praise and Prayer December 16, 2013

We praise God for answered prayer this weekend, and for His direction of events this past week.  The Lord gave us a full house Sunday at our Christmas breakfast/program.  We prayed for 30, knowing that our space couldn’t accommodate much more than that.  More than 500 received invitations, some in mailboxes, some through personal contacts, some through email.  The risk was that either no one would show up, or that too many would come and we wouldn’t have room for people.  

I must admit our faith was on the small side, and we were amazed at the response.  During the breakfast time, there were 28 present, the exact number of people we had seating for.  Then as we began the Christmas program, three others joined us, making a total of 31 present at the program.  Among those present were neighbors, parents and children from the kids’ school, a mother and her children from the Rollerblading club, and more.  We were thrilled to see the room fill up with these precious unsaved souls.  After the program the children were given small bags of candy and a CD of Bible stories, and some took a CD for children that weren’t present. 

Praise for:

- an excellent turnout Sunday for our Christmas breakfast/program.  Cherith and Sylvia (Christy) worked hard to transform the room for the Christmas celebration and all of the church ladies prepared delicacies.  The Lord gave Jonathan’s voice strength to lead the service, and each participant did a great job.

- the interest shown by many of those who attended, the CD’s taken home, and for the Gospel seed that has been sown in hearts.

- the many who prayed this weekend for this outreach, and for God’s amazing answers to prayer. 

- opportunities to help Mr and Mrs. C. with things at their home and with grocery shopping.

- the special Christmas cookie bake and decorate party that Cherith hosted for Adrianna and 11 of her friends.  We were very encouraged by the opportunity this gave us to connect with children and parents.  One of the girls came Sunday with her parents and two sisters.

Pray for:

- God’s intervention in the CAR, protection of lives, and His abundant grace for believers.  Pray for provision and wisdom for the CAR World relief effort through BMM.

- the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the 17 unsaved visitors who were present for our Christmas program.  Pray for continued contact with those that we see regularly and that we will see these people return to church.

- C. to keep coming to church, for his brother F. to return and for both of them to respond to the Gospel message.

- ongoing opportunities the Lord is giving us to reach out to those around us.

Praise and Prayer December 11, 2013

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.

Praise and Prayer October 31, 2013

Praise the Lord for …. Heat!  Yesterday, our heat was finally hooked up and we have been enjoying much more comfortable temperatures in our home.  The Lord blessed us with a nice Indian summer this year, so there were not too many days that we were uncomfortable for lack of heat.  We are thankful for God’s work in our lives and ministry and appreciate your prayers for us. 

God sent us a special blessing this past week with the visit of Cherith’s sister Hannah (Sherd) and her daughter Katie.  They were here for only five days, as they had to hurry home to Dad and Katie’s five brothers and sisters in Tipton, IN.  But we were able to pack a lot into those five days, including visits to Bordeaux and some area medieval castles.  They were here over a weekend so were able to visit our new church, and even take part.  Hannah shared her testimony (in French!) and Katie and Adrianna did a special music number with Katie playing her flute and Adrianna singing.  That afternoon we attended Timothée Corenthin’s baptism at the Bordeaux center church.  The auditorium was packed to witness Timothée share his testimony of God’s work in his life and take this step of obedience in his walk with the Lord.  Hannah and Katie even went out with us to distribute church flyers one afternoon.

Praise for:

- continued progress distributing church flyers.  2500 homes in Saint Medard have received flyers. 

- the visitors that we have had who have responded to the invitations.

- Timothée’s baptism and the testimony and challenge that were heard by a large group that day.

- God’s protection for Hannah and Katie’s travels and for their visit and participation in our ministry.

Pray for:

- the 4 church retreat this weekend, about 2 hours from Bordeaux.  We look forward to the 5 services, workshops, children’s program and fellowship with about 70 others from these sister churches.    

- Pray for Jonathan as he leads a workshop on preparing worship services, and that God will use it to equip others for this ministry.  Pray for the other workshops as well and that each would have a positive impact.

- Pray for God’s direction for Emilie, a Franco-American in part time ministry who has visited our church and is praying about the possibility of moving to Bordeaux to join this endeavor.  She has also visited some other works, and with her Bible College training will be a help wherever the Lord chooses to lead her.

- God’s provision for our financial needs and the needs of our church at this time.

Praise and Prayer October 8, 2013

It has been too long since our last update.  When it seems like the days couldn’t be any busier we find ourselves with more and more to do!  Our need for your prayers and support has been so evident to us as we endeavor to fulfill our responsibilities and be used of the Lord, though we get stretched physically and emotionally.  This week we have nearly all been fighting colds and viruses that are going around.  We want to say a big Thank you to all who have been praying for us, even without an update in several weeks.  The Lord knows what we face on a daily basis, and He uses you as you pray, giving us His help in answer to prayer.

The Lord blessed our first Sunday of services for our new church plant on September 15, and continues to bless and answer prayer since.  We have welcomed several one-time visitors, and a couple that returned this past Sunday for the morning Bible study (Sunday school) and service.  Each responded to the flyers that were distributed.  This past Sunday, we had our first Communion service.  The team of workers that the Lord has put together continues to pour themselves into this new work with a wonderful spirit of oneness in purpose and mission.  We began a weekly distribution of the church flyers early on and quickly ran out of the first 1000 flyers.  More flyers were ordered (2500 this time) and we continue to make a bigger dent in this city of more than 27,000 residents and covering nearly 33 square miles.  It would be so nice to have a team of helpers with us to help to cover the city more quickly!  We are thankful though for the help God has provided for us, as we have typically been 6 or 7 people helping, including a young lady from the church in Floirac who has joined us for some of these distributions, just because she wants to help.  Our prayer is that God would use the flyer to touch many more hearts and bring them into the hearing of the Gospel.

On the home front getting settled has taken much longer since the church has been the priority.  We are thankful that the painting of walls and ceilings is now finished and most of the work of getting shelves together and boxes unpacked is nearly done.  On Sunday evening we had several friends over from the church downtown to practice for a special music number at the church retreat coming up in a few weeks.  It was great to have guests and not have full boxes around the floor. 

Praise for:

- God’s working in the start up of our new church, helping each one with great responsibilities, helping with flyer distribution, bringing visitors to services, even helping the children adapt to all the changes.

- consistent though slow progress in getting our home prepared and settled while keeping up with ministry and the children’s schooling.

- the way the Lord has helped the two churches that have lost leaders and members as the two French couples, the Christys and ourselves have left to begin this new work.

- God’s help for our children with their rigorous schedule with subjects both at school and at home.  Josiah who knew very little French has had the hardest time adjusting to being in French school each day.

- the help that our children have been in our ministry, setting up and tearing down the meeting rooms each Sunday, helping distribute flyers, singing, and Adrianna running the computer for projecting the songs on Sunday morning.

Pray for:

- Ed Christy and Jonathan as they prepare the weekly Bible studies and messages, and for each one involved in teaching Sunday school. 

- Pray for the annual church retreat coming up November 1-3 for the sister churches in our area.  Pray for Jonathan as he prepares a workshop for the retreat on how to plan and lead the song service portion of the worship service.

- the Lord’s provision for special financial needs at this time.  Besides the euro/dollar exchange being at the lowest point in the past year, we were recently hit with a very large social tax bill from the French government and our desktop computer died this week.