Praise and Prayer for April 23, 2010

It has been good to be back home this week, though we are so thankful for the refreshing time the Lord gave us away. As always, there continues to be a lot going on with church activities. Jonathan met with Emmanuel on Tuesday morning for prayer and planning. We do miss Mike and Elva! There are a number of end of the year activities coming up that we are preparing for. Tomorrow, Cherith and Jessica (and Josiah) will be driving to Laon (an hour away) with 6 or so other ladies for a special Ladies Meeting with women from a few sister churches. They are looking forward to good fellowship and the Bible study led by Mrs. Margaret Stauffacher. Our Sango Outreach group is gearing up for a special picnic on May 1, French Labor Day. The youth group and young singles group also have activities coming up.

Emmanuel, who had Jonathan’s class on Church Music and Worship while at the Bible Institute, asked Jonathan to do a workshop with the church leaders on May 15. Jonathan has been preparing for the workshop as well as for a number of preaching opportunities coming up. He will be preaching Sunday morning in our French service on God’s remedy for discouragement, and then again in our Sango service Sunday evening and in prayer meeting on Tuesday.

Praise for:
- the 15 who were at our Sango service Sunday night.
- the good appointment on Thursday and that our documents were all in order and accepted.
- the time that we have remaining to work in the Evangelical Baptist Church of Reims.
- the good health that we are each enjoying at this time, that Caleb hasn’t had an asthma attack in four weeks!
- all of Jessica’s help for Cherith and the kids, especially with Jonathan’s extra heavy program this week.

Pray for:
- the Ladies’ Meeting tomorrow in Laon, and for each of the ladies who attends to be challenged to a closer walk with the Lord.
- Jonathan as he prepares messages and the Church Music workshop, that the Lord will use him to faithfully communicate truths from His Word.
- the services this Sunday and for plans for the Sango Outreach May 1 picnic.
- that the Lord will bring our important documents to light in the mail system wherever they are and that they would still be delivered safely.

Praise and Prayer for April 20, 2010

The past two weeks have been very busy and off of normal routine. Thank you for praying for our Team conference in Mainz, Germany. It was a week of refreshing fellowship and enriching teaching. Jessica was a blessing to the children as she led them through a DVBS program. During the free time that week, it was a treat to visit the Gutenberg Museum and see a few of the original Bibles (under high security and in a large vault) that Gutenberg printed. Another visit was to the town of Worms where Martin Luther defended his thesis before the Diet of Worms.

After the conference, our family was able to take a few days away in Holland for some R & R. During the time there, we made several day trips out to visit sights, including a replica of Noah’s Ark, which offered a tour inside telling of various Bible stories and scientific facts concerning the flood and creation. Another visit was to the Corrie Ten Boom house where many Jews were hid during WWII. A highlight of our time was when we were able to visit the ocean town where Cherith’s Grandmother was born and raised.

This week the kids are back in school and we are back to normal routine. Saturday night Jonathan participated in the deacon’s meeting. Pray for Jonathan as he has a very heavy schedule this week and next.

Praise for:
- safety on the road over the many miles we drove these past two weeks.
- a refreshing and enriching conference with fellow ministry team partners.
- the safe return of the Farrells back to Michigan and their settling into Stateside life for this next year.
- Jessica’s being with us and for her great servant’s heart.

Pray for:
- friends in ministry who have been stranded in France due to the volcanic ash cloud.
- Jonathan as he prepares for three messages and a church music seminar.
- an important appointment we have on Thursday in town.
- a regional Ladies’ meeting Cherith and Jessica will be attending on Saturday with several ladies from our church.
- that the Lord will bring our important documents to light in the mail system wherever they are and that they would still be delivered safely.

Praise and Prayer for April 5, 2010

Thank you for praying for us during these days. They have been very full and we have seen God’s blessings. The services went well on Palm Sunday and the Lord blessed Jonathan as he preached and there was a good response to the message. While attendance was down some, practice and preparation for the Easter program went well. We were disappointed in the attendance for the Sango group’s Easter outreach Sunday evening as many of the regular attendees were away or absent (one mother gave birth to little Sarah the day before). There was one first time visitor that we hope will come back.


Our special Easter program went very well yesterday as the church celebrated together our Savior’s resurrection from the dead. As the Spring vacation began Saturday, we missed several that had already left town. However, there were still over 80 people in attendance, with the majority of them participating in special presentations of song, Scripture and skits. The message of a Savior who came, died and rose again to save sinners was clear and the fellowship was good. The Lord blessed the choir’s two songs, the Sango group and the SS children. The kids did quite well with their verses and we were pleased with the efforts that many of them (and their parents) put into preparation. The 2 and 3s quoted John 3:16, the 4 to 6s quoted the Lord’s prayer and the 7 to 11s said Matthew 28:1-6. They all sang “He is Lord” (Jesus Christ est Seigneur).


There were tearful goodbyes as this was the Farrells’ last Sunday before leaving today for a year of home ministry. They will certainly be missed. We too are leaving today for the Spring Bible Conference for our France and Germany teams, held in Mainz, Germany. After conference ends Friday, we will be continuing on to spend a few days in Holland near Amsterdam. We will be staying in the home of one of our friends and ministry partners who has graciously opened her home to us for a few days of R & R. As I type, last minute preparations are taking place and we will be on the road within a couple hours.

Praise for:
- the good services on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday and for the good participation by many people.
- a first time visitor in our Sango group and for the save delivery of little Sarah.
- visitors that have been present in the church services.
- Jessica’s being with us and for her great servant’s heart.

Pray for:
- visitors to return and that decisions will be made.
- each of those travelling to conference this week, for refreshment and guidance in our meetings, and for the much needed time of R&R for our family.
- the Farrels as they travel to the States and begin their time of Home Ministry.
- the church here as life goes on and everyone adjusts to a church without the physical presence of Mike, Elva and Emily Farrell.
- that the Lord will bring our important documents to light in the mail system wherever they are and that they would still be delivered safely.

Note: There will be no update next week while we are away.

Praise and Prayer for March 26, 2010

We’re thankful for the Lord’s help this week. Thank you for praying for our Sunday services. The special farewell service honoring the Farrells for their ministry here in Reims was held Sunday morning. From the Farrells’ prayer letter: “It was a perfect blend of tears and laughter. The testimonies and love from the 104 people in attendance overwhelmed us.” The service included a power point presentation of the history of the church, ie the ministry of the Farrells here in Reims. Adrianna was delighted to be chosen to present the Farrells with a medal from the church. There were 21 people present for the Sango service. We were sorry not to see D. that we mentioned in last week’s praise and prayer. Jonathan will be preaching in the French service this Sunday morning. On Sunday night we will be having our special Easter celebration outreach with the Sango group. We will be showing the Jesus film. We pray that many who have been invited will come and that there will be decisions made. There is only a week now for the various groups and individuals to prepare for their parts in the Church’s Easter program on April 4.

Health wise, we are thankful for the good progress made this week. Josiah’s congestion has cleared up with the antibiotic and his chest x-ray on Monday indicated clear lungs. Caleb had several tests with a lung specialist on Wednesday. This resulted in some changes to his treatment including an iron supplement. Caleb was so brave; he didn’t even flinch when he had his blood drawn for the first time! Papa was proud.

Praise for:
- the very special farewell service for the Farrells last Sunday morning.
- good attendance in SS and both services on Sunday.
- improved health for Caleb and Josiah this week.
- the good choir practice Sunday as we prepare for an Easter presentation.
- all of Jessica’s help and encouragement this week.

Pray for:
- the contacts we will have Saturday evening as we attend a wedding of one of our contacts from Adrianna’s school.
- Jonathan as he preaches Sunday “What will you do with Jesus?”
- for good attendance and results for our Sango group’s Easter outreach this Sunday evening as we show the Jesus film.
- all of the work going into preparing different groups for the special Easter program on April 4 (SS, choir, Sango); children learning Scripture passages to share.
- that the important original documents that seem to be lost in the mail would arrive in the mail soon and safely.

Praise and Prayer for March 19, 2010

This is has become a bit of an emotional time of year for me. Two years ago today, my father, Donald Teachout, was promoted to his eternal Home. Our children have each been suffering with colds, lung infection, or asthma this week. Both Caleb and Josiah have each been to two different specialists for treatments, which continue. Just since Monday, we have had 9 different doctor’s appointments between the two of them, including several hours in waiting rooms. Both have more appointments and are in need of healing. We appreciate your prayers for them, and for us that the Lord will help us to trust Him even when we don’t understand, and that He will be able to accomplish His purposes in our lives and in the lives of our children.

The Lord blessed the Sunday services last weekend in a wonderful way. The auditorium was full Sunday morning and we all witnessed the clear salvation testimonies of the two young university students who were then baptized. Praise the Lord for the courage that He gave to both of them who have both had criticism from family members for their decision to follow the Lord in baptism. In the evening at our Sango service, there were more than 20 present, the highest attendance that we’ve had this school year at our service. One young man was there for the first time. He listened attentively and gladly accepted the Gospel literature that I offered him after the service.

Jessica continues to be a blessing to each of us as she takes many opportunities to serve the Lord here in Reims. This week at various times, she could have been seen working on designing a new SS song, doing school with Caleb home sick from school, working on email address lists for us, helping with SS materials preparations, washing dishes, playing or reading with the kids, visiting with guests, accompanying the kids to or from school taking care of Josiah, etc. Cherith was able to complete the health insurance claims and reports and get those mailed, because of Jessica’s presence and help.

Praise for:
- God’s answers to prayer this past Sunday and for the good group that witnessed the clear testimonies given.
- for more than 20 present for the evening Sango service and for the man that was present for the first time.
- Jessica’s help this week in many, many areas, enabling us to accomplish more even with sick children.

Pray for:
- D. to read the literature he received and to return for the Sango service this Sunday evening.
- the special service that we will be having this Sunday morning to honor the Farrell family for their many years of service to the Lord in Reims, resulting in the Evangelical Baptist Church of Reims.
- the evangelistic Easter celebration outreach we will be having in our Sango service on March 28. We are preparing a flyer for our members and friends to take Sunday evening to share with their contacts.
- all of the work going into preparing different groups for the special Easter program on April 4 (SS, choir, Sango); children learning Scripture passages to share.
- that important original documents that have been missing for nearly a month would arrive in the mail soon and safely.

Praise and Prayer for March 12, 2010

Looking over this past week, we see that we have accomplished much more than we would have if Jessica had not been with here with us. How we thank the Lord for sending her to us and for the way that she has jumped right in and been willing to help out in any area of need that we have. Aside from the constant help she has been with the children and with meals, she has helped out in many areas of our ministry as well. Her presence and willingness to remain at home from church with Adrianna who was sick on Sunday and Monday made it possible for both Cherith and me to get to church and to fulfill our responsibilities in the morning and Sango evening services (accompanist, SS teacher, Choir practice, evening worship service leader and evening children’s church teacher). Jessica took some time on Monday to do “School” with Adrianna who was out sick that day as well. Her help with the kids on both Monday and Tuesdays enabled Cherith to complete our Feb. expense report and me to finish preparation for the Tuesday evening Bible study. The wall mural that Jessica and Cherith put up in the beginners’ SS classroom late into Saturday evening was very much appreciated by the kids in SS Sunday morning. Jessica has also begun working on new Flash card songs for Sunday school and has completed the first one.

On Thursday, we visited the home of a young Chinese family in our church to welcome the new member of the family, a beautiful little three-week-old daughter, their first child. With Jessica’s help, we were able to have several guests for meals this week. On Wednesday we had a few of the leaders of our Central African outreach over for dinner and a profitable time to plan and strategize. This noon, the Farrells and Elva’s Dad joined us for lunch and good fellowship. Our children all are very sorry to know that “Grandpa” Maguire is leaving on Tuesday, and that Papy, Mamie and Tata Emily are leaving for furlough in a few short weeks.

Praise for:
- Jessica being with us and for the great asset she has been to our ministry and family this week, including making it possible for both of us to be able to be in church on Sunday.
- good services, etc. on Sunday, for the 10 people present at the Sango service.
- Adrianna’s improved health since Monday evening.
- the excellent attendance at prayer meeting Tuesday evening, and for the Lord’s help for Jonathan as he spoke.

Pray for:
- two young new believers who will share their salvation testimonies and follow the Lord in believers’ baptism this Sunday. Pray that their testimonies will have an impact on each one present, especially the unsaved.
- Caleb as he had another flare-up of asthma this week even before the last one was completely over.
- the groups we are working with that are preparing for the special Easter program on April 4 (SS, choir, Sango).
- a special outreach to the Sango speakers of Reims planned for March 28.

Praise and Prayer for March 6, 2010

This past weekend was truly a big one for the Evangelical Baptist Church of Reims. Thank you so much for your prayers. On Saturday our church welcomed nearly 20 pastors and missionaries for the ordination counsel of the new pastor of our church, Emmanuel Fischer. There were more than 20 church members also in attendance to observe and experience this very extraordinary event, especially here in France. We were treated to a delicious dinner prepared and graciously served by the church family. The day ended with the Counsel's decision to unanimously approve Emmanuel's ordination. This announcement, after a long, though enlightening day was met with cheers and applause from those in attendance.

On Sunday, the church proceeded to consecrate Emmanuel to the Lord for the pastoral ministry here. The history of the church was read, there were several special music numbers, testimonies, and a charge to both Emmanuel and the church. Among the musical numbers was “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” sung as a duet by Elva and Cherith and “The Mercies of God” sung by our new quartet, Daniela, Clotilde, Rufin and Jonathan. We were proud of each one who sang and spoke from their hearts for God’s glory. One of the highlights was when Emmanuel knelt with each of the members of the church counsel laying a hand on him while Mike Farrell prayed for the new pastor. The service was followed by a fellowship dinner, in which the fellowship was sweet. Some of the special visitors present Sunday were the speaker Joel Meyer (French President at the Algrange Bible Institute), Elva Farrell's father, Dan Maguire, Eric Hossack (with AMEBI in France) and Susan Hossack (with BMM in Chad).

We have had many write and ask us what our plans are now that the church has called Emmanuel to be their first French pastor. Since our arrival in Reims in April 2007, we have been assisting the pastor of the church, Mike Farrell, through the various ministries the Lord has given us. Now that the church is in the hands of a new Under Shepherd, the Farrells will be leaving April 5 for furlough and home ministry, and seeking God's direction for their future ministry.

As we have assisted Mike, we will continue to assist Emmanuel in the pastoral ministry during the remaining 17 months of our four-year term. We are thrilled to be here during this time to be able to help the church make this huge transition. Our assistance will continue as it has been, through preaching, teaching and children's ministries, music ministries and the Sango services. Our burden is to see each of the areas that we are now involved in turned over to capable church leaders and members, and the ministries continuing under new leadership. The goals that we arrived with have not changed, and though much progress has been made, especially in the area of the Sunday School program, we are very aware of our need for God's help during the months ahead as we strive to accomplish His purposes for us here in Reims.

On Wednesday of this week, we welcomed Jessica Leslie, a young lady from our home church in Springville, PA for a two-month visit. We are thrilled with Jessica's willingness to give her time to come and serve with us for this time. Even before she is over jetlag, she has pitched in and been a huge help to us already. We’ve been able to get so much more done with her here, we wonder what we’ll ever do when she leaves the end of April. We are certainly determined to make the most of these two months. As I type, she is helping Cherith by preparing beautiful pieces for a wall mural for the toddler SS classroom.

Praise for:
- the Lord’s wonderful answers to prayer for the ordination counsel and consecration service that were held this past weekend.
- Caleb’s improved health as he comes through another asthma attack.
- Jessica’s safe arrival and for her encouragement and help for these two months.

Pray for:
- the Fischers, the Farrells and for the church family with the transitions ahead.
- Jessica as she gets involved in so many different aspects of our lives and ministry.
- two young new believers who will be baptized on March 14 despite the flack they have received from family members.
- God’s direction to be clear to us for our future ministry (after home ministry in 2011).