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.

Praise and Prayer August 28, 2013

This is the final week of vacation for the kids and next week, they go back to school.  It has been an unusual summer for our family as our move and work on the house has made it extra busy.  Preparations continue for our September startup of our new church plant.  The Eglise Baptiste de Saint-Medard-en-Jalles will be holding its first services on September 15. Flyers, Church website, signs, Sunday school materials, scheduling, Bible study and preaching schedules, Sunday school teacher schedules, flyer distribution and invitations, Insurance, etc.  Much has been done already, but there is still much to do.  We are so thankful for the teammates (Ed and Sylvia Christy) that God has given us as well as for the help and involvement of the Letellier family in this endeavor.  God is at work.  We need His help!

Praise for:

- the provision of a meeting place in Saint-Medard-en-Jalles where we are able to rent two conference rooms for Sunday mornings.

- a safe move and for the work that has been finished on our house.

- the work that has been done on the website and flyer for our new church plant.  Praise for the help in designing the flyer from Pastor Emmanuel in Reims.

- the contacts that we have in this community who have been interested in the Bible.

- a special time of fellowship at our church picnic in August.

Pray for:

- us as we finish painting and settle in.  This Saturday we have invited a couple of committed believers for dinner, one of whom is returning to Ecuador after being a part of the downtown Bordeaux church for a number of years.

- our canvassing as we get word out a about the new work and for our first church services in our new church plant September 15, that people will come interested in hearing the Gospel.

- the two churches that will be losing leaders as we and our teammates the Christys leave the churches where we have been serving to begin the new work.  

- our children as they began their Home school subjects of Bible, History and Spelling this week and as they begin public school on Monday.  Josiah will be starting pre-school this year.

Praise and Prayer July 17, 2013

The days are flying by, each one full to the brim, but we need to get this update posted to let you know some of the ways God is answering prayer and as well as how you can be praying for us at this time.  Thank you for praying, and for your interest in the work God is doing here in the Bordeaux area.

As the days move forward toward our own move on July 27 and a projected launch date for our new church plant Sunday services, we are more than ever aware of our need for God’s help, His guidance and His strength.  Our friends recently moved from Reims have been a great help in the search for a location. While he continued to search and wait on the Lord for full-time work, J.C. continued research for potential meeting places.  He and I visited several of them, though the limited budget greatly narrowed our possibilities.  Though at times it seemed like there was no possible solution to our need, the Lord has been opening a door for at least a temporary meeting place at an affordable rate where we can begin Sunday services this Fall.

Ministries continue in the downtown church, and we need wisdom as we pull back on our work.  Our prayer is that as the Christys and ourselves will be able to leave these two other maturing works, that these churches will not be weakened, but rather able to grow stronger as others move forward to fill the gaps. 

Much strength is needed during these weeks as we prepare to move into our new house.  Between packing up our current home and preparing our new home to move into, it seems nearly impossible that we be ready a week from this Saturday for the move.  The keys for our current house must be turned in July 31, however, so we must move.  Besides the short time remaining to us before the move, yesterday Cherith began to feel sick with a stomach bug that has been going around.  We definitely don’t feel we have time to be sick, however our confidence is in the Lord Who made us and Who knows all about the deadlines we are facing.

Praise for:

- the door the Lord is opening for us for a place to meet this Fall.

- several new visitors in church, including L.’s boss, who she has been witnessing to who came to church for the first time last Sunday.

- the contacts the Lord is giving us, Mr. F., Mr. R. and Mr. D.  Mr. D. is very interested in spiritual things and has expressed interest in attending a church service even this weekend.

- the impact of the adult Bible study, the monthly Ladies’ Bible Studies and the English Encounter on the lives of those who attended this year. 

- God’s help for Adrianna and Caleb through this school year evidenced by good report cards and encouraging comments from their teachers.  The children also finished up their Homeschool subjects of Bible, History and Spelling before the end of the school year.  Praise the Lord for their hard work.

- the help God has given us through teammates, visiting friends, two young ladies doing missions internships with the Christys this summer, and through Adrianna who has proven to be a great packer!

Pray for:

- all of the preparations for beginning services this Fall, for all the details to work out and plans regarding the new church plant.  

- us and the Christys as we pull out of current ministries and wind down our involvement at our current churches, and that our departures will be the occasion for these churches to be strengthened as others step forward.

- continued contacts, and for Mr. D. to come to church.

- M. who has been attending services for a couple months who is searching.

- T and N, now back in Tahiti, that God will direct in their continuing study of His Word and that we will be able to continue to have opportunities for input.

- our preparations for our MOVE July 27, and for good health and strength for Cherith and for each of us during these demanding days.  Pray that the house will be as ready as possible for our move.