Today was our final non-travel day here in Marseille. Appropriately, we were able spend the majority of our time with the folks from Point Bible. This Sunday the church met at Rob and Vicki’s s
o we took some time in the morning to sweep up, rearrange patio furniture, and set up for the potluck lunch that characterizes their summer fellowship. It was another beautiful, temperate, sunny day…God has given us absolutely perfect weather the entire two weeks for which we are extremely thankful. It’s much cooler than LA this time of year.
Everyone arrived about 12:30 p.m. and the spread of food would make even the pickiest eater think twice about grumbling. There was quiche, curry chicken, several kinds of rice, bread, salads, green-bean casserole, cheeses, apple pastries, cookies, etc…needless to say I was impressed :) But more important than the food, was the time that each team member took to share some of things they had learned as well as encourage the church with how they had seen God work over the course of the trip. It was extremely helpful for each of us because it began the process of reflection that will inevitably continue over the coming weeks as we think and pray through our time in France.
o we took some time in the morning to sweep up, rearrange patio furniture, and set up for the potluck lunch that characterizes their summer fellowship. It was another beautiful, temperate, sunny day…God has given us absolutely perfect weather the entire two weeks for which we are extremely thankful. It’s much cooler than LA this time of year.Everyone arrived about 12:30 p.m. and the spread of food would make even the pickiest eater think twice about grumbling. There was quiche, curry chicken, several kinds of rice, bread, salads, green-bean casserole, cheeses, apple pastries, cookies, etc…needless to say I was impressed :) But more important than the food, was the time that each team member took to share some of things they had learned as well as encourage the church with how they had seen God work over the course of the trip. It was extremely helpful for each of us because it began the process of reflection that will inevitably continue over the coming weeks as we think and pray through our time in France.
Kyle spoke about the increased warmth and openness of the children and families toward the team as compared to the previous year. Stephanie was encouraged by watching how Rob and Vicki maximize every interaction they have with others to be an influence for Christ, whether it be with the Turkish man who recently purchased a sandwich shop across from their home, or the coordinator of the Social Center that operates in the housing project where we held the camps. Jeff shared that he had been challenged to give more consideration to how unbelievers perceive the gospel based upon their cultural, religious, and linguistic differences. Kevin was blessed by being able to spend time with the Anthony’s and John said that the time he spent in France showed him that his view of God had been quite small; however seeing the unity of believers on the other side of the globe and the common work of God in their lives really enlarged his perception of God’s sovereignty and omnipresence.
We closed out our time singing; we sang Amazing Grace, How Deep the Father’s Love for Us, and a beautiful song in French that none of us really understood. It was a great way to conclude our time together and Simon sent us off with some kind words of encouragement and a benediction.After everyone went home, we went and grabbed sandwiches for dinner and just sort of hung out for the rest of the evening. Stephanie dug up an old interview of John on You-Tube from when he directed an episode of “The Dead-Zone” about three years ago…it was fun and interesting to see John in his work environment, in his pre-conversion days…God has done a great work in his life.
We wrapped up the night reminiscing a bit on the past two weeks and how God had worked and built new friendships that, Lord-willing, will continue for many years to come…we’re going to miss Kyle’s horrible British/Jamaican accent and his unbelievably awkward attempts to dance while reminiscing about his college “clubbing” days. We’re also going miss Kevin’s lame jokes…(emphasis on lame). But in all seriousness, our team dynamic was really great. Everyone got along with one another and really put others before themselves, which made for a wonderful ministry and living environment.
For everyone who has been praying for us and for those who supported us financially, know that God has used your prayers and your generous gifts to expand his kingdom and encourage the saints here in Marseille in a great way. We’ve learned so much and been blessed beyond measure. Monday we board a plane early for nearly 24 hours of travel back to Los Angeles. We’ll have one more post in the next day or two to let you know how the trip finished off. Please continue to pray for John as he’s traveling to Montreal for work over the next couple of weeks.
Grace and Peace!
We wrapped up the night reminiscing a bit on the past two weeks and how God had worked and built new friendships that, Lord-willing, will continue for many years to come…we’re going to miss Kyle’s horrible British/Jamaican accent and his unbelievably awkward attempts to dance while reminiscing about his college “clubbing” days. We’re also going miss Kevin’s lame jokes…(emphasis on lame). But in all seriousness, our team dynamic was really great. Everyone got along with one another and really put others before themselves, which made for a wonderful ministry and living environment.
For everyone who has been praying for us and for those who supported us financially, know that God has used your prayers and your generous gifts to expand his kingdom and encourage the saints here in Marseille in a great way. We’ve learned so much and been blessed beyond measure. Monday we board a plane early for nearly 24 hours of travel back to Los Angeles. We’ll have one more post in the next day or two to let you know how the trip finished off. Please continue to pray for John as he’s traveling to Montreal for work over the next couple of weeks.Grace and Peace!
No comments:
Post a Comment