Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noël!
As we write this newsletter, we are moving to France in four days. That means that after countless hours spent in prayer, the support of our family and friends, and most importantly the grace of God, we are able to begin our ministry in France. Our passion for church planting in France began many years ago, and we are excited that it is finally coming to fruition. We are so grateful for the Lord’s calling and blessing for these plans and the support of so many of you.
What’s Next?
We are flying from Chicago on December 27 and arrive in Paris the following day. The days after our arrival will be spent getting situated in our new apartment, acquainting ourselves with our new home of Massy, and celebrating Elizabeth’s 7th birthday. Thankfully our new apartment is furnished and even comes with basic kitchen needs. This means that our focus for those days can be on finalizing the girls’ registration at the local school, getting cell phones, setting up internet, doing grocery shopping, and I’m sure more. Our language school courses and the girls’ school both begin on January 3, so that week will be a whirlwind of excitement, anticipation, adjustments, and changes.
For the next year, we will be studying the French language, becoming familiar with the French culture, and bridging a vital relationship with our ‘Connect Phase’ church where we will begin our ministry the second year. We view this first year as being vital to our future success in France, so please keep us in your prayers as we tackle the language and culture, and work on getting comfortable in our new home.
Most importantly during this time as we approach Christmas and reflect on the birth of our Savior, his death, and resurrection, we are so thankful for a loving and gracious Father in heaven who loved us so deeply and intensely that he sent his Son, Jesus, as a baby to eventually be sacrificed on the cross for our salvation. Thank you, Lord, for the purpose and reason to celebrate Christmas.
