| Last week we were at the Lake James School of Missions in Angola, IN, where we had the opportunity to soak in some great teaching, listen to some inspiring (and hilarious!) missionary stories from around the world – Burma, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Italy and Hong Kong, and spend precious hours in fellowship with friends. Prior to our departure to France in 2016, the School of Missions played a huge part in our preparation and development as missionary recruits. We would soak up all the insights we could from other missionaries and those who had spent their lives dedicated towards supporting missions individually and promoting its importance in their churches. It was special for us to be able to be with this “extended family” and share how God has taken two people who had a prayer in their hearts and a passion for the French people and has used us to build a team of fellow church planters in Paris and craft a ministry that is working towards creating, training and multiplying disciples throughout France. |
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| Glen preaching at the Lake James School of Missions |
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| Exciting as it was to be at the School of Missions, it’s hard to top the Vacation Bible Schools that we have taken part in so far this summer at the Markle Church of Christ (Markle, IN), Rush Church (Rushsylvania, OH), and the Peebles Church of Christ (Peebles, OH). During each of these VBSs, we spent one of the days each week sharing with the kids about the Eiffel Tower. The look of awe on a kid’s face when they see a video of the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night for the first time is awesome. Outside of simply sharing about the beautiful city of Paris, where we are blessed to call home and serve in ministry, we shared that when Gustave Eiffel first built the Eiffel Tower, the Parisians didn’t like it. They thought it was ugly and ruined the Parisian landscape. Many thought that it would collapse! However, over time, the Eiffel Tower became a symbol and landmark for the city. With even a rough sketch of its outline, most people can identify it and Paris. Just like in the video at night, the Eiffel Tower has become a beacon of light for the city. |
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| What we have shared with the kids during VBS is that right now in France, many people think of Christianity, Jesus, and belief in God in a similar way as to the Eiffel Tower when it was first being constructed. Faith is regarded as foolish, a distraction, something that could cause destruction. Our prayer, and one that we want you praying for too, is that the people in France will be won over by the love of God and their hearts changed, and eventually come to embrace a saving faith in God, just like they have embraced the Eiffel Tower. And just like the video of the Eiffel Tower shining and glittering at night, God has called us to be light in this city of darkness. With this idea, we have asked the kids at all of our VBSs that whenever they see an Eiffel Tower, whether on the news or in a picture, that they stop and say a prayer for the people of France and that the love of the Lord will penetrate their hearts. Can you commit to this as well?
Blessings,
Glen and Jessica Shady |
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| We are The Shady Family, Glen, Jessica, Elizabeth, Hannah, and Maddie, serving in France.
Learn – Connect – Plant |
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Praise & Prayer
None of this is possible without the power of our Creator God, and He is so faithful. Please continue praying for us, our ministry, and the people of France. Here are some areas to focus your prayers:
– Faithful workers to be called to join our growing team
– Our first church plant this September, that we may be faithful in being a light to our community
– That God would bring us lost people truly seeking for Him
– Boost in committed monthly support to meet our ministry projects including a storefront property for community engagement
Also take time to praise God for…
– Giving us the Holy Spirit, who works to unify the church together (Eph 4:3)
– Leading so many believers into our path for encouragement, accountability, and a more effective witness
– Special financial gifts from churches, individuals and Vacation Bibles Schools this summer |
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In French
Après cela, je regardai et je vis une foule immense que personne ne pouvait compter. C’étaient des hommes de toute nation, de toute tribu, de tout peuple et de toute langue. Ils se tenaient debout devant le trône et devant l’Agneau. ~ Apocalypse 7:9
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. ~ Revelation 7:9 |
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| Interested in supporting our ministry financially? Donations can be mailed to 1509 Parlor City Drive, Bluffton, IN, 46714 or by clicking the link below.
All donations made to French Christian Mission (FCM) are tax-deductible. FCM is a US non-profit religious organization under IRS section 501(c)3 and registered in the state of Indiana. |
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