June 27, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Bonjour again from France. It has been just a little over three weeks since I wrote last, but this month has been particularly encouraging so I wanted to let you know about what is happening here. This past Sunday we had the highest attendance that we have ever had at our services here in Tournefeuille. This included five first time visitors and several that were back after a long absence. Among those who were here for the first time was Mireille, our neighbor who lives across the street. We asked you to pray for her and her family in our letter last month. Even though she professes to not believe in God it is obvious that God is at work in her heart. Saturday, she asked me to again explain what we believe. You may remember from last month’s letter that Jean-Luc and Mireille’s youngest son, Romain, has asked me for a Bible. This past Sunday he informed me that he has now read through Genesis. Jean-Luc told me a week ago that he needed to come and talk to me. Please, continue to keep praying for this family.

On the Saturday before last we had another annual neighborhood dinner. This gave us the opportunity to renew acquaintances with many and to make friends with others. At these gatherings we often get the opportunity to give a few words of witness to those who ask us what we are doing here in France. We thank God that Marc and Valerie, who live near us, have made this annual dinner a project of theirs. Some time ago Marc enquired about our Bible studies but has never come. However, the door is still definitely open there. When they came by to go over the final arrangements for the neighborhood dinner, they invited us to go to a monthly gathering that they participate in for the purpose of practicing English. At this gathering people explain what they do in English and then the floor is open for the others to ask questions in English. Can you see where this could lead?

Among those who were in service Sunday after a long absence was Tonia and their three children. She used to live across the street. But, nearly two years ago she left her husband and moved back to Germany. We have prayed often for God to work in her life even though we no longer had contact with her. Before she moved away the entire family came regularly for Sunday services and Sunday school. I must confess that I had pretty much given up on her. Judy’s faith was stronger on this matter and she told me recently that she didn’t think God was through with them yet. Well, Saturday, a week ago, she called to say that she was coming back. Three days later she was here. She asked us if we were still having Sunday school when we spoke to her the first time after her return. No one in this family is saved. Please pray for the Balesteros family.

A couple of weeks ago we kept our grandchildren for a few days while Philip and Amanda spent a few days in the volcanic region of central France in celebration of their anniversary. We took the children back over to their house to get the bikes. A young couple who lives a couple doors away from them were watching their children play and asked us in for a bit. As we talked, they asked us about what brought us to France. We told them that it was the spiritual need of French people that brought us here and this opened the door to a discussion about the Lord. They are irreligious as they saw nothing worthwhile in the religion of their parents. This past Saturday night they invited Philip and Amanda over and in the course of the conversation, they asked why Philip has looked for a job in France. Philip explained that they came to work with us.

On the same Saturday night that this was taking place, Judy went to a “sales party” that, Amelia, a lady from our congregation was holding. Judy had hardly set down when Joelle, a 38 year old co-worker of Amelia’s joined her and struck up a conversation. When she found out who Judy was, she said that Amelia had invited her to church and prayed for her. She mentioned that she was widowed. She showed a great interest and volunteered that she would definitely come to a Sunday service. Miriam, another lady from our congregation, went with Judy to this home sales “party”. Judy noticed that she was very forward to invite to Sunday services the ladies to whom she spoke. She informed them that her 18 year old son loved to come of his own volition.

This is how God works. He works in people and through his children’s behavior to give people a hunger and thirst for Him. He gives us the opportunity to share the Water and Bread of life. Are your praying for your neighbors, acquaintances and coworkers?

Thanks for praying for us and for faithfully giving to allow us the opportunity to invite people living in France to God’s “Banqueting Table”.

Until next month,

John and Judy Hatcher