November 5, 2007

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This month has been filled with blessings. We see evidence of God at work and His answers to our prayers. We hope that you are also enjoying the presence of the Lord in your life. The attendance for Sunday School and worship is up. A number of new folks are coming on a regular basis. Paulette, a lady who began coming a few weeks ago, said, “I just love coming here. It is so cosmopolitan.” And cosmopolitan we are: presently, in regular attendance we have a British lady, a student from Siberia, two Brazilians, a German family and children from another German family, five French families (or parts thereof) and us, the American missionaries. The services are in French, but it is not uncommon for one of those who are not French speakers to ask for and explanation in Portuguese or English. When Angela, the German lady, teaches the children’s class, she tells the story in French, German and English.

Paulette expresses her thankfulness for being back in a fellowship of believers. She was saved through the ministry of the first Baptist church in the Toulouse area. However, for years she was unable to attend because her mother was invalid and she cared for her in her home. She attended a Bible study led by Wendy who invited her to come with her to Sunday services. Once, she started she did not stop. She is very interested in reaching her friends. She remarked to the ladies that it was too bad that the congregation meets in Tournefeuille. She lives in L’Union, which is on the opposite side of the Greater Toulouse area from us. Judy mentioned that she could have church in her home. She said she would be willing to host. So, this could be a beginning place for the next church.

The home Bible studies are going well, including two new ones for ladies. One of the new ones meets in our home and the other one meets on the east side of greater Toulouse.

Phillipe DuFrenne, who comes to Sunday services, called me this past Friday evening to talk about being saved. He has been attending services for well over a year and a half and has a lot of knowledge. We have been praying for him. His wife is saved and he comes regularly with her and is very attentive. At the time of this writing, he has not trusted the Lord, but the Spirit of God certainly seems to be convicting him of his need. Perhaps, by the time you read this, he will have trusted the Lord.

We are now in the process of planning a couple of Thanksgiving events. Thanksgiving is not a French Holiday, but people here are curious about it. They see it being celebrated in American movies and TV series produced in America. We will be having a dinner at our house and invite unsaved guests. Before we pray to begin the meal, we give an explanation of the origin of Thanksgiving. This offers an opportunity to witness. Wendy, who is a part of our congregation, also will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner and has asked me to explain the origin of the Thanksgiving Holiday for that event, as well.

We are praying that the Lord will bless the Thanksgiving Conference and that it will glorify God, be a blessing to all who attend and advance the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We appreciate the folks at New Hope Baptist Church who work so hard to make this Conference happen. We are also grateful for all of the other churches that sponsor missions Conferences.

May the Lord’s presence be evident to you this month and may His light shine through you. Thanks for your faithful support.

Passing on the Good News in France,

John and Judy Hatcher