Spring 2021 Update
The Covid season here in France finally seems to be coming to a close. We have endured three “lockdowns” and what feels like a never-ending stream of changing rules and requirements.
In the last season, our vision and direction has been challenged quite a lot. Covid has put quite a few hiccups in the ability to do ministry, but it has also exposed quite a lot of need, both in our town and in our base and lives individually. There is a pulling toward a deeper intimacy with God and a continued calling to lead boldly in pursuit of God and all that he is. This is super exciting for us because it means that there is a leaning forward in the way we live our lives and God is beginning to use it in every day encounters in the town.
I, Jeff, had the opportunity to participate in a one-week French language intensive course last week. It really helped propel my comfort with the French language in both hearing and speaking. As I spoke with the boys in French last week, their growing understanding of French really shined. It’s hard to believe how much they already know! Cheri has also been building her conversational French skills, and has finally begun to feel comfortable in all-French settings.
We have learned that building a solid foundation in the language here is absolutely crucial to being able to reach the people. Unlike in some large cities in other nations in Europe, English is not widely spoken (or understood) here. It is rare to encounter other English speakers in our daily life outside of the YWAM base… but when we do, it also provides another opportunity to share about why we are here. :)
Speaking of Daniel and Isaac, they both LOVE school! It’s so fun to see how they are playing so naturally in French, making friends, especially for Daniel. Isaac speaks less French, but understands much of what is said. Our constant presence with the kids, picking them up and interacting with teachers and staff, has also begun to open up opportunities for the gospel - people notice when your kids are loving and kind, especially in a nation where the family structure is often so broken!
The last year has taught us that one thing that we really feel is important here is the heart of hospitality. The life that comes from sharing a meal, a conversation and just being available in life for those doing ministry beside us is exciting and important and we are continuing to look for more ways to be a blessing to those staff working around us.
Keep Praying For Us
Continued favor in our paperwork for both our visa extension and our French healthcare enrollment
We’ve already seen unprecedented favor in the visa process - some of our colleagues have experienced MONTHS of delays, zero communication, closed doors… but our appointment came almost immediately after we sent the paperwork in! Miracle! We just need the actual cards to be issued now that the last item needed has been sent.
Perseverance in the midst of discouragement!
The French desperately need the good news of Jesus, and it can be very challenging to patiently build good language and relationship foundations when the need is so real, so vast and so pressing
Continued open doors to share the gospel in the community
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