Reach Europe. Change the world.
REJOICING WITH YOU FOR THE BIRTH OF OUR
SAVIOUR AND LORD JESUS CHRIST!
And a Happy New Year, too!
Disciples Making Disciples
Paulette has been coming to the Women’s Bible study group since
the start two and a half years ago. Last year, after most meetings,
Paulette would get together with Eliane to explain what had been
discussed and learned from the Gospel of Luke. This year, Eliane is
coming to the group meetings herself. She prepares for each meeting
by going over the text and questions with her daughter, Magali. At
the beginning of November, Magali had off work Friday, so she
accompanied her mother to the group meeting Thursday evening. I
could tell from her participation that she is thinking and processing
Jesus’ message in Luke: “I have not come to call the righteous, but
sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5.32 NIV) Most folks we meet think just
the opposite: that Jesus is looking for “good people.” What a joy to
see women growing in faith and helping other women to grow in
faith.
It seems like most of our Bible study discussions end up at this point: What really is the Gospel? For at least a
generation, the gospel of Jesus Christ has been assumed in our churches, leaving many confused from a lack of Bible
basics. It is a privilege to open the Bible with so many who thirst for the truth.
Please keep praying that God would pour out his Holy Spirit in the hearts and minds of those who hear the
preaching and come to Bible study groups that they may “accept it not as the word of men, but as it actually is,
the word of God which is at work in you who believe.” (I Thessalonians 2.13, NIV)
Diversity in the French Church
At a recent committee meeting of our regional church, Mark noticed that participants represented 5 continents. The
three pastors were from North America (Mark), Asia (South Korea) and Africa (South Africa). The elders were from South
America (Chili), and Europe (France and the Netherlands). Not only is there ethnic and national diversity, but theological
and “moral” diversity. We have been trying to navigate in treacherous waters these years we’ve been in Montauban. The
church council is pluralistic and unwilling to recognize the destructive nature of sin, especially in its pastors. Mark has
led and taught faithfully the biblical truth, but the leadership seems unwilling or unable to act in accordance.
We are increasingly frustrated with the lack of biblical standards, pluralism and a lack of concern for the gospel
in the leadership of our churches. Please pray for wisdom and faithfulness,
In Christ,
Mark & Marti
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