Patrick & Cédric

Please pray for these two guys with me. They are Patrick and Cédric. They are two of my good friends and two whom I have spent hours praying for over these past two years. They both need Christ.



We will be going to see "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardobe" on Wednesday night and I would appreciate your prayers as I would love to talk about the spiritual aspect of the movie. They both have had very busy semesters and I would love to spend more time with them in the Word. They both have girlfriends who also need Christ and whom Nichole has had some contact with. Pray that we can see these two couples give their lives to Christ.

Photos of my Jewelry Workshop

Recently in my weekly prayer meeting Holly challenged me to use an arts and crafts workshop to let my unsaved friends rub shoulders with other Christians. I immediately thought of Debbie Hocking, who works at the Chateau and also makes professional quality jewelry in her spare time. She already has tools and supplies, so I invited her to come to Paris and facilitate a make-your own jewelry workshop at my place, just in time for the holidays. Here are some of the ladies that came to make jewelry...
(photos coming soon)

Debbie posing with Céline, first time singer in the gospel choir. She, Amandine and I are inseparable.

Julia, my neighbor from downstairs, who I met changing lightbulbs in the hallway, plus she brought a friend.

Dawn, my neighbor a couple blocks down, who's husband works at the Christian Book Store, and who also brought a friend.



Several members of our Spiritual Family were present: Marlène, Sonia, Holly, Catey, Mathilde.

See our Christmas Tree

This is the first year Rob & I have ever welcomed a real tree into our home. When we encountered this poor soul on the side walk all cold and comercialized we just couldn't resist inviting him into our house. So we warmed him up and dressed him up and he stands near our door greeting our guests in a most chaleuruse (warm) way. Merry Christmas everybody!

The French Christmas lights are silly. They don't just glow or twinkle, they alternate from all glowing to twinkling to spasmatic-disco-crazy stuff and then repeat the cycle. There doesn't seem to be a way to get them to calm down.

Spontaneous Encounters

Okay, I've got a great story, so it's Sunday night and we're out with our Chaddian friend Abdel who was "the spot light" for a silent film festival. It was top (classy and well done) affair. The big beautiful theater was complete with chandelers and two balconies. From the top balcony I had the impression I was royalty watching an opera from my private box, but the place was packed! So, where was I in this story ... we had finished the show and we were talking in the foyer when somebody runs up behind me and squeezes me a big American hug. I turn around to see who it is, and what do my wondering eyes do appear, but Jennifer, the twin sister of my roommate in college.

So, still talking about that moment at the theater where I am frozen in a hug with arms wrapped around me and I don't know who they belong to... And when I turn around my first impulse is, "Who set this up?" Surely somebody has been making plans behind my back to arrange this encounter. But ... um, no! It was a simple surprise, planned only by God.

So we exchanged contact info, and decided to meet up Monday after lunch.

Now just in case somebody out there is thinking Alyce's twin isn't named Jennifer ... you're right. Two of my old roomies still room together in Seattle AND they both have twins, ha, ha. So right now Jennifer Nicholas (twin to Deb) is in Paris and staying at our place after spending two years with the Peace Corps in Benin, Africa. And next she is headed to America and will rejoin Alyce & Debo in Seattle soon.

Debate Club

For the last couple years I (Rob) have been involved in helping out with a current events and debate class at a French university outside Paris. I have switched this year to concentrate on helping out with the ENPC Debate Club. This past Saturday I was able to do some adjudicating (judging) for a tournament. It was lots of fun and I feel very comfortable about my judging abilities in debate. What was reallly cool is that I was approached by a student who said "Aren't you in Hope Gospel Singers?" ... it was someone from the choir who was their representing another school in Paris. I was also able to have some great conversations with some fellow judges who are students in Paris (Carlos- who is Greek/British and Loren- who is Australian). Pray for more opportunities to share about Christ through this "bridge" and also that relationships would grow as a result of the time invested in it.
Here are Some debating links:
The French Debating Association
Info about the format of debate
Please do not hesitate to respond or ask questions about any stories we may share.
-Rob

The Painter Comes to Our Home

Today marks a very important day! After two days of water leaking through our roof, nearly a year of waiting for insurance to claim the damage, and over a dozen visits by the construction company to decide what repairs would be necessary, then finally the painter could arrive. So just recently we have spent the last two weeks with the painter coming and going and coming and going.

It went something like this ... Wednesday we get a call that the painter is available Thursday. We then spend the whole night disassembling shelving and emptying out the room for our 9am appointment. 9am, 10am, 11am, we call the painting company and apparently our guy is on his way, 11:30 he shows up at the door.

The first visit was scraping loose paint off the wall, the following visit will include plastering to smooth things over, but evidently the painter doesn't know when he can possibly come back and will have to check in with the office and let them schedule another appointment. So after two years of waiting for one visit, we figured it could be a long time before another. So we spent the next two days reassembling the shelves and arranging all of our belongings. Guess what!? Monday we get another call, yes that's right, they can come again Tuesday. I was almost upset because I was looking forward to having my house in order for at least a week, and we had invited company over. Our place is too small to get away with having a whole room full of furniture pushed to one side of the room.

So the saga continued several weeks: with last minute phone calls, and rushing to move furniture. But after two coats of paint our room looks entirely different. It's bright and cheery. And I hung our new curtains (which we inherited from colleagues that left france nearly a year and a half ago, but I kept waiting for the painting to be completed before I bothered changing the curtain rods). Voilà!

Smart Car

Following a very nice, rather artistic dinner fait maison (made from scratch) hosted by Franck. He proposed a stroll and guided us through this very nice residential neighborhood where all the buildings are tall beautiful stone appartment houses. While wandering the streets aimlessly, we were astonished by the number of Smart Cars driving around us. In fact as we began to notice with more interest there were at least five smart cars parked on every street! And so this entry will be a collection of our favorite smart car photos.


One of my faovrite French comercials is for this car. They show a smart car whose parking meter has run out of time just as the Meter-reader is casually approaching. You start feeling pity for this tiny little car who is barely taking up half of a space and whose owner can not be found. The meter-reader begins writing out a ticket, but before they have time to complete it ... yes you guessed it ... Another smart car wizes around the corner, pulls into the remaining half of space with ease, quickly drops a coin in the meter, and voilà! he's saved!! The meter-reader stands astounded and two "smarts" sit happily side by side in one place.

Cinema Conversations

A couple days ago we got an invitiation to see a movie with Sonia, one of the believers in our group. Two of her unsaved friends were going to be there and though we would have enjoyed the movie with her alone we were thrilled at this opportunity as it is the first chance to rub shoulders with some of the people she hangs around and prays for. I knew the film they chose would bring up lots of topics about life, death, and life after death. Very serious topics, I thought. Then, surprisingly, after the film, the discussions were all about filmmaking, and styles, and originality. (only true artists would overlook the obvious, right?) So as it turns out one of the guys is our neighbor, just one block away! And he proposed we all walk home together. Then as soon as we were away from the rest of the group, he proceded to ask us what we do in Paris. Then he asked where, and how, and when. We dropped lots of "teaser" comments about reading through the Bible with young adults who have never had a chance to hear the stories, and letting people decide for themselves whether they believe it or not. He was all ears. We didn't even realise just HOW interested he was until the following day when he nearly apologized to Sonia because in retrospect he thought he may have been too pushy. LOL We haven't seen him since, but we see Sonia all the time. We would love a chance to hang out with him again and propose to read through a book of the Bible together. Pray for Christophe.

Lille vs Manchester United

Read hear to see more about the game we went to.
Tonight Rob had the opportunity to go to a big time soccer game with a guy name Richard and Patrick. Patrick got the tickets for free through his work. We were in the nosebleed section but we were able to have a great time and even see the game. We did not have any spiritual conversation with Patrick but it was another opportunity to show Christ's love and further our friendship. Please pray for Patrick and that he will make time for God and seek Him.

We have also had the opportunity to host Richard Holt for the past few nights. He is a young Brit who found Christ in Paris through his boss at work. He is now raising support to work full-time with Global Hope , which is the humanitarian branch of Agapé (Campus for Christ). If you would like to hear more about Richard's story feel free to write him at: rch197@hotmail.com

Le Chateau de Saint Albain

The week before Toutsaint (All Saint's Day) is a holiday in France, so while all the university students are on a two-week vacation, our Grace Brethren teammates gathered together for a conference at our chateau in Bourgogne. (Burgandy) We learned about French culture and steps to take to pass on leadership to our new believers.
Here is a portrait of Holly Ginnan and her boyfriend. She's been a long time friend and prayer partner of mine and now she is our Child Evangelism Fellowship representative. She leads a Club de la Bonne Nouvelle (Good News Club) in the Martin's home once a month. The Martin girls have lots of friends who are hearing about Jesus through her fun clubs.
The Chateau is a wonderful ministry to our European team. In addition to providing training it also unites us and creates community. Rob & I spent an extra night with the Chateau staff. Jay & Debbie Hocking have great visions for the Chateau. Pray for them as they will be spearheading many new projects, and consider giving a donation to help fund the repairs that need to take place in the next year.

Ice cream strolls

Discipleship takes many forms. Today I strolled around town in search of an appartement for Marlene. She's moving back to Paris after a recent stay in Minnesota. I was suprised that even after several years of living in Paris she had never tried Bertillon ice cream. So I guided our search past one of the most famous ice cream shops in the city. Here are some photos of the beautiful shop facing Notre Dame. If you've ever tried their glace fait maison (home made ice cream) even the sight of the never ending line of people will make you hunger for more. Can you tell which one is Marlene waiting in line? Please pray that this faithful disciple of Jesus can find a suitable appartement in close proximity to our famille spirituelle. (church family)

Triads

I think the word triad works in English just as well as it works in French. It represents a group of three, and more specifically in this case, a group of three people journeying towards God. (I do, however, wish that the image "journey towards God" worked in French as well as it does in English.)
I had café with Anne-Cécile this afternoon. We were two, not three, but she really needed someone to talk to. It's hard to balance school, the job search, a boyfriend, and family stress all at the same time. I told her I worry for her health. I wish she would find her strength in the scriptures rather than doctors, maybe I'll send her an e-mail with a hopeful Bible passage. she has recently moved several metro stops outside the city, and I asked her how often she comes into the city like she did this afternoon, she said, "never." So evidently she's not seeing her friends either. Let's pray ...
Cédric joined Rob for café this weekend and asked if they could start up reading the Bible in two weeks. Our friend Erlé (who was a part of their group several times near the end of last school year) is moving to Australia in January and has asked us if we know of any "churches like ours" where he is heading. As God would have it ... we just happened to find out about a house church in his future hometown! Praise the Lord for His Divine orchestration.
Sonia and Holly and I have been gathering every Wednesday afternoon since my return and were a big help passing out lightbulbs. It is so fun to get together that we look forward to our sweet time of calm together, and simply the relationships keep us gathering together, and the spiritual refreshment gives us strength to head out again for another week.
Marlène and I have had thé (tea) together several times, though irregularly, and tomorrow we will spend time together before the Cinéclub to pray. (I'm thinking about inviting Sanaa so this could be a real group because of her request to learn more about the Bible and her high esteem for Marlène, so I'll let you know how that goes.)

Lighting Our World

...one ampoule (lightbulb) at a time. Okay. So, ever since our arrival here in the appartement, there have been 9 lightbulbs that are burnt out in the corridor and staircase. So immediately I thought Break-out and considered replacing them as an act of kindness. But I wanted it to be well planned and my motives to be right in doing it, so I kept busy getting everything else in swing and chatted with my friends about this future possibility. Then we went to Portugal for a week and I was really expecting that the syndic (appartement counsel) would fix them while I was away, robbing me of my opportunity. Et Voila! upon our return there were 10 out! As you can imagine this makes it quite dangerous to climb our winding staircase in the dark. So I just couldn't wait any longer and this morning when Holly and Sonia showed up for our triad (weekly prayer meeting) I simply proposed that I would be replacing all the lightbulbs in the hall after our meeting and they were welcome to join me if they had the time, and of course they did.
oh, yeah ... I've decided that Americans should not attempt reaching out to this culture without a tray of homemade American chocolate chip cookies on hand, because they are just such a wonderful ice-breaker. I haven't found anything that works better. It's one thing to replace a lightbulb with nobody noticing, and it's another thing to have a conversation over cookies while you place the bulb.
I decided to do this during the day because it is light enough in the hallway to see while the bulbs are changed. Plus it's a perfectly natural time for me to be running errands. But for most people, they will not know what we've done because they were out at work when we came by. That's okay though because random acts of kindness only work when you are genuine. And that means the purpose has to be about light in the hallway and lightbulbs, not about conversations. It turned out to be a great time to meet students since class had already finnished for the day.
The three of us bound down the stairs knocking on doors and replacing all the lights on the way. The first young man we met fired questions at us, "How much does he owe us?", "Do we work for the syndic?", "Shouldn't we wait for the syndic?". In fact it had been over a month so I felt that we were not premature in our decision to take care of it ourselves. He asked us to be quiet since his grandmère (grandmother) was sleeping. Then with a change of heart he asked if he could offer us a ladder and said he would like to learn how to change the bulb. (A valid request since the couvercle (light shade) has a secret lever hidden in one side that allows it to be detached.) He then joined our troop and followed us to the next door where a nice young lady answered and engaged us in conversation inquiring what fields everybody was studying. It was intriguing and she is so sweet and nice that I felt really bad I had forgotten to fetch another tray of cookies. So after all the lights were in place and Holly and Sonia were on their way out the door, I followed them down to see if the gal on the ground floor was still there. And Yes, sure enough she was! So I offered her some cookies and she was obliged and commented, "Yum are these real American cookies?" We must have quite a reputation in this country. So she shared more about herself and what brought her to Paris and she inquired about what kind of church I work with. Then she asked me if I would help her with her English!!! I guess she has a test on the 28th. I'm so excited because I was looking for soemone to do an echange des langues (language exchange) and she even initiated it. Yeah! So I will meet her at her appartement on Friday to speak English and later she will help me with my French too.

Fall's Bright Future

We reconnected with our spiritual family as the Martin's hosted a dinner at their appartment. Mathilde was excitedly suggesting to others that we get together once a week for a gathering like that. This time last year we decided to carry on with two unique spiritual families because they had little in common with each other. Though they met separately each week we also encouraged a common gathering once a month, and now they are all showing concern for others who have traditionally been part of the other group. So it looks likely that we might just have one big group this fall. But several students remain on the fringes. They are my friends, but they don't feel like the group is a good fit for them. I hope to help them find other disciples like themselves to begin their own spiritual family together.

We have great expectations for this fall. I will be spearheading a book drive to collect books in French to be sent to our churches in the Chad. The idea of taping into the spirit of good-will in this country is very exciting to me, and I anticipate it will be a great way to meet new people (believers and unbelievers). Another new opportunity that has risen is that Rob & I will be seeking a certificate that will allow us to chaperone hiking and skiing events in France. And naturally we will be continuing all of the ministries we shared about this summer as well: Bible Reading, Bible Studies, Gospel Choir, Debate Club, Cinéclub, Bible Tables, Picnics and Prayer Meetings. It's a busy schedule, but it feels great and promises a bright future this fall.

Finding Paris

Well we have arrived in Paris and are adjusting to many things including the time change. It is amazing how it does feel like coming back home. But we tend to forget the things that are not the best about big cities; noise, smells and poverty. Continue to pray as we seek to reconnect with people we know here. We are still without internet at our home and are using connections at Mac Donald's and our teammates. More to come ...

Headed "Home"

It has been a long four months in the United States. There have been some wonderful times with family, close friends and sharing with many in our supporting churches. But we are ready to go to our home in Paris. We miss our 102 stairs and the walking down the little cobblestone streets to our grocery store. And God has been working to get us back to Paris on schedule. We praise Him for his provision and continue to pray as even though we are cleared to go back tomorrow September 14th, we still need $2823. Please continue to pray as individuals make decisions and churches work on their budgets. Pray as we head back and jump back into the ministry there. We are excited to see what God is going to do through your prayers.

Today's Scoop 9-9-05

We have moved back in with Rob's family in Warsaw, IN (574-269-9625). And we are anxiously awaiting the remaining $2823! We are not cleared to leave until all of the money is pledged.
But with one week left and considering all of the exciting news we have received recently. - We remain confident in God's calling and excited to get back into ministry. We still hope to board the plane September 14th. To get there we only need 5 additional people giving $50 a month.

Highlights of Parisian Cafés

We just enjoyed our 30th Parisian Café this summer. These quaint times of laughter and discussion around coffee have proved to be a valuable opportunity to get reacquainted with our church families around the area. It was fun to share our photo album with you and tell countless stories of Parisian young adults who are making steps towards Jesus, and our growing spiritual family that we enjoy so much.

Let's see ... memorable occasions include :
One cute little log cabin that went to great lengths to make you feel like you were entering a café; complete with table decorations and today's menu - a wooden framed plaque posted on the front door.

Fond memories of each of our Parents hosting their own cafés, and tears in the eyes of family and friends as they encountered our hearts for Paris in a whole new way.

Laughter - as one church nearly thought us scandalous for suggesting we serve the food before the formal opening and prayer!!! Thank you pastor for jumping in and praying just in time to save our reputation.

Churches that expected 15 guests and 50 showed up!

Hearing stories of how our humble newsletters have worked as a bridge into the lives of co-workers of our supporters, as they share our stories of culture-shock and God uses that to open hearts to hearing the gospel in schools and relationships across the country.

Several young adults classes where NOBODY drinks coffee!!! I guess we're not the coffee-house generation at all. Maybe Starbucks should market themselves as a muffin-house! hee, hee.

Finally meeting wonderful people we have corresponded with over e-mail now face-to-face!

By far the most elaborate café, boasting eight French dishes made from scratch, was a candle-lit out-door affair complete with little round tables, hand-made flower arrangements and candles, plus the host invited a VIOLINIST! to wander and play to set the mood, and ... it gets better ... nearly a dozen youth group girls volunteered to play dress-up as french waitresses and serve the hors-d'oeuvres. The guests were instructed upon arriving to please tip the violinist and the waitresses generously as all tips would be donated to Plaster Support! Can you say creative?! I wish I had thought of this stuff.

Today we are in need of $6300 annual support. This can be met by 11 people pledging $50 a month. There are still some matching funds left to be claimed so get in now while your dollars will be doubled!

New Orleans
Everyone is feeling a little depressed while watching the after-math of the Katrina's Fury. We are likewise feeling that we wish there was something we could do to help, really help. I was excited to hear our churches are offering a way to send aid directly and you can even do that online. So if you want to send your gift through our churches where aid will be offered in the name of Jesus just go to this website and click disaster relief. GBNAM Relief

Dollars Have Been Doubled

God is answering our prayers in amazing ways!

An anonymous donor, with great enthusiasm for winning France for Christ, offered to match pledges in hopes of motivating others to give at this time! And God provided in abundance!
Ten new monthly pledges of $50 or pledge increases of $50 we receive were doubled. Thanks to God's faithfulness and your quick responce. Lets get on our knees in prayer that even more individuals will see their gifts multiplied, and heaven will rejoice over generous giving and joyful hearts.

Past Times

I am so excited. I want everyone to know I have a new favorite game - The Settlers of Catan. In this game all of the players have landed on a desserted island and race to build the biggest and best settlement. You farm and mine and build roads and villages. And I can't wait to see what the expansion pack is like that allows you to sail to other lands and trade with them. This game is really fun. My Sister introduced me to it this summer and I haven't been able to stop playing it since.

Today we are going to go visit Rob's cousin's farm market. Fresh Veggies, Yum!

Welcome Page

Welcome to our new blog. Bookmark this page and return often to interact with fresh stories of culture in France, see what questions other subscribers are asking about ministry and life in Paris and, bien sur, browse our recent e-mail updates for prayer requests.

Snapshots of Life in Paris
It is our goal to post lots of photos so that you can truly interact with our everyday ministry and Parisian lifestyle.

Cafe Philo
Some of you out there love to discuss current trends in philosophy and ministry. We hope you enjoy reading about our breakthroughs and hurdles and even comment your own suggestions so that we (and perhaps other subscribers to our site) could benifit from you wisdom and brainstorming.

Prayers that Cross the Ocean
Daily there will be an opportunity for you to post your prayers for the ecnouragement and edification of the saints world-wide, as we all band together to combat the enemy.
Storm the gates of Hell with water-pistols and without shame!!!

A Father's Love Letter

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God