Canteleu, France, September 2, 2017

Dear Praying Friends,

Special Visits
It was a privilege to host several visitors from June through August including family.  Our daughter Stéphanie and husband Jérémie Savard with their three children from Québec were with us from the end of June to the end of August.  Since many of our folks were away on vacation in July and August, Jérémie was a great help with preaching and leading the services and Stéphanie's piano accompaniment was a real blessing.  This was an important time in their lives as they had been praying for the Lord's direction for future work and ministry.  It was a joy for us to have three precious grandchildren around.  Upon their return to Canada, the Lord provided a teaching position for Jérémie in the northern community of Chibougamau.  Pray that God will use them during their time there for His glory! 
 
Melanie's mother was with us for a short time in July.  We drove her to visits with numerous friends who were a part of the Bittner’s long ministry in France.  Fifty-one years after their first arrival here, much fruit remains.  Second generation believers are in the Lord's work, and third generation believers are being raised in Christian homes! What a testimony to the power of the Gospel!
 
A Musical Milestone
It was an encouragement to have a choir number just before so many started off on vacations in July.  Voices and accompaniment were furnished by our own folks.  It was especially refreshing to see young people excited about using musical abilities for the glory of God and the edification of His people.  This was the first time in a long time that the church was able to do anything like this.  You can see a video by following this link.
 
Ministering the Word
In May, Melanie spoke for a ladies' retreat where at least five churches were represented.  Mike spoke at a conference held at a Bible Institute on the subject "The Christian Response to Social Instability".  Next month he is scheduled to speak at the annual meeting of the Baptist Alliance near Paris.  We both teach classes again this year at the Baptist Pastoral Bible Institute.  Melanie has two classes, "Being a Mother to your Child from Birth through Young Adulthood" and "The Balanced Christian Woman".  Mike will be teaching a class on pastoral care.  Please pray with us for wisdom and direction from the Lord as we prepare to help train a portion of the next generation of local church leadership.
 
Vacations are over and our Monday evening Bible Institute resumes classes next week.  We have already recommenced the different Bible Studies for follow-up and counseling.