Canteleu, France, December 21, 2017

Dear Praying Friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from France!
God gave us a wonderful Christmas program on the 17th with over 50 in attendance including several first-timers.  It was a special joy to see a family of four who have been attending the new Bible Club.  A young family has been hosting it in their home since September.  The attendance at the club has grown steadily.  On the 2nd, there were 17 children along with several of their parents who came to listen.

The Lord gave us two weeks back in the Carolinas to spend US Thanksgiving with the family.  This was a gift from Mike's sister.  Catherine and her boyfriend, Juan will be joining us here in France for Christmas.

Stability and Growth
After over a year and a half of ministry here at the church in Rouen we are still thankful for the love of truth and for one another that predominates.  It is no surprise with such an atmosphere that there have been several new faces over the past year.  We expect another baptismal service soon and five new folks have expressed a desire to become members.  Another blessing has been the desire of one former member to rejoin.

Mike continues his studies on church leadership and administration on Mondays.  Pray with us as we seek to lead the flock forward in this area.   It would be wonderful to begin to see more of these principles implemented in 2018!

Normandy and Beyond
An exciting aspect of the ministry in France for us thus far has been wider opportunities of service.  Melanie taught her first class at the Bible Institute in Algrange last month and will be teaching another in the Spring, as will Mike.  Mike spoke at the annual meeting of the Baptist Alliance (ABF) in October and we will be organizing a regional picnic for sister churches in the Spring.  Melanie will also speak at another regional ladies’ conference in April.  Do pray for us for strength and wisdom as we assume these important responsibilities!