What a crazy time! We certainly have lots going on; multiple meetings, bible studies, church services, a beach
outreach…and those are just the weekly happenings. We also have been preparing
for kid’s camp (VBS), recording more music videos and preparing games and knight’s
training activities, and helped organize a half day of prayer this past
weekend.
Satan has such a stronghold here in France, I really had no
idea before I got here. The missionaries here have observed and expressed this as well. Amy and Jill (the missionaries we are staying with) shared with us that they have never before experienced such spiritual
oppression and attack: discouragement, defeat, dejection, etc. It is such a
stark contrast to 3rd world countries. Life is hard there, but ministry is easier. There is a
hunger; it isn’t hard for people with little or nothing to understand that they
are helpless and in need of a Savior. People in France, however, are content
with their beauty and material possessions. They don’t see themselves in need
of anything - especially a savior. They are a culture and a people that
have had the Gospel and rejected it. They are an ‘every man for himself’
society with no kindness, generosity, love or grace for one another. As a
country, they are devoid of spiritual fruit. This rejection of Christ and their
blindness to their need and focus on selfishness and material possessions has
created such and instense and strong foothold for the devil here. He vehemently opposes any
who come in the name of Christ.
It was during the preparation leading up to the half day of
prayer last Saturday that I experienced the most severe spiritual battle of my life. Never have I encountered such oppression and opposition. It was a mental, emotional, relational, and even physical attack. I have seen some of the power the enemy has and am convinced more than ever that there is *real* and significant power in prayer. 40(ish) of us came together and worsipped and prayed for nations and missionaries in Asia/Pacific, Africa, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East for over 3 hours on Saturday. Not only do I have absolute confidence that there will be changes in these areas as a result of our prayers but that there will be changes in the lives and hearts of those that attended, and I hope you as well. Pray. Pray daily. About everything. We can be fooled or blinded into believing that our prayers are irrelevant or for God's benefit. They are powerful and for us! We are encouraged, guided and transformed through it. Seek His heart. Thank Him. Talk to Him. Ask Him! And see if He doesn't change you and the world.
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ~ John 15:7
Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees. ~ Corrie Ten Boom
This week we are in full Kid's Camp prep mode. We spent the day cleaning, rearranging and decorating the church. It's coming fast!
Thank you all so much for your prayers. My sore throat is gone! For current prayer requests, please pray for:
- my health, I have had non-stop issues since I've arrived
- encouragement, I know it's the enemy's attack, but I feel so discouraged, robbed of joy, and just an absolute raw nerve
- perspective and obedience, please pray that I can keep my eyes on Jesus, off of myself and reach out to others in love with care and gentleness regardless of my present circumstances.
Thank you for allowing me to be transparent with you, and for your encouragement and prayers. God is definitely working here and in my heart.
Here are a few photos, if you'd like to see...
Dumpster diving for cardboard in the name of kid's camp.
Vitamin C either comes in fizzy tablets or ampules with gelée royale; I opted for the aspartame free ampules. They were glass and you have to break off the pointy ends and let it run into your mouth. Strange, but oddly satisfying.
Helping record songs for kid's camp. This was a 'hey!' hollerin' session.
Teaching Sunday school with Vanessa. I got to tell them about Uganda and the orphanage I visited there. At the end, we had 3 kiddos volunteer to pray for them. So sweet!
Piggy back ride.
Discussing half day of prayer while Amy and Jill prepared dinner. They are both incredibly good cooks.
Crunch time.
One of the groups getting ready to pray for Africa at the Half day of prayer.
Worship at half day of prayer.
Helping Vanessa make her sister's delicious enchiladas. I shred cheese like a boss.
A few of the other missionaries came over on Fourth of July for food and fun. I got to hold this cutie for a couple of minutes. She is just delicious.
Game on.
We got to visit a festival on the promenade late one night. We listened to some live music (they played Michael Jackson! Ha!), ate churros and watched a few French fireworks.
Yep, that's a giant floating jellyfish. With fire coming out of it's bum.
The walk home wasn't too shabby either.
Here are a few other random shots:
Walking home from the grocery store.
Fish (not under glass!) at one of the bigger grocery stores, L'Eclerc.
Silliness on the bus (it was a Benz).
Filming for Kid's Camp at the castle.
With much love,
Amanda xoxo
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteJust remember you have lots of people praying for you: not only for your health but the spiritual warfare you have been experiencing. I will continue to pray for you and your family there. Satan doesn't want you to succeed but remember He always has your back and anything else you may need!!!!!