Arrival and First Service

We have arrived in France and have returned from our first service with the Paris Chinese Baptist Church.



Today has been a crazy long day! We've only had a few hours sleep since we left Tulsa because of all the flights and being 7 hours ahead. But, we're in our room now resting and getting ready to sleep for tomorrow where we will attend this church's worship service then begin adult discipleship.

Please be praying for me tomorrow as I will be presenting the Disciple's Cross, my testimony, and a couple stories.

But, you came for updates on today! We got to our hotel, checked in (though that was not a smooth process), got our metro passes, and took a nap.

Then we rode the metro about 45 minutes to the church where we tied a TON of balloon animals, swords, flowers, and hats for kids along the street.



There were SO many kids and people asking for balloons as we handed out invitations to VBS and candy. We're praying many of them show up on Monday!



Then, we were fed dinner by the church. There were dumplings that are better than any restaurant in Tulsa and a coconut custard... There were other things, but you know those are two of my favorites. Then, we began the opening service. God is good!! We surprised the church by singing Amazing Grace in Mandarin Chinese, then they sang along with us. I can just imagine what it will be like in heaven to hear thousands of languages singing praises at the same time to our Creator. It was incredible!!

Then, Amanda, Aimee, and myself helped to teach them a new song (for them) called Hosanna. Randy, David, and Roger then told stories of the creation and Jesus' betrayal, trial, death, and resurrection.



WOW! Fantastic job on some long stories. We can only pray that the message of God's redemption of us was cast on fertile soil.

Here is today's prayer and verse:

2 Corinthians 4:1-4

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Pray that we yield to God’s Spirit and clearly tell the Bible stories for His glory.