Dimanche in Marseille

For the past few days, it has been non-stop here. Matt has been running to and from the airport to pick people up and we have been trying to get situated in our residence for the next week, smack dab in the middle of the city. Many of our team members have never traveled abroad, and some don't speak any French, so there has certainly been a period of acclimation. I have been able to help lead the group around different areas, and it makes me thankful for the time I spent in France previously. Coming a few days early to get the feel of things was also extremely helpful.

Needless to say, today was a much-need day of rest! We went to church this morning at Ésaïe 55, the ministry where we will be staying for the second half of the trip. There is a very small congregation (>15 people) that meet there to worship and hear a message from Pasteur Jean-Luc. It was such a sincere time in the Lord's presence. Of course, the service was completely in French. Much to my surprise, Jean-Luc asked me to translate his message into English for the team members. So, I went up to the front after worship and translated as he spoke. I felt such a sense of fulfillment in that moment, because my passion for French was united with God's purpose and my desire to use my talents for His glory. I am continually awestruck by His marvelous redemption.

We read from Mark 8, discussing how Jesus will multiply what we have if we make ourselves available to Him for His purposes. It was a great word and we were all duly encouraged by it. Jean-Luc advised us to read 2 Timothy this week and feast on the truth therein. Our entire team is expectant for what God will do in and through us over the next two weeks.

Please pray for Jean-Luc, his outreach & ministry, and his congregation. He truly has God's heart for unbelievers. His church is the only protestant church in all of Allauch, which is home to 20,000 people. He is also ready to partner with Matt and Christy for their future church plant in La Valentine, they district in which they live. What a God-ordained relationship!

Smile!

On a personal note, God's goodness and wisdom is evident in the lives of these team members. I am so impressed by the maturity of each person, and their unshakeable passion for Jesus. These people are really here to bring LIFE to the people of France! As we prayed before the service this morning, this nation belongs to Jesus!


After church, we went into the city and took a double-decker bus tour around Marseille for about 2 1/2 hours. See the pictures below from our tour!

View of the City

Inside Notre Dame

Castellane