Mike & Elva Farrell - France

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February 2010

Dear Friends,
 
vieux os
(old bones)
REJOICE WITH US!  Elva underwent successful total hip replacement surgery (left side) on the 13th of January.  Actually the problem in both hips is congenital, and not really linked either to age or to arthritis.  The other hip will need surgery in about a year.  After ten days in the hospital she was happy to come home.  Now begins the slow and bumpy road to recovery which should take up to several months.  We are thankful to live in a country that has skilled doctors and excellent hospitals.
 
 
un nouveau berger
(a new shepherd)
As of January 24th, the Evangelical Baptist Church of Reims has their first French pastor!  The Lord answered our prayers concerning the Annual Business Meeting.  We were hoping that the vote to call Emmanuel Fischer as pastor would be massive, either in one direction or another.  The worst case scenario would have been a church split down the middle.  But Emmanuel received 84% of the votes with all of our church members participating!  The church will organize an ordination service for Emmanuel at the end of February.  Our last Sunday in the church we started 23 years ago will be on Easter.  All of you who have reared children, totally investing in their well-being and education for twenty years, sharing the ups and downs of their lives, only to see them leave home and strike out on their own as responsible adults, know exactly how we feel.     
 
 
la prochaine etape
(the next step)
In the days ahead, as Elva regains her mobility, we hope to visit several areas in France where we could be useful in a church-planting ministry.  One chapter has been written, but the book is not finished yet!  God will open a door of ministry for us, as He has always done in the past.
  
 
conge
(furlough)
PRAY FOR US!  It is not too soon for us to plan an extended furlough, since the last time we reported to our supporting churches was in 2001.  No dates have been decided yet, but we hope to visit all 35 of our churches beginning in the fall of this year and going to early 2011.  There are so many details to juggle (on both sides of theocean).  Working up a DVD presentation of our ministry, scheduling meetings with pastors, finding a dependable vehicle and suitable housing, and, oh yes, trying to catch our breath!
 
 
 baptemes
(baptisms)
Thank you for praying for several people who are preparing for believer’s baptism.  The service will be held in the middle of March.  Marjolaine is a young lady in her 20’s.  Alex is a university student from mainland China.  Delphine is a young mother of two little boys.  All three are facing opposition or lack of understanding from members of their family.  It is never easy to obey the Lord in this country and culture.
 
 
heureux
(happy)
Emily, our 31-year old Down’s Syndrome daughter, especially needs your prayers as our family goes through some uncomfortable, uprooting changes in our lives.  We know that the Lord’s grace is sufficient and He will help her to adjust.  Even though the future is uncertain, we are overflowing with joy at the privilege of serving the Lord here in France.  Thank you so much for helping to make it possible through your prayers and financial help.  May God multiply His blessings in your lives as well.    
                            
       
Rejoicing in the Lord,
Mike & Elva Farrell & Emily

 

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