Angers Update - Summer 2009

GBI Campus

IT'S BEEN A YEAR ALREADY!

Believe it or not, it’s been 1 year since we’ve joined the team at the Geneva Bible Institute (GBI), where Dominique is serving as professor of Bible and preaching. Courses are now over and students are involved in practical ministry for the summer period (such as maintenance and kitchen work).

How can we sum up a whole year in just a few words?

First, this has been a wonderful year of confirmation for us. We now understand far better the mission of the school and the specific role that Dominique is called to play here. Once more, we can only be thankful that God has providentially led us to this ministry. We’re excited about the countless teaching and preaching opportunities that will come through GBI in the years to come, as well as the ministry to individuals that God has in store for us. We’re glad GBI is actively involved in training a new generation of men and women of God for French-speaking Europe.

Second, we’re simply amazed by the quality of the students God is sending here. Their hunger for the Word is obvious, and they’re concerned about application too! For instance, many are zealous evangelists.

Third, we’re delighted to be part a great team. Dominique enjoys working with his colleagues on various projects, and Laura spends time with the wives of several staff members. Even our children love to play with our colleagues’ children!

Thank you Lord, for leading us to GBI by your sovereing hand so that we might walk in the good works you've prepared beforehand.

A growing family…

-Luc (3 ½ years-old) has more energy than all the other family members put together! Though he sometimes falls asleep later at night than his parents would like him to, he refuses to sleep in! He likes to run, play soccer, hide in the apartment, read (books with lots of pictures), play with little cars, build garages with Lego, draw; well, he likes just about everything, except for rest! His love for Bible stories brings us much joy. Not only does he listen to them, he acts them out. We’ll have to work on his theology, though: when he becomes Goliath and Daddy is David, Goliath always wins!

-After much hesitation, William (1 ½ year-old) finally understood that walking was faster and more effective than crawling. And he didn’t waste any time: the very night he started walking, he also played soccer in our living room (or at least kicked the ball)! There’s a man after his big brother’s heart. Just as William didn’t walk much for a long time, he still doesn’t talk much. But that’s ok: he can make all kinds of complex sentences with the only 2 words he masters: “Papa” and “ball.” Papa is happy about that…

-How is life with 2 little ones for Laura? Pretty busy, as you might imagine. And this is not about to change: that’s right, our 3^rd boy is due end of November! The pregnancy is going really well, by God’s grace. Laura has been able to serve some in our local church: for example, she recently helped organize an evangelistic event. She keeps making friends at the local parks where the kids play. We’re thankful that God is opening doors for both friendship and evangelism.

-When Dominique isn’t at GBI or away to preach, he’s often playing with his boys. On weekends, Luc and William make sure that Daddy’s schedule is completely full. No time to rest, only play! Dominique loves these memorable moments spent with his sons.

Some prayer requests

1. That the people Laura meets at local parks would come to know the Lord. Think especially of Marie-Antoinette, Goran & Sylwia.

2. That the pregnancy and planned c-section would go smoothly.

3. That Luc would adjust well to kindergarten in the Fall (which starts at an earlier age in France than in the US), that God would provide him with good friends and role models, and that he would have discernment at school even at his early age.

4. That Dominique would be able to finish his dissertation in the school year 2009-2010.

5. That God would raise up pastors in France as there will soon be a nation-wide lack of leadership in the church.

6. For the new students that are coming to GBI this Fall and for a good beginning of the new school year.

7. For the former students who are now entering full-time ministry or returning to a secular job.

Thank you so much for your faithful prayers and your financial support. They allow us to carry on the work God has entrusted to us!