Prayer Letter

Christmas Outreach

It was our third year of organising a Christmas outreach event at the church-plant in Gif-sur-Yvette, and the first not to have been affected by Covid. This meant that - at the end - we were able to serve mulled wine, hot spicy apple juice, and a terrific spread of Christmas fare. Our guests were glad to stay on, mingle, and chat.

For the event itself, we had invited some actors, a storyteller, and a gospel choir. The programme of sketches, stories, and songs went down very well, and the crowd was the largest we have had so far.

We were particularly encouraged by the fact that all the members of our congregation brought guests: friends, neighbours, and family members. As you might imagine, it is important that – as a church community – we be outward looking and as intentionally missional as possible.

Do pray that those guests who attended the Christmas outreach event will continue to reflect on the clear message of hope that they heard there. And pray too for the members of our church-plant, as they share their faith in the community.

A New Staff Post for the French Baptist Federation

There are only four financed posts in the French Baptist Federation. All the rest of the work is done on a voluntary basis, with many people giving of their time alongside their other responsibilities.

For a number of years, however, the need has been felt to appoint a full-time staff member to oversee the children's and youth work. This desire came into sharper focus two years ago, when the delegates at the French Baptists' annual congress took a decision to increase their financial contributions (to the national work) in order to pay for this new staff post.

Étienne Linkowski has a long and fruitful experience of ministry to children and young people, as well as a passion for the current generation. Presently the pastor of Nice Baptist Church, Étienne will take up his new position at the beginning of September. Do pray for him and his family.

Annual Gathering of French Baptist Pastors

There are three key gatherings each year, among French Baptists. The final one is when all the pastors get together in the Autumn. The organisation and running of this event are usually the responsibility of the General Secretary but, with that post being vacant this year, it fell to Philip and the other members of the Executive Team.

Their aim was for the gathering to be a time of resourcing for the pastors. Happily, this seemed to be the case, with record numbers attending and the ambiance being warm and positive.

Family News

The Christmas holidays marked the 30th anniversary of our move to France.

Back in '93, Philip and one of his brothers rented a van and took our things across the Channel on 21st December. They made it back for Christmas at another brother's home, where we gathered with all of Philip's siblings. Then, our family drove over to Massy on 27th December, ready to start language school / nursery / creche on 2nd January.

We are grateful to still be here, sent and supported by the UK Baptist family, and to still be working in partnership with the French Baptists.

Prayer Points

- Pray for the guests who attended the Christmas outreach event at Gif-sur-Yvette, and pray too for the members of the church-plant, as they share their faith in the community.

- Give thanks for the appointment of Étienne Linkowski, to lead the children's and youth work among French Baptists.

- Ask for God's blessing on the 120 French Baptist pastors and ministerial students who met recently at their annual gathering.

With our warm good wishes and our thanks for your ongoing support,

Philip & Rosemary.