The one in which we are still nomads

There has at last been some movement forward in our quest to return to France. The French Baptist Federation have agreed to handle the bureaucratic side of renting a property in Lille, which helps to overcome one of the most significant obstacles. Nonetheless, this does not yet mean that our departure is imminent, as even once a suitable property has been found, we would have to wait for our visa application to be submitted, processed and approved.

Of greater concern are issues surrounding Regiane's health. She had an appointment with an advanced physiotherapist in June which confirmed what we had suspected, that her recovery from surgery has been adversely affected from all our moving around and unstable living conditions. There is the possibility that scar tissue from the surgery has been dislodged and is now pressing against a nerve, causing much pain. She is now on the waiting list for a scan to discern what treatment is necessary. If she is required to do a further surgery, than this would of course impact our move back to Lille.

Meanwhile, in July we will be engaging in conversations with BMS with regards to the support structure surrounding our ministry. Please pray that our second attempt at settling in France is more successful than the first.

One of the things that we have learnt in the last few months is that it is very hard to work from home when you do not have a place to call home. It is particularly difficult when one cannot really set up an office when one is aware that in a few weeks we will have to pack everything away and move somewhere else. We are particularly grateful for the patience displayed by IBTS in understanding that Daniel's progress in hs new role is moving forward much slower than intended.

He has nonetheless managed to conclude two courses offered by the ECTE (European Council for Theological Education) on microcredentials, although, ironically he did not receive microcredentials for these courses! He is now helping IBTS prepare Learning Network courses as microcredentials which can be used by theological institutions. He is also currently helping write reports for different donors and helping develop a monitoring and evaluation tool for Learning Networks while hoping that the old Chromebook we have while our IT equipment is in storage does not give up the ghost!

During May Daniel was able to go to Amsterdam to participate in the Why Theology Conference promoted by the Learning Network as part of IBTS' 75th anniversary celebrations. Prior to the conference there were three days of meetings with the Core Learning Network Team and with the project leaders and course tutors. This was a valuable opportunity not just for planning, but also to get to know different people and get a deeper understanding of how the Learning Network functions.

We spent much of June on annual leave in Fortaleza, Brazil, to participate in Daniel's nephew's wedding ceremony. As part of the trip we made the five hour journey to Camocim, and meet up with Abraao Secundino, the minister of the Baptist Church. Pr. Abraao was a student minister with Daniel's father, John, and credits him for not giving up on ministry. In one of these quirks that God loves, Pr. Abraao then became Daniel's mentor in his first year of ministry and carried out his ordination, as well as our wedding. Daniel had the opportunity to preach at an event for couples and the Sunday evening service, although it was a challenge to remember to preach in Portuguese after so many years preaching in Spanish.

1. Please pray for all the different things that need to be done prior to our return to Lille.

2. Please pray for Regiane's health, and that any necessary treatment may be expedited quickly.

3. We are grateful that Ana successfully completed her first year of medical school. Please pray for her as she prepares for the second year.

This prayer letter comes out as people go to the polls in the UK and in France. Presidents and Prime Ministers may come and go, but we can rest assured in the truth that Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

God Bless,

Daniel and Regiane