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Philip and Rosemary Halliday
January 2026
Prayer Letter
May we take this opportunity of wishing you a Happy New Year. We trust that you will know God's hope, peace, joy, and love in your life (the four big Advent themes) throughout the whole of 2026 - whatever the year may bring - and that you will be used by God in His service.
How do you pronounce “Hamish” with a French accent?
In November, all the Baptist pastors from across France gathered for three days, as they do each year. There are only three gatherings of any size during the year, and this one is always an enjoyable time of sharing, teaching, worship, and collective thinking.
Those of you with good memories might remember one of the participants: Hamish. (After all, you don't meet many people of that name in France! 😉) Hamish is a former BMS Action Team-er who came to our church-plant in Gif-sur-Yvette as part of what turned out to be the final crop of teams.
Hamish ended up staying on in France, marrying a pastor's daughter (Charlotte, a language teacher), and training for Baptist ministry. Hamish and Charlotte are currently at the beginning of a two-year placement in Nîmes, working alongside an experienced pastor, and Hamish is also studying for a Masters in Theology. They will ordinarily go to their first church (as sole pastoral couple) in summer 2027.
Do pray for Hamish and Charlotte and for these two years of further training in Nîmes.
Christmas Outreach at Gif-sur-Yvette
The programme for this year's Christmas outreach event (at the church-plant in Gif-sur-Yvette) included a gospel choir, interactive games and quizzes, a Christmas tale, and group singing. Afterwards, our guests were glad to stay on and chat over mulled wine, hot spicy apple juice, and a terrific spread of Christmas fare.
As well as having a good crowd, we were particularly encouraged by the fact that all the members of our church-plant worked so hard on the day to welcome our guests: friends, neighbours, and family members.
Do pray for those guests, that they will continue to reflect on the clear message of hope that they heard. And pray too for the members of our church-plant, as they share their faith in the community.
A Return from Maternity Leave
Before Advent got underway, we were delighted to welcome back our co-pastor, Lula, from four months' maternity leave.
As we shared with you in September's letter, this is a new experience not only for Lula and our church-plant but also for the French Baptists as a whole. Lula and another young mum (Dorcas) are the first Baptist pastors here to have taken maternity leave, reflecting a rise in the number of younger women training for ministry.
Lula (along with baby Alphée!) is doing really well in adapting to her new circumstances.
Family News
In the midst of all the wrapping paper this Christmas, our youngest and her husband welcomed their third child: Lois. We are sure that you will agree that she is the best Christmas present that we, as grandparents, could have asked for. 💛
Lois weighed in at 3.44 kilograms and both she and her mum are doing well. Big sister and big brother are besotted and have been keen to lull baby Lois to sleep at every opportunity with a rousing rendition of 'Jingle Bells'. Amazingly, it seems to work! 😉
Prayer Points
- Ask for God's blessing on Hamish and Charlotte in Nîmes.
- 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 Lula's (and Dorcas') return to ministry and pray for them as they adapt.
- Give thanks for the safe arrival of Lois.
With our warm good wishes and our thanks for your ongoing support,
Philip & Rosemary.