Would you prefer a printable PDF? Sign up here to get PDF copies of these letters by email.
Philip and Rosemary Halliday
July 2026
Prayer Letter
We are writing you this letter during the early stages of our six weeks' Home Assignment in the UK. We are looking forward to catching up with some churches who have been faithfully supporting us for over 30 years, as well as to meeting others for whom it will be our first visit.
Goodbye to Gif-sur-Yvette
After five years of leading the congregation, Sunday 31 May was our final day at the church-plant in Gif-sur-Yvette. Philip and his colleague (Lula) have been preaching through the Book of Judges, and it fell on Philip to preach on chapter 6 that day: the story of Gideon. It was fitting to be reminded of the paradox that runs throughout the Bible, namely the strength that lies in weakness, and of the fact that God accomplishes his purposes in the lives of those who recognise their own inadequacy.
During the service, the church leaders gathered round the two of us to pray for God's blessing on the next chapter of our ministry (in Massy). Afterwards, some of the congregation stayed on for a shared lunch, which was very enjoyable. There was a card, a gift, kind words, and one of the leaders of the Catholic church (with whom we share the centre) popped in with some flowers for Rosemary. We felt suitably spoiled!
French Baptist Assembly
It was great to bring together delegates from all over France for our Baptist Assembly, which is always held over the Ascension Weekend (in May). The venue this year was Caen, in Normandy.
It was a time for hearing reports and voting budgets, of course, but also for worshiping and praying, and for reflecting and dreaming. Each Assembly additionally provides a myriad of opportunities to catch up with old friends and to meet new people. There are typically around 400 participants and the event lasts two-and-a-half days, so you can usually manage to speak with just about everyone.
This Assembly was a special one for us, because Lula's ministerial accreditation was confirmed and celebrated (along with that of another young pastor).
Expect 26
At the time of writing, we have just spent five days attending BMS's quadrennial “Expect” conference. It was a gathering where BMS partners, trustees, Council members, mission workers and staff came together from the four corners of the globe.
The theme this year was “Together we are working...” (which is an extract from BMS's vision statement), the idea being to fill in that blank and discern God's will for BMS's direction in mission.
For us personally, it was a rare opportunity to meet physically with some old friends and quite a number of new staff colleagues.
Family News
In between our Home Assignment engagements, over the coming six weeks, we hope to be able to call in on various members of our extended families.
Our travels will take us from Perthshire to Buckinghamshire, and to a range of places in between. It is always enjoyable for us to catch up on everyone's news, as well as to share about what God is doing in France.
We would appreciate your prayers for safe travel and that we might bring encouragement to each of the congregations we meet.
Prayer Points
- Ask for God's blessing on Lula and the congregation at Gif-sur-Yvette.
- Give thanks for the sense of unity in the French Baptist Federation, despite the challenges of the past year.
- Ask God for safe travel and encouraging encounters during our Home Assignment.
- Pray that we might be refreshed over the summer, to be ready for the next chapter of our ministry (in Massy).
With our warm good wishes and our thanks for your ongoing support,
Philip & Rosemary.