It's right out in the countryside. About 20 minutes my SatNav said. So we should arrive just on time at 20:00. And we did.
But the village was quite dark and it was hard to see the house numbers. Like England that were odd on one side and even on the other. And like England, you could see the side you didn't want, but the other was much harder!
Neither were the numbers about the same on each side (eg 18 opposite 19).
So it was with a little relief that we found a door, knocked on it, and to have it opened by a lady we knew! We gladly came in out of the cold.
Now home groups appear to be new in France, at least in this area and with this church. They are not very regular and usually move from house to house. There appears to be an unwritten understanding that the host(ess) provides lovely food after the spiritual side is done. And so it was tonight.
But on this occasion, there were not many there. Half term holidays claimed some. Perhaps the remote location claimed others. It is no matter. Those who were there had a great evening.
For June and I, it is a usual experience that when God trims down a meeting to just a few, that those few have an unusual time. Something out of the ordinary happens. And this night was no exception. Rather than have a 'Word' prepared, the 'few' started just to talk and enjoy the Lord. We shared experiences, and the prepared Bible verses proved most useful. An evening of great encouragement, and so much so that the food arrived very much later than usual. Even then the discussions continued between mouthfuls. With some reluctance, we called a halt to go home (not least to avoid over eating) and the SatNav entered into the spirit of the unusual evening by taking us a different way home.
Tea and bed to round the evening off nicely.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Mission
Not the film, we are in a 'mission church' and from time to time they have a mission.
That said, this is the first mission we have had here in the nearly 2 years we have been here. So we wondered what would happen.
We have had some early morning prayer meetings. It is not a big church so it was good that a few turned up for every meeting. Then on Saturday, we had the 'evangelisation'.
Evangelisation is when we meet and put out invitations to the 3 evening meetings (Monday to Wednesday) that comprise the mission. But it is not a big church, so just 4 of us were there.
Now June and the pastor's wife had nearly completed Vitry en Perthois, and June and I finished the last 2 roads on Saturday morning (see blog on St Genevieve, it is then that we had followed the trail).
So we split into 2s and did a village nearby each.
June went with Bernadette, I took Daniel with me. These villages can be much larger than you think. We each spent 2 and a half hours to go round them. The girls finished first and we caught up with them in the Irish bar near our home. A warming Irish coffee was just what was needed!
More deliveries on Sunday afternoon, and there is a team or two coming from other churches for the weekdays. We are going to need them!
That said, this is the first mission we have had here in the nearly 2 years we have been here. So we wondered what would happen.
We have had some early morning prayer meetings. It is not a big church so it was good that a few turned up for every meeting. Then on Saturday, we had the 'evangelisation'.
Evangelisation is when we meet and put out invitations to the 3 evening meetings (Monday to Wednesday) that comprise the mission. But it is not a big church, so just 4 of us were there.
Now June and the pastor's wife had nearly completed Vitry en Perthois, and June and I finished the last 2 roads on Saturday morning (see blog on St Genevieve, it is then that we had followed the trail).
So we split into 2s and did a village nearby each.
June went with Bernadette, I took Daniel with me. These villages can be much larger than you think. We each spent 2 and a half hours to go round them. The girls finished first and we caught up with them in the Irish bar near our home. A warming Irish coffee was just what was needed!
More deliveries on Sunday afternoon, and there is a team or two coming from other churches for the weekdays. We are going to need them!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Get the Word in you
Being familiar with the bible is a very good thing.
I am not sure if this is the right way though.
Still, when you think about it, it could be for the best if you can't read.
I am not sure if this is the right way though.
 |
| Psalms |
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Mulhouse
Pronounced 'mool-huss'.
It's a place, and we were invited to the conference by our pastor because our pastor from the UK was the guest speaker. He was speaking to pastors on leading the church by faith. A good title, as he himself said, because what is not of faith is sin - and leading the church in sin is not the right idea.
So he spoke of the need to follow the Bible in its directions and to have a close relationship with its author. For this you need to believe what it says, particularly for your daily lifestyle, and to have a good prayer life. Faith in the word, counselling by the Word, were key topics for which pastor Colin had many strong examples.
But this is France and the French like to debate. So included in these 2 days were other speakers who came from rather different angles. So much so that to introduce the speaker after pastor Colin's first talk, the host felt he had to say, "That was a great sermon on faith, but we have to live in the real world."
Now I very much doubt that pastor Colin heard this because he had already left. What is more it was said in French and pastor Colin speaks very little French (great for us because we could listen directly to him and others had to hear the translation). But the next day, after much of the night in prayer, he said some interesting things:
"This is not theory, this is a lifestyle."
"Try telling a Frenchman that his opinions don't matter. The good thing about your opinions is that they die with you, but the Word of God lives forever."
Overall we (June and I) were very uplifted by his messages. But we did come away with the impression that the French considered that he spoke well, but so did the others; and that whilst they had spotted the difference they were interested in the debate between them rather than having made a decision about their messages.
But I could be wrong about that.
It's a place, and we were invited to the conference by our pastor because our pastor from the UK was the guest speaker. He was speaking to pastors on leading the church by faith. A good title, as he himself said, because what is not of faith is sin - and leading the church in sin is not the right idea.
So he spoke of the need to follow the Bible in its directions and to have a close relationship with its author. For this you need to believe what it says, particularly for your daily lifestyle, and to have a good prayer life. Faith in the word, counselling by the Word, were key topics for which pastor Colin had many strong examples.
But this is France and the French like to debate. So included in these 2 days were other speakers who came from rather different angles. So much so that to introduce the speaker after pastor Colin's first talk, the host felt he had to say, "That was a great sermon on faith, but we have to live in the real world."
Now I very much doubt that pastor Colin heard this because he had already left. What is more it was said in French and pastor Colin speaks very little French (great for us because we could listen directly to him and others had to hear the translation). But the next day, after much of the night in prayer, he said some interesting things:
"This is not theory, this is a lifestyle."
"Try telling a Frenchman that his opinions don't matter. The good thing about your opinions is that they die with you, but the Word of God lives forever."
Overall we (June and I) were very uplifted by his messages. But we did come away with the impression that the French considered that he spoke well, but so did the others; and that whilst they had spotted the difference they were interested in the debate between them rather than having made a decision about their messages.
But I could be wrong about that.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Duck
When you don't know the language or the culture very well it can be difficult to know what is going on sometimes.
Like the preaching. Last week the preacher was a guest and he preached from a familiar passage, but, as often happens here, with a completely different slant. Later we bumped into him as we were out for a walk and he was cycling home. "Did we understand?" he asked, so I related what I thought it had been about and he agreed. I am glad I remembered! Still, that is another aspect of working in your second language, you have to concentrate that much harder. He had spoken about the destiny of the wicked and appeared to take personal comfort in the righteous judgement. Normally the passage is used to inspire us to trust God despite the circumstances. It is a different culture!
Then today the preach was from a passage often used to support tithing. However today we heard that our standard of commitment to God is often poor. Later I had the opportunity to ask what standard was acceptable? and we were able to agree that only the free gift of pardon by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross made us acceptable at any level - that nothing we do of our 'self life' (Biblically the 'flesh') could meet a standard of perfection.
But this is the different culture. So often the preach covers "the things that stop us" rather than what I have been used to which tends to emphasise "that which enables us". Things that 'stop us' indicates that there is some self effort in which we are opposed. But self effort to gain the favour of God will never work. We are saved by what He has done, not by what we have done. So then, explaining what stops us is not as helpful to my mind as explaining how Jesus has enabled us. I know the opposition in my flesh, I need the means to overcome it!
From what I understand, there is a strong Catholic background in this country. You see its roots in the habits and prayer styles. That does not make it wrong of itself, but tradition can, at times, oppose the Biblical truth; and when it does good teaching will set people free.
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
It is religion that tries to please God by our efforts. It is Jesus who paid the price of our failure. God wants to give to us, so He finds a way to do it. I recall my father's account in his life story where he considers what he was told as a child - Jesus is watching you! How terrible, he thought, to be judged all day long. And I agree, it is. This is exactly what I mean by 'religion'; the self effort and judgement that results from trying to be 'good enough'. How wonderful then to find out that Jesus is there to provide freedom for you. He is not there to judge, but to liberate, and to liberate for free!
So why "duck"?
Well as part of not knowing what was going on, we discovered today that the midday meal was provided. Normally we all bring something and June had got up early to finish our dish. Everyone else seemed to know that we were having duck in red wine with potatoes, carrots and salad; but not us. We missed the news somewhere along the line.
So we did not bring our food offering but went out and bought some bread (you have to have bread with your meal) and sat down to a very tasty lunch. Duck in wine is lovely. "Very simple, but it takes a long time" explained the cook. "Well worth it", says Terry. In the church, there is such a thing as a 'free lunch'!
In the same way we can miss the news somewhere along the line, as those who told my father he was being watched obviously did. And we can think that we have to bring something to be acceptable to God, when all along it is a 'free meal', or in this case salvation, the free, unmerited, gift of God.
Like the preaching. Last week the preacher was a guest and he preached from a familiar passage, but, as often happens here, with a completely different slant. Later we bumped into him as we were out for a walk and he was cycling home. "Did we understand?" he asked, so I related what I thought it had been about and he agreed. I am glad I remembered! Still, that is another aspect of working in your second language, you have to concentrate that much harder. He had spoken about the destiny of the wicked and appeared to take personal comfort in the righteous judgement. Normally the passage is used to inspire us to trust God despite the circumstances. It is a different culture!
Then today the preach was from a passage often used to support tithing. However today we heard that our standard of commitment to God is often poor. Later I had the opportunity to ask what standard was acceptable? and we were able to agree that only the free gift of pardon by Jesus' sacrifice on the cross made us acceptable at any level - that nothing we do of our 'self life' (Biblically the 'flesh') could meet a standard of perfection.
But this is the different culture. So often the preach covers "the things that stop us" rather than what I have been used to which tends to emphasise "that which enables us". Things that 'stop us' indicates that there is some self effort in which we are opposed. But self effort to gain the favour of God will never work. We are saved by what He has done, not by what we have done. So then, explaining what stops us is not as helpful to my mind as explaining how Jesus has enabled us. I know the opposition in my flesh, I need the means to overcome it!
From what I understand, there is a strong Catholic background in this country. You see its roots in the habits and prayer styles. That does not make it wrong of itself, but tradition can, at times, oppose the Biblical truth; and when it does good teaching will set people free.
You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
It is religion that tries to please God by our efforts. It is Jesus who paid the price of our failure. God wants to give to us, so He finds a way to do it. I recall my father's account in his life story where he considers what he was told as a child - Jesus is watching you! How terrible, he thought, to be judged all day long. And I agree, it is. This is exactly what I mean by 'religion'; the self effort and judgement that results from trying to be 'good enough'. How wonderful then to find out that Jesus is there to provide freedom for you. He is not there to judge, but to liberate, and to liberate for free!
So why "duck"?
Well as part of not knowing what was going on, we discovered today that the midday meal was provided. Normally we all bring something and June had got up early to finish our dish. Everyone else seemed to know that we were having duck in red wine with potatoes, carrots and salad; but not us. We missed the news somewhere along the line.
So we did not bring our food offering but went out and bought some bread (you have to have bread with your meal) and sat down to a very tasty lunch. Duck in wine is lovely. "Very simple, but it takes a long time" explained the cook. "Well worth it", says Terry. In the church, there is such a thing as a 'free lunch'!
In the same way we can miss the news somewhere along the line, as those who told my father he was being watched obviously did. And we can think that we have to bring something to be acceptable to God, when all along it is a 'free meal', or in this case salvation, the free, unmerited, gift of God.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Prayer Changes Things
We have just finished a week of early morning prayer. Prayer changes things!
Normally I need my sleep. To be along at the church at 05:30 is a challenge. Amazingly we were up before the alarm and during the day I survived at work without feeling particularly sleepy.
What I did find was that reading my Bible before the meeting was not an option. Only 1 day did I attend without doing so (the cat was sick that morning). When I did read the Word, there was always something relevant from the reading to set the tone, or provide a direction, into the morning meeting.
And this is France. So there was a breakfast together most mornings.
The time together was really good. So much so that the pastor announced 7am on Saturday, and 8am on Sunday to continue the prayer. This time the Saturday breakfast was announced. During the breakfast time, God continued to work on our relationships. Breakfast time is good too.
So now there are prayer meetings Saturdays and Sundays. We shall see how things change from these.
So what has changed?
Well for me there was a change in emphasis in the prayer topics (for those who were there). Noticeably there was more looking out at the needs of others rather than the needs of ourselves or our church friends.
And one man was particularly set free- he learned to dance. He told me afterwards that he had thought it foolish to do so, but with the joy of the Lord in him, he changed his mind and decided it was difficult not to!
One thing is for sure. A church needs to be changing, it's part of growth.
--Cordialement
Terry Westoby
Website www.westobyweb.com web design service
Cottage: http://holidaycottage.westobyweb.com 1 bed cottage for rent, 4 people max.
Blog: http://westofthetown.blogspot.com/ our news
Photos: http://photo.westobyweb.com our faces & places
Terry Westoby
Website www.westobyweb.com web design service
Cottage: http://holidaycottage.westobyweb.com 1 bed cottage for rent, 4 people max.
Blog: http://westofthetown.blogspot.com/ our news
Photos: http://photo.westobyweb.com our faces & places
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Start
So most of you know that June and I are Christians, but I tend to refrain from "discussing" the church or our spiritual life on my otherwise secular space.
But there is a side of our lives that is not mentioned so it seams to me right to create this version of the blog. Those who wish to can read it, and others can catch up with us on the other blog.
It has been quite hard to come up with a blog title. Almost everything I could think of had be taken or was disallowed- even French versions! So I finally found 1-lord.blogspot.com that has not been taken.
1 God
1 Lord
1 Saviour
1 Baptism
1 Holy Spirit
1 way to heaven
It works for me and the above is true to the Christian message. If you agree, good. If not, please take it up with the one who said it - with God. You get there by prayer. I guarantee your honest prayer will be heard!
We are just back from a prayer night. This week is a week of early morning prayer.
Prayer makes a difference in us. You wont change Him!
But there is a side of our lives that is not mentioned so it seams to me right to create this version of the blog. Those who wish to can read it, and others can catch up with us on the other blog.
It has been quite hard to come up with a blog title. Almost everything I could think of had be taken or was disallowed- even French versions! So I finally found 1-lord.blogspot.com that has not been taken.
1 God
1 Lord
1 Saviour
1 Baptism
1 Holy Spirit
1 way to heaven
It works for me and the above is true to the Christian message. If you agree, good. If not, please take it up with the one who said it - with God. You get there by prayer. I guarantee your honest prayer will be heard!
We are just back from a prayer night. This week is a week of early morning prayer.
Prayer makes a difference in us. You wont change Him!
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