Our family, this time including our new addition!
Dear Reader, At this point we have given you an overview of what is happening both in France and in our lives. In our previous three letters we’ve discussed... our story, the spiritual need in France, and what World Team is striving to do. Many of you have already asked us how you can get involved. We’d like to take this chance to describe the different opportunities you have to partner with us in what God is doing in France.
Confirming the Calling:
The people around us have affirmed our skills and gifts; mentors and close friends have communicated their appreciation for our teaching, service, and wisdom. Our churches—Bartlett Hills Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Millington—have supported us in our spiritual journey and have prepared us by means of valuable hands-on experience. From teaching Sunday school classes and leading Bible studies to leading worship and serving as youth minister, we are thankful for our time serving in our home churches.
Additionally, I have completed my Masters of Missiology at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in what I think has to be one of the top missions programs available. I will never forget my time under the teaching of those professors, each of whom served or were serving as missionaries, as well as pastors.Each of these steps in our faith journey has led us to this point of complete confidence in our calling.
The Planned Work:
It is our hope to arrive in France by the summer of 2012.
In our first year there, we will go to language school and immerse ourselves in the culture. Shortly after, we will take part in an "internship" with an established French church before being placed in a strategic location for a new church plant.
Will You Join Us?: We know we cannot do this alone.
We desire your partnership to make God’s calling on our lives a reality. First, we need your ongoing prayer support. We are completely reliant on God and His wisdom, guidance, and grace as we pursue this challenging ministry. Moving ahead is only possible by joining together in prayer to call on God for His constant help. We will be sending out regular email prayer updates to our committed prayer partners.
Secondly, we are seeking partners to support us financially. We must raise about $8,000 in ongoing monthly support which includes our living, insurance, ministry costs and World Team operating costs. One-time donations and ongoing monthly gifts given before our departure will go towards our outgoing expenses and set-up costs. By contributing one-time or monthly, in any amount, you truly are participating in the work God is doing around the world.
*All gifts are given to World Team and will be used to support the expenses of World Team and for our assigned ministry. Gifts are tax-deductible and will be receipted for your records.
*Giving options are explained on the enclosed response cards.
If you plan to support us monthly, giving may begin immediately or you can indicate on the response card when you plan to start. It is recommended that monthly gifts begin at least 3 months prior to our departure to ensure full support by the summer of 2012.
Finally, we need you to help spread the word. It’s not about us! It’s about God making Himself known among the French. We encourage you to keep up to date with us and what is happening in France through our blog or World Team’s website. If you have any questions, we would love to talk with you more. Additionally, we would love to share at your church or with a small group of people in your home. The body of Christ is seen fully at work in partnerships such as these. We ask you to consider using your gifts and resources to take part in the work of starting churches in France. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank You!
Brandon & Michelle Burch
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