France Friday, 4/26/13

Hello everyone!  I'm gonna keep it short and sweet this week.  Here are a couple of recent updates in case you missed them and then I'll go straight to the prayer needs for this week.  Thank you so much for walking alongside us in this journey! 

• We found out about two weeks ago that we won't be able to attend the required pre-field training in July because they don't have anymore room.  Even though we still have a long way to go to get to 75% funding, it was disappointing to hear that we don't even have a shot to take that step in July.  What next?  That leaves two options for now:

1. Try to make the September training course at the former institution that World Team used, but this one costs about $5,000 more than ICC.  
2. Wait and try to go to the next ICC course offered in January. 

         Obviously we're anxious to get there as soon as God will allow us to go. 

• We were privileged to be interviewed by our friend Larry Rea at the Commercial Appeal this week.  We're hoping to see the article run around Mother's Day as we discuss what this faith journey means for us as a mom and dad of 3 young'ins.  
• How can you help?  Outside of prayer and financial gifts and pledges, we're looking for more opportunities to share in person with families or small groups.  If there's someone you think we should meet, would you be willing to arrange a time we can all meet for coffee?  These opportunities to share face to face are invaluable!  

Prayer Needs:    

1. I (Brandon) am praying that God would provide a large increase in our funding soon, either through a "large" donor or an army of "smaller" donors.   
2. I will be sharing with the children's ministry and Fayette Baptist Church this Sunday.  Pray that God will use me to give children a passion to reach the ends of the earth!  
3. I have a meeting with a local pastor tomorrow.  Continue to pray that God would lead area churches to join what He's doing in France.  
4. Pray that the article would be accepted in the "Faith Matters" section of the paper that goes out to everyone!  
5. Pray for pastors and friends Brent and Keith that are on a trip to the Sudan to preach the gospel and train men to make disciples.  Pray that God will allow them to finish strong as they are pretty worn out.  

Lastly, big thanks again to the Butler's and K's donuts for placing one of our "pickle jars" in their shop.  Go support their business.  They're located across from the neighborhood Walmart in Bartlett and the donuts (and donut holes!) are great.  **We have 5 or 6 more pickle jars ready to go if you know of another business that would take one.**  Let us know and we'll get one in your hands. 

I'm not kidding about the donut holes!  You have to try them!