For he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent empty away.
He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,
as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.
Luke 1:49-55

God does not go on strike, nor ever has, nor ever will.

Dear friends,

In France, the fall and winter months are "striking" months.   In an annual tradition, all sorts of sectors go on strike at this time of year: public transportation, gas & electric, airport & airline workers, teachers, truck drivers, university students, lawyers, hospital interns, and now even high school students have decided to try their hand at it.   In a sad commentary on the society, striking has been referred to as the national pastime.   It would seem that a certain work ethic is going, going…gone, or as some might say: "three strikes and you pout…and shout some more!"

Fortunately for France, God does not go on strike, nor ever has, nor even will.   He is always "at work" in history and in our lives.  For centuries now, he has been doing great things, he has shown strength with his arm, he has filled the hungry, he has honored his contracts, and he has been working in favor of His people.   The birth of Christ is particular proof that He has not gone on strike, and Mary especially could magnify God for his active, continual, righteous deeds.   

Throughout his life, Jesus himself was a faithful worker, continuing in his Father's footsteps: "My Father is working until now, and I am working." (Jn 5.17).   He worked diligently to get the job done: "we must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work." (Jn 9.4), and He could say to His Father "I have glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do." (Jn 17.4).   For his faithful labor, his reward was guaranteed: "He shall see the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied." (Es 53.11).

All this makes Him the ideal boss.   We are quite thankful to work for Him, and the motivation He provides as the risen Lord: Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. While others here might complain, we rejoice in the rewards, we love the benefits, and we know the trials are working for our good and our promotion.

The last few months have felt exceptionally busy, but we are all the better for it.   Each year, we are thankful for the missionary conference, reminding us of the vast amount of work left to do in this world.   Lydia Ruth arrived on October 7th, and along with Simeon and Etienne, they constitute a full-time job for their mother.   The presence of my mother was an immense blessing.

Pray for continued wisdom and vision in our growing responsibilities of oversight and teaching, not only in the Toulouse church, but others in the region.  After the previous pastor's departure from the church in Montauban, the church in Toulouse is giving interim support and guidance.   The Vietnamese church in Toulouse has also asked for help in working with their youth.   EFESE, the Saturday bible school, continues in its fourth year, with a dozen faithful students.   Being on a three-year cycle, it was time again recently to give the seminar on Biblical manhood and womanhood, a much-needed and much-appreciated teaching in the church.  We praise God for daily strength and gospel comfort in bringing us through the last month of the year, which was full of opportunities to announce the gospel, both in joyful moments (during the Christmas programs) and sorrowful ones (the funeral of young man after a tragic death.)

In all this, we are extremely grateful for colleagues, or "fellow workers" in the ministry.  Vincent and I continue to share the load, which is not only beneficial to us, but also to God's people, like Paul could say of Titus, "he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit."

We thank you for your prayers and participation. We wish you a joyful Christmas.

Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.   

Your fellow worker for Christ's sake,

Sam