[Solomon] erected the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right and the other on the left, and named the one on the right Jachin and the one on the left Boaz. 2 Chronicles 3.17

Matthew 8.18-20

Surely, these pillars of truth were strong encouragements for the children of Israel as they entered the temple to worship God Almighty, knowing that He was always working to establish His glory, His truth, His kingdom, and His people in a timely and effective manner. We, too, as we start missionary and married life in Toulouse, are surrounded by similar reminders that God has promised to establish Himself, His truth, and His servants.

We are thankful that He has directed us to Toulouse and is establishing us here, and has enabled us to settle into a living situation. He has provided for all our needs and is preparing us for a life of ministry. Having seen His hand in many ways since our arrival, we feel like erecting our own pillars, Jachin and Boaz, to serve as reminders of our great God. We are especially grateful for :

A group of young couples in Toulouse: Most of us are newly married, new to the area, and new to the church.  Rebecca and I hope to be an example and a motivating factor to get them involved, faithful, responsible, disciplined, and active in pillaring the church, which, for the moment, is not foremost in their aspirations.  Haggai 1 contains a good summary of the truths and exhortations we hope to pass on to these young couples.

Preaching: I am daily thankful for the regular occasions we have from God to make use of the most powerful, effective, and biblical means of missions: preaching (Rom 10.13-17). Paul directed young Timothy to “pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” In preaching, I continue to experience the saving influence it has, both on myself and my hearers.

Pastoral experience: funerals, baptisms, church discipline, counseling, the pursuit of unity, etc. The French have a proverb that applies well to our situation: “C’est en forgeant qu’on devient forgeron.” (lit. It’s in blacksmithing that one becomes a blacksmith). We joyfully embrace the opportunities for experience, even though often, we find ourselves weak and inadequate. Currently, we benefit from a double blessing, as we serve in two churches, switching every week. Once again, we appreciate Solomon, who requested : “an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil…”

“You too, be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.”

With much love and appreciation,

Sam

From Rebecca:

Our last update (Matthew 8/20) became more real for me as we arrived in France and started discovering that the perfect arrangements for our settling in were taking an uncertain tournure. The man loaning us his apartment died within two weeks of our arrival, the car we were given broke down as soon as we used it, and numerous other surprises awaited us. But these small difficulties were only a reminder of the many blessings of God and his wonderful provision for all things. The amazing list of blessings given in Eph 1/3-14, the love and generosity shown by so many since our wedding, the welcoming of the churches here, and underserved privileges of life (health, freedom, food, etc) are things we are deeply thankful for.
Please pray for me as I need wisdom, discernment and willingness to know what it means to “serve tables” so as to let Sam give himself continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word. It’s not always easy to know how to be the helper God wants me to be. --Rébecca