While traveling in the Congo (RDC) this past February, one of our pastor-trainers taught us a little ditty based on the French expression of thanks, Merci beaucoup. Take a look as performed by three of our grandchildren, Zora, Reece, and Sadie McCulloch.
To understand the visualisation, you have to parse the syllables: mer / ci / beau / coup. In French . . .
Mer is also the word for sea
ci sounds like scie, the word for a saw
beau is also the word for beautiful
coup means a punch or smack
Make sense?
We, too, want to say mer / ci / beau / coup for your faithful prayers, sacrificial support, and enduring friendship. We give thanks to God for your ongoing participation with us in the gospel (Philippians 1:5).
We also give thanks for those with whom we have the privilege of collaborating in Africa. Later this month (September 17-30) I will be in Rwanda and the RDC where approximately 200 pastors will be attending three different workshops in both English and French. The week of September 19-23 I will be teaching two English workshops in Rwanda. This marks the initial stage of our training in this country where we hope to expand the ministry to include the French speaking leaders as well. From Rwanda I will cross the border into the RDC where we hope to certify one of our Congolese trainers in the city of Goma.
Here's how you can pray with thanksgiving for the impact of these three seminars:
God's hand of protection in travel from France to Rwanda to the RDC and back. Pray also for Mary Alice during this time as she remains in a posture of intercession here in France.
The impact of God's Word on the lives of these church leaders, many of whom face the daily challenges of surrounding poverty and spiritual oppression.
Remember to pray specifically for Pastor Valéry in the RDC whom I will coach as he teaches the workshop in Goma in view of becoming a certified trainer.
Over the last few months I've shared the need to raise funds enabling my Chadian colleague Pastor Désiré Beadoum to complete his final year of seminary studies at the FACTEC (Evangelical Seminary of Cameroon). Thanks to your gifts, we now need only $1,000.00 to reach our goal!
To those who have given, Désiré sends this word of thanks:
"Hello to all my brothers and sisters in the Lord! I want to thank the entire church in Memphis as well as all the brothers and sisters who have tirelessly contributed to my theological training. May our all-powerful God pour out his blessing upon you to his glory. May all the promesses of his Word (Deuteronomy 28:2-14 ; Matthew 10:40-42) become a reality in your life. Sincerely, Pastor Beadoum Beral Désiré, student at the FACTEC of Yaoundé in Cameroon."
If you haven't already, would you prayerfully consider making a contribution to the further education of my colleague in ministry? This fund will remain open until October 31.
If you would like to contribute, just click here:
If you prefer to send a gift by check, you can do so at the following address:
Mr. Jim Pendleton
Director of Global Missions
First Evangelical Church
735 Ridge Lake Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38120
If sending by check, indicate separately that the gift is for: Desire Beadoum APT (03-56747).
A special joy for us this month is the planned visit of our daughter, Mary Lynne along with Reece, our granddaughter (September 5-16). Mary Lynne was born 35 years ago just around the corner from where we presently live. Reece is in the video above, situated between her two sisters. We give thanks to God for the opportunity to share these days together as a family.
In grace and gratitude,
David and Mary Alice
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