Wednesday evening Bible Class, Stefann Phomasone was teaching the epistle of Hebrews. We were at Chapter 4. Usually, we are six of us; but sometimes we have visitors, It could reach the numbers of twelve. It is very hard to persuade french people to come over in the evenings; Thats why we never have an evening service on Sunday for more than two decades.
We have been starting the Sunday evening service for 4 weeks now. The audience is composed only of American brothers for the moment. The Lady in blue from the first line came from Van Buren, close to Fort Smith. Her husband has been working in Paris for two years.
Stefann was preaching on Sunday evening service. The audience is only
composed of American brothers. For now, we usually have about twenty
persons attending the Sunday Evening worship.
I (Stefann) was preaching on Sunday morning service; the audience is composed of 14 nationalities; most of them are from French ancient colonies. The message is in French language. I was preaching on Mt 5:46-47 If you love those who loves you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? I wanted to challenge myself and the audience on that passage.
We are now about 140 members. The Church of Christ in Paris becomes now the biggest Congregation in the French spoken world all over the world.
The audience in the morning service. The man in blue jean in the front was baptized last week.
The man in white shirt was a young Christian. He asked me to teach him the Gospel because he wants to be a preacher. Probably, I will start something with Roland next summer, maybe well open a Bible School at night for those who want to deepen their knowledge in Christ. But now, I and Roland, we go out at night in different houses to teach some brothers in the neighborhood.
Behind the curtain is the baptistry. On the table of the Lord was written En mémoire de Jésus, which means in remembrance of Jesus. I was preaching on the Book of Philippians. Philip 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord always. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
This family came from Vietnam. I met him in a supermarket. He was an ancient captain in the vietnamese army. I brought him to the church almost one month. Last week, his wife menaced to divorce him if he keeps on bringing his children to our Church. The three children were very eager in learning the gospel. The boy and oldest girl have finished the book of Mark during two days; and they have a very good memory. Colette, the lady who teaches the children Bible class was amazed about their eagerness. They also asked for a make up course; because all others children have learned so many things already; and they did not want to drag behind. Last week, we missed them. I called them, they all cried, they could not come because their mother forbade them. The mother even insulted me on the phone; she said: "Let my family alone, dont mislead them in that kind of cult." It was so sad for the children. But I still meet them every Friday night, at a friends house to share the Gospel with them. I hope one day, maybe they will come back to our Church. In Europe, most of people consider the Church of Christ as a cult. Now I and Roland, we work hard, we want to change that image.
You may contact Stefann at: stefann@wanadoo.fr
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