( Here I am in a Reformation Pulpit, maybe John Calvin preached here?)

After Paris, the team, Joel, Cathy and I, went through a number of churches. We ministered in Poitiers, Limoges, Civray, and Royan. All these churches are located in the area of France that was the center of the Reformation. These churches are the direct descendants of the French Huguenot. Calvin started and preached in the University at Poitiers and found believers throughout the region. It was also the center of persecution under Louis the 14th. There is a vibrant faith still alive and beginning to grow.

We visited with Rob and Cynthia Carefoot who live in the center of this area. Rob is a foremost dedicated Reformation historian. He has found great favor in the region. They are doing concerts and praise and intercession type meetings throughout the area and country. As ATMI missionaries they are doing a fantastic job and doors are finally opening to them. The French just love them. Rob is an accomplished concert organist and he is invited to play these large pipe organs throughout the country. He did his first solo recital recently to much acclaim.

I find that the French take a long time to trust. They are cordial, but like long term relationships. Rob and Cynthia have been there 8 years and now things are beginning to happen. I find each trip that we are more welcomed and received.

In the western part of France there is Brittany. It is a little different than the rest of the country. Cider is their drink and crepes are their specialty. In this region, there is a growing house church movement and fledgling churches arising.

Joel Thobois, Cathy, and I traveled to this region for the second year in a row. Jean Marc Thobois is Joel's cousin and has been a minister of the gospel for many years. He is a publisher of a magazine focusing on Israel. It is called "Keren Isarel." Jean Marc is fluent in Hebrew and has studied at Hebrew University. I wish we had his material in English.

We have been ministering to a gathering of several house churches and the new church plant. This year's meeting was moved to the city hall to give us more room. Last year we were jammed into a garage and this year we had 70 or more people out for the meeting which lasted to after 11 PM. The door is open there for conitnued relationship and they are looking forward to our time there again.

France has a large African population. I have met people from all over the continent of Africa. Joel Thobois has been traveling to the Congos of the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Blaise Mibata is from Brazzaville and Michel Mamba is from Kinsasha, both capitols across the river from one another. Both gentlemen consider themselves members of ATMI and are working to establish 3-D schools there.

One of our Short Term Mission trips is to the Congo this year and we will be inaugerating one 3-D school.

Joel and I ministered in the African Church in Paris, both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was a leadership meeting and we had many receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.