First Funeral in our church--

On Wednesday, our church in Pessac said "farewell" to our oldest member. It was a sweet funeral and Bob was so thankful that he was able to be there. Tim actually preached the message and Bob gave the eulogy and a testimony as his pastor of 19 years. He also preached at the grave site. Lala gave a testimony on the part of the families of the church and Laetitia, who returned just for the occasion, gave a testimony on the part of the students.

We are so proud of the church as they have pulled together to help Marcelle in many different ways. (She is the one in the middle bottom picture along with their 42 year old son, Daniel, who is in a mental instituation.) She is truly a "widow" in the Biblical sense.

I thought some of you would enjoy seeing the difference in a burial in France to the US! The plot was actually above ground. You can see our grandson Micaiah getting ready to throw in some petals. They have a family tomb (it was already marked with the family name) with 3 places and it is their's for 50 years. I doubt that they will care in 2059 what they do with it!!

Bob returns on Wednesday, Sept. 2. Thanks for praying for him during this time. He spoke at a Family time tonight and will be preaching on Sunday.

Change of Plans! and Prayer Requests.

Yesterday, Tim called us from France to tell us that Rene Rottier (86) had gone to be with Lord just minutes before. Rene and Marcelle have been with us at the church since our very first service and was very precious to us as a family. After prayer and talking it over with others, we decided that Bob needed to return for the funeral. So, we quickly threw things in suitcases and drove up to Boston where he flew out last night. I am staying here with Johanna while he is gone.

Would you please pray with us for:
1. His wife, Marcelle-- they were always together as a couple and the loss will be great.
2. Their son Daniel-- Daniel is 41 years old but is in a psychiatric hospital. He probably knows Bob better than anyone except his parents.
3. Our church-- this is a "first" for us as a congregation. Everyone has jumped in and are really helping out and doing all they can.
4. For Timothy-- He has been "tested" in his new position--learning French laws quickly! His loving spirit was much appreciated in the first few hours after death when, among other things, he helped move and dress the body !
5. For Bob-- He arrived safely tonight and went directly to see Marcelle. He was met at the airport by 4 families and a bunch of kids shouting Papi!! (Grandpa). Pray for wisdom as he plans and directs the funeral.
6. The funeral-- It will be Wednesday at 10 at the church. May it be encouraging to believers and convicting to unbelievers.

As I mentioned, our plans were changed. We were going to take a trip out west to see Bob's old home, etc. for our 40th wedding anniversary. We were thankful that we had saved the money for the trip and it could be used for this important "change" which was a surprise to us, but not to the Lord.