August 3, 2022 “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty...
as for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.” Matthew 13:3b-8, 23
First book arrives for African missionary surgeons
Thank God for answering prayer as sixty copies of the first book to equip African missionary surgeons have arrived from the UK at the home of the spiritual dean of the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons. Two other titles are being shipped, from Switzerland and France respectively, and the new Africa Study Bible in French is being shipped from India. Please pray that all will arrive safely. Thank God for our donors who are making it possible to provide these books to sixty African surgical residents who will go out as missionaries to influence their patients, medical staff, students, churches, and communities for Christ. Spiritual dean Dr. Ed Scearce says, "Thank you again for this wonderful investment into our [surgical] residents and the nations of Africa."
FRANCE - The Phillips in Christian literature production
Thank God for helping the Phillips find a physical therapist for Benjamin in their new town. Continue to pray for improvement on his right side affected by cerebral palsy, and for the local neurologist continuing Ben's care in Montélimar. Benjamin is looking forward to starting 1st grade at his new school.
Praise God for Nathan and Annie's nieces who are visiting. Although one of their flights was cancelled, it was rebooked for the same day, and a lost suitcase was delivered a few days later. The nieces are a great help with the boys and unpacking.
Nathan is looking forward to starting work at IMEAF on August 16th when production will resume after the summer break.
Synergie Francophone Media
Please pray for the team of people working on the next issue of Impressions in English and French, of which back copies are pictured above. After hours of work involving interviews, writing and rewriting articles, hunting for or taking photos, and obtaining permissions, the content will go to the graphic designer this week. Proofs will then be checked, tweaked and proofread before going to the printer, followed by folding, inserting a brochure, preparing and filling envelopes, and mailing. Pray that the result of the hours of work by many contributors to this process will bless and inspire our readers.
Coming soon, the Synergie Francophone blog!
Out of our desire to minister to our readers and donors, we are setting up a blog to share material with you for your personal reading and spiritual reflection. The material can also be used for group Bible studies. Our first series of blog posts, available in English and French, will feature Life Changing Encounters with God in the Gospels.Please pray for the team working on this and for glitch-free set up.
Thank our generous God for a large gift to BLF Canada in response to prayer and efforts to raise over CAD 7,000 to ship the sets of Sunday school curriculum from France to Haiti. Continue to pray for this urgent need to be met with more gifts so that the shipment can be made before Synergie Francophone and BLF Canada leaders travel to Haiti early in 2023, God willing, to help with distribution, training, and meetings with our ministry partner.
Please share our encouragement as we witness all that God is doing as He answers prayer and leads Synergie Francophone and our partners. We are glad to count you as one of them.
Photo credits: Dr. Ed Scearce, ThM, DMin.;Angela Brandle