The Lord is showing us the wonders of his works this evening. After a full day of sight seeing in 80 degree sun, we are now experiencing a fabulous lightning and rain storm. In California where we live, seeing huge bolts of lightning crossing the night sky is very uncommon. Truly God is showing us his power and strength. We will be calling on his strength all weekend as women from around Europe, Africa, and the United States are ministered by his powerful word.
We have already seen his moving. Our latest experience was just today as we toured old town Lyon. At the top of a hill overlooking this beautiful city, there is what the locals call a “mini basilica.” This beautiful basilica was built in the late 1800’s by the citizens of Lyon to thank the Virgin Mary for pushing the Prussians back when under siege. To this day it is still kept in repair by the people of Lyon. The interior is breathtaking. Six beautiful mosaics of stone, glass, and incased gold leaf, run the length of the chapel on either side. Each mosaic depicts a historical event where the Virgin was asked to intercede. Our tour guide, Amelie, was full of information and seemed to enjoy explaining the history behind each mosaic. More than once she mentioned that the historical figures had prayed for Mary’s help, “but it didn’t work.” As our time together neared it natural conclusion, our group was able to chat with her quietly about ATM’s (she was very curious about this acronym) and her life in Lyon. Amelie explained that she was from Germany, had married a Frenchman that she’d met in Los Angeles, and had lived in Lyon for 10 years. She liked her job working as a tour guide because she enjoyed the interaction with visitors. In fact she needed the interaction. Amelie explained that the French people were cold and had not accepted her into their community. Janice said, “You’re lonely.” Amelie’s eyes grew wide as she slowly turned toward Janice and replied, “How did you know?” It was a surreal moment. I felt almost as if I had been eves dropping on Christ’s conversation with the women at the well. How did he know this?
Janice has been telling us that the retreat was started for women who where not natives of France. They are lonely and lack the support they need as Christians, but also as women. Amelie fit the lonely women in France profile. Janice quickly explained to Amelie why our group was here, and about the retreat. It would be a place she could meet other women in Lyon and hear more about being a Christian. We wanted her to come if possible. She took the information with eagerness. I pray that she will have the courage to come. We had a divine appointment. I pray that Amelie will have a divine appointment with Christ this weekend too. Then she will know the one who does answer the prayers of his people. Please pray with us that women like Amelie all around France will listen to the call of the Holy Spirit and answer his call on their lives.
We have already seen his moving. Our latest experience was just today as we toured old town Lyon. At the top of a hill overlooking this beautiful city, there is what the locals call a “mini basilica.” This beautiful basilica was built in the late 1800’s by the citizens of Lyon to thank the Virgin Mary for pushing the Prussians back when under siege. To this day it is still kept in repair by the people of Lyon. The interior is breathtaking. Six beautiful mosaics of stone, glass, and incased gold leaf, run the length of the chapel on either side. Each mosaic depicts a historical event where the Virgin was asked to intercede. Our tour guide, Amelie, was full of information and seemed to enjoy explaining the history behind each mosaic. More than once she mentioned that the historical figures had prayed for Mary’s help, “but it didn’t work.” As our time together neared it natural conclusion, our group was able to chat with her quietly about ATM’s (she was very curious about this acronym) and her life in Lyon. Amelie explained that she was from Germany, had married a Frenchman that she’d met in Los Angeles, and had lived in Lyon for 10 years. She liked her job working as a tour guide because she enjoyed the interaction with visitors. In fact she needed the interaction. Amelie explained that the French people were cold and had not accepted her into their community. Janice said, “You’re lonely.” Amelie’s eyes grew wide as she slowly turned toward Janice and replied, “How did you know?” It was a surreal moment. I felt almost as if I had been eves dropping on Christ’s conversation with the women at the well. How did he know this?
Janice has been telling us that the retreat was started for women who where not natives of France. They are lonely and lack the support they need as Christians, but also as women. Amelie fit the lonely women in France profile. Janice quickly explained to Amelie why our group was here, and about the retreat. It would be a place she could meet other women in Lyon and hear more about being a Christian. We wanted her to come if possible. She took the information with eagerness. I pray that she will have the courage to come. We had a divine appointment. I pray that Amelie will have a divine appointment with Christ this weekend too. Then she will know the one who does answer the prayers of his people. Please pray with us that women like Amelie all around France will listen to the call of the Holy Spirit and answer his call on their lives.
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