The Arts District

Before I tell you about our visit with the missionary in the arts district, I must give you an exciting update! One of the missionaries in Lyon, France followed up on Amelie. Elizabeth sent her a note and arranged to pick her up for church on Sunday! Yeah, God! Thank you to Elizabeth and her family for following through with Amelie for us and also for our great and glorious God. We pray that Amelie's heart will be softened by the gospel and that she will come to know our Lord Jesus Christ. I will give updates as they come in to me.

On Friday, May 15 we took the Metro to the arts district in Paris. This area is located near the Musee D'Orsay, the museum where all of the impressionist art is displayed. The D'Orsay was formally the train station in Paris. It is a beautiful building and the art is fabulous. This sets the stage for "M's" neighborhood. The buildings in this area are lovely. The storefronts house exclusive antique stores, designer galleries, and upscale clothing. Jean d'Pardu (this is not a correct spelling), a famous french movie actor, keeps an apartment next door to the building where "M" and her family lives. The building used to be the Baptist church of Paris and is now owned by the Baptist Federation of France. This old church now houses a bible bookstore, booking agency that arranges visiting Christian artist, a recording studio and other Christian based businesses. This building needs some major renovations. As you enter the building it is obvious that at one time it was very impressive. Sweeping stair cases grace both sides of the entrance that will one day become a social space. Right now it houses the garbage cans. At the end of the entry there is a courtyard that is covered with cobble stone. It currently is home for an automobile, which enters the space through some double doors located in the entry. Strange.

"M" joyfully showed us the one area that has been renovated and is used for performance or visual arts. It is set with an extensive lighting system and state of the art sound system for recording. It frequently houses art shows, actors studios, and musical production rehearsals. If it's art related, it happens here.

"M"s" families apartment is also located in this former church. Walking up a long flight of curving stairs (I'd say at least three or more stories) we finally reached the apartment. This may sound like unnecessary information, but I forgot to mention that we each carried two boxes full of books up these stairs. That means we went up twice. My heart was pounding when I finally reached the top the second time. "M" and her family have recently moved to this apartment after having lived in a house for twenty years. As you can imagine, it has been difficult to pare down her belongings.

The apartment is lovely. "M" who loves interior design, has pulled together a warm and welcoming space. By now, you can see that "M's" and "N's" living situations are very different. "N" neighborhood in multicultural and "M'" is rubbing elbows with the rich and famous. Because of this, it is more difficult for "M" to assimilate into her neighborhood. Her focus is on those who enter the "Foundry" which is the name of the building now, or the "Pavey" which is the studio. Though the artist might be her neighbors, it is unlikely. That just wouldn't have the means to live in the neighborhood.

Terri and I walked around the apartment with "M" and prayed over each room: from the entry to the children's bedroom. The other members of the team did some general cleaning. Old, beautiful buildings have their drawbacks. This one has mold and rats. As a team we had an extended prayer time with "M" after the initial tour. As our time drew to a close, we knew that "M" would be able to entertain her former neighbor that afternoon with a little more peace. Her home was clean! This neighbor does not know that Lord, so she was pleased to be able to focus on their time together and not worry about her surroundings. I pray that their time was sweet.

As we said our good-byes, we headed off to the D'Orsay for a few hours of soaking in fine art and taking a peek at the Eiffel Tower. Along the way I spotted a small white dog. I knew immediately that it was a Coton de Tulear, just like my Tiffany at home. I crossed the street to see the dog and realized that the owner was an American woman from So. Carolina. We chatted briefly about our dogs and their backgrounds. That was an extra blessing for me. I really wanted to see a Coton in Paris, and God gave me the opportunity on the last day of our trip. Silly, I know. But sometimes God grants us our silliest wish. He's like that.

Hello from Santa Maria. I am now home and experiencing a little jet lag, but I'm sure that I'll recover soon. I wonder how my friends are doing after they faithfully took "No Jet Lag." Did it really work as promised?

My eyes are open, and my heart has changed after what I experienced in Paris. Paris is a enormous city of culture, fine food, high fashion and fabulous sights. It can also feel unfriendly and remote. Especially if you are an outsider choosing to live in Paris. On Thursday and Friday, our team met two such women who had chosen to leave their homes in the US and live in Paris. Both women were experiencing extreme loneliness and the fellowship of other Christian women. Each talked. And talked. And talked. At first, it was almost comical. Then it became extremely sad. It was as if they knew they had a limited time with us and felt compelled to educate us on everything that was happening around them. My heart still aches for them.

"N" lives in a multi ethnic area of Paris. We walked with her to pick up her child from school at 4:30PM. In France children go to school early, have a two hour lunch break, and then are released at the end of the day. "N" makes this back and forth journey several times a day, and I would estimate that she walks almost a mile each way. We were told that it was safe to walk the streets during the day, but at night it was not. I quietly prayed to myself knowing that though we were supposedly safe, I didn't really feel safe for the first time on our trip. Once at the school, "N" quickly forgot that we were with her after formal introductions. Because she lives in a diverse neighborhood, "N" is able to mingle with the other mothers with ease. If was fun to watch her interact with the other mothers while the little ones ran circles around everyone on foot or on a scooter. Because all of her children have attended this school, she has developed long standing relationships. She invites them all to birthday parties and most recently her annual egg coloring party for Easter. To keep things above board, her invitation informed the parents that the Easter story was to be told. This allowed each parent to make their own choices about whether to send their child or not. Many choose to send their children believing that is would be culturally enriching. "N" and her husband "A" pray that they would find the Lord. Janice, who has a good knowledge of french, began an easy conversation with a mother who wore the traditional Islamic scarf. Near the end of their time together, the mother pulled out a book and asked Janice if she was familiar with the author. The book was about numerology. You'll remember that France has a large occult population and are open to all forms of mysticism. It was an eye opening moment for us all. But it offered some hope. Though is women was Islamic, she was open. We pray that she will be open to Christ.

After we dropped the children off at their home, our team took "N" out to a lovely park near her son's school to pray with her. A soft drizzle began to fall as we prayed. It is hard to express the tenderness and emotion during our time talking to our Father. The team was there to support and encourage "N." Prayer is the best way we could support her while in France and when we are back at home. Continued prayer will be vital.

We ended our time with "N and A" at their high rise apartment which they share with their three children. It is very small; well under 1000 square feet with one small bathroom and two bedrooms. I learned that when they say "water closet" they mean water closet literally. The toilet is in it's own closet with a door out to the hallway. A small sink and tiny shower are right next to it with it's own door. The total is smaller than a moderate sized recreational vehicle bathroom. I think you have the picture. We had dinner and dessert crepes which were fun to make and very yummy. It was a fitting end to our time together. We couldn't stay longer because it was getting dark and we needed to get to the metro for our trip back to our hotel in the Latin quarter.

As we said our farewells, I sensed that this would not be the last time I would see "N" and her family. It appears that I will be returning to France, perhaps even again this year. Please pray with Carl and me about my involvement in France. If He is indeed calling me to an extended ministry of encouragement there; I will go.

Tomorrow I will tell you about my visit with the missionary in the arts district of Paris last Friday. Until then, au revoir.

Hello all from the beautiful French Alps! We are now just outside Grenoble, France. The retreat center here is beautiful! My hope is to get some pictures downloaded soon, but I'm not sure when that might be. My netbook has become persnickty and claims that it can't down load the wireless. After consulting with my technical support (my patient son-in-law), I now know my way around the the technical support screens to no availe.

I have some great news! Amelie did come to the retreat on Saturday night! I wasn't able to talk to her before she left, but I was told that she enjoyed herself. Amelie had dinner with us, sat through the song service and Janice's teaching. The teaching was perfect for someone who might be investigating a relationship with Christ. God knows where her heart is, so we are praying that her heart is softened for Christ.

This morning we met for the School of Women's Ministry set to start in October of this year here at Champfleure retreat center. We got a lot done in one hour. There is much to do from raising funds to contacting potential speakers as well getting all of the promotions out. These are exciting times. After lunch we headed to the International Church "CEP" in Grenoble. The church is run by missionaries ministering to French and English speakers. Our group spent some time praying for their team as well as Carrie and Laura, our missionaries from Africa who are traveling with us. Then off we went to the French version of Walmart to do some shopping. Fun and gifts were bought by all. I am thankful to our drivers who have driven all around this beautiful women. These women have been so wonderful to our group.

Tomorrow we're traveling to Provence to see the countryside and the markets. It will be a two plus hour drive, so we're out of here early and home late. On Wednesday we'll travel by train to Paris, so I'm not sure when I'll be able to send a new entry. Love you all!

more technical difficulties

Danielle is having some trouble with her computer and internet connection again.
She will post as soon as she is able.
Julie R.

May 9, Retreat Day 2

I am so sorry about the delay, but it appears that for some reason (hmm), I was not going to get my entries or requests out to all of you who have been following our journey. But I know that you have been praying, which we completely feel here in Lyon. Our group learned just on Thursday that Lyon is the occult capital of France. I’ll leave it to you to figure out who our opposition is here in this beautiful city. I will give not credit. But we did find it interesting that the Masonic Lodge was going to be located right next to our meeting room. From what I heard from the missionaries here, the Mason members are judges, and other high officials throughout France. Our Lord has been very faithful. We prayed for a buffer to absorb sound so as not to disturb their group, but that if any did need to get through, it would. As far as I know, there where not complaints from our neighbors.Amelie did not come last night. We all looked for her. We must trust that God has a plan for her life and that this may be her first encounter with real Christians. I Corinthians 3:6 tells us, “ I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God make it grow.” We do not were she is in the list, but God does.What Janice said is true. The retreat attendees are indeed anxious to talk. Some ladies are missionaries. They are needing emotional and spiritual support. The other ladies are here in France with their working husbands. They are extremely lonely. Families are only allowed one working visa, so wives are left at home either alone, or with their children. It is very difficult to break into French circles, so friendships are limited. I am especially thankful to God that I am able to be a sounding board for a few while we are here.Our small groups after Janice’s talks have been wonderful! Hearts have been open to what the Lord has given Janice to say, so the women are sharing freely. There is too much to share in one sitting. Just know that the Lord is having his way here. And for you WaterGirl fans- Yes, they are here to minister to us in song. I wish you were here to experience them too.Love you all. I’m off soon to present my workshop!

May 7, Day Two

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.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULITIES

Danielle is experiencing technical difficulties with her Internet connection. She asked me if i would let you all know not to worry and that she will be back on line and posting as soon as the problem is resolved. julie r.