Meeting June 1st

We had a great planning meeting last night. Each leader got her VBS booklet and began planning the crafts, snacks and sports. We discussed how to prepare a testimony and I did a little skit with Phillip to show how important it is not to use Christian clichés or American slang. Each member of our team should be ready with their testimony. Even if we don't use it before a large group, we can share it one on one.
We took a cross-cultural questionnaire to see how we will interact as a team and in a foreign culture. 8 of our 10 team members are event oriented and people oriented. That makes for a great mission experience! Two of us ( Carol and myself) are more time and task oriented. So, if there are clashes on the team....we will know why! It also explains why I enjoy planning and preparing for the mission on this side of the ocean....but have trouble relaxing and enjoying the moment on the other side.
Pray for us as we plan our activity centers, as I translate the skits and Bible lessons and as we shop. We will be taking several bags of supplies with us.

May 21st

We had a great time on Friday as we came together to discuss the details of the trip. Please pray as some still don't know their flights yet. We now have our wonderful VBS director, Ismini Lamb, a crafts leader ( Janie Reilly), a snack leader ( Dawn Taylor) , a sports leader ( Carol Parks) , a music leader ( Kelly), a Science leader ( Dr. Fred) and Bible teachers. It was great to pray together as the Beers leave for Italy this week. God is answering prayer and molding us into a solid team.

Prayer needed for VBS team

Prayer for VBS workers

Week 1 in Marseilles

Barbara Starosciak

Dr. Fred

Orsini family ( Kelly, Christine & DX)

Pam from VA

Charis Gibbs

Phillip Hechtman

Jessica Parks

Carol Parks

Week 2 in St. Paul de Vence

Dr. Fred

Orsini family ( Kelly, Christine & DX)

Beer family ( Judy, Brian, Katie, Claire & Johnny & Mary)

Charis Gibbs

Phillip Hechtman

Jessica Parks

Carol Parks

Individual requests:

1. Housing for the Hechtman family for St. Paul de Vence. Isabelle has down’s syndrome and needs a special diet. Jennifer ( mom) must find a place with a kitchen to prepare Izzy’s food.
2. Raising support for the Beers to join us in St. Paul de Vence.
3. Raising support of Jessica & Carol
4. Flights for Jessica & Carol
5. Raising support for Charis
6. Backdrop to be made by Charis & church
7. My husband’s health so that I can go on this trip with a clear conscience.

Thanks for your prayers and support!

Meet Charis Gibbs

Meet Charis Gibbs. She is in French 4 and plans to make the backdrops for our VBS.

First deadline is past

This past week we sent in our first deposit to Maureen. The Hechtmans from Milford, Michigan are going to join us. Catherine and Phillip will be a help and we look forward to their joining us.
Pray for the kids in Marseilles and St. Paul de Vence to invite their friends. Pray that people will come to our concerts. When we hold these events, people say afterwards "Oh, I wish I had known earlier. I would have invited......". However, there is only so much we can do on this side of the ocean. So pray that the kids from last year will spread the word. Pray that we will have enough time to advertise our concerts once we get there.

Team members

Please pray for our team members and their support:

Dr. Lathrop ( my dad) from New Jersey

Daniel Stephens ( French 2) from Michigan

Jessica Parks ( French 5) from Michigan

Katie Beer ( French 5) from Michigan
Claire Beer ( French 5) from Michigan
Mary Beer ( Elementary French) from Michigan
Johnny Beer ( Beginning French) from Michigan
Judy Beer ( mom)
Brian Beer ( Dad)

Charis Gibbs ( French 4) from Michigan

Reagan Cerisano ( French 3) from Virginia

A few people are undecided. Pray that God makes their way clear!

Prayer

Prayer is so important for this trip. Pray for the people on the team - for their health, their preparation and their support funds. Pray for the children who will come. Pray that they will invite their friends and we will have more kids than last year!
One of the pastors in St. Paul de Vence is Pastor Orozco. He has several children that will help us in the VBS. One of his sons, Emilio, was just diagnosed with diabetes. This means a big change of lifestyle for them. But they are thanking God for good doctors and good care. Pray for Emilio as he adjusts to his new medications.
Today is my dad's birthday. He is 84 years old. He went with us last year as the Science teacher and plans to come back. We thank God for his courage and stamina.