Greetings from Marseille!
We are happy to report that our family on both sides of the Atlantic are doing well, and for this we thank the Lord! As for everyone around the globe, our activities have been altered because of COVID. Many have been ill, or are afraid of becoming ill – – and this affects the general outlook of life in the city. Innovation has been the name of the game, and although 30 people are allowed to attend services at the Merlan Church, the rest watch it on Zoom. Our home groups, prayer meeting, training and discipling have all been taking place virtually on Zoom, and we thank the Lord for this platform that has allowed us to remain in contact, and even expand our audience for these gatherings, to those who are out of town or even out of the country.
We ask your prayers for open doors here for the Gospel. Ramadan this year will be April 13- May 12. Please pray with us for our neighbors and those in the city, that the Lord will cause hearts to be stirred and to seek to know the Truth.
Lonnie has been trying to get together with a couple from church interested in discipleship training, and has been thwarted at every turn. First due to COVID, and
finally when getting together was back on the calendar for this week – – their daughters just got the chicken pox. We know God is sovereign and that he executes his will in his time.
We’ve had opportunities to make a meal for those sick with COVID, or provide much needed groceries for international university students associated with the FEU who have lost their financial aid due to COVID – – we pray they will believe in their hearts that Jesus Christ is real and that he cares for them. We thank the Lord that those directing the FEU continue to have numerous opportunities to proclaim the message of the Bible, the life of Jesus Christ, and his sacrifice for all.
This link is to a video we made several months ago and is a bit outdated, but I’m including it here in case it is of interest to you.
https://efca-my.sharepoint.com/:v:/g/personal/lonnie_smith_efca_org/Ef3pdC9l4nBDmtpPICu7wCoBNh72PP7FJRix-NTIZlPM7A?e=4Xen17
Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers and for all you do for us – – we thank the Lord for you!
Praying blessing on you all as you serve Him, and with our prayers for a joyous Easter celebration –
Lonnie and Debbie Smith
EFCA- ReachGlobal
Marseille, France