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Suzanne Spolarich - France | |
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Dear Friends,
So much has happened since I moved to Grenoble in April! Where to begin?
Most recently, Sunday, August 13th, I preached at Refuge Church. It was the first time for me to stand next to a translator. Services at Refuge are in both English and French. I preached in English this time. The next time I preach, it will be in French.
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SFC Connect '23
At the end of July, missionary colleagues, Tim & Emily Oldenkamp and their daughter, Aurelia, accompanied me on our drive to Connect ‘23.(July 22-29) What a week it was!
Joseph Dimitrov, president of Continental Theological Seminary in Sint-Pieter's-Leeuw, Belgium, was our evening speaker.
I attended the seminar “Reach the University“ and participated in teaching and leading a small group. It was fun to help out my colleagues leading the seminar, Nicole Herrero, and Charles & Amanda Gravely.
My delight was to be with Patrice and Marina Louiso who had come from Reunion Island. I translated into French during the seminar for them.
We look forward to meeting on Zoom for prayer.
A highlight for me during Connect was coaching university students. I had 12 separate sessions during the free times.
The Kaleidoscope of Prayer is always a favorite event and the “Bunter Abend” never ceases to reveal our students’ talents.
We had a full team from France this year coming furthest away from Reunion Island, then Nice, and Grenoble. Several visiting interns joined us as well.
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Visit to Nice, France
At the very beginning of July, (June 30-July 3), I visited Nicole Herrero in Nice. She invited me to speak to her student/young adult group on Saturday evening. After mentioning to her pastor that I was coming, he invited me to preach at the Sunday service. On Monday, we visited and prayed at the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis - Campus Carlone. We also visited Nice!
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Women's Meeting
On Sunday, June 11, Myriam, one of my former students from Chambéry, now a pastor's wife, invited me to speak to the ladies of her church. It was wonderful to participate with Myriam and her husband, Dyno, sharing the gospel, at their church in Péage de Roussillon, encouraging the believers and worshiping the Lord.
Myriam has invited me to speak to the women of the entire region at a conference in October. It is truly a privilege and an honor to be invited on so many different occasions.
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Remix and Refuge
Ever since I arrived in Grenoble, at the beginning of April, Remix University Student Association has offered a panoply of activities. Up until summer vacation started in July, I participated in weekly prayer walks at the University of Grenoble, Wednesday goûter, coffee to go at the tram, Converse English classes, special events like Louisiana night, Ghanaian night, and a graduation celebration.
Below, I'm pictured with Mary Beth and Tim at what is called the Wednesday "Goûter". It's a late afternoon snack time on the university campus to gather with students, chat, and build community. Often, the group goes out for dinner following the break. On this cool mid-May day, we were still dressed warmly and drinking hot chocolate!
I have yet to mention Refuge Church, where I preached on Sunday, August 13. I have joined the Refuge prayer team. Refuge Church hosts prayer meetings at the Pilgrim Coffee House. It is becoming the center for 24/7 Prayer in France.
As you can tell by now, there is never a dull moment for me in Grenoble. Enjoy the photos! If you have any questions, or comments, I would love to hear from you.
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Suzanne, Mary Beth, and Tim. |
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Chambéry Visit
Sunday, July 9, I visited my first French church family in Chambéry. It’s less than an hour from Grenoble. I had lunch with some of my first student ministry participants Sam and Sonia and their sons, Rémi and Mathis. Afterwards, we visited Sonia’s parents. I felt as if I had been with family.
Top Mission Meetings
At the beginning of June, (May 31-June 6), I headed back to the Paris region for meetings with Top Mission. I continue to serve on the administrative committee of Top Mission as secretary.
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The entire missionary team got together for a Memorial Day picnic on Monday, May 29. | | |
Prayer Corner
Below, please find upcoming events. I would appreciate your prayers.
September 5-8 ReviveEurope.org Ambassadors, in Herrnhut, Germany
September 20-26 Top Mission meetings in the Paris region.
October 7 Marriage Emmanuelle and Kevin in Paris
October 14 Women’s conference in Chambéry
October 16-30 Vacation with family in Florida.
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Forever Grateful
I am forever grateful to you, my partners in prayer and in generous giving. You make it possible for me to preach and teach the Gospel here in France. Thank you for your investment in me and in the Kingdom of God. Together we are storing up treasure in Heaven. I believe we will see Revival and participate in God's blessings. Together in service to the King, Jesus!
Suzanne
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