Steve and Rowena Barnes

We are Steve and Rowena Barnes from France. We are thankful to be here. We thank you for praying for us and caring that the lost people here learn that Jesus wants to be their Savior.

PRAISE:  There was a special Sunday barbecue on August 26^th  for workers in our church from the nursery through high school to prepare for our fall church program. 

Thirty-nine out of fifty people (teachers and helpers) were present to share testimonies of what the Lord has done among the children and youth, giving a word how they have personally been blessed and taught.  

   

The church elders were present to show their support of these ministries and repeat the church’s spiritual goals for our youth. It was very encouraging to Rowena who started this ministry to see she has communicated her burden to others and the work will go on. 

PRAY:  On Sunday afternoon, September 16^th, our first monthly youth meeting will take place. 

Our new team for this school year is Albert and Charity for the junior-highers, and Daryl and Cynthia for the teens. Until we move, my wife and I will be attending, helping, and mentoring these new workers (Albert is the only one with experience for this age group).  Albert and Charity are from Tamil Indian background and Daryl and Cynthia are from Gabon, Africa.  Just think of it—invitations were mailed to 27 middle schoolers and 15 high schoolers. Our theme for the school year is the Christian soldier and one goal is to all learn Ephesians 6:10-20 by heart together.

PRAY:  September 17-21 I will be teaching a 16 hour course at the Bible institute in eastern France close to Luxembourg (a 4 hour drive from Paris). My class will be for first and second year students. 

PRAY:  September 23^rd we are inviting all the young adults to our house for Sunday dinner. Since our church has grown so much, some of them have never been here to our home. We are happy that we have a good group that wants to grow in Christ and serve Him in ministries at church.

PRAY:  In January 2013  we hope to move from the Paris area and from our wonderful church family.  Until then, about once a month we drive to southern France, (8 hours away), to help a tiny church plant in Fréjus where I am already considered the pastor. The weather is beautiful there, nearly always sunny. There are lots of houses for sale but we must sell the one we have in the Paris suburbs first.  Please pray that a buyer will show up; lots of people are scared to buy since the economy is poor. God’s timing is best…and we are praying to keep our eyes on HIM.