Dear Ones,

Bonjour from our little spot of earth in Lyon, France. We are well aware of the privilege of living in two countries, and we have not yet sensed the Lord calling us back to the States permanently, but this time, our transition has been a little longer:

From Paul:

We’d spent a lovely 6 months in the States (I’d gotten to have 4-5 sweet visits with my mother at her retirement home in Kentucky), and we were excited about getting back into life in France this year.  Two days after we landed in France, my brother called to say he’d found Mom in a coma, that he’d called 911 and taken her to the ER, and that they didn’t expect her to survive.  Wow.

She passed into Eternity later that evening, but not until several of us had the chance to call her room and let her know how much she was loved.  We’re told that hearing is often the last thing to shut down.  We don’t know how much she heard, but we wanted these words to be what she took with her on this last phase of her earthly journey.  As we updated our sons on her situation, I mentioned to Andrew my desire/inability to sing to Mom as I said goodbye.  Later I learned he’d called ‘Mamaw’ and sang to her. 

She was SOOOO ready to go be with Jesus. While we didn’t expect this, we weren’t really surprised. So Elizabeth and I headed back to Kentucky just a few days after having landed in France.

Lots of friends and family gathered a week later to commemorate her life at her home church in Richmond, KY.  We truly celebrated Mom as we heard testimonies of her influence, as we recalled silly stories and precious memories, as we remembered her music and her Mickeys and her love for many of us.

She leaves a big hole in many hearts. I’m so grateful for the privilege of having had her example throughout my life.

From Elizabeth’s journal:

I was so thankful to have Paul back home with me after he spent extended time with his siblings in Kentucky. But it was a hard landing for him, and his sleep is still not right. It is getting better and gradually the lightness is returning in his eyes, in the way he goes about his day.

But while he was gone, You, Lord, gradually lifted me up too. I had the joy of reconnecting with my friends in France at our church’s annual weekend retreat. In spite of the cold and rain, I felt that leaping in my heart as I shivered and huddled together with these brothers and sisters in Christ. Two weeks later, I attended a Women’s Day held at our church. My heart leapt again to fellowship with these precious sisters in Christ coming from different churches in Lyon, many of whom I hadn’t seen in years. The worship was so sweet, beautiful women singing Your praises, Lord. I truly bathed in the goodness of who You are and what You have done and are doing in France. And that I get to experience this!

One Collective and the GMCT:

Many of our workers throughout the organization are going through health challenges. In late February, we were heartbroken to learn of the passing of our dear friend and longtime One Collective colleague, Tom Richards. Tom and his wife, JoAnn, served for many years in Austria at The Oasis ministry, welcoming refugees from many middle Eastern countries. For the past decade, they have served refugees in upstate New York. Tom lived and breathed love for the displaced, and his life was a testimony to Jesus’ love for them. We were privileged to attend Tom’s celebration service where many tears were shed, but there was also much rejoicing as we remembered his beautiful life.

Our workers’ concerns are real as we walk alongside them: cancer diagnoses, other health struggles, some workers ready to leave for the field but having their visas refused, and others getting kicked out of their countries, and many other struggles. One Collective has made this video to help our prayer partners (you!) understand more fully our role as the Global Member Care Team (GMCT). We’d greatly appreciate your taking 3 minutes to watch it here or click on the photo below.

The Writing Chalet

This little tool shed in our front yard is where I’ve been spending a great deal of time, whether I’m talking on zoom calls with our One Collective workers around the world or finishing up my next novel which I’ll send to my publisher on May 15. For twenty years, my writing chalet has provided me with an office that fits my need for creativity and inspiration.

Prayer Requests:

– in May and June we’ll attend two conferences where we’ll spend time with many of our One Collective workers based in Europe and some closed countries. This is our golden opportunity to actually sit down and have coffee together as we catch up on life. Please pray for God’s protection as we all travel, as we listen to God together, and as we invite Him to speak into our lives.  There is much going on around us that can be distracting. We want to focus on hearing the Shepherd.

– Pray for our witness day in and day out as we live among people who need to hear the Good News. Neighbors and friends are often either quite indifferent or even against hearing of God’s love. They don’t acknowledge (or realize) their hunger. Our job is simply to point to the Bread of Life.

-that I (Elizabeth) will make the deadline for my novel and that its message of redemption and restoration will be planted deep into the words.

–that we stay well-connected to our Good Shepherd, Jesus. I (Elizabeth) have recently been blessed by listening to Philip Keller’s classic book A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. What a beautiful reminder of our Lord’s tender care for us, His sheep.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. ² He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. ³ He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. ⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. ⁵ Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. ⁶ Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. (KJV)

–for all of us in the Musser family as we grieve our beloved Mamaw.

We are so grateful for your prayers that have blessed us and held us before God’s throne of grace through all the ups and downs of our lives. May you too sense the love and presence of the Good Shepherd with you in this season.

Much love,

Elizabeth and Paul