Bonjour, dear Ones, on Labor Day,

On Friday, we head back to the US for the fall, but we want to catch you up on all the Lord has been doing during these summer months.

First, hot off the press! We are excited that, as One Collective updated its website, there is now a page specifically dedicated to the Global Member Care Team (GMCT). We’d so appreciate if you’d check it out right here, and if you missed the 3-minute video about the GMCT in our last update, be sure to watch it on the new page. You’ve heard us describe what we do as member care providers for the past 14 years. Now you can hear personal testimonies from One Collective workers about the importance of this role. You’ll also be able to read brief bios of each of us on the GMCT. Many of us are pictured above, relishing God’s goodness as we were together in person in Greece.

Paul and I are incredibly grateful for our colleagues. We have weathered many storms together as we’ve interceded for One Collective, our leaders, and our workers around the world. Below is a photo that shows our joy to be together.

Thank you for praying for the time we had with our One Collective workers at the two conferences held in Greece, the first for our colleagues who are based in Europe, and the second for our workers living in closed countries.

These conferences are always a highlight for us because we get to spend time one-on-one, face-to-face, listening and praying with each worker as they share challenges and joys in their ministries and personal lives.

The teaching we received focused on being reminded that Jesus welcomes us to enjoy fellowship with Him. The worship allowed us to put this into practice and was a special treat for our colleagues who work in closed countries.We also had delicious meals together and time to enjoy fellowship and the beach in a gorgeous, laid-back setting. So often we heard “I just needed to step back and take a break from ministry pressures.”

THANK YOU so much for your partnership through prayer and finances that allowed us to minister in this way.

In between the two conferences we visited the amazing cities of Thessalonica, Meteora, and Delphi in Greece, and Istanbul and Ephesus in Turkey (our first time in Turkey). All we can say is “Wow!” I’ll let these photos speak for themselves and simply add the hashtag #theperksofministry.

Back at home in France in July and August, we had the privilege of hosting many overnight guests as well as sharing meals with dear friends from our church and neighborhood. We are thankful that our home can be a refuge for many where, as at the conferences, we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. What a privilege to minister to others by using the gifts the Lord has given us.

As you can imagine, in every area of our lives, we must let Him carry these sometimes heavy burdens. When we try to control circumstances in our lives and the lives of others through our own strength, the result is fear, fatigue, and worry. I continually come back to the Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 5: “It is for freedom’s sake that Christ has set you free. Stand firm, then, and don’t let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Please join us in praying that we will daily embrace what Jesus promises in Matthew 11: 28-30: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart. And you will find rest for your soul for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

From Paul:

I am so thankful to look back over these recent months and be reminded of how God showed up again and again. His provision and presence have encouraged us when times seemed hard. His love and care (often through his people) raised our spirits when it was needed. His grace continues to cover a multitude of things that otherwise could become obstacles to growth. The Hope that we have in His salvation reminds us that we can depend on Him at all times.

We do indeed walk by faith, right? There is so much we simply cannot control, and this journey through life continues to teach us the humility and trust that prepare us for Heaven.

As you think of us during this coming month, please pray:

• for several difficult situations we’re working on.
• for workers to have a better handle on caring for their own needs/souls (staying connected).
• for those living in precarious situations to be reminded that God is present.
• for all of us to remember that Jesus is enough.
• for the many transitions happening in the coming months within the mission as we navigate these changes with our workers and our leaders.
• for relationships we have with our French friends which we’ve been able to deepen this summer.
• for our transition time back in the States. We will be in the Chattanooga area once again.

As you celebrate this Labor Day, we once again thank you for partnering with us in this work the Lord called us into 42 years ago when we were both single, recent college grads. What a privilege and testimony to His grace and provision in our lives throughout these past four decades.

With love and grateful hearts,

Paul and Elizabeth