PARIS- DAY 12 (TUESDAY)- THE RETURN!

It was as if the Lord smiled and patted us on the back and said, "Good job, guys!" That was the feeling that came over us when we took our new boarding passes from the gate agent in Paris. Nathan and I were bumped up to First Class for our return trip home. We were now "livin' large" as Nathan would say!

We arrived early at our gate and I went up to ask the agent if there was any chance of an upgrade. After what seemed like several minutes (I knew the longer it took- the better chance we had) and listening to the discussions of several agents, then she smiled, handed me our new boarding cards and said with a very heavy French accent, "I sink you will have a nice flight now!"

There we were, the front row, the front seats in the very front of the plane. I tried to explain to Nathan just exactly how enormous of a 'coup d’état' had just taken place. Normally they first would allow the Platinum Elite, then the Gold Elite followed by the Silver Elite passengers to fill that section of the plane first. Then come the peasants. These were $4,500 (EACH) seats but they were now ours! It is true that you do arrive at the same time the peasants, however getting there is a whole different world! So we suffered through an enormous amount of pampering and pining! It was the first time I have ever wanted the plane to not be an hour ahead of schedule like we were! It would be also fun for you to know that on our second flight from Detroit to Grand Rapids- Nathan flew business class as well- that's another story sometime! I will say, Northwest took wonderful care of God's servants and lost a ton of money on us in the process! God is so good!

Well, it was an incredible mission. As it is with every mission's encounter, we will really never know the results of all our energies, efforts, finances and sacrifices made until we reach the other side. But one thing is for certain, a dear friend and supporter of our ministry said it best when this afternoon he said to me - "We are so excited; because we are partners with you in ministry (finances, prayer, etc.), of all those who were saved (nearly 90 decisions), touched by God, healed, delivered and just blessed, it will be credited to our account also!" How right he is! Thank you to all of you who are our Personal Prayer Partners- supporting and praying for our ministry; we are ever so grateful for your partnership. If you are currently not a Prayer Partner and would like to become one, let us know and we will add your name to our list. You will be able to stay in touch with our ministry and family events on a regular basis.

Several have asked to see more photos and so I am working on a follow up version of a trip scrap book of sorts for you to see on line if you'd like. I will email you the details when I complete it.



This final picture is of a dear friend named Florian. He came out to see us off at the Charles De Gaulle airport. Brenda and I have known Florian for over 15 years now. He is a precious soul who has endured much in the grip of the ungodly city of Paris. He has known hardship and despair; as well as the hand of God and His love in his life. Would you even now please whisper a prayer for Florian, even today he is in need of a touch from the almighty God.

We have left behind many dear friends- several new and many more old. Your prayers made a significant difference. I still covet them as we settle back into our world here. After having done so well throughout the entire mission, the last day there I could feel a cold coming on. Now, home trying to shake off jet lag- I am struggling with a real doozie! Go figure.

Nathan's Quote for the Day: (On the ride home from the airport) Lauren, stop asking so many questions, I'm not in my right state of mind!

Prayer for the Day: We don't need to ask you for anything Father, but we do need to thank you for so much!

Word for the Day: Blessings!

Parting thoughts: Stay tuned to Aboundinghope.blogspot.com for the Photo Collection and more testimonies as they come in from France. We appreciate you!

PARIS DAY 11 (MONDAY)- ALL PACKED AND READY TO COME HOME! !

There's nothing like eating baguette sandwiches together on the Champs Elysee!

Well, we are feeling that longing to return to our roots- or at least Byron Center anyway. It has been an incredible missionary journey. When I reflect back on the founding father's and pioneers in missions like Victor Plymire, my heart is overwhelmed. He left his wife and family for months and years at a time. It took him 5 weary weeks to travel to Tibet. It will take Nathan and I a little more than 5 hours to travel home from Europe. From take off in Paris to touchdown in Grand Rapids it should be less than 12 hours. Nearly 100 decisions for Christ were made; people were delivered of demonic forces; some were healed and many were strengthened and encouraged. The church in Paris is stronger because of what God has done!

I honestly believe that it was because of what those great missionaries before us did for so many years- that we are able to stand on their shoulders and reap the harvest. I also believe that time is short and we have so much work to be done; because God is willing that none should perish! If Jesus should terry- think of what the next generation of missionaries will accomplish!!! Thank you again for partnering with the Elliotts as we endeavor to fulfill the call to missions and evangelism. But especially thank you to all who prayed and invested in Nathan's life for this time of ministry in France. Could he be the next missionary to answer the call?

Nathan's Quote for the Day: We gotta get just one more crepe before we head home!

Our Prayer for the Day: Father, thank you for your divine care over Brenda and Lauren while we were away. Please keep your hand of protection on us now as we return!

Word for the day: (one more) Crepe

Parting Thoughts: Thank you for being a Prayer Partner with us! We appreciate you more than you know!

PARIS DAY 10 (SUNDAY)- THE FINAL SERVICE!

I don't even know where to begin this evening- or what to say. The 2006 Paris Mission crusade has concluded. It was one that will not easily be forgotten by many. I assure you is was not because of me or my preaching; but rather it was all about God and what He did. You know most of the events as we have endeavored to share them with you each day. The final day at church was such a crowning event for the glory of God.

In a rather lame attempt to captivate the service, I will give you some highlights. Both morning services went very well. Again the team from Texas did a human video exactly in line with the message. There were several who came forward to receive Christ, and many more for special prayer. I announced in the morning I would be speaking on spiritual warfare and the entire building was packed to capacity.

Nathan and I waited throughout much of the song service before going out to sit so we could be in prayer prior to the team's ministry time (Nathan basically never left my side the entire trip). There was no room for the team to sit and they had to remain back in another room due to the over-capacity crowd. As we entered the service already in progress, I sat on the front row and I could feel and sense there was a powerful anointing in the service. I looked over to my left and there was a woman in her mid 40's who was clearly in an uncomfortable way. I had seen the awful appearance of bondage; I knew she was demon possessed.

As the worship service continued, she began to writhe with obvious consternation, yet unnoticed by most. I kept telling myself she is merely sick and must be feeling poorly; yet I recognized that awful sulfurous stench of Satan.

The team took their place and as they did each service, they briefly summarized the drama. This particular drama was about a young girl who was trapped within the spiritual battle between Satan and God. When they talked of suicide, I could see this woman stiffen with pain. The drama began. With each measure of the song, the woman began to fight and talk louder and louder until finally when they came the end with the music in a great crescendo of praise (because the girl in the drama had finally come back to God) the woman screams loudly and stiffens again on the floor right in the front of the church.

There were several elders and a French pastor (with their wives) who immediately came over, picked up the woman and carried her to the back room (you have to understand that the entrance to the back room was directly next to the platform area right in the front).

It was now time for the sermon. Go figure, remember I was preaching on spiritual warfare. I immediately called the packed church to prayer for this precious woman. Henry Linderman gave a few comments of explanation and then after a time of prayer (both inside the back room and in the sanctuary area) I proceeded with the message.

A short time later (during point #2 of 3) the woman and the others came out from the back room. The woman was completely delivered and in her right mind.

Following the sermon, we gave the altar call; it was full. Many decisions were made for Christ tonight and many were also prayed with for deliverance. What a powerful night. I think everyone, Nathan, the team, and others had never seen such a manifestation and power of God before. God was good.

So now we prepare to return to Grand Rapids. One more entry on Monday evening before we fly back. And yes, I am bringing Nathan with me.

Nathan's Quote for the Day: God is so powerful!

Our prayer for the Day: Father, thank you for spending us here in Paris!

Word for the Day: Overwhelmed!

Parting Thoughts: These people are so very precious! We have renewed old friendships, and made many new ones. How blessed we are.

PARIS- DAY 9 (SATURDAY)- WE CONQUERED PARIS- AGAIN!!!

Well, we got our 10,000 steps in today! And we also logged an additional 2,000 for another day! We took in the Arc de' Triomphe, a stroll down the Champs Elysee, Notre Dame, and Sacred Cour (Sacred Heart Church). We enjoyed the wonderful company of the Linderman's granddaughter, Crystelle. All in all, a great day with brisk beautiful weather.

Here is a picture of Nato today on the most famous street in the world- the Champs Elysee. Just to the left is Crystelle looking down!

Nathan's Quote for the day: Aren't you glad we took the metro?

Prayer for the Day: Father, help us prepare our hearts for the final day of the mission!

Word for the Day: Whipped (again)!

Parting Thoughts: Would you please continue to hold up the final services (3) for Sunday!

PARIS- DAY 8 (FRIDAY)- WINDING DOWN FOR THE FINAL DAY.

We had an exceptional service tonight! Once again, the team had a Human Video that set the stage for the message. During the service prep time today, I felt strongly impressed to change the message completely. So it was. The response to the altar call was evident the that right choice had been made; clearly the Lord had done a great work.

This is a picture of two MKs (missionary kids)- Lian and Nato. He is the leader of the team from Southwestern University (an Assemblies of God university in Texas).

Well tomorrow (our day off of services) Nato and I will venture off again into the masses of Parisians and take in a few more sights. And yes, this time we will take the metro- or at least have a copy of the bus schedule on hand!

Nathan's Quote for the Day: Dad, are you sure we can't stay over spring break?

Our Prayer for the Day: Father, thank you for keeping us safe and healthy. Help us make the most of our few remaining days left in Paris.

Word for the Day: GREATNESS (of God)

Parting thoughts: As we wind down and prepare for our final day of services (Sunday), would you please stand in the gap for us and the meetings?

PARIS- DAY 7 (THURSDAY)- 58 DECISIONS FOR CHRIST- SO FAR!

After this evenings service, a total of 58 decisions have been made for Christ! I have said before- that would be like 580 decisions in America. There was a great anointing tonight as the team from Southwestern University shared their drama and testimonies. For the past 3 nights, they have shared things that were exactly as my notes in my sermon. It was powerful! They are a wonderful group of college students!

Nathan is still enjoying "missions" very much! I personally think he is a natural. Who knows what God may have in store for him; we shall see.

This is a picture of Nato with some of the Southwestern team.

Our days now are basically filled with preparation for the evening services. We only have two more opportunities for ministry in the services; tomorrow evening and then all day Sunday. Saturday we are preparing to go back into Paris to pick up a few gifts (for some special prayer partners who sent Nathan on this missions trip) and see a few more sights.

We are both in good health- no real problems at all. In fact, I am on a new medicine that has a nasty side-effect of nausea; however I have not experienced any at all. I feel really good!

Nathan's Quote for the day: I'm ready to stay here- if i could just bring all my friends and family over here!

Our Prayer for the Day: Father, as we endeavor to lift you up- continue to bring in those who will make you Lord!

Word for the Day: Nutella (the chocolate spread for peanut butter and Nutella sandwiches)!

Parting Thoughts: There are an awful lot of people here who need Christ!

PARIS- DAY 6 (WEDNESDAY)- ALREADY!!

Well, it is hard to believe that we have just completed our 6th day in Paris. The time goes by way too fast. Nathan and I have decided that we are going to stay in France over Spring Break! Well, that was his wish anyway! Need I say he is really enjoying his time as my Jr. Associate Missionary- Evangelist! Unfortunately we must return when our plane ticket says so!

I did tell Brenda that we have decided to go on the road full time together and minister throughout Eurasia!!! Mom wasn't near as thrilled as we were- go figure!

Nato and I went to see the Castle of Versailles today; it was such a nice day we decided to go walk the gardens instead of go through the palace. Perhaps we'll catch the inside another day.

The picture is of some friends of mine in the church- Mami and his daughter Alexia. Mami and his wife Elea were saved and started attending the first year I was in Paris to preach for the Lindermans- 24 years ago. Alexia is now 24 years old! She has blossomed into an incredible worship leader and musician. What a thrill to have been able to see her grow up! They are such dear friends.

The service was very good tonight. It is amazing how each night is different and God has a purpose for each one. I spoke about the 'Greatness of God's Power' tonight; the altar time was especially moving.


Nathan's Quote for the Day: I love crepes!

Our Prayer for the day: Thank you Father for the call to missions; may many more decisions be made for Christ!

Word for the day: Crepes

Parting Thoughts: We only have 3 more days of services- please pray for souls!

PARIS- DAY 5 (TUESDAY)- 18 MORE DECISIONS FOR CHRIST!

There was a rich anointing from the Spirit of God in the service tonight. 18 individuals came forward to pray and accept Christ as Lord and Savior! That, my friend, is a real miracle. Tuesday night is generally the least attended service of all. There was a full house. We are preparing for standing room only!

I have asked Nathan to make an entry in the blog tonight...

I'm having a great time; church is fun. We took a walk today and threw a tennis ball around together. It has been fun hearing the different testimonies of the team members; and getting to know each one of them. It's kind of weird hearing my dad preach and then hearing Uncle Henry interpret after him. But it is really neat seeing all the people come to Christ!
-Nathan

In the morning we are going into Paris to meet up with Stephanie, the Linderman's middle daughter for her birthday lunch!

Nathan's quote for the day: Tomorrow, in Paris, we're gonna take the metro!

Our prayer for the day: Heavenly Father, may there be a greater harvest of souls for the kingdom than ever before!

Word for the day: Great!

Parting thoughts: Thank you for your continued prayers for us and the services- please keep them coming!

PARIS- DAY 4 (MONDAY) -THE CITY!

Whew! It seems that we finish each day "spent!" We are really maximizing our time here! Today was one of our "down days" (there was no service) and Nato and I went into Paris on the train. First we found ourselves perched high above the city on the top of the Eiffel Tower! We then went down and found some baguette sandwiches to help sustain us. Next we took the metro (subway) to Notre Dame. We arrived just in time to watch them close the doors for the day! So I took him across the street (off of the island) to pick up Lauren's Paris doll for her collection (shhhhhh!).

Then I took in the back alleys (tourist walk way) where they have tons of pastry shops and crepe stands, He loved the fresh made crepe with Nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread)! Next we were on our way on the bus to the "Arc de Triomphe". After that our dogs were starting to bark at us (our feet) and so we decided to head back to the Eiffel Tower to catch the train back to Buc where the Lindermans live.

I made the executive decision to take the bus instead of the metro (because it took too much walking to get there and you also had to change trains- more walking). So we figured out which bus line we had to take and departed on "the 87". It was now going on 9 p.m. and we still needed to get off "the 97" and get on "the 42" to take us back to the train station. After we de-bussed and walked across the street to catch "the 42", a nice French lady told us "the 42" was finished for the night. Hummm- ok, what executive decision was next?

Just then, "the 87" came up and said "Champs de Mars" on the front. Perfect- thats where the train station was! It began to pull away just as we determined it may be our last hope. As it stopped for the light, we ran for it (a sight to behold) and got on. It was when my better judgment told me we were headed in the wrong direction that I figured we shouldn't have gotten on that bus! It took us right to "Champs de Mars"; the wrong "Champs de Mars". All the while, my Jr. Associate Missionary-Evangelist keeps telling me we should have taken the metro. So now Nathan kept bugging me to just "toughen up buttercup" and walk; it's not that far he keeps taunting!

He won; I folded; and 2 miles later (according to my trusty pedometer) at 10:15 we reached the train station right where we began. Yes, the Eiffel Tower does look cool when it sparkles with hundreds of strobe lights all over it every hour. You can actually see it as you're walking when you periodically lift your head and take your eyes off the sidewalk your on! We finally made it back and hobbled into the Linderman's home at 11:30. A day in Paris to remember!

Nathan's quote for the day: We should have taken the metro!

Our Prayer for the day: Lord, I hope we make it back before my feet give out!

The Word for the day: Crepes!

A Parting thought: What an incredible thrill and privilege to teach my son about this amazing world we live in- and show him! Thank you for sending him with me.

PARIS- DAY 3 (SUNDAY)- THIS WHY WE CAME!!!!

We are finished with day 3- already. Exhaustion, overwhelmed, amazed, and incredulous are all running through our minds right about now. There were approximately 28 individuals who made decisions for Christ. Angels rejoiced; heaven will assuredly be sweeter now. I say "approximately" because we prayed for over 75 people total; some came forward for special prayer and not for salvation or rededicate. Even in France- Paris no less- cold, indifferent, searching, oppressed and lost describe the people of Paris who are hungry for God and for a Savior who will give them a fresh start in life.

You present the gospel, help them understand what it's all about- and they receive Christ. Missions is truly amazing.

Each time I have been to Paris to minister with the Lindermans (this is my 16th revival meeting in 24 years) I have always presented the series of sermons in a theme. I have endeavored to present the theme in the form of a question? In the years past, "What will it take for Revival to come to Paris?"; and "How Must I Live as an 'End-Time' Believer?". Then each sermon preached is from that theme. My theme, or question this time is, " How Great Is Our God?" Today I spoke on, "The Revelation of God's Greatness" in the morning two services; and "Our Response to God's Greatness."

Nathan's quote for the day: Church was awesome, I spoke! (Nathan came up front, stood on the platform with me and shared for a few minutes! He did great!)

Our prayer for the day: Thank you Lord for the privilege of preaching Your Word in Paris- both of us!

Word for the day: POWERFUL

Parting thoughts: This is what it's truly all about!

PARIS- DAY 2 (SATURDAY)- GETTING READY!!!!

Nathan slept 13 hours last night- he needed it! I wasn't far behind! He has done well with all the adjustments; he is a real bonafide Jr. Missionary Evangelist!.

Today, we are getting ready for the week ahead. One may not think that preaching is difficult; however I can assure you that these services are anything but simple.

I will not only be preaching 10 sermons- in each service requires an hour drive each way into Paris, after the song service, specials from the team, then comes the preaching. A 25 minute sermon becomes a 50 minute message when there is an interrupter- er, I mean an interpreter. Then following the ministry of the Word, we invite people to come forward for prayer to receive Christ into their hearts; we pray with each person individually. Next we will invite the people to come forward to pray for healing and such. We will pray for each one of those individuals as well. By the evening's end, you are drained. You sort of brace yourself for the week ahead!

Henry & Karen's granddaughter, Chrystelle-12 (she lives in Paris), came over to stay with us for Saturday. She loves computer games- Nathan now has a great new friend! He even beat her once! I need to brush him up on cultural correctness- never beat your new host in a computer game!

Nathan's Quote for the day: Dad, this doesn't feel like Kansas anymore!

Our Prayer for the day: Lord, protect our family back in "Kansas"!

(2) Word(s) for the Day: UPSIDE DOWN!!!

Parting thoughts: Thanks for sticking with us!

PARIS- DAY 1 (FRIDAY)- WE MADE IT!!!!

Well, after a long journey- actually, not too long, we arrived in Paris ahead of schedule. We are grateful to Norhtwest Air for their prompt service in delivering us unscathed! We were tired, but unscathed. Thus Nathan began his Odyssey with "jet lag". After a few hours in Amsterdam at Schipol Airport, and a stamp in Nathan's passport- we went on to Paris.

We are to join up with a team of 14 from Southwestern University in Waxahatchi, Texas. They were to arrive in the morning, we arrived at 12:30 p.m. Each day they will be evangelizing on the streets of Paris and inviting them to the services. Our first day here was pretty much getting settled in and try our best to shake off jet lag. We managed to stay awake until it was time for bed about 10:00. (Nathan did pass out for a couple of hours about 5:00!)

Nathan's Quote for the day: We're here in one piece!

Our Prayer for the day: Lord, keep us in one piece!

Word for the Day: NUMB!

Parting thoughts: Thank you for sending us- so they will hear!

ABOUNDING HOPE GOES TO FRANCE!

Well, Nathan & I are busily packing and attending to last minute details before our flight leaves.

IF YOU WILL LOOK OVER TO THE RIGHT of this message, you will see the "Archives" section. Click there to see our messages. Continue to check back to this site for ministry and travel updates. I plan on updating daily as our trip progresses (ministry and downtime allowing)

We are believing God for many lives to be touched and changed in France thru this effort.

I covet your prayers for safety during our travels, and a freedom for God's Holy Spirit to move in the meetings this coming week.

Blessings,
Dean & Nathan