Sunday #2 is histoire!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Big day # 2! This was our second and final Sunday here in Paris. Even though we have pretty much beaten jet lag- it’s now almost time to go home! But what a special day this was. This is our very dear friend Ita. She has been helping watch after Lauren this week.

Of course we had three services- and in each of them- the God of miracles met us in a special way. While our series of these special meetings is about the miracles of God- the focus is not on the miracles- but rather the God of miracles and how He makes a difference in our lives through miracles. Many have made decisions to make Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior- and that is what this is all about.



We have known Mami' & his dear wife Helia' for over 20 years now. After the 2 morning services, they prepared a sumptuous “Cous- Cous” dinner for us. If you have never had this Moroccan / Parisian delight- then you have missed it. It is a “grainy meal” cooked with chunks of beef, merguez (a spicy little sausage), big carrots, potatoes, onions, zucchini, and chick peas. All with a special broth like sauce with a little kick to it! You simply cannot leave Paris without having a Cous-Cous dinner!



The afternoon service at 3:30 was packed- again I’m sure to hear Lauren- and the response to the message was awesome. Lauren even played in the Kids Hand Bell Choir! This dear lady, Madeleine, gave Lauren some special gifts. These people are so very giving and loving!

Now, perhaps I have to defend my rights here as a dad. I know I have gone on at length about Lauren on each of these blogs. Ya- so what?!?! Er, I mean... well- I do have rights you know. Yes, I know I went on and on about Nathan when he was with me in Paris- but I reserve the right to go on about Lauren this time. It really is quite an accomplishment for her- no matter how you slice it.

We are proud of our kids- I mean all of us- for all our kids. They indeed are a gift from God. I truly do think your kids (if this applies) are pretty special too. We are so very blessed to have friends and family like you! We do appreciate every one of you and thank God for you. Your prayers mean more than you know- and I know I always say that- because it’s true!

Lauren’s Lines: Another big day behind us! I think the word of the day would be “blessed!” Thank you to all of my friends who are praying for me- I really appreciate it! And tomorrow- we are going to conquer Paris and go up in the Eifel Tower- IF it doesn’t rain again!

May 16, 2009

Saturday it was a visit to the Castle of Versailles! It was a rainy day around here so we got some much needed rest, worked on the blog site (while Lo watched “Akeelah and the Bee”), prepared for our big day tomorrow, and went to the famous Castle of Versailles. We saw where all the royal kings and queens ate, slept, and lived (and even died)!



Lauren has a new show she would like to do called, “On the Spot with Lauren Elliott”. It is reporting from her world travels to you! Go figure! Kind of fun! I’ll let you be the judge.

Lauren's Lines- Well, this is where all that “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” and stuff like that happened! Very cool!

I'm so proud!

May 15, 2009

Another great service at the church. I am so very proud of Lauren. It’s not an easy schedule for anyone to keep and she has done remarkably well! She has not missed one beat (no punn intended) and she doesn't want to go home! But that's because I haven't talked about Maizie (our boxer)!!! I think her pictures and videos say it all!!



Lauren’s Lines- I hope we get to go up in the Eifel Tower tomorrow! Only a few days left in Paris! Oh no!!!!! Tonight I sang- “Here I am to worship.”

On the streets of Paris!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009-

Paris! Well today is a day to meet Paris! After a losing battle of jet lag verses getting up early- we had lunch and took off for Paris. It all starts out at the train station in Versailles near where the Lindermans live. 30 minutes later we arrive at Notre Dame. Our first stop is the doll shop. Each time I have been coming to Paris ever since Lauren was old enough to appreciate dolls- I have brought her home a doll from this particular doll shop. We found out what I had suspected for a couple of years now and the lady at the doll shop said they were no longer selling these particular ceramic dolls because the doll factory was out of business. So we simply had to buy 2 this time!



After a stop at one of the finer eating establishments of Paris (as you can see above) it was of to Notre Dame across the River Seine. As we walked, it began to drizzle; the drizzle turned into a drazzle and then into a down pour; and of course we left both umbrellas at home. Ironically we found refuge in the one of the grandest churches in the world. So we enjoyed a special concert- in Latin, and we toured the inside of the cathedral- very slowly until it stopped raining.



Next we were off to the Tour Eifel. However our plans of going up on the Eifel Tower were spoiled due to the low ceiling of fog and smog. So we went on a delightful river cruise down the River Seine and we learned a bit about the history of Paris.

Lauren’s Lines- The Eifel Tower was cool! I can’t wait to go up in it and really see all of Paris at once!

Do you know the God of miracles?

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 After a good day of rest- whompin on jet lag (though it still tries to rear its ugly head) and a good time of prayer and study- we had a great service on Tuesday evening! In each of the services we have a time of worship, then Lauren sings, I preach, and we give an altar call for salvation.

So far many have made commitments to ask Christ into their hearts. Then we ask if there are those who would like to come forward for special prayer- for a healing touch, for deliverance, or just simply for a touch from the Lord. While Henry Linderman (the missionary/pastor) and I certainly do not have any special abilities- we pray, and ask the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. Many have been touched as we pray each night.

Each time I am in Paris, I present a theme for the entire revival by way of a question. My theme or question for this time is, “Do you know the God of miracles?” Each service I present a different question about God and His miracle working powers. Thus far each service has been electrified with His undeniable anointing and miracles.

Lauren’s Lines- Tonight I sang “Shout to the Lord”. This has been the fastest week in my entire life! I hope it slows down!

Rest, rest and more rest!!!

Monday, May 11, 2009

Monday was a day of rest. Thank the Lord for rest.

Lauren’s Lines- Yea for rest! I love it!

The Big Big Day!!!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Sunday is always an enormous day. We start at 7:30 a.m. and do not get home until about the same time in the evening! That’s a lot for a 9 year old- not too mention a 49 year old!!! The first Sunday is always the hardest because you are, generally speaking, still battling jet lag. It’s not good when you are not a morning person to begin with- but when both of you are not morning people- oh brother!!!

The first service is always good for a dry run! The people are dry, you are dry and your sermon is dry! But the second service there are rivers flowing!!! After a nice lunch break- the afternoon service begins at 3:30. Most of the services have been packed out- I think to see Lauren!

It was cold that morning- so hence the new fashion- a blanket!

Lauren’s Lines- After Sunday- I was really tired out but happy to have the opportunity to sing for the Lord! I sang our theme song “Your Name”, I also played the piano and sang “Worthy is the Lamb” and “Your Love Oh Lord.” And hi to Kimmy, Amanda and good old Ethan- my buddies across the street at home!!! I am almost finished with the list of things to find and get! Also thanks for the bag and the book- I really enjoy them and they work great!!!! :) Hi to everyone at school too!

Our first service!

Friday, May 8, 2009 Our first service was on Friday evening (the services during the week are from 8-10 pm) and the people welcomed us in royal fashion. Both Nathan and Brenda have been to Paris and met most of the congregation. Brenda was with me several years ago and Nathan came just 3 years ago. Now it was Lauren’s turn to make her debut. We want to thank those again who were so generous to help send her. As I have said- the investment you have made in her for this trip in your prayers and sacrificial giving- will pay tremendous dividends. In fact they have indeed already begun!

This is a picture of a very dear friend, Sister Christian, whom I have known for many years at the church. Normally when we are here in Paris, we have 11 or 12 services over a 2 week period. However due to the landlords refusal to rent their building out except for the normal times when the church meets- we are only able to do just that. So- we are having services on Sunday (2 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon) on Tuesday evening, and on Friday evening. This time there will be a total of 10 services.

Thank you for praying for us for each of these services. We are fighting jet lag, fatigue, different food and water, the weather, allergies, and even car sickness! The devil wants to stir up as much havoc as possible- and we need your prayer covering. But he cannot win! There was a lady who came forward for prayer and then we began to lay hands on her and pray in the name of Jesus- she began to let out a shrill scream of despair. After a short time of prayer- she finally gave a sigh of relief and had just experienced the delivering power of the Savior.

Lauren’s Lines- I was so glad to meet everybody! My singing went well- but it was a little unusual singing to people who didn’t understand me. There are many people who do understand English though. Our theme some for the week is “Your Name” (…is a strong and mighty tower…).

Lauren is in Paris!!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Despite the cramped seats in the sardine class, no sleep, and only one temperature- HOT on the plane, we arrived in Paris not too much worse for the wear. This is where the battle of jet lag and excitement take hold! Lauren has a pretty good idea of how to sum up jet lag- YUK!!!!

We apologize for the delay in getting our blog up and running- but I have had some trouble getting the video clips to load up correctly. AND perhaps the real reason may be that jet lag has attacked me this time in a more vociferous manner than usual and all I can say is… YUK!!!

When you normally arrive from the east- it is important to try and stay up for that entire day and then retire after supper to get a good night’s sleep. Most of the time when you do that- you have overcome jet lag and you are fairly good to go from then out. Well- I succumbed to a short nap for a couple of hours and Lauren stayed up all day. In fact- she stayed up until almost midnight! We both went to bed and I think we both missed the next day almost entirely! And we haven’t been able to get completely turned around quite yet!

Lauren’s Lines- Uncomfortable says it all! That’s what the trip over here was like! But it was a beautiful thing when we got here!