Dauner News Update May 27, 2008
Break Down Our Walls
Break Down Our Walls: The Story of Joshua is the title of the evangelistic musical comedy performed by our young people’s groups on Friday, May 23. The cast of thirty-four, ranging in age from tots to teens, reenacted the story of the fall of Jericho, flashing back to the call of Abraham and the giving of the Law. The message of the play directed by Diana Hutchinson and of the lyrics written by Prisca expressed the necessity of breaking down the walls of rebellion that separate us from God.
The 80-minute play was attended by a packed house at our local chapel, including a couple of dozen people who stood in the aisles and on the sidewalk. I would estimate that a full 50% of the audience was comprised of first-time visitors invited by members of the church. One sister brought 27 members of her extended family!
Highlights of Church Life during the Month of May
These are events that I usually do not feature in my E-mail newsletters. They will give you an idea of some of the “ordinary” activities of a typical month in the life of the Marseilles church.
• CEM Preaching Debut
Our two CEM young men, Justin Smith and Raphaël Enderlé, presented their first Sunday morning sermons at the Marseilles church. (It was Raphaël’s first public speaking ever before the entire community.) Both were outstanding. After completing the year at CEM, Justin plans to study Bible at Harding University in Arkansas.
• Long-prepared Baptism
Katia Gascon’s first contact with the Marseilles church dates from 1995, and she has been regularly attending services and a home Bible study for several years. Just when we were beginning to despair of her ever taking the decisive step of conversion, she announced her desire to receive Christian baptism. She was baptized in the presence of the whole church on Sunday, May 25.
• Wedding Explosion (NOT Ordinary)
This spring, wedding bells are ringing, ringing, ringing. Five couples with ties to the Marseilles church (either members, camp workers or former CEM students) are tying the knot during the months of May and June. Two more church members are planning their wedding in our chapel on October 4.
• Teen-Initiated Project
The teens organized an Italian Dinner at the church to raise money for children of the Naples, Italy church who will be attending Harmony Bible Camp in July. The funds (about $400) will help pay their transportation costs.
• Evangelism in Song
Chorale Harmonie’s outreach ministry this month: the musical play Break Down Our Walls, an evangelistic concert in the south part of town, a concert at a new retirement home in the neighborhood, singing at the wedding of a member of our young adults group.
• Neighborhood Bible Study Groups
Every Saturday afternoon, I teach one of two biweekly Bible study groups at two local catholic parishes. This is the first year that I have been entrusted with sole responsibility for these groups. There are three or four other small group studies led by Greg, Philippe or Guy during the week.
• Committee of “Servants” Meeting
This is a new feature in the life of the Marseilles church: a regular get-together of the twelve members chosen by the congregation to take responsibility for certain aspects of church life (children’s Bible classes, benevolence, maintenance, etc.).
Well, the list could go on because May is a particularly active month.
However, as busy as May is, it is simply a warm-up for the four major events of June-July:
• work week at Bonnefoi Retreat Center,
• Christian on Mission Summer Session,
• Ten-Year Reunion for CEM graduates,
• Harmony Bible Camp.
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9.4.)
We bless God for not only revealing to us his Purpose for humanity and integrating us into it, but also for allowing us to collaborate with Him as He directs it toward its final consummation. May that day come soon and bring endless joy to those who love and serve Him.
Max and Prisca Dauner