Le Miracle du Jour (The miracle of the day)

Most of you around the world, especially Americans, are probably familiar with the phrase "soup du jour," or in english, "soup of the day." You know, clam chowder, cream of broccoli, chicken noodle...not incredibly exciting. Around here in the Marais, we have come to know something as "the miracle of the day" (le miracle du jour). It is quite a bit more exciting than a changing soup flavor, and has come to be a common occurence around here. It seems that God is doing so much, we cannot keep up with Him. Everyday it's something different....Here are some examples of recent "miracles du jour:"

Miracle 1: France 2, one of the 6 major stations in France and equivilent to the american CNN or FOX, called Gilles with no prompting to ask if they may tape one of our services on live TV. This would be the equivilent of CNN calling the local evangelical church in Anytown, USA and asking if they could broadcast the service live on national TV. This is major, and to top it off, they didn't just ask to tape any service, but the service of November 27, which happens to be a service where our African and Arab churches that meet after our service will be with us in one big multicultural service. This is huge!! The producer just stopped in on Friday to take a look at the sanctuary to see how the cameras will need to be set up. So as we prepare for our debut on national television (???) please pray for this event as it will have the opportunity to touch literally millions across the country and bring attention to this little outwardly insignificant church in the 4th arrondissment, Paris, France.

Miracle 2: The church building is, well, let's say, dirty and a little sad. It needs a good renovating and cleaning from the outside, because not only is it the temple of God, its also a very famous landmark and deserves to be looking her finest. Almost everyone that comes in says, "Why is it so dirty?" And we have to explain that, "Well, its been a little neglected and needs some attention." But we can't clean it, that would be way too expensive, and getting the attention of the government is more than a challenge. However, after my first service in the church, a Peruvian man approached the pastor at the end of the service and said, "I am a mason, in fact I do renovating of historical landmarks for a living along with my team. We are currently renovating a chateau in Northern France. We would be able to completely clean and renovate your building for free." Gilles almost fell over, it was such a gift from God and affirmation that He really cares about this old little church. We'll see how it turns out, but in the meantime we will rest on His promises and His provisions.

Will report soon about the next "miracle du jour."

CH

Bonjour!

I would like to welcome everyone to this site and first of all introduce myself: My name is Christina Hazel and I am from Detroit, MI USA. I am officially interning here at the Reformed Church of the Marais in Paris, France. I arrived a little over a week ago and am thoroughly loving every minute of my experience here. I am 22 and just finished my degree in French and Studio Art. I was able to spend last year as well in Paris where I lived with a host family and took classes. I have had a heart for ministry in France for a very long time and am so blessed to be able partner with such a dynamic church and pastor in the heart of Paris.

One of my various tasks this year will be to regularly update this Blog so that those of you around the world who are praying for this church will be up-to-date with everything that is going on here. We are so blessed to have so many people interested in what seems to be outwardly an insignificant church, but where in the spiritual realm God is planning a huge move of His spirit. On the behalf of Pastor Gilles and his wife Aude, we bless you in the name of Jesus and thank you again for your interest in "praying for Paris."