Languages

Last Sunday evening, my roommate invited me to her church's evening service. They were having a special speaker from Wycliffe Associates come and talk to them about his work in China and about the work to translate the Bible. I had the privilege of being invited to have dinner with him and another family from that church the following evening. It struck me how many languages there are out in the world that don't have a Bible or even a way of writing down their language. We take our language for granted, whereas this man is helping a people create their own alphabet/language and translate the Bible at the same time. I can understand how difficult that can be, but this man and his organization continue diligently to spread the Word. They know how important it  is to spread the gospel to all nations and all corners of the world and I can appreciate that.

The province of Quebec is considered one of the least reached areas of North America. The gospel has not been spread very successfully here and only 1% of the population here is considered to be Evangelical Christians. It can feel like a hostile place for Christians, but I know it is not as hostile as other places around the world. Some might consider it difficult to come here because of the language difference, but even our natural language (or mine at least) of English can help in some ways. It has helped me immensely that I have been able to learn the French language since coming here. But the fact that I speak English can sometimes draw people because they want to learn or practice the language. Sometimes one can share the gospel in English, but if you want to make a real connection with a person, speaking their native language can be such a blessing to you. I try to thank God every time someone gives me a compliment or comment about my French because I know I would not be here without Him. I am very thankful for how far He has brought me in this language and I hope and pray that I will not lose it. I am thankful for the lessons I am learning about language.

I will leave you with one prayer request, for my friend Edith Côté (pronounce like: coatay) and her family. I met her when I was just starting to learn French and we bonded over learning English and French. She helped me with my French and I helped her with her English, and she would come to my English Conversation events. We used to take the bus together before I moved to a different part of town. She has invited me to her house for dinner several times. I spent Christmas Dinner with her and her family, and just recently celebrated her son's 16th birthday with her and her family. I have tried talking with her about the gospel and a need for a savior. She seems open to hearing what I have to say and often agrees or says she likes those ideas, but something is still missing for her to fully commit. Please pray for me as I continue to try and minister to her and her family. Sometimes I lack the words or the courage to say something outright and I pray that God will equip me for it. I am very thankful for this friendship and this opportunity to minister to her.

Only God could have made two people from two different languages come together. God can make it become a ministry. Only God can change a person's heart. I pray that this relationship brings God the glory.

Thank you for your prayers.