Dear Friends
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. As human beings, we tend to rely on ourselves and our own wisdom to direct us through the maze of life. The Lord is gracious and often lets us get on with it in this way. But there are times when we are just left in complete obscurity, and we must totally trust Him who is infinitely wise and powerful. He is faithful and will lead the way ahead.
That’s very much how this last couple of years have been for us. He did not leave us any choice and we have had to learn to trust him in all our ways, and to stop leaning on our own wisdom. Step by step he is leading the way. It is stressful at times, but also exciting.
God willing, we are planning to move at the beginning of August in order to give ourselves more time to settle down before Jean-Baptiste starts school. Thank you for your partnership in the gospel through your prayers and practical support. We are all looking forward to the move, and excited at the prospect of settling down in Guingamp and serving the Lord there. Here is the latest news.
Support
We are very grateful to the churches and Christians who have promised to support us financially. We have not yet reached the level of support we need to go to Brittany in August and would ask you to pray that our remaining support will come together soon. If you can help, or if you know anyone who has a heart for France, please contact UFM. You can pledge any amount and, if you pay tax, Gift Aid will add a significant amount to your gifts.
Deputation
Over the last couple of months, Emmanuel has been travelling the length and breadth of Wales, sometimes crossing the border to England and speaking in both English and Welsh speaking churches. Some were small, others big. But they all had one factor in common: their prayerfulness. It has been a humbling experience to meet so many Christians and to see their zeal for prayer. We are grateful to have so many praying for us as we prepare to move to Guingamp.
There are still a few meetings in the coming weeks:
- 9th June: Heath Evangelical Church, Cardiff.
- 16th June: Emmanuel Evangelical Church, Newport.
- 23rd June: Libanus Evangelical Church, Morriston.
- 7th July: Lampeter Evangelical Church, Lampeter.
- 14th July: St Mellons Baptist Church, Cardiff.
House hunting trip
We spent the week from 31st May to 4th June in Guingamp to look for a house to rent. We camped in Begar, a few miles north of Guingamp in a quiet campsite. The weather was fine, except for the Tuesday when we had a lot of rain showers. But our old tent resisted the assaults of two young boys, and the Brittany rain. It was good to be there and get to know the area. We were also able to have lunch with Emmanuel and Maria Hartiel every day, and it was good to get to know each other better.
We visited two houses and one flat. One appointment had to be cancelled at the last minute because Maxime had hurt himself and we had to take him to the hospital. He is doing fine now. The first house was in a great location, right in the centre of Pabu, a small village about 2 miles from Guingamp. There was a school around the corner, a library… The school was bilingual Breton/French, which could have been interesting. But some of the rooms were very small.
The second house was our dream house: four big bedrooms, a good location, brand new as well (in fact it is still being built). We had a look around the building site with the landlord who was very friendly. He told us several people were interested and that he would let us know by the end of the week. We haven’t heard from him yet, so must assume that he has found someone else.
The flat was amazing. It was huge (130 m²…), with high ceilings in an old building. It was right in the centre of town, a few hundred yards from the train station. There was a big loft under the roof. It is still a valid option, but can we live in a flat after living in a small house for a few years?
Then, after coming back, an agency got in touch with us to tell us about a three bedrooms house in Pabu. It is a recent build, and the rent is reasonable. We have asked Emmanuel and Maria Hartiel to have a look at it for us.
Thank you for your prayers.
Keeping in touch
There are various ways you can keep in touch with us. The regular newsletter will keep you updated on our progress, and will give you fuel for your prayers. We also have had some prayer cards printed for you to put in your Bible, or on your fridge. You should receive one through the post if you have given us your address. If you haven’t, please let us know and we’ll send you one. We are also on facebook (www.facebook.com/erdurand), and have started a blog to record our progress and keep you updated on a more regular basis (www.erdurand.com).
Finally, there should be a commissioning Service in the Heath Evangelical church on Monday 12th July at 19:30. If you can make it, it would be great to see as many as possible for this special event.
Thank you to all of you who are keeping in touch with us. Your friendship is precious. We will keep you updated on our progress.
Yours in Him,
Emmanuel, Esther, Jean-Baptiste and Maxime
“It is a pleasure to commend Emmanuel and Esther and the children to you as they prepare to go to serve the Lord in Brittany. Emmanuel has visited many churches to present the Gospel challenges and spiritual needs in Brittany and already their support team is coming together. Emmanuel and Esther are well-equipped to minister in Brittany and to join the small team of workers based in Guingamp. We are keen that they should be able to go, as planned, in August in time to settle in before the new school year begins. Please join us in praying that their remaining support will soon come together.”
Peter Milsom - Director of UFM Worldwide
