The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing;
he frustrates the plans of the peoples.
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,
the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Psaume 33:10-12

A famous socialist, a favored evolutionist and a forgotten theologian

Dear friends,

Curiously, several anniversaries of famous men who shaped French thought coincide this year. Various initiatives to honor their legacies are currently underway and can be observed in different cultural venues.

For starters, 2009 has been declared by our city as the Year of Jean Jaurès, a famous French socialist statesman who spent significant time in Toulouse (most French cities have a main boulevard named after him); currently, his face can be seen on billboards around town, with activities planned to commemorate 150 years since his birth. There is a famous picture of him "preaching" to the crowds under a red flag.

Charles Darwin, another French hero, celebrates his 200th birthday this year, as well as the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species. Although English by birth, Darwin has been adopted by the French as a key figure worth celebrating, and this year, significant effort is being put forth to champion his cause.

However, along with these figures remembered in 2009, we can add another Frenchman, who sadly receives much less public recognition, despite it being the 500th anniversary of his birth, with his enormous and lingering contribution to European culture: John Calvin, exiled pastor and theologian, who spent most of his productive years in Geneva, unwelcome in his own country.

Thus, 2009 features a famous socialist, a favored evolutionist and a forgotten theologian. Considering the way each is remembered affords a good insight into the French mindset and worldview, and reminds us of the need, more than ever, to herald the truth.

Hebrews 13 reminds us to "remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." Pray that we in France may imitate the bold, word-proclaiming, God-honoring faith of past heroes knowing that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Fortunately, the final bestowment of honor and recognition will be granted, not by today's experts in their limited and fluctuating appraisal of mankind, but by the Ruler of history who has said : "Those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed" (1 Sam 2.30). May 2009 be especially dedicated to honoring Christ and seeing his already triumphant cause advance.

--------

Our family is doing well. Rebecca has two more months to go before delivery (and deliverance). Simeon, Etienne and Lydia are regular and joyful playmates. We are still hoping to move into a bigger place (currently in a 670 sq. ft apartment), but the slow market has afforded no prospective buyers yet. We pray that God would fill us with us patience, faith and wisdom.

We benefited from my sister Gina's visit in January. During the same month, I joined up with other pastors for an annual retreat -- a good time of encouragement and planning. Shortly after, we traveled up to Lille, where I taught at the Bible Institute.

In Toulouse, the church continues to progress -- we have noticed recently a growing number of children, which has required increased effort, organisation and sacrifice on behalf of all those involved. With the growth, may God grant increased unity and purity throughout the whole church body. We have scheduled a particular evangelistic push in March, and will be treating the themes of France's motto: "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity."

With gratitude for your prayers and support,

Sam and family