The Quebecois call their province “the beautiful province,” and I’ve found it to be exactly that. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my travels through this province. I started in the SW and then headed north along the St. Lawrence River for my second meeting. My third meeting required that I go SW along the River again. I ministered in Mike Webster’s church last Wed and then again on Sunday morning. Dick Teachout, a stewardship representative for BI, pastored this church for a number of years, so it was good to see this work. I enjoyed getting to know the Websters and their work in this city which is so full of historical significance for Quebec (more on that later).
As I ministered with the Websters, I quickly came to realize that the composition of this church is quite unique. Among the believers are 4 missionary families (the Websters, the Garrises, and two families in language school), a Quebec couple working in a translation ministry based in the church, and a former linguistics professor. So, I enjoyed being able to speak to Americans, linguists, translators, and of course, Quebecois.
The translation ministry is called “Editions Ekklesia.” I’ve come to realize that the French people are truly deprived of conservative Christian resources. They have much more than the minority languages of the world, but that doesn’t say a whole lot. While I was there, Mrs. Webster, Guy (the former linguistics professor), and Sylvie (whose with EE) were working on the translation of Berg’s Changed into His Image. I’m thankful for the opportunity to see a translation ministry of a different sort, and I’m glad I was able to offer some suggestions. This ministry needs prayer that the churches will get behind them fully so that they can produce much needed resources for the edifying of the Body.
On Friday Mike took me to the old area of Quebec city. We were able to tour the Museum of French America where we learned much about the Catholics’ founding of the city. The first bishop, Francois de Laval, did much to gain control over the people, even after the French lost the battle to the British. He founded the University of Laval, the third oldest university in North America. The greed and emptiness of Catholicism were quite evident. Many of the Quebecois are so disgusted with this religion that they have jettisoned all religion. In fact, some of the French swear words evidence this, since they profane even the words for the instruments of worship.
It was refreshing, however, to visit the exhibition of the Huguenots. After the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685, the Huguenots faced great persecution, but thankfully, some remained true to the faith. In this exhibit the musuem stated some of the core truths of Protestantism–the sole authority of the Word of God and the equal access of the believer to His God. What a stark contrast to what we saw in the other exhibits!
While in Quebec city we were also able to visit the Canadian Bible Society, where we came across a treasure trove of technical French resources. I was able to stock up on some for my use and for the use of our French consultants, and I plan on going back later this month as I travel back through there.
The Lord gave me a great morning of ministry last Sunday morning in Webster’s church. I preached on Psa. 19 in the morning service, and then did my Prov 2 lesson in SS. But instead of teaching out of my French Bible as I do in the US (to give the believers a sense of what it’s like to have to listen to Scripture in another language as many around the world do), I used my English Bible. Though the French translating was more difficult for me, I think it went well.
I had to drive all afternoon to head south to Laval, which is near Montreal. I think the combination of fatigue and pride (because I thought I had this French thing down), I had a hard time preaching. But the Lord helped me through, and I think I was able to connect with the people. The Q/A time felt more like a linguistics course, because the people had many language-related questions. It was a blessing to minister in Paul Pelletier’s church, especially since they support BI and since Paul’s wife’s parents were members of my uncle’s church a number of years ago.
John Van Gelderen is coming to Laval later this week, so Steve Faucette (I’m staying at his house now and will be speaking at his church on Wed) were able to pass out some literature yesterday. The Lord gave us a couple opportunities to share the gospel. Please pray for God’s working in these hearts and in the meetings.
Today I’m going to tour Montreal with some friends. I’m looking forward to seeing this diverse, cosmopolitan city which is actually situated on a large island. Tomorrow I get to minister in English in Faucette’s church, since they have an English ministry. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s strength.
I’m so thankful for His provision and protection. It was a blessing to eat with the Rob Spare family yesterday. I was very encouraged when their two oldest boys (ages 4 and 6) volunteered to give my monetary gifts toward my ministry out of their own allowances. What a blessing to see their giving hearts for the work of the Lord! Please keep praying for God’s provision and protection.