Today’s update was written from Normandy, France, by Josh Wright, a History graduate, and by Isabella McCoy, a senior Youth Ministries major from Pensacola Christian College.
Here in Normandy, we can see preparations everywhere for the 80th anniversary of D-Day which will take place on June 6, 2024. This morning, our team was able to visit Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery in Normandy. Josh Wright wrote about his experiences there:
The missions team began the morning with a wonderful French breakfast that was followed by a devotional from Pastor Hossack. After breakfast, the team had the privilege of visiting Omaha Beach as well as the American Cemetery. It was truly a fascinating experience which showed everyone the true price of freedom. The missions team found a new appreciation for those who served in this important moment in history. The individuals who lost their lives in defense of freedom will truly hold a special place in all of our hearts. In the afternoon, we enjoyed a lunch that was a followed by a spontaneous moment of worship that spiritually enriched the team. Later, the team was split into two groups. The first team was dedicated to spreading out literature throughout the surrounding area. They were able to assist the local pastor with spreading the Good News through gospel literature, including copies of the Gospel of Luke with a special D-Day themed cover. The second team gathered together to rehearse for upcoming performances in France and Italy. In the evening, we gathered together to enjoy a delicious meal which the team greatly needed after a long day. We are all grateful for what the Lord has provided and what He will continue to provide. Please continue to pray for the team as we continue to reach individuals for Christ.
After lunch at Pastor Hossack’s church in Bayeux, our team split into two groups. Isabella McCoy shared what her group worked on:
The highlight of today for me was a spontaneous time of worship among my fellow team members and me. We passed around the guitar and took turns picking hymns while enjoying the fellowship of each other. This time not only allowed us to connect on a deeper level, but prepared our hearts for the ministry opportunities we would be involved in the rest of the afternoon. While one half of our team traveled further into Normandy to begin distribution of Bible literature, a group of us headed back to our lodging in Cahagnes.
Back at our home base for this week, Pastor Didier led a group of 13 of us in prayer. Then we began working on several musical pieces for an upcoming concert we are hosting in Italy. This concert will feature several hymns and musical works such as Amazing Grace, and O Sacred Head Now Wounded in both Italian and English. We also practiced Behold Our God in French for ministry in a church in Paris this weekend.
While learning to sing in French and Italian has not been easy, it is amazing to think that in less than a week’s time, our singing group will have the opportunity to share the love of Christ through song. Our practice today consisted of rehearsing each song’s melody, going over French pronunciation, and solidifying the message of each song. We often laugh at our attempt to pronounce difficult words, but it has been a challenge both satisfying and fulfilling. God has blessed our team with countless opportunities to further His name, but I am most grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my team worshiping Him through song.
Keep us in your prayers as we continue to practice for our concert in Italy.
- That our music would be a blessing to both the French and Italian people
- That our practices would continue to be profitable and pleasing to the Lord
- And that finally, souls would be pointed to Christ through our ministry