In order to keep us covered in prayer, David posts a "Prayer Bulletin" every month with praises and requests. If you feel called to support us in this vital way, use the form below to have it sent directly to your inbox. Archives are included to testify of God's faithfulness!
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Leigh Family Prayer Newsletter - September 2004

August 31, 2004

"Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses." And it happened when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and that God had frustrated their plan, then all of us returned to the wall, each one to his work. And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon. As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me. And I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "The work is great and extensive, and we are separated on the wall far from one another. "At whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us." So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared. (Nehemiah 4:14-21)

This passage in Nehemiah speaks to me on many levels. Right now, I'd like to underline 2 of them:

Burden Bearers - You who pray for us are literally our "burden bearers". For that, I say THANK YOU! You may not think of yourself that way, but it's true. You take a burden off our shoulders and help us continue to be and do what God has called us to be and do. It is a crucial role you play that bridges the gap of time and geography that lies between us.

Distractions - If you know the context of this story in Nehemiah, you know that the enemies of the Jews wanted them to lose their focus; to be distracted from their rebuilding efforts. Satan likewise battles us on many levels. If he can't outright destroy us, he continues to send distractions of all kinds so that we're not effective in what God has called us to be and do.

Right now, I feel the distractions of the enemy, and at the same time I feel the call of God to overcome specific areas where the distractions of the enemy have been effective in my life. Specifically, God has called us here to Alsace and let us know that, among other things, this would be a new season requiring a new level of faith in the area of finance. Indeed this requirement is upon us right now and the anxiety that has come to the surface in my inner man (Angela doesn't have this problem), is pronounced. God is shining a light on this and asking me, "Are you standing in boldness and confidence in My love for you and your love for Me? Are you experiencing and understanding the full dimensions of My love?" (Eph 3:11-19) I have to answer, "No...not yet, Lord. But it's where I want to be and I ask You to increase my hunger for it. Thank You for continuing the good work in me that You started and for allowing things in my life that keep me dependent on You!"

Can you relate? Are there things in your life that seem like distractions from the enemy? Probably. Are you quick to thank God for opportunities to turn to Him and grow deeper in the confidence of His love? Yeah...me neither. Not right away anyway. Let's pray for each other that we would so nourish our spirits on the reality of God and our precious love relationship with Him that those trials would reveal a growing confidence and boldness in our inner man to automatically run into the embrace of our Lord!

Prayer Requests
  • Finance - As I mentioned this is a new season for us financially. We're stepping out into the "void" in a new way right now. Pray for God to receive glory in His provision for us, and for our faith to grow and my pride and anxiety to die!

  • "La Rentrée" - This is the French term for "Back to School!" The kids start on Thursday, September 2nd. There is a feeling, that we're all starting something new. We've had about a month in the new house and while the work on it is far from complete, it's time for daily life in our new place to really commence. This is significant for the kids as all three are starting a new school (a Christian School called Collège-Daniel where they will all go this year) in a new place, etc. Pray for key relationships for the kids. Continue to pray for Noah's French skills.

    This is also significant for Angela and me as it is likely that our network of relationship in the region and the Body of Christ in the region will begin in earnest in connection to this Christian school. We plan on volunteering at this school so pray that we put ourselves into the activities that God directs for us.

    Finally, this school attracts students from fairly far away as there are not many Christian schools in France. Therefore the school looks for families who live close to the school to host students from farther away for 2 nights a week. We volunteered to be such a family and it looks like we'll be hosting a young lady (a year behind Rachel) this year. We're excited to help another family out as we feel that this is part of our call in the region. Pray for God's hand on the relationship with this young lady and her family, that He would build it and direct it.

We Love You All!
David (for the rest of the family)