May 2009 Prayer Letter

May 2009 Greetings from Montauban…

The Lord’s Supper on Resurrection Sunday I was shocked a few weeks ago as I listened to a favorite on-line radio program, the White Horse Inn. Michael Horton, the host, was citing a study done in the United States: “Barna research reported that 39% of the general population expressly denies the resurrection. But astonishingly, 35%... of those who identify themselves as evangelical born again Christians also deny the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (Sunday April 12, 2009, http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/The_White_Horse_Inn/archives.asp?bcd=4/12/2009 ). My reaction, however, was not surprise about how little American “Christians” believe in the resurrection of Jesus, but how many of them do believe it! Why, you may ask, would I be surprised to learn that a large majority of American Christians believe that Jesus was raised from the dead? The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians says that if Jesus is not raised from the dead, than our faith is futile and “we are to be pitied more than all men.” (1 Corinthians 15:17-19) But just a week before listening to the White Horse Inn, I had read an article citing a similar survey done in France. Here are the results: Only 13 % of those who call themselves “Catholic” believe in the resurrection of the dead. In the same group, 21% believe in reincarnation, a higher percentage even than the French average (20%) according to a study by the French Pollster TNS-Sofres. (April 7, 2009, lepoint.fr http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-societe/2009-04-07/sondage-seuls-13-descatholiques-croient-a-la-resurrection/920/0/333110 )  “Christians” in France are to be pitied more than all men. Pray that pastors and teachers in the French Church would preach and teach faithfully the good news that Jesus is alive. Pray that they would have courage to teach the truth in the face of popular societal beliefs. Pray that the French Church would be strengthened by the Word of Truth and that many would come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Home Ministry Assignment (HMA) Our Home Ministry Assignment (HMA) will begin in September. A year-long HMA will give us the opportunity to re-connect with you. We will be needing a car during this time. If you or someone you know might have a car (or a motorcycle?!!) we could borrow, would you let us know?  Please pray for wisdom as we make living arrangements and schedule visits and activities for the year to come.

Pastoral Search Continues… The Montauban church continues to look for a new pastor. In God’s providence, there are no pastors available to begin this coming Fall; however there are three candidates for the job starting in September 2010. The church council will be meeting with these men this month and in June.  Please continue to ask God to bring the right man to pastor the Montauban church. Pray

for wisdom and patience for the church council, which is charged with this responsibility. Pray for the church to grow in faith and love as they wait on God for a new pastor.

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement, In Christ,

Mark & Marti Mylin Serving with Greater Europe Mission 18950 Base Camp Road Monument CO 80132 1800-436-4488