Salut! [Sometimes my fingers move too fast when I write that, and it says salt. I like this.] Project is quickly coming to an end, and God has done so much here. We leave Montpellier in 6 days, and I'll be back in the States in 10 days. So crazy to think about - I've been in Montpellier for over 5 months.
We've continued to go on campus everyday the last couple of weeks. Since finals are basically over for the French students, it's hard to find people to talk to on campus. God has been providing though.
Today, I'm exhausted. Last night was our last English club. A surprising number of people came! I've been kind of feeling like all of our friends have already left Montpellier for the summer. But Fitzpatrick's Pub was packed again last night.
Adding to my physical tiredness is a spiritual and intellectual tiredness as well. Last week, Holly, Spencer, and I went to campus 3 [the liberal arts campus] and approached the only two people in the cafeteria - 2 French men. At first, I was a little uncomfortable with the idea, but Spencer was bold and initiated with them. He explained why we were there, and they graciously told us to pull up some chairs and join them.
An hour long intense conversation ensued. We mostly talked politics. Somehow Calvinism got thrown in, too, but I'm not quite sure how that happened. We exchanged numbers, but they didn't seem like the type of guys to want to hang out with us again. Oh, did I mention they don't speak any English?
Yesterday, I texted basically everyone I know to hang out before I leave. Shockingly to me [Oh, you of little faith!], one replied saying that he would be free for lunch today. So this morning, I grabbed Jonny [he speaks some French], and we headed to the university cafeteria.
We met up with him, then Melissa and Holly joined us. Almost 2.5 hours later, we had covered communism, different denominations in the church, French men, baptism, the validity of the Bible, evangelism, and probably 800 other things. My brain is fried, but it was amazing. Amazing.
Conversations like this are what I crave. What I love. Our new friend [and I can truly call him this] doesn't believe in God at all, but he's open to talking. And I trust God.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
Other great things have been happening, too. God is working in the lives of my friends here. People are taking steps toward Christ. Some are closer than others. But aren't we all on that journey?
I guess I've gotten in the habit of writing stuff that God has been teaching me lately. So here goes. Lately - the past week or so - I've really felt the darkness here. The lack of hope. The distance from God. Not my own, but just other people's. So many people here don't believe in God here. They don't believe a god exists at all. And I think that causes a darkness here that can be overwhelming at times. And I've been feeling it.
It breeds hopelessness and doubt. But even in our doubt, God is still faithful here. It's incredible and makes or faith stronger, I think.
Doubt also makes us ask real questions. Not theoretical questions that I love to ask. But real, practical questions. One must really observe their own faith. It is tested. Is it real gold or just that of a fool?
And when you find that gold, oh, how it shines! Believers here shine like stars. It's beautiful to see. That's something I'll never forget. Something I wish I could describe to you, but it's indescribable. If only you could see it with me.
"We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." - 2 Peter 1:19-20
Love.
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