un californien à paris

The French Finleys' 3rd Quarter Update

Officiating a wedding always affords time to reflect on the beautiful transformation that God through Jesus effects in broken human lives.  This July, Karen and I had the privilege to serve Audrey Domboy and Jason Falck on their wedding day.  Audrey has been a part of our life and ministry for over 10 years.  Her wedding was for us a celebration of the promise of the Gospel.  Marriage at its best is Gospel reenactment, a picture of Christ’s sacrificial love for us.  Audrey’s story reminds us of God’s faithfulness to do what he has promised.  As we look back over the last decade, we can see that his love and grace make us beautiful even as we get older.  It gives us hope for the glorious future he is preparing for us.  I tell Audrey’s story in this letter to celebrate the renewal of the beauty our Creator has always intended for us.  You can download the .pdf file here:  Download 3rdQuarter2010

Journey Corps: Lovers, Learners, and Leaders

Journey Corps - Lovers, Learners, Leaders from Chris Wynn on Vimeo.

Here's the first of several videos that Chris Wynn is developing for Journey Corps.  Many of these images feature the work our French-American team did in May 2010.

Santa Cruz Faith

 

I interviewed my friend Andy Lewis on Missions on the Frontline about his experience planting Faith Community Church in downtown Santa Cruz, California.  You can listen to the interview here.

The French Finleys' 2nd Quarter Update

I'm back from my latest visit to West Africa.  You can read about our international team's adventures in our recent update letter, available for you to download here (.pdf):  Download 2ndQuarter2010

 
   

The French Finleys' 1st Quarter Update

 
To download the .pdf file of the French Finleys' 1st Quarter Update, click on the following link: Download 1stQuarter2010.

Valentine's Day Radio Show

Listen to my Valentine's Day radio show here on Missions on the Frontline.

On the Radio

 
I was interviewed on the show Missions on the Frontline.  You can listen to the interview here.

Christmas Card

Dear Friends,

Seasons Greetings from the French Finleys here in wintery Denver, where the temperature hasn't broken the freezing point in over a week.  We want to wish you a very merry Christmas before we head off to sunny southern California and Arizona to spend time with Jonathan's family. 

We've spent the end of 2009 adjusting to Colorado life and have begun to make our mark here ... and not just in the snow.  Below are a few bullet points to help you navigate our current presence in this world (and on the www) and give you a sense of what 2010 might hold for us.

• Jonathan is working in the President's Office at WorldVenture's international headquarters. Dr. Hans Finzel, President/CEO, is mentoring Jonathan for broader leadership within the organization.  Jonathan is grateful for this precious relational empowerment and for Hans' friendship.

• Jonathan continues to actively serve the French-speaking world, creating transnational mission initiatives between France and West Africa.  In May, he will again be leading a French-American team of 15+ people to serve the Bethel Bible Institute.  He is currently working with a dynamic young team to create a new leadership training community called Journey Corps in Bouaké, Côte d'Ivoire.  Check out Journey Corps' new website!

• Karen is teaching French kindergarten at Denver Montclair International School, where our boys attend.  She is thriving in this highly stimulating multi-lingual, multi-cultural context.  Her classroom will be featured in the school's 2010 promotional video.

• T H E  reason we are in the USA is to raise additional financial support in order to return to Paris just as soon as possible.  We are currently $1500 per month under-supported and feeling the ecconomic pinch.  If we are not fully supported by March 2010, we will be forced to wait another school year before returning home to France.  If you would like to join our support team or increase your giving, you can do so on WorldVenture's website.

• There are many ways for you to track with us over the next year:  1) Become our facebook friends (Karen's FB, Jonathan's FB), 2) Subscribe to Jonathan's blog, 3) Read our update letters.

• Today is Michaël's 6th birthday.  This morning, we shot this video of him opening his presents.  It's an intimate window into our frenchy family life.  Even if you don't understand French, it will make you laugh.

The French Finleys wish you grace and peace in this Christmas season and a wonderful 2010!  May you celebrate Jesus' 1st coming and yearn for his return.  Maranatha !

With deep respect and love,

The French Finleys

 
 

The French Finleys' Fourth Quarter Update

Download the PDF of the French Finleys' Fourth Quarter Update by clicking on this link 4thquarterUpdate2009

or

Click on the images below to read this same 2 page update in your browser.

Happy Thanksgiving !  The French Finleys are grateful for your friendship !

 

Download the PDF of French Finleys' Fourth Quarter Update by clicking on this link 4thquarterUpdate2009

La joie de Jésus

Jésus dit que la joie est comme le labeur d’une femme qui accouche.  La joie est comme le labeur.  Elle est comme l’accouchement d'un bébé.  On ne peut pas l’arrêter.  J’ai déjà eu le privilège à trois reprise de voir une femme accoucher…d’une manière très intime.  Il y a une chose que je sais sans doute :  personne peut arrêter les labeurs d’une femme. 

Nos trois fils sont venus au moment inattendu… Surtout Samuel, mon fils aîné.  À l’époque, je servais comme pasteur adjoint à l’Eglise Evangélique de Nogent-sur-marne.  Nos trois fils sont né à Nogent.   Je voulais bien sûr prévoir du temps libre afin de bien vivre l’heureux avènement.  J’avais vidé mon agenda autour de la date prévue… Pour le faire, j’avais aussi accepté d’avantage de responsabilités avant cette fameuse date.  Samuel est né avec 6 semaines d’avance, le 22 nov. 2000…juste avant Noël en plus.  On a gardé Karen à la clinique Armand Brillard pendant 17 jours.  J’avais 5 prédications à préparer en Nov et Déc.  Je ne pouvais pas dire à Karen, « Arrête toi.  J’ai trop de boulot.  Attends le mois prochain quand j’ai plus de temps… comme j’ai prévu.   Elle ne pouvait attendre 5 minutes de plus.  En fait, sa vie était en danger.  Elle était mourante.  Il faillait que le bébé sorte … tout de suite.  Alors, en Nov et Dec 2000, c’était avec douleur et joie à la fois que j’ai donné naissance à trois prédications à l’hôpital Brillard à Nogent-sur-marne.  Il était l’heure !

Si on rencontre le Christ Ressuscité, on a de la joie.  La joie provient comme le labeur d’une femme qui accouche.  On ne peut l’arrêter. 

télécharger la suite:  Download La Joie de Jesus