24h in Douai: a flying visit from Scotland

The elders of Kirkliston Community Church in Scotland, Sam and Mary Bouix’s sending church, came to Douai on the 17th-18th of March. Their incredible committment – and Ryanair’s very reasonable prices – made for a flying visit of less than 24 hours.

This ‘Godly folly’ was such a blessing to the team in Douai. The elders had been inspired to hold their 6-monthly meeting in the North. It was an opportunity for some to discover, and others to redisover, Douai and God’s work here through us. It was also a chance to step out of their own context and spend time listening to the Lord, for His direction in their role as shepherds for the church in Kirkliston.

The 24 hours were rich and very full. Discovery of/update on our church building project, currently in the midst of renovation. Times of prayer, meditation of Psalm 50 encouraging us to an attitude of thankfulness which honours God, in their circumstances as in ours. Visiting church members, a small glass of good red wine with lunch: a cultural difference that several were happy to adapt to ! Whirlwind tour of the town and some crêpes before catching the plane home.

It is eight years now since the elders of KCC prayed for us and sent us to Douai to serve the Lord with FPC. After all this time, they are not only faithful in their financial support and prayers for us. Their deep committment to and practical implication in our church-planting project are very real, and manifested clearly by such actions. What a wonderful example and blessing for us !

Samuel Bouix