• Bringing the Vision into Focus — “Delight thyself also in the Lord: and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Psalm 37:4).
What begins as a God-shaped desire often seems hazy at first. But through faithful obedience, this vision grows clearer. There are conversations that sharpen it. There are prayers that steady it. There are affirmations that confirm it.
This month, the Lord used His people to bring our calling into sharper focus.
Just this past weekend, we had the privilege of visiting four different churches (including our own). We shared in a Sunday School class, during a morning service, and around a lunch table. Each setting gave us an opportunity to discuss the call God has placed on our lives to mission work in France.
I’ve delighted in laboring alongside brothers and sisters who care about the nations. We are continually reminded that missions is the shared obedience of all of God’s people.
• Partnership Progress — We’ve crossed over major milestones that we want to celebrate with you this month. The Missions Advisory Committee of the Baptist Missionary Association of America voted unanimously to recommend us to our association of churches for missionary service. We are grateful for the confidence, counsel, and accountability they are giving us as we move forward. This step lays a crucial foundation for long-term faithfulness and healthy oversight.
Financially, we see the Lord providing. A third of the base funding we need to begin our work in France has been provided. This early provision strengthens our confidence that the Lord is at work ordering our steps.
Our prayer is that God would raise up 130 giving partners to walk alongside us. So far, we’re 10% of the way there.
In whatever amount families, individuals, and churches are able to contribute regularly, 130 committed partners give us the stability to serve in the long haul. Sustainable mission work requires a broad, faithful base of support.
Would you prayerfully consider becoming one of those 130 partners?
The best way to give is by sending a check with “Bremers to France” in the memo line to BMA Global. You can learn more about what partnership looks like at our website.
If your church would like to schedule a visit, our family would love to come share with you about our future work and the gospel need in France.
• The Middle Child in Missions — When we talk about mission work, certain places naturally come to mind. Some nations are closed and dangerous. Others are exploding with revival and growth. We’re called to a part of the world that sits quietly in the middle.
While historically Christian (at least in name), France today represents the heart of secularism. In many rural areas, gospel-preaching churches are few and scattered. Less than one percent of the population, which represents a faithful remnant, often feels isolated. When I look at the work of the Apostle Paul, I’m reminded that he didn’t just plant churches; he returned to strengthen them (Acts 14:21-23). We desire to see the whole world reached. In doing so, we cannot neglect the places where strengthening is needed.
Our desire in France is to strengthen what remains, develop leaders, and serve alongside faithful believers so that healthy, enduring churches flourish again.
This past Sunday, our sister churches joined together for World Missions Day by praying and giving toward sustainable church-planting efforts across the globe. From crowded cities to quiet countrysides, from regions resistant to the gospel to places where it once flourished, Christ is worthy to be declared.
In every region, among every people, His name must be known. The gospel changes everything. It changes hearts. It changes homes. It changes churches. It changes nations. And it is still “…the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth…” (Rom. 1:16).
As we prayed for the nations this past Sunday, we were reminded that France is not forgotten, the rural church is not unseen, and the faithful remnant is not alone. The gospel that once transformed Europe still changes everything.
• Survey Trip & Preparation — We are working toward finalizing plans for a survey trip in the middle of May. During that visit, we hope to visit the language school that Michelle and I will attend during our first nine months on the field. Additionally, we’ll spend time with the missionaries we will serve alongside during our first two years. During this trip, we’ll also continue clarifying the shape of long-term ministry while allowing our family to begin processing what life in France will look like.
This trip is important for our children. There is a logistical side to preparing for our move, but shepherding the hearts of our six and five-year-olds is just as important.
Speaking of that, the kids are beginning to turn a corner with French. Years ago, when I would speak French at home, the running joke became, “Stop speaking French, Daddy.” Now, thanks to the patience and love of their Mama, they’re becoming familiar and receptive to learning daily phrases. Hearing French around the house doesn’t feel strange anymore.
• Answered Prayers — One of the tangible steps of obedience we’ve taken while picking up from Christmas has been simplifying our lives. We’ve parted with many sentimental holiday items. Some of our family members have graciously taken pieces of our memories to cherish on our behalf. While there’s a great deal of joy in walking with God in His pace as we prepare for this calling, this part of the journey has left us feeling a bit stretched.
But I’m reminded that following Christ often means loosening our grip. The Lord continues to confirm His direction step by step.
How You Can Pray With Us
• Praise God for the Advisory Committee’s unanimous recommendation.
• Provision and preparation for the upcoming survey trip.
• That the Lord would raise up 130 faithful giving partners.
• Continued opportunities to share the vision and call on our lives for France.
We are confident of this: the God who calls also gathers. He is assembling a sending team even now.
Thank you for praying with us and walking with us. Thank you for helping bring this vision into focus.
If you’d like to schedule a visit with us, let me know. You can contact us at derrick@livingoutthegospel.com or michelle@livingoutthegospel.com. Our mailing address is 3245 Eagle Drive, Greenwood, Ark. 72936.
