Sam Hopgood

March 2008:

Things are going really well here. I have mainly been attending different groups run by the church and associated with the Ministere. That means cell groups twice a week, youth group and even the women’s group! Feeling very much welcomed and have a good sense of belonging and acceptance, which does make things a lot easier. Not finding the French too hard either which is a bonus! Last Sunday (2nd) I preached in French for the first time too so starting to get decently stuck in to different things. Been giving a fair number of IT lessons (of various levels) and some English too, so it’s been good to feel needed and very much appreciated. Have also been doing some work on the Work Report I have to write, formulating ideas and trying to come up with a title for it. 

Generally I am getting on really well with people, and enjoying more and more just spending time with people. Near the beginning I found it somewhat more forced and never felt really comfortable, but I think that was just that I didn’t know what to say and didn’t feel too confident in French either. Can definitely say that’s going a lot better now, which is a real answer to prayer, and certainly helps to make sure I am fully using the time here. I’ve also not had any health issues at all so thanks be to God for that, and may it continue!