La belle province
Having returned from a month’s sojourn in Quebec, I am thankful for the Lord’s provision of new friends and prayer supporters, new resources, new ideas, new recipes (scrumptious Quebec specialties), and new French vocabulary. I peppered the missionaries and pastors with questions about missions, ministry, and French sacred music. My premise proved to be correct: French-speaking churches have little more than hymnbooks for their church’s music ministry. Choral and instrumental arrangements, music recordings, simple cantatas, and instruction in singing and hymn-playing are all greatly needed. Many years ago the Lord gave me a burden to help, and I am finally getting started – hallelujah! Before I can do anything, however, it is critical that I study French language and culture. Your prayers for diligence, humility, and patience are much appreciated.

Hello, my name is…
After pondering the question for some time, I have decided to go by my middle name, Jeanne, when I am with French-speakers. My month in Quebec settled it, particularly because the name “Kristi” sounds like a swear word to French-Canadian ears! Other practical reasons for this change include: 1) “Kristi” is hard for French people to remember, pronounce, and spell 2) I dislike the way “Kristi” sounds in French and 3) it immediately identifies me as a foreigner. “Jeanne,” on the other hand, is a normal French name and will put people at ease (unless, of course, they associate me with the intrepid Jeanne d’Arc). Is it coincidental that two of my three names are French (Colas being handed down from French ancestors)? I think not! You can still call me Kristi — but don’t be confused if you try calling me in France and “Jeanne” answers the phone! When I mentioned to a Quebecois family that I was going to use my middle name (which in French is “second name”), I accidentally said, “I am going to use my 12th name in France.” They gave me a strange look and a little boy asked, “You have twelve names??”

Deputation in review – some stats that attest to the lovingkindness of my God
Churches contacted: 110 / Invitations for meetings: 76 / Supporting churches: 18
Miles traveled: 23,000 / Accidents: 0 / Flat tires: 0 (I’m sure that the Lord assigned a task force of angels to protect me!)
Number of times I got sick (other than colds): 0
Number of times I had to cancel a meeting because of weather: 0
Number of times my DVD presentation malfunctioned: 1
FAQ: “When are you leaving for France?” “Are you fluent in French?”
Longest stretch without support increase: 6 months
Shortest stretch without support increase: 1 minute
Most embarrassing moment: Getting lost on the way to a pastor’s house for breakfast - I was an hour late (this was pre-GPS!)
Funniest memory: When a man prophesied that I would be the pastor of a mega-church
Favorite Chef Soufflé memory: Finding out that little Drew Neiner was such a big fan of the Chef that his parents got him a chef’s outfit for Christmas
Least favorite part of deputation: Calling pastors on the phone (at first it took me about 30 minutes to get up the nerve!)
Favorite part of deputation: Sharing over and over with congregations the wonderful works of God (Psalm 111:1-4)

New contact info
Mailing address through Sept 08:
Kristi Colas
Chez Steve & Rowena Barnes
82, rue victor renelle, Apt 6002
93240 STAINS
France
Email (same): kristi.colas@gmail.com

Prayer requests for April
Commissioning service (April 26th) – Safety for those traveling long distances (parents from CO, grandparents from PA and MD, the Foxes from PA); that God would receive the glory that He so greatly deserves; that my unsaved friends would attend
Departure (April 29th) – That it would be a time of rejoicing; that I would have a good opportunity to share the Gospel on the plane
Adjustment: That I would be an encouragement and help to my missionary hosts, the Barnes; that the Lord would be my Rock in the midst of many changes

Your sacrificial prayers and support are a sweet aroma to the Lord and an unspeakable blessing to me!

“I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of Thy righteousness, even of Thine only.” (Ps. 71:16)

Looking unto Jesus,
Kristi