Pour Dieu, avec Dieu, et par Dieu

Learning a new language isn’t easy. If I were learning French just for fun, I would have quit a long time ago. During the difficult days of language learning, I remind myself that the reason I am learning French is for God. When I shared this with my roommate, she wrote a note for me, translated as, “Learn the French for God, and also with God and by God.” She then said, “You are not doing it alone.” This was a powerful reminder that whatever I do in life is not only for God, but also with Him and through Him.

I was thankful to be able to ring in the new year with my family while I was still on holiday break. It was good to be together and make good memories. I returned to Canada on January 9th to begin a new semester of learning French. Praise the Lord that my visa was approved and I had no issues returning to campus. When I returned, I moved into an apartment on campus. The apartment has been a blessing. I am enjoying sharing it with my friend, a native French speaker.

Our neighbors are Australians. January 26th is Australia Day. They invited several of us to join them in celebrating. It was a fun time of learning more about Australia and trying some Australian treats! Three of the treats I tried were honey joys (similar to a rice krispy, but with honey/sugar instead of marshmallows) , pavlova, and Anzac biscuits (similar to an oatmeal cookie). I liked them all, but either the pavlova or the Anzac biscuits were my favorite.

Parole de Vie is part of Word of Life ministries. On campus there are two main programs: the language school and the Bible school. Throughout the year, the campus is also used for a variety of outreach events and camps. During the he next three weekends, the campus will be hosting youth snow camps. There will be many fun snow activities like ice skating, a tubing hill, and axe throwing. The gospel will be shared at each of these camps. Will you pray for these weekends that God would work in the hearts of the youth?

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I appreciate your prayers and encouragement. On Sunday, March 5th , there will be a missionary commissioning service at my home church, Calvary Baptist, for me. I will be flying home for the service. I would love to see many of you there. I am looking forward to reconnecting with many at my church and celebrating what God is doing in my life and in Togo.

God bless,

Liz Ortiz

Prayer Requests:

 Pray for safe travels back to Michigan for my missionary commissioning service on March 5th .
 Pray that I would not be anxious about French
 Pray for my dad, he is not doing very well. His latest MRI shows progression in
his MS which leads to greater pain, loss of energy, and confusion.
 Pray for the snow camps for the next 3 weekends that God would work in the hearts of the youth that come.
 Pray for Léonie and me as we share an apartment
 Pray for patience as I study and learn the French language.
 Pray for an ASL interpreter for Togo – big opportunity for one!