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Mountains & Mosquitoes
Dear
Friends & Partners,
 For
more than 400 years, men dreamed of a waterway which
would link the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans without
having to navigate the treacherous Cape of South
America. Such a waterway would save thousands of miles,
hours, and dollars. Late in the 19th century, a private
French company directed by Ferdinand de Lesseps made the
first attempt to dig a canal across the Isthmus of
Panama.
Men and machinery tackled the mountains and jungles. The
engineering and technology was truly amazing for the
time, and it appeared as though the feat would be
accomplished. Within a few years, however, the project
was abandoned – not because of the mountains, but
because of the mosquitoes.
Yellow fever and Malaria, which are carried by
mosquitoes, killed thousands of workers. In time,
doctors found ways of protecting people against
mosquitoes. When the mosquitoes were taken out of the
way, the mountains soon succumbed, and the Panama Canal
was completed.
There is a great deal of difference between the size of
mountains and that of mosquitoes. Yet, the small
mosquitoes stopped a project that the mountains were
powerless to prevent. And so it is in life: our response
to the little things determines our success or failure.
If we can win the small battles, the mountains will be
no match.
There are certainly mountainous obstacles to spreading
the Gospel in France. France is the most secular nation
in Western Europe, according to a recent survey by the
Pew Global Attitudes Project. Only 11% of the population
say religion is important in their lives, compared to
59% in the United States. The French government has
taken a decidedly adversarial position toward the spread
of Evangelical Christianity. The cost of living is
exorbitant, creating tremendous financial hurdles. These
are the mountains – but mountains have never intimidated
our God!
Just as the mountains and jungles of Panama could not
resist the machinery and determination of the canal
builders, no obstacle can stand against the power of the
Spirit and the divine purposes of God. Great victories
have already been won in France, and there will be even
greater victories in the future! Although “mountains”
cannot stop the move of God in France, we must be
vigilant against the “mosquitoes” – for it is the small
things in our lives that have the potential of
frustrating His will.
If we fail to pray; if we refuse to sacrifice; if we
will not give or go; if we are not faithful – these
things will infect us with a fever of selfishness and
apathy and prevent the purposes of God from being
realized through us. The Gospel will be preached
throughout the whole world, but if we are going to be a
part of it we must eradicate the “mosquitoes.”
We want to thank you for your faithful support in
finances and prayer. Our ministry in France is only
possible through your partnership. We are laborers
together in spreading the Gospel. As we each do our part
to win the battle against the “mosquitoes,” God will
certainly give us victory over the “mountains!”
Yours
for France,
The Schoberts
Steve,
Kristin,
Steven II,
& Rachel
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www.theschoberts.org
