A Scriptural Basis for Rest 

Scripture offers us many examples of the importance of ‘TAKING TIME OUT ’ to be be able to move forward again, stronger,  re-enthused, vision and passion re-ignited..  Jesus often went away to pray. He also invited others to come and rest in him.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. This yoke is easy to bear, and the burden is light.'   Matthew 11.28-30

Gods Purpose and Vision For Our Family
Our Heart is for World Mission.  Our Call is to provide 'Member Care' for Missionaries.  Our primary focus is to provide a 'Place Of Rest' in a restored barn adjacent to our home in Northern Brittany, France.   'Le Reposoir' is that place of rest and offers Missionaries a place of rest for physical and spiritual renewal.

'Le Reposoir' - Background History
In May 2003 we purchased the property. Initially we thought this was just good financial planning!! However, we came to realise that God had His own plans and we were to use the property to establish a Christian place of rest. 

To establish 'Le Reposoir',  the derelict existing stone and cob  barn adjacent to our home firstly needed renovating into suitable accommodation.  Since purchasing the property, we have discovered that nearly 200 years ago there used to be a chapel in the grounds, which may well have been on the site where the stone barn is now situated.   Interestingly, the chapel was moved stone by stone at the time of the French Revolution and rebuilt in the grounds of the local Château whose owners once owned our property too.  We understand that the main house is over 400 years old and the plot can be traced back to the year 900 !

 In March 2004 we believed God was directing us to study in France, specifically a French language school in Albertville, in the French Alps, used exclusively by Missionaries.  When we left the UK we had absolutely no idea where we would be located after the school period, we were happy to wait on Gods timings to show us the next stage!  So, accepted by the college, house rented and dog looked after we arrived in Albertville to commence our studies in August 2004 until the end of June 2005.  Midway through the college term we understood the need to stay on in France longer term to establish the build ourselves.  A life changing decision, but exciting too.  Before we went to college in Albertville  we were planning on financing the renovation from our salary, however, circumstances changed somewhat in the space of a couple of months. We used all of our savings and beyond to finance our year at college and were left wondering where the finance would come from.  However, God in his unique way showed us both independently that we were to sell our home in the UK to finance the renovation work.  This was another giant leap of faith as this meant cutting big ties with 'home' and was a decision of total commitment and obedience to God's will.  We had intended to keep the house in England for future security for us and the children!- The only security that is real and everlasting of course is a faith in Jesus Christ so the decision to sell was made that much easier.  The house sale was completed in December 05 and funds made available to proceed with the works.

Being equipped with French and English language skills has opened up even more the use of Le Reposoir.  Learning French was an essential step in us being able to stay on in France, to integrate into the local community here, generally surviving, helping our 2 boys with their education and of course coping with the physical build and establishing it thereafter.
Life at the Mission College also enabled us to witness at first hand the daily struggles of life as a Missionary, the different levels and types of stresses suffered including cross cultural, language, family, home sickness and anxieties, all this before getting to their posting!! The Albertville College is a base from where Missionaries from all over the world attend to learn French prior to  joining their mission teams in various parts of the French speaking world. Having attended the college our heart was shown in a very specific way the need for 'Member Care', a call to  'World Mission'.  This is the call and the desire that God has placed in our hearts.  'Le Reposoir' will be provided essentially for Missionaries, many  are on permanent burn out and in need of a private and secluded place for personal  rest, to be restored and renewed, to  remember Gods promises and to resubmit themselves . We particularly recognise that those living in cross-cultural situations are in great need of support. Accommodation at  'Le Reposoir' will be provided at no cost to for cross-cultural non-salaried  Missionaries.  

The photographs to the left show the condition of the barn (Le Reposoir)  in Spring 2006  The basic structure was solid, built on a granite rock bed, however that brought with it damp issues , so too did the embankment it butts up too.  Both of which could not be removed!  The renovation project was therefore slightly more complicated and thus more expensive.  The stone barn was converted into a 2 bedroom retreat which is able to sleep a maximum of 8 people.  The main living area is  totally open plan, with a fully equipped kitchen, living / dining area and log fire.  The living area opens out to a private roof terrace with bbq.

Just prior to the commencement of the renovation we received a prophesy whilst at our sending church, St Thomas' in Fair Oak Near Southampton 'build and they will come'.  Come they did. From the first day when building materials arrived we received many volunteers to help with 'Gods work in progress'.  This was also a great time of fellowship as well as seeing the works progress.  We have witnessed God using the project to bring about personal restoration, renewal and revival, a parallel to the building works.  An exciting time, much to look forward to!

As of summer 2007, 'Le Reposoir' is fully renovated and we continue  to welcome missionaries and their families..  We are now seeking Gods plan in how to establish 'Le Reposoir' further.

If you would like to support our ministry here, helping us meet utility bills and running costs,  then click here.  Thank You.

For further information - please email lereposoir@haswa.com Thank You.