PERSPECTIVES No. 2 | Summer 2019 | www.francemission.org
Registered Charity 1176433
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Evangelism in rural Picardy • Planting a church in Strasbourg International student outreach in Nantes www.francemission.org 1 PAUL’S PAGE NEEDS IN PARIS Material and spiritual needs in Paris
By Thomas Bresson — Travail personnel under Trainee Hannah Prior reflects on recent events Creative Commons BY 4.0 ot long ago “Many people from the local area I received a Paul’s page: A real revolution N card through came to the sale.” my door showing There are numerous organizations in Paris Reflections by Paul Cooke, France Mission’s Director Notre-Dame. On that work to help those in need, including the other side was a La Mission Evangélique Parmi les Sans- n this second President Macron has responded via some message about the Logis (MEPSL: Evangelical Mission to the “new-look” economic reforms aimed at increasing April 2019 fire with Homeless). Their slogan is La Parole et le I issue of FM purchasing power and by launching a Hannah Prior a brief explanation pain (“The Word and bread”), underlining Perspectives you’ll Big National Debate in which French of the Christian their concern for both spiritual and find articles from people were able to air their grievances in message, including an invitation to write material needs. They offer meals and Paul & Marjorie response to certain questions. Although to find out more. I don’t know how many other help (e.g. showers, haircuts, French Dowling and from the Saturday protests continue, they’re people took up this offer but it’s certainly classes), and maintain an openly Christian Chris & Joanna dwindling in intensity and, even though true that what happened to Notre-Dame has Paul Cooke position. There are also Bible studies and Frizelle that reprise President Macron’s party (La République en been a big talking point. Personally, I’ve been regular services. the main points Marche) came second to Marine Le Pen’s struck by the capacity of human beings to from their excellent talks at this year’s Rassemblement National in the recent construct such impressive buildings but also Several people from France Day (hosted wonderfully well European elections, the results could have by the fragility of these projects – it is God the Perspectives by Brook Lane Community Church in been a lot worse. who is our refuge and our rock. church in Paris- Bromley). If you’d be interested in helping Télégraphe are Fifty years after the événements of May ’68, I’ve also seen and heard quite a few to host this event in 2020, do please let involved with France appears to have survived another comments where people criticized the me know; it makes all the difference when a the MEPSL. The potentially destabilizing mass protest sums of money being so readily given to local supporter arranges practicalities (thanks, proceeds from the Jumble Sale movement. But we know that there is only repair a building when there is so much Brian Ayrton, for all you did this year!). church’s annual one truly radical response to injustice and human need in Paris. The problem of jumble sale on 8th June were donated My own talk at the France Day was focused despair: “The kingdom of God has come poverty and homelessness is something I to the mission. Many people from the on the gilets jaunes protests which have near. Repent and believe the good news!” encounter whenever I take the metro. had such an impact since they started (Mark 1:15). I hope the articles in this issue local area came to the sale and it offered last November. The ensuing explosion of will enable you to see how this Good News a great chance to pick up useful items frustration and anger demonstrated the is being shared across France. for the year ahead (e.g. clothes for their profound divisions between the privileged children). Please pray for the efforts of Every blessing in Christ (la France d’en haut) and those struggling all those in France seeking to live out the to make ends meet (la France d’en bas). truth of James 2:17: “faith by itself, if it is not The fact that the movement remained accompanied by action, is dead.” leaderless revealed a distrust of traditional political approaches. Social media provided Front page photo: the main means of organisation. And the CPLM evening in the Nantes church By Wandrille de Préville - Own work, under You can contact Hannah at violence that marred some of the weekly Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0 [email protected] Saturday protests provided a sad spectacle.
2 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 3 THE GOSPEL IN FRANCE THE GOSPEL IN FRANCE What place for the Gospel in France? Missionaries Paul & Marjorie Dowling see real opportunities amid the challenges
In April we had What place can there be in all this for the privilege of the gospel? speaking at FM’s We used as an illustration the Forum des France Day, this Associations, a voluntary bodies’ fair that year in Bromley, takes place every two years in Châteauroux. Kent. Paul Cooke France Day attendees There are over 200 stands and you can find had invited us to everything from sports clubs to Alcoholics reflect on our eight Anonymous, from the Friends of Israel to Paul & Marjorie years to date in completely unexpected and not at all the the Free-thinkers. A real marketplace of “We’ve simply made friends, real Châteauroux. It result of our own ideas or planning. Like ideas and philosophies. And yet our church was very thought-provoking preparing friends and, in some cases (not the time when Paul got to address a crowd was there in the middle of it all, with a stand the talk and reflecting on the undoubted all) that has borne spiritual fruit.” of 11,000 people in the town square after for our association culturelle, the vehicle for challenges of ministry in France but also the Charlie Hebdo attack. Or the email all the church’s activities other than worship. on the many ways in which we’ve seen gone to choir practices with a Bible under that arrived out of the blue from Brazil And, as part of our stand, an artwork God at work. our arms or seeking to quote Scripture at and which led not only to our amazingly showing the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, people. We’ve simply made friends, real valuable link with Yeovil Community We started by talking about the immense peace etc. – there for all to see. friends and, in some cases (not all) that has Church (it’s a long story!) but also to Marcio spiritual needs in France, about how there We’ve discovered that you have to work borne spiritual fruit, with four of our friends Rodrigues (and, perhaps, others in due time) is so much anger, conflict and relationship hard at it, but it’s possible to find a place from the choir having made big spiritual coming as a missionary to France! breakdown in French society, epitomised for evangelical witness in France – not so strides and starting to participate in the life by the gilets jaunes movement, and about God really does make flowers bloom in the much using traditional methods such as of the church. the bizarre mixture of scepticism and desert. Our job is to plant the seeds faithfully markets and door-to-door, but by building superstition that we encounter. France We also talked about the surprises – the and then water them with our prayers. So, relationships, both with individuals and with really is a spiritual desert, not least the numerous times when God did something a big thank you to those of you who pray organisations such as the local council. Centre, where we live and minister. faithfully for our work here. Your prayers And in both cases seeking to build genuine really do make a difference. reciprocal relationships, not just looking for Please continue to pray, especially that what we can get out of them. the Lord will raise up someone to continue So, Paul has got involved in the conseils du the ministry here in Châteauroux when we quartier (neighbourhood councils) – not retire in less than a year’s time. The needs always the most rewarding of experiences are great, the opportunities are real, but the but one that opens doors, enabling our workers are few. Thank you. church’s participation in the local fête du quartier, for example. And, on a personal level, we’re involved in a local choir Paul unexpectedly addressing 11,000 You can contact the Dowlings at France Day talk because we enjoy singing. We’ve never people in Châteauroux! [email protected]
4 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 5 LIVING IN THE UNEXPECTED LIVING IN THE UNEXPECTED Living in the unexpected... Missionaries Chris & Joanna Frizelle share about their work in northern France
ome years ago, at the end of a holiday in France, Chris said to Joanna: S “France is a nice place for a holiday, but I don’t think I’d want to live here.” God Eglise la Source, Clermont, which currently meets in a weight-training gym had other plans... In 2013 we were both in our fifties and our pastor if we could help him with his us despite, and sometimes even because involved in the work of our local church in work in the villages and small towns in this of, our hesitant communication. Bromley, south-east London (where this area. This is now our main focus, working 3. It’s not a good idea to plan for the future in partnership with an organisation called year’s France Day was held). We began in detail, because God often has totally EDVV: Evangélisation des Villes et Villages asking God if there was more we could different ideas to those we have. do for His Kingdom. Our thoughts about (Evangelisation of Towns and Villages). 4. Just because we’ve never done France began in a purely logical way: we We feel like the most unlikely missionaries: something before and have no discovered the huge need and thought we we’ve never been to Bible college and are qualifications or training for it doesn’t could “brush up” our school French. What no longer young and sprightly. But God mean we can’t do it: if it’s God’s plan happened next was like falling in love: uses all of us in our weakness, to show His Chris and Joanna Frizelle then He will work it out! we came to know we just had to come to strength. So what have we learnt? France, somehow. 5. Things don’t have to be done “perfectly” with the local library. We got involved and 1. It’s best to ditch all the cultural for God to use them very effectively. Confirmation came from trusted friends have found it an excellent way to make stereotypes and ideas about what France and church leaders and we left the UK in contacts and build friendships with people and her people are like: a great many of 6. Things often take longer than we December 2015 to spend 12 months at a who don’t yet know Jesus. We now run the them are too simplistic! thought they would, but God’s timing Christian language school in Paris, having adults’ English classes. It’s hard work but, and schedule are perfect. Learning French is a lifetime challenge, realised we needed to do a lot more than unexpectedly, we really enjoy it. 2. “brush up” our French. not just for a year or two. But God uses 7. God answers prayer when we truly need Helping to reach the rural areas of France answers, maybe not when we might like God then led us, in unexpected ways, had been our vision from the beginning. them. to work with a recently planted small Last autumn, we felt God wanted us to church in Clermont-de-l’Oise. We enjoyed turn more of our attention to the very Our journey to France was full of the plunging into the work of the church, rural area north of Clermont – the Plateau unexpected. Our life in France is full of the which makes an impact on the town Picard where 93% of people live in towns unexpected too, but at every stage God by finding ways of doing good to the and villages of under 5,000 people. The leads us forward in His amazing adventure! community. way this has now come about was again One of the ways our pastor and his wife, unexpected. A French evangelist asked You can contact the Chris & Joanna John Paul and Stephanie, had been doing at [email protected]. You can hear good to the community was by running “God uses all of us in our them share more of their story at Joanna teaching English http://bit.ly/frizelle English classes for adults and children weakness, to show His strength.”
6 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 7 PLANTING A CHURCH IN STRASBOURG PLANTING A CHURCH IN STRASBOURG Planting a church in Strasbourg
Perspectives missionary Tom Parfitt reports on this new venture
ast summer Brussels). The European Court of Human “We’re praying for more As well as praying for the individuals and Nadège, Rights is just next door. That makes our families of the area to come to new life in L Joanne part of town very international, filled with connections with neighbours Christ, we’ve asked God to allow the good (in utero) and I consulates, diplomats and legal types, but from all walks of life.” news to make an impact on the European packed our Parisian devoid of evangelical witness to King Jesus. institutions. One potentially significant apartment into a Since moving we’ve enjoyed getting to As we prepare to plant a church in the event in this respect was the election last van and headed know the area, building relationships with Orangerie, we’re participating in another month of our neighbour to the post of east. We drove our neighbours and explaining to them why Perspectives church here, which meets president of the Court of Human Rights. through France’s beautiful landscapes until we’re here. We dream of seeing the gospel in an area called the Krutenau. It’s a great We await with interest to see what God will we arrived at the Rhine. It was beautiful; give birth to a healthy Christian community place for us to serve in discipleship and do with this connection and we’re praying we found a new flat and unpacked. that exists to make Christ known to those leadership, and is also our major recruiting for more connections with neighbours around us. God has equipped us through ground for the team that we hope will plant from all walks of life. We’re also continuing Strasbourg is the cultural capital of our studies and life experiences to serve in with us. We’re in the process of identifying to look to Him to provide for our needs. Alsace, a region bordering Germany and this context. Nadège (a native Strasbourger) potential team members and asking them Nadège’s clientele is still based in Paris and Switzerland. It also claims to be the capital and I (a Nottingham lad) have both lived to commit to the project. We’re praying we’re praying for future clients here. I’m of Europe (and of Christmas, no less). It’s in multiple countries and speak English that the Lord would give discernment to working towards raising 100% of what’s a fabulous city with a rich and, at times, and French (the working languages of everyone involved. And we’re excited to needed to pay my salary, and we’re praying turbulent history. It also played a key role in the European institutions). Nadège is a see how He will shape us collectively into that Joanne (3 months) would learn what it the C16th Reformation and has a stronger lawyer by profession and has a burden for another example of the body of Christ. means to trust in Him. Protestant heritage than much of France. witnessing to other legal professionals. It’s a new mission field to regular readers, As we seek to be the aroma of Christ in our as France Mission wasn’t present in Alsace family and neighbourhood, we ask with before last year’s merger. Perspectives now Paul: “Who is sufficient for these things?” has a vision for planting new churches in (2 Cor. 2:16). We’re not, but the Lord who is Strasbourg and beyond. Last year Nadège living in us is. Watch this space to find out and I were invited to grab a map, gird up what He does! our courage and join the adventure... You can contact Tom & Nadège at Nadège, Joanne (now born) and I live in [email protected]. an area of Strasbourg called the Orangerie. To learn more about Perspectives’ The Orangerie hosts the Council of Europe Court of Human Rights vision for Strasbourg, see and the European Parliament’s official HQ Petite-France area of Strasbourg by Monika Neumann (Pixabay) Image by Bruno Glätsch (Pixabay) youtu.be/cr6amavW3HU (although it spends much of its time in
8 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 9 BECOME A TRUSTEE BECOME A TRUSTEE
If you’d like to know more Would I have any personal liability Become a about what’s involved, the for my decisions? BOB CROCKFORD: FM is set up as a legal entity in its own right trustee for bobcrockford@ following questions and (a “CIO”) and therefore that entity bears the francemission.org answers may help… legal liabilities and has its own insurances, France Mission! both as a CIO and for its trustees. We What do trustees do? always seek professional advice where necessary. Trustee Bob Crockford Trustees are the people responsible for ensuring that a charity has a clear strategy, Are trustees paid? that it remains true to its original vision, invites you to consider Generally, no, this is a voluntary position. and that it complies with all necessary However, any expenses incurred in the this vital role rules and regulations. NICKY BRUSBY: carrying out of your duties, such as travel nickybrusby costs, would be reimbursed. eing a trustee for any charity is a @francemission.org What questions should I ask hugely worthwhile and rewarding myself first? What would be my main Bexperience. In the five years I’ve been Do I have a passion for the aims and vision responsibilities? a trustee (and latterly Vice-Chair) for France of the charity? What skills and experience This might depend on your specific Mission, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity of do I have to offer? Have I got the time and gifts but, in general, you’d be involved helping FM continue doing a great job in energy that the role may require? sharing information, stimulating prayer, in decision-making over such things as and gathering resources for ministries and What initial information could I vision, strategy, funding, communications, COLIN JUDKINS: and personnel. The implementation of churches in France. colinjudkins@ look at? francemission.org those decisions rests with Paul Cooke, FM’s The work of trustees covers many areas Have a good look at FM’s website UK Director. and some trustees can “take the lead” in (francemission.org) and please feel free to certain areas as not everyone can know ask any questions that arise. The Charity I’m interested; what should I everything. Generally, trustees are there Commission produces a “Trustee welcome do next? to see that things are being done as they pack” as a useful introduction to the role Please contact any of the trustees to should so that FM can do the best job it (see www.gov.uk/government/publications/ arrange for an informal discussion about can of supporting the church in France. charity-trustee-welcome-pack). next steps. We’d love to chat and pray with Some activities are the “nuts and bolts” you about this opportunity! involved in running any organisation: JULIET ROSS: How much time does it take? julietross@ finances, communications, etc., but a lot of francemission.org In FM, trustees give from 0-3 hours in any We trust this provides a good overview the time concerns support for the people given week, depending on what issues of what it means to be a trustee for working in France. As our current Chair, arise. Most discussions take place via email. France Mission. Of course, we hope you’d Colin Judkins, will be retiring from the Then there would be the trustee meetings contribute with your prayers, inspiration, trustees in September, we’d love to have once or twice a year and maybe some and passion for France as well! Any of another couple of people to join us. Skype calls in between. the trustees would be happy to talk with you and answer any other questions you Would there be any induction might have. You can contact any of the trustees ADRIAN WALTER: or training? using the email addresses underneath adrianwalter@ francemission.org Yes, we would support you throughout and their photos offer you an online trustee training course that provides a very good grounding in what it means to be a trustee.
10 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 11 NEW BIBLE READING PROJECT PRESSING ON New Bible reading project Pressing on in Le Pré at Paris-Cardinet Saint Gervais Pastoral couple Dave & Mary Brown are Missionaries Jonathan & Rachel Vaughan seeking to promote biblical engagement share recent encouragements Bible reading project. We’re using a new presentation of the Bible published in Art outreach in Ashby: “All things right and beautiful” French: Redécouvrir le Nouveau Testament (Rediscovering the New Testament). Chapter and verse numbers have been removed hank you “We came home with new ideas, and the page layout is a single column per for praying page – so it looks like a conventional book. Tfor our small inspired by events at the arts We decided to read Luke and Acts followed groups during Lent. festival and their all-age service.” by all the letters of Paul. Over the months We had a very of May and June, everyone will have read encouraging time St Helen’s Church in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, five pages a day, with the help of a specially and we particularly Leicestershire, with whom we have produced bookmark. It’s a real stimulus to all longstanding links. It was a blessing to be Dave & Mary Brown appreciated working be reading the same pages on the same day. through the same daily readings together. able to renew friendships, enjoy wonderful hospitality, and be involved in a variety of the Each Sunday we’re Weekly Bible studies continue at church, What is our ultimate pastoral aim for those church’s activities. The time spent with our also preaching on and we hope to start a new daily reading who have been redeemed by Christ? Christian brothers and sisters enabled our the readings for the scheme together in September. Ephesians 4:22-24 summarizes it well: “to church members to better understand what week. In addition, put away […] your original evil nature […] We now have two UK gospel work looks like in a different cultural while we’re reading and [to] clothe yourselves with that new language students with setting. And we came home with new ideas, Acts and the letters and better self which has been created to us at church. Bethany inspired by events at the arts festival and of Paul, we’ll be resemble God in the righteousness and Pearson joined us in their all-age service. showing extracts holiness which come from the truth.” This January; she’s working from a remarkable We recently met with the town council to extract from the Weymouth translation of as a volunteer at Nogent film: Paul, apostle of Christ. The use of film discuss different possibilities for us to buy a the Bible is very Bible College and helping Bethany Pearson helps people who’ve grown up in a visual larger building for church. Please continue to close to our French us with Sunday school. age to get into the text. We watch the pray for this project, for God to open the right Bible. It’s the truth In April, Joseph Gooddy persecuted Christians refuse to leave Rome door at the right time. And please pray for of God’s Word started a four-month because of their love for their neighbours, His continued provision for church finances. which produces a placement, working we see the conversion of Paul in flashback way of life pleasing with Le Pré and In June we held a baptism service and we’re and we hear the hope of the future to God. Romainville churches. encouraged that other people are preparing “fabulous rejoicing” of those about to be He is putting his for baptism in the autumn. We continue to That’s why the thrown to the lions. May the truth stimulate Joseph Gooddy musical talents to great pray that God would call more people to members of the us to live for Christ! use in the gospel choir faith through the witness of the church. Paris-Cardinet and Sunday services. church have You can contact Dave & Mary at You can contact Jonathan & Rachel at embarked on A major event in May was the visit that a [email protected] [email protected] an innovative team from Le Pré made to
12 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 13 SHARING THE GOSPEL SHARING THE GOSPEL Sharing the gospel with international students Missionaries Colin & Catherine Puffett
introduce a ministry supported by FM The Puffett Family
n Cœur 1) What’s the context for CPLM? pour le The ministry is accomplished through local monde U churches and has been running here in (CPLM) means Nantes for four years. Nantes receives about “A heart for the world” – which well 8000 international students per year and describes this Christian organization’s CPLM evening in the Nantes church the French government intends to double vision of welcoming international the annual intake of international students students and proclaiming the gospel into France by 2025 – this is truly an to them. CPLM runs groups in Nantes, students to present their country of origin, amazing opportunity for sharing the gospel! 3) How does this relate to the Strasbourg, Rennes, and Saint-Germain- wider vision of the Perspectives including cooking a “typical” meal from en-Laye. Activities in Nantes are based 2) Who’s involved and what do their country of origin, which we finance. in the Perspectives church in the city’s church in Nantes? All of this is made possible thanks to gifts, Boissière district. CPLM staff members you do? This ministry brings a vitality to the church such as those from France Mission. We’re Saotra & Elodie Rajaobelina are We have a team of 14 and each week in terms of evangelism. We sometimes very grateful for this support! members of this church, as are Colin & we open the church hall to students. We have over 100 non-Christian students Catherine Puffett, sent by CMS Australia generally have around 80 non-Christian from various religious backgrounds who’ve 5) How can we pray for you? to support the work in Nantes. They students participating, with occasional come together to talk about a biblical The Bible tells us sometimes we sow, kindly agreed to answer some questions events welcoming up to 120. We play some text. In the context of secular France, sometimes we reap. Each year, we’ve to help FM supporters understand more games together, followed by discussion where Christians sometimes have trouble had the privilege of seeing one or several about this ministry. groups in French and English, where we expressing their convictions, a ministry like students turn to Christ. Many others have discuss a text and give the students an this can help them overcome their reserve not taken this step during their time with opportunity to advance their level in either and empowers them to share the gospel in us in Nantes, but we know the work of God language. For each of the seven weeks other areas of life. carries on throughout their lives. Pray for before Easter and Christmas we use texts perseverance for those who’ve accepted taken from the Bible for these lessons. 4) How has France Mission’s Jesus and have since returned to hostile Those who are interested in the gospel financial support helped? circumstances in their home countries. Pray are offered the opportunity to meet with a Each week we provide snacks and print for all those who’ve heard the gospel but team member during the week to read the the texts for the students to read and write have not yet accepted it, that the Spirit will Bible together. This is where we see people their notes on. At Christmas and Easter we continue to call them to the truth. respond in repentance and faith! have a special church service on a Sunday afternoon for them, where we explain the You can contact Colin & Catherine “Each year, we’ve had the gospel clearly, as well as giving a “taste” at [email protected] and of what a church service is like, and these can find out more about CPLM at privilege of seeing one or several events are followed by a large afternoon tea Saotra & Elodie Rajaobelina uncoeurpourlemonde.org students turn to Christ.” together. Each month we invite groups of
14 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 15 A YEAR IN BLOIS A YEAR IN BLOIS
called “My Life Workshop”, not unlike an Alpha Course. I also got to help French people practise English conversation at the Language Café and at a community centre. With also working as an au pair for a local family, my weeks have never been dull! At the beginning I was terrified. I found it hard to contribute in team meetings and when leading children’s activities from the front, I could barely string a full sentence together. Confidence grew as I became used to hearing French every day but I The Blois team: Marcio, Fiona, John, Peter, Rachel, Annecilia, Megan, Anne-Line (L to R) have to give all the glory to God for this A constructive time with the scouts increase. I spent the first month studying Philippians and learnt how to find joy in all A year in Blois circumstances. An important moment for “This year has been life changing.” me each week was Friday morning when, Student Megan O’Rourke sees how the over a cup of tea, Rachel Calvert and I met here don’t let that discourage them. would read the Bible, discuss the Christian The Calverts personify the hospitality and Lord has led her life, and pray together. This was such an the love that Jesus instructs us to show encouragement, and I’m really thankful to n my last year In September 2018 when I arrived in Blois, to our neighbours, and the church team Rachel and Peter for investing so much in carry the joy of the Lord in them. Despite of high school, I was immediately overwhelmed. Within my life! I was facing the first 20 minutes of my feet touching external circumstances, these people keep I their eyes fixed on Jesus and seek to serve what I thought Blois’ soil, I was in a meeting about setting Coming from Northern Ireland where you was the world’s up a Bible study for university students. Of can’t drive ten minutes without passing Him in the strength God provides. My time biggest crisis: I course, I can laugh now, but I have never at least two churches, it was a big shock here has helped me understand more didn’t know what felt the level of hopelessness and fear that coming to France. But the believers I’ve about the importance of prayer and how the future held. I did that evening! When I arrived home, tightly we must cling to God’s promises. While everyone around me seemed to be I saw the calendar in my bedroom which This year has been life changing. I’ve happily applying to university, I was stuck. had Psalm 145:18 as its verse of the month. now made the decision to go to university My parents encouraged me to bring these I took great encouragement from the fact in Northern Ireland and study Law and fears to God. I knew that I loved serving that the Lord is near to all who call on Him French. After that, I don’t know. But, as Him in my church and that I enjoyed and I knew that He would equip me with my time in Blois finishes, I can say that studying French at A-Level. So we thought the necessary skills and surround me with while I’m not sure what the future holds, of the idea of serving God in France. We His people. I know that the Father is holding me in then researched and came across the I was immediately integrated into the life His hands. Blois-Centre church plant and got in of the team and the community in Blois. contact with the Calverts and Paul Cooke. Throughout my time here, I’ve been able After a few months of praying and emailing You can contact Megan at to get involved in the church’s scout group, each other, I knew in my heart that this Helping out with music at a Sunday service [email protected] Sunday school, and a six-week programme was where I was meant to go.
16 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 17 PRAYING FOR CHURCH PLANTERS OTHER NEWS How can I pray Other news from Paul Cooke
Prayer weekend for church in Paris (15th-17th planters? November 2019) Last year Tom Forryan, pastor Rachel Calvert from the Perspectives church of Grace Baptist plant in Blois provides some pointers Church Hitchin, put Paul Cooke together a “Pray for Paris” weekend This article is the first in a series to help us pray for different aspects of church planting. for about 10 UK visitors. They spent the weekend in Paris, had a guided history walk on the Saturday, heard news and Chris & Fiona Lloyd Pray that we Pray for willingness to stick prayer requests from a Parisian church leader, visited different churches on the would keep the with it… Auray update Sunday and, of course, prayed together. main thing the Starting a new church-planting project is He’s running a similar same event this The search for a building to accommodate main thing exciting and can feel a little bit heroic. Two November. Please contact him directly the church-plant in Auray led by Chris or three years down the line the glamour It’s all about if you’d be interested in taking part: & Fiona Lloyd is proving challenging... has usually worn off and it’s often plain Jesus, isn’t it? His [email protected]. The Lloyds have been involved with hard work. Pray that church planters would mission, His glory, estate agents in relation to two or three Rachel Calvert persevere and know how to encourage New DVD His Kingdom, His premises over the past couple of years but, their teams through the tough times. people (Colossians 1:18-20). And yet there’s This DVD comprises unfortunately, none of these has proved Sometimes it takes time to test whether a subtle temptation to make it all about us: two 25-minute to be the right one. They thought they a particular approach or material is really our ministry, our creative ideas, our church, films providing a were very close to signing on the dotted effective for outreach and discipleship. It our successes, and our failures. Please powerful reminder line a few months ago only to find that the can be tempting to chop and change too pray that our hearts and minds would be of the biblical basis vendor changed his mind at the 11th hour. much, or to give up too soon. captivated by the glory of Jesus. for mission and a This is obviously very frustrating for them, especially as they have a deposit sitting in … And for willingness to fascinating overview Pray that we would practise of the history of the bank thanks to the generosity of FM what we preach change tack Christian mission, supporters. Do please continue to pray for The other side of the coin is that church with a particular a solution. Sound theology and the gift of the gab planters also need to have the discernment focus on French are not enough (James 1:19). If our Laura Simmonds to see when they’re stuck in a rut. It takes contributions. Subtitled throughout, the witness is to have a lasting impact, we courage to admit that a particular activity DVD is entirely accessible to English- Laura’s time at the need to be loyal and unselfish in our or ministry is simply no longer a good speaking viewers. You might like to church plant in friendships, gentle and faithful in our family use of resources and to bring it to an end. offer it to your church’s mission group Descartes has come relationships, courageous and servant- It’s astonishing how quickly the tentacles or consider it as a resource for Home to an end and she’ll hearted in our leadership. Pray for church of tradition get a hold, even in a church Groups. If you’d like a free copy, please shortly be starting a planters who are growing in humble faith plant… Pray that church planters would be use the response form that came with new role in another and clinging to Christ. wise in helping their teams and churches the magazine or email me at paulcooke@ nearby Protestant navigate constant change. francemission.org. church. She hopes to provide an update in the next issue.
18 Perspectives | Summer 2019 www.francemission.org 19 France Mission: Love France – Love Mission – Love Church
France Mission’s vision is to see increasing numbers of people in France encountering God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – through the work and witness of local evangelical churches. As a support organisation, we provide targeted, strategic support to help the French evangelical church move closer to achieving its own goals. To find out more, please visit francemission.org.
If your church or small group would like to hear more about the Lord’s work in France, please contact Paul Cooke to book a speaker:
• Email: [email protected] • Phone: (+44) 07980 450462 or (+44) 01392 213275 • Post: PO Box 743, Exeter EX1 9RN, UK
Support France Mission when you shop online
We’ve registered with two websites – easyfundraising and TheGivingMachine – that enable you to raise funds for France Mission whenever you shop online. Both sites provide access to a wide variety of popular retailers, are easy to use, and don’t cost you (or us) a penny!
So, if you shop online, please do consider signing up either at easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/francemission or at thegivingmachine.co.uk/causes/ france-mission and help us raise more funds to support the Lord’s work in France.
We’re also registered with Amazon Smile. So, if you shop with Amazon, just visit smile.amazon.co.uk to get started:
• Log in to your Amazon account and search France Mission in the “pick your own charity” search bar • Select France Mission • Amazon will send you a confirmation email • Any purchases you make will generate a donation for France Mission (at no extra cost to you!)
Thank you!
Registered Charity 1176433 20 Perspectives | Summer 2019