Good news from France

I was reading today about how China is cracking down on the Christian church, and how Christians are being targeted by radical muslims.  However, I received an encouraging note from one of our colleagues serving in France sharing how the climate there is changing.  Here is what he shared:

France is experiencing an awakening

“France is experiencing a new awakening, especially among young people.  The evangelical church is growing very quickly, with a new church being planted every day.  As the French newspaper Le Figaro has written, it is growing faster than Islam, and this growth is happening through conversions!  We are particularly blessed by immigration as those coming from Africa and Asia are bringing the hope of Jesus to France.  At the same time, France is going through many challenges when it comes to unemployment.  As well, with the killings in January, France is coming to grips with the spiritual void that often gets filled by extremism. 

“Please pray for our ministry in Paris, as we seek to build spiritual movements all around the city.  Paris is the center of France in so many ways, and we are trusting God to bring hope and faith in all segments of the city.  Our student ministry, Agape Campus, is the basis of our work here, and is developing French-led, multi-national movements that are a blessing to the nations.  Please continue to pray for our work among young professionals (Agape Young Professional and the CAC), artists (Agape Art and Crescendo), international students (Agape Chinese) and the poor (Agape Street).  Please also be in prayer for Agape Mosaic as they work among the Muslim population of France.  As well, Agape Family continues to develop solid work of evangelism and discipleship among families and couples.  Please pray for God's continued work among our new staff and interns in France.  They are bringing life and hope to many French young people who are so desperately in need of Jesus.” 

Be encouraged by this good news from France.  And pray for our ministry there.  It is still a difficult place to share the gospel.

Thank you for your part in our ministry.  We have been a part of sending staff to France, and it is encouraging to think that you and we  have a small part of what God is doing in that country.  We are so grateful for your faithful partnership with us.

With love and appreciation,