Alive In France

Personal

Two years in, and we are slowly finding our feet. Thank you for your continued prayers for our children and our marriage.

Much of the communication and administration with the outside world falls to me because of the language barrier, which can place quite a bit of strain on our marriage (especially because communication is not always my strength). Please pray for deeper understanding and better communication between us.

A’s French is improving dramatically, which is hugely encouraging. Please continue to pray for grace, confidence, and quick progress in his learning.

We are also slowly beginning to build friendships and community here. Please pray for deeper relationships and greater vulnerability in our friendships here.

Evangelism & Discipleship

I am hearing and witnessing many encouraging stories of people asking questions about Jesus and even deciding to follow Him. There is also growing discussion about a possible “Bible boom” in France, with Bible sales reportedly increasing by around 20%. God is clearly moving, but there is still a massive need for discipleship and spiritual support.

France has a population of over 66 million people, yet very few missionaries have devoted themselves full-time to ministry. The church in France also faces challenges because many pastors need to work part-time or full-time jobs in order to make ends meet. This inevitably reduces their capacity to disciple, support, and strengthen their congregations.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”
— Matthew 9:37–38

I have just completed an excellent training course for children’s ministry leaders with the Association Évangile et Enfance (AEE), who are doing incredible work equipping people to teach the Word of God and share the good news of Jesus Christ through church services, clubs, and outreach events. Please pray for their work across France.

Our family of churches across France is also hosting a youth event this coming weekend. Please pray for our teenagers — that they would encounter God deeply and grow in faith, courage, and conviction.

Church

We love the Church of Christ, despite all her imperfections. At times, we experience the church as a deeply loving and close-knit family. At other times, we grieve for those who struggle to find their place within it. Please pray for genuine community, unity, and true fellowship — the kind that grows through honesty and vulnerability, something that can sometimes feel difficult within French culture.

We have also noticed that there is often the same small core group of believers faithfully serving week after week, sometimes at the risk of burnout, while many others attend irregularly or do not remain connected for long. We do not fully know the reasons for this, nor whether it is something the church can “fix.” But we do know that the Lord hears and answers when His people pray.

Please pray for the health of our church:

that Christians would have a healthy understanding of their role within the body of Christ;

that they would show sincere love, warmth, and hospitality to visitors;

and that relationships within the church would deepen in trust, friendship, and spiritual maturity.