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La Lumière: May 2023

Newsletters
15 May 2023
La Lumiere
May, 2023
click for printable pdf
Team Agapé France
UN
BUEN CAMINO!

It was beautiful and sunny in Ligonde, Spain as we sat outside La Fuente del Peregrino greeting pilgrims as they walk. We were 75km from their destination, the church in Santiago purported to house the remains of James, the disciple. People walk the Camino for many different reasons. Besides their backpacks, many carry psychological or spiritual burdens which time, perseverance, the rhythmic sound of their footsteps, and conversations work away at. In talking with pilgrims it's clear that God is especially present on the Camino.

Our team of 11 people ran the refuge for one week,  greeting pilgrims and offering them coffee, tea or lemonade. We kept the bathrooms immaculately clean, asked where they are from and what motivates them to walk, and invited them to put a pin on the map. By the end of the week, 56 different countries were represented! Up to seven pilgrims could stay overnight with us, everyone sharing a meal together. Reflecting the character of our French team, we made crêpes, brioches, and other pastries to share. We told them everything we offer, the coffee, food, beds is a gift, because God has given us such a precious gift in Jesus.

We heard remarkable stories. A young man from Italy walked for his father who passed away. He had invited his son to walk the Camino with him multiple times. A pastor from Pennsylvania spoke to a young German on Good Friday and the latter accepted Christ. Since then other pilgrims commented on how he has been transformed, and everyone wanted a selfie with this pastor. Another young man has been a vagabond all over the world for the last 16 years, out of contact with his family. We talked about faith during dinner the night before, and I expressed my prayer for him that Jesus would show himself worthy of his faith. In the guestbook he writes, "The roller coaster of emotions I felt during my stay here I find impossible to express in words. It would destroy the beauty, the holiness, the purity of it. I cried, I laughed, I loved, I was sad, I felt comfortable. All of the above." He asked to talk with me as he finished breakfast, so we went outside. He began with, "Last night I dreamt I saw Jesus." And he had the strong conviction that it's time to recontact his mother who is now 70 years old. We talked through it and concluded with a long hug… and he continued walking his Camino. We came simply to serve in any way we could, not knowing how our offering would weave itself into the divine tapestry the master weaver is forming. Jimmy from New York wrote this, "La Fuente was an oasis. This place and especially the people, the volunteers, renewed my body and spirit." Through the smiles and care and openness, God shows up moving hearts, including ours.

Kitchen prep

Efrem was able to join us too!

Pilgrims

Pilgrims take a break at La Fuente del Peregrino.

Brownies

May's brownies actually drew applause from the guests!

Way Truth Life

I am the way, and the truth, and the life. (Jesus)

 

Please pray

  • that the online Bible course we're taking (Global Church History) will go smoothly.
  • for Silas and Efrem to finish their school years strong, with tests and concerts to perform.
  • that our request to remain classified as a religious organization will be granted by the government.
Our Signatures

La Lumière: April 2023

Newsletters
15 April 2023
La Lumiere
April, 2023
click for printable pdf
Renne's Prefecture
UN
CREATIVITY

Dan and Alexis have been busy, and it's been fun. The creations team has had a steady but reasonable flow of projects in the pipeline. Here are a few of the things we've done: two teaser videos for Athletes in Action camps along with brochures and images to be used online, a training video to help French people share the gospel online, and a new graphic element to celebrate Agapé France's 50th birthday this year (1973-2023). Another challenge I've been given is creating an infographic to keep track of how many new people are engaging with our ministry, noting where they're from, with which ministry they're serving and where. Specifically, we're praying for 25 young people to be a part of the mission for at least six months before the end of 2025. They've also specified the hope that at least half of these will be French, hence the need to show nationality in the infographic. It's a fun challenge figuring out how to represent so much detail in a clean, concise way. It's encouraging to see how many people are coming on board and we greatly appreciate them here where the harvesters are few. In the past 10 years the number of staff in France has seen decreases but currently is relatively stable. Agapé France needs to grow to meet the needs of new forms of ministry like digital strategies. The focus on native French people joining is a real challenge and they are desperately needed. Please join us by praying that courageous French people will have faith to join God's work and pray for the ones who are currently finding financial ministry partners.

Walk in Brittany

Enjoying a walk in Brittany.

 

Please pray

  • for our project at the pilgrim shelter in Spain, April 15-23.
  • that our request to remain classified as a religious organization will be granted by the government.
  • for the civil unrest in France due to the new retirement reform law.
Spring blossoms
A French citizen

Silas is now also a citizen of France and Europe.

Farmer's protesting change

Farmer's protesting change. Look closely - there are tractors!

DEUX
BECOMING FRENCH

This has been a long road for Silas, starting about four years ago when he turned in his application for French citizenship. It's possible to have dual citizenship with the US and France. Having a French passport holds a number of advantages: it allows him to live and work anywhere in the European Union, to vote in French and European elections, and of course, not have to apply for a new residence permit (like his parents have done a dozen times!). Since he accomplished all of his schooling in France, the interview was a breeze for Silas, and a half year later he found out he had been accepted. This past month we went with him to a ceremony for new citizens held in a beautiful old government building we've always been interested to see. There was a speech, of course, and at the end they sang the Marseillaise - at least those who knew the words. They served drinks and refreshments and we had a nice conversation with the Préfet, the regional head of government. It's kind of like meeting the governor of your state. Pretty exciting!

Our Signatures
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