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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

La Lumière: March 2023

Newsletters
15 March 2023
La Lumiere
March, 2023
click for printable pdf
Helpdesk
UN
LA RENCONTRE NATIONALE

We've been to quite a few French staff conferences, but one thing that never gets old is meeting new coworkers. The Bridges team in Paris has two new members, one from Arizona, and another from the middle east. I was impressed by their level of French, and their zeal for sharing the gospel is refreshing. Nurturing that flame is a life-long endeavor, and we all need encouragement to keep it burning brightly. The Bridges ministry focuses on international students and is based in the Paris area. Another person we were excited to meet is a young woman with a Bible degree who didn't know about Cru's ministry until she talked with someone at a large evangelical gathering a couple years ago. Motivated by the women's ministry, she has joined the team and is raising her initial support. Her husband pastors a church west of Versailles. Cru's mission to share the good news of Christ and build into multiplying disciples still motivates!

Other activities kept us busy as well, like helping our coworkers with their technical problems, playing bass with the praise team, discussing details for new video projects, and giving training on data security and even quizzing everyone afterwards. One afternoon we had the chance to go on a few different hikes in the area, yet another great opportunity to get to know our colleagues better. It's hard to explain how special the staff family is to us, serving so far away from friends and actual family. Our brothers and sisters in Christ draw us into a community where our common heart for Jesus supersedes ethnic or language barriers; we are all citizens of heaven.

Data security

May quizzes everyone on the importance of data security.

Dan playing in the band

Dan playing bass with the praise team.

Dan praying

 

Please pray

  • for our project at the pilgrim shelter in Spain.
  • that we stay focused and reflect God's love.
  • for Silas and Efrem to continue growing in their relationship with God.
Saint Malo
DEUX
MARCHING ON

March has an abundance of birthdays, including Efrem who turns 19. He is doing very well in London, enjoying his studies in flute and spending time with friends. If you're planning on being in London for King Charles' coronation May 6, Efrem has a concert the night before playing Gaubert, Chopin, Taffanel and Fauré. He continues to post new videos to his YouTube channel too. Silas has popped over to London to spend the weekend with his brother, who has also visited him. It's nice to see them enjoying each other's company. We have scheduled a family video call once a week with them, usually while they are having dinner. We'll take what we can get!

In a month May and I will both be joining our digital teammates serving for a week in a shelter for pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, a fourteen hour drive from Rennes! Fortunately there will be plenty of drivers. And a bonus is that Efrem gets to join us.

Our Signatures
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