France
Date Entered: 1984
Major Ministries: Church Planting
Country Profile
Charlemagne, Calvin, Louis XIV, Marie Antoinette, Revolution, Napoleon, Voltaire, Victor Hugo, Renoir, Descartes, Lafayette, Eiffel, Concorde, Ariane impact every facet of human endeavor in France. Dating back to the early medieval feudal states of western Europe, France now serves as the leader of the fifteen-nation European community. Although a turbulent history of feudalism, monarchies, and empires governed her rich past, today France enjoys political liberty under its fifth republic.
From early times she has been called “the Elder Daughter of the Roman Catholic Church.” Even though 90 percent of the people call themselves Catholic, less than 10 percent still practice their religion seriously. Muslims, Protestants, and other minorities enjoy religious liberty in France.
Several biblically sound missions labor in France, but far too few. ABWE’s decision to enter this land of “liberty, equality and brotherhood” was well advised. The gospel must be taken to this spiritually needy country where the truth is held down by humanistic skepticism and known only in widely separated areas. One does not have to look long to find areas with potential for evangelism and church planting. Large metropolitan centers constitute prime targets for the proclamation of the gospel in ABWE’s church planting efforts.
Urban centers lend themselves well to one-on-one contact and small group Bible studies along with other efforts in evangelism. ABWE missionaries have discovered that children’s Bible clubs, literature stands in open markets, mass literature distributions, Bible studies for university students, sports activities, and youth ministries are all effective means of reaching the French with the gospel.
ABWE presently works in Montpellier, known for its medical school and universities, near the sunny Mediterranean Sea.
With practically limitless possibilities, France needs single men and women as well as missionary couples to build a strong urban base of local churches. Dedicated laborers are encouraged to join in the ministry to children, youth, and university students. Leaders are needed to assist in music and Christian education opportunities.
ABWE’s main goal is to plant local churches capable of self-reproduction. In view of the great challenge presented by the country of France, the ABWE team is asking God for dedicated church planting missionaries to assist in reaching the citizens of France with the gospel.