The time spent in Paris was extremely productive in making connections with many involved in the French Evangelical world, finding concrete projects and potential partnership opportunities, as well as seeing clearly and fully the many different things that God is doing through His Kingdom in France.
Seminars throughout the conference
Entrance to the Center
Exhibiting Hall
Christian Publishing Group
Eclair6 stand (Christian Radio)
Workstations at TopChretien
I wanted to establish face-to-face relationships with individuals and share the fullness of the heart, vision, and objectives of the CCFOF to hear their reactions, get their feedback and understand the place and role of the CCFOF in France today. The feedback we received showed us clearly that the ministry of the CCFOF was not only viable in France but was welcomed and needed. There are a large number of ministries that have compelling visions, plans, and potential to impact France nationally and locally but are in need of Biblical stewardship training, practical development tools, and funding.
We were also able to find some very exciting potential partners and projects that we could share with friends and supporters here in the United States. These projects are inter-denominational and represent a very solid beginning of the type of work that will advance the Kingdom of God in France. Additionally, there was a great deal of information to share on a wide scale with the American Christian community that is not ordinarily available.
Registration at the Center
Exhibiting Hall
VX-COM's stand (www.gospel-film.com)
Clé stand
Meeting with Eric Célérier at TopChretien.com
Before, during, and after, I was able to meet with the following individuals in addition to several local pastors:
Stéphane Lauzet - Secretary-General of the French Evangelical Alliance (AEF)
Clément Diedrichs - Secretary-General of the French Evangelical Federation (FEF)
Claude Grandjean - President of the Bible Institute at Nogent (former president of the AEF)
Charles Cross - Greater Europe Mission's field director in France
Daniel Liechti - VP of the FEF and Director of church development for France-Mission
David Rowley - President of France-Mission
Jacques Blocher - Administrative Director at the Nogent Bible Institute
Etienne Lhermenault - Secretary-General of the Federation of French Evangelical Baptist Churches
Patrick Guiborat - Director of SEL (Service d'Entraide et de Liaison)
Eric Célérier - President and Founder of TopChretien.com
Michel Balverde - President of CIJEM (Congrès International de la Jeunesse en Movement)
Jean-Pierre Riche - President of the Full Gospel Federation of Churches in France
Raphael Anzenberger - Secretary-General of France Evangélisation
I was also able to speak with Dany Hameau, President of the FEF and Alain Stamp, their Communication Director and even though we did not spend a great deal of time together I was able to share the vision of the CCFOF.
One thing that stood out above all was the spirit of unity and desire to come together as the Body of Christ - individuals from all movements and demoninations told me the same thing - God is uniting French Evangelicals in ways that are unprecedented. I was also extremely encouraged to see the variety and number of ministries represented at the Center. It was the first year that they filled the entire building where they had the conference!
ACTE SEMINAR (LYON)
On December 2nd and 3rd, I attended a seminar in Lyon with members of ACTE (Association des Cadres Témoins de l'Evangile), GBPE (Groupe Biblique des Professionels Engagés de France) and French-speaking CBMC. I was encouraged to be able to share our vision with all those in attendance at the leadership meeting on the first day and learned a great deal about the status of and plans for marketplace ministry in France. There is a renewed desire to implant ACTE chapters throughout France to reach businesspeople for Christ.
I was able to spend time with the following individuals and share projects and opportunities:
Paul Chazot - President of ACTE in France
Dominique Faessler - President of Europartners
Patrick Beeusaert - ACTE Lille
Gérard Dugelet and his team - ACTE Thiers
Click here for a full description of the events (in French)
ACTE Leadership Meeting in Lyon
ACTE dinner at the Mission Ciel Ouvert in Lyon
David Broussard and Peter Davidse in Lyon
Gérard Dugelet and the team from Thiers
After returning to the United States, I have been in contact with individuals who received my information from those I met during this trip! God has been connecting us in amazing ways with His plans for France.
THE RESULTS
I was able to see exactly why God has given so much growth and momentum to the CCFOF in this past year. What God had been speaking and establishing to us here in the United States fit perfectly in scope, timing, and approach with what God is doing in France.
Secondly, I was able to add a large number of solid contacts and relationships to our work representing over 75% of the Evangelical churches and ministries in France through those involved with the National Council of Evangelicals of France and other ministries.
Most importantly, we are ready to begin our work in seeking funding and prayer for projects that will nationally impact France. Please find below the document outlining the initial projects of the CCFOF - all in various stages of approval - that is a reflection of the type of opportunities available for us to work on.
Q1 2007 Projects - click here to download (WORD doc)
In addition to the specific projects listed above, your gift will help the CCFOF to do the following:
- Assist French ministries in creating proposals and presentations to distribute to investors.
- Mobilize a network of American individuals and churches who love God and love France.
- Develop partnerships and resources for Biblical Stewardship and technical assistance for French ministries.
- Increase the impact of our communication vehicles (website, newsletter, direct mail).
Will you help impact France in new and lasting ways through the CCFOF?
Thank you in advance for your support!