Being a Missionary to France Part 2
France is such a beautiful country. I love the cliffs of Étretat, the vinelands of Bordeaux, and the beaches of the South of France. Many tourists stream to France each year to experience the uniqueness and cultural richness of this nation. I remember taking our sons to Paris and the Eiffel Tower for the first time when we still lived in Marseille. I was so excited to show them these iconic places that most people dream about visiting, and they just looked at me with puzzled looks on their faces and innocently wanted to understand what is the big deal about Paris. What?! Where have I failed?! They needed an education. Jokes aside, living in France or specifically Paris versus visiting is obviously very different. One cannot help but be very aware of the spiritual climate and the reality of ancient principalities that are blinding the minds and hearts of people.
Although France has had a rich history of revival and spiritual influencers (like Madame Guyon and Bother Lawrence to name a few), the last two hundred years has been marked with a severe spiritual drought. France, like most of Europe, is classified as a Post-Christian nation though France’s roots are deeply Catholic. There are only around 2.4 percent of Evangelical Christians in France. Therefore, out of a population of 65 million only 1.6 million are professing Christians. In 1905, the government passed a law called Laïcite which enforced a complete separation of state and religion. The goal of the law was to counter the abuses that had been committed in the name of religion by the Catholic Church. This means that no church or anything representing religion can be done in government owned properties. For example, you cannot wear a cross to school or bring a Bible. The threat of Islamic terrorism and culture has also been the cause of laws restricting and controlling much of what could be done by churches.
One of the prophetic promises that God has given to us and many other churches is that He is going to bring revival to this nation and specifically to Paris. There has been a groundswell of intercession, prophetic declarations, and the faithful preaching of the gospel that is causing the spiritual climate to ripen for a great move of God. In our experience of building friendships and sharing the gospel, we have seen that the French are weary of anything that represents religious control or extremity. However, when we speak to them about the person of Jesus Christ, His life and death, there is a surprising interest that peaks. We believe and declare this over the French people, that they haven’t rejected the Gospel, but that they haven’t heard it fully yet.
Paris is known as the graveyard of missionaries. The average missionary only lasts two years here. In spite of this fact, there have been many who endured and paid a price to stay and labor in this land. Kathryn and Robert Baxter have been in Paris for over 34 years. They have become mentors and dear friends to us. Every time that you are around them you feel spiritually energized, and walk away with a deeper hunger to see more of God’s Kingdom come to France. They continue to contend for God’s prophetic promises for Paris. Having them as examples of endurance on the mission field in Paris has surely been a big factor in helping us not to pack up and go when life got really hard here.
By the grace of God we are still here. We are excited and expectant of what the Lord has for us. We will continue to believe and contend to see His Word come to pass in our lives, ministry, and this beautiful city He has planted us in.