GLO Europe
A Vision for France by Mike Packer
F
rance is one of the world’s wealthiest nations and is currently ranked fifth largest and wealthiest economy in the world. The World Health Organisation recently classed France as having the world’s best health system. The economy is supported by France’s nuclear energy sector, which accounts for 78% of the French electricity supply. The agricultural sector of the economy is the largest in the European Union, with regions in France exporting different products internationally. Northern France is renowned for its wheat farms, with dairy products, pork, poultry, and apple production in the west of France. Fruits, vegetables, meat and wine are produced and exported all over the world. But where is France spiritually? What has been achieved and what can be done for the Lord in the UK’s nearest neighbour? Statistics published in the Depeche magazine in February of this year show that 69% of French
people have some religious belief, 1 in 3 people believe in God but only a very small percentage practice their religion. In another magazine La Vie, 64% feel close to Catholicism, 2.1% to Protestantism, 3% to Islam and 0.6% to Judaism. However the picture of the evangelical world in France is encouraging. Since 1970 more than 1500 local churches of all denominations have been started and in 2013 they number about 2350. A great deal of work has been done to see new churches planted but as you look at the different counties all over France there is a great difference in the number of churches per head of population. In a largely Catholic country it is estimated that there are about 1,700 000 Protestants of which 460,000 are evangelicals. Over the last half century there has been a substantial growth in the number of evangelical Christians as in 1950 they numbered only about 50 000. (Source CNEF D Liechti). GLO France is an integral part of the CAEF movement (French Brethren churches) and CAEF
The next few years will see a real impetus in training 25-35 year olds, early retirees and students to be involved in church planting
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are committed to seeing new churches planted throughout France. GLO is committed to partnering with CAEF to see this vision fulfilled. The next few years will see a real impetus in training 25-35 year olds, early retirees and students to be involved in church planting. Different methods and means are being looked at to adapt the church planting strategy to the region targeted. After consultation and much prayer new projects are now on the horizon (see article by Philippe Perrilliat). The desire to see the gospel preached and accepted and new churches started throughout the land of France is ever present. Pray with us that French people may hear and respond to the good news of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.