Hello All !!

This update is a little bit longer than normal because we really need prayer. Thank you in advance for investing your time to read about what the Lord is doing in France, and how you can support the work through prayer!

HIGHLIGHTS :

We are able to stay in our church building until the end of September 2025
God has provided us with an open door in a town 10 minutes from Vernon for “La Grande Célébration”, our once-a-month Big Celebration service.
Small “micro churches” are going to start in September, meeting in several homes.
The transition is more than changing buildings; it’s a season of walking by faith, not by sight; a season of spiritual growth, marked by loving obedience to Christ, as we abide in Him.
“Youth Church” will be starting on Sunday afternoons this September.
Our Pentecost service had about 150 people, who came to support family and friends getting baptized. We had six baptisms and an incredible time of fellowship as a church!

Church Building

When we got the news last May that we had a short window of about 6 weeks to leave our church building, it was quite a shock, to say the least. At the same time, there was an immense sense of peace that came with the news. The evening that we received the news, Sonia and I had attended a small gathering of students at the home of my missions professor, for a discussion with an innovative church planter from Lyon. We discussed church planting, church multiplication movements, and some adaptable methods to win the lost to Christ in the spiritually cold and hard French environment. As we got in the car after the meeting, I saw the email informing us about the decision of the catholic diocese to sell the building that our church had been meeting in for the last year and a half. The timing of the message, following the context of the meeting we had just left, made us pay attention. God is obviously moving. The following week, I sent an email to the diocese asking for more time in the building, which would allow our budding church community to have enough time to find another place for our church to meet. We were graciously given until the end of September, for which we were, and are, very thankful.

To be honest, this huge change has been a real challenge for our church body. God started a new work in our church a couple of weeks before Easter, and what He’s been doing is kind of hard for me to describe. This season of “transition” has also been a season of salvation, sanctification, sacrifice, and learning to deeply trust our Heavenly Father as a church. We have seen the Spirit move and witnessed the spiritual walls of resistance crumble in the hearts of people coming to faith or returning to the Lord. But, it’s also WAR. I often remind our church that satan attacks us in “3D”, and we are actively in a battle against the “3Ds” of distraction, discouragement, and division. Some struggle with doubt about God’s provision for a building, others question if we have failed in our mission and if we’re returning to the states ( which we are not ), and still others are overwhelmed by the stress of the transition, or struggling with an immense feeling of being out of control. It’s a whirlwind of emotion. It feels in a way that we’re in the midst of the storm, and Jesus, our master, sleeps peacefully at the rear of the boat.

La Vigne

For those of you who know us personally, you know that for the last 10 years, Sonia and I have been aiming at something different than a traditional church. When we lived in Astoria, we witnessed the pervasive nature of the blackberry bushes in our backyard. They are clever buggers. Any branch that touches the ground and stays there will put down roots. Many Oregonians have lost ground in their backyard year by year to these prolific bushes. So, when we prepared to engage in the mission that we felt that God called us to, we named our organization “La Vigne” French for The Vine, with the heart to see the gospel go out, and to see churches take root with the same pervasive nature as the blackberry bushes that surrounded our little cedar shingled cottage. But how?

I’ve spent the last year discovering methods, tools, and opportunities for just that - a type of church that adapts itself to overcome the obstacles that would stifle its growth. Here in France, two major obstacles are very common that churches have to overcome. The first is finding an affordable building, and the second is finding and supporting a pastor. With evangelical Christianity making up only about 1.5 % of the population, there is also a lot of suspicion and some persecution that affects the church.

The Lord has provided a way to deal with these obstacles by providing a building that will allow us to have what we are calling “La Grande Célébration” or the “Big Celebration” once a month going forward. Our capacity will jump from 49 occupants in our old building to 150 people in the new one. We have booked the building through the end of the year, and soon will be confirming our reservations through the end of June. On the other end of the spectrum, like a branch of a blackberry bush touching the ground, we have “micro churches” that are going to start in September. These groups are REALLY THRILLING! We have several of them up and running, and our church body will be meeting in these “micro-churches” on the Sundays when we don’t have our Grand Celebration. The Lord is doing a big work in the small setting, that is deep, personal, and vibrant.

One of the most active groups that started last spring is a group that Asher started among his unbelieving friends. One of his friends has come to faith, and there are several others who come regularly to learn about the Bible and God’s plan of redemption. In September, the group will move from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, a “Youth Church” as Asher calls it. Almost all of Asher’s friends are coming from atheist or catholic homes, and many of them are incredibly open to diving into God’s word to learn more about Jesus. We are witnessing a true hunger to know Christ, and a sincere desire to follow Him. These «micro-churches» are functioning as discipleship groups, using an inductive bible study method to delve into God’s word through discussion and discovery questions. We have another group that reminds me of something we see in the book of Acts, with a whole family learning at the same time, as we share the Word with three generations of the family simultaneously. The results have been that people who were far from God are building a healthy and biblically based relationship with their creator.

What are our biggest needs in this season?

PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER !!

Without a doubt, the biggest need that we have right now is prayer, prayer, and more prayer. More than any other season of our service here in France, we need consistent, faithful prayer warriors who are willing to join us in covering this work in prayer. We are asking you to join us in prayer and to share with your church families to please commit to praying for us as we serve here, as well as for your brothers and sisters in the Lord who are coming to Christ and growing in Him. Pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to enter into the harvest that surrounds us. The need is vast and urgent. Pray that the Spirit would open hearts to receive the good news of salvation. Pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers in this field.

If you would like to commit to praying for us, click here.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT NEEDS

In addition to our monthly support needs, we have several additional expenses coming up this fall.

First, Sonia will be starting the Biblical Counseling Program through the Institut Biblique de Genève, taking online classes to further equip her for the work of the ministry that she feels the Lord is leading her to. Please pray for her studies, for the financial resources needed for her tuition and books, and for grace with balancing ministry, studies, family, and personal life. Sonia’s focus on Biblical Counseling is an essential part of our ministry, giving biblically based counsel to members of our church body that helps to develop healthy relationships with God and with one another.

Also, I will be continuing my studies at the seminary, working towards my bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies, with a focus on missions. My objective for pursuing my bachelor’s degree is to have a degree recognized by the French that will allow me to participate in the creation of a training center in our area that will help train pastors and church planters through a nationally recognized program. The price for our tuition, books, and transportation works out to about 2500€ each per year (5000€ total)

Lastly, we have been juggling back and forth with one car for the last 8 years, and it’s worked out, but we are now at a point where our car needs repairs that equal its value, and we’re not very sure how long it will last. We need to replace our car with a reliable used car very soon, as I will be driving back and forth to school a couple of days per week in addition to our normal ministry needs.

Click here if you feel led to support financially

The Beginning of Big Things

Sonia and I have been praying together with our leadership team through this last season. God is doing a huge work, and we feel that we are just at the beginning! Our prayer is that the Lord will use our little church to grow a network of healthy, Biblically sound disciples that multiply disciples. Thank you for walking with us during the past 8 years of this adventure, and for joining us now, at the beginning of big things.

May the Lord bless you as you abide in Him!

An honest look at ministry, culture, and calling after 8 years on the ground…

Hello, future missionary!

After eight years of serving Jesus in France, I want to share what this journey has really been like—beyond the postcards and pastries. This beautiful, complex country has challenged, refined, and drawn me closer to Christ in ways I never could’ve predicted.

If you're an American preparing to bring the Gospel here, I’d love to walk with you through the unexpected lessons, the daily realities, and the quiet miracles I’ve witnessed along the way. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it.

France: Beauty, Complexity, and the Gospel

France is breathtaking. From lavender fields to ancient churches to the scent of fresh baguettes on every corner, it can feel like a dream. But the real beauty of France lies in its people—thoughtful, independent, and spiritually curious.

The French have a long tradition of separating religion from public life. The 1905 law establishing secularism (laïcité) makes it clear that faith belongs in the private sphere. This means that evangelism here is less about street preaching and more about long, honest conversations—often over coffee, a walk, or a shared meal.

At first glance, it may seem like people don’t want to talk about faith—but many do. They just want to know you’re real. Authenticity matters. Relationship matters. And when trust is built, hearts often open.

What to Expect as an American Missionary

1. Culture Shock Is Real—But So Is God’s Grace

Coming from an American context of friendliness and openness, France’s social dynamics can feel like a cold front. Don’t take it personally. Relationships here are deep but slow-growing. Don’t rush the process. Instead, press into prayer, dig into language learning, and show up faithfully in community spaces like local classes, cafés, or even neighborhood markets.

Jesus will meet you in the discomfort and teach you to see people through His eyes.

2. Bureaucracy Will Test Your Patience

France is famous for its paperwork. Everything—from renting an apartment to registering for healthcare—requires detailed documentation, multiple appointments, and patience.

There were seasons when I felt more like an administrator than a missionary! But over time, I learned to laugh, prepare ahead, and lean on others who had walked the path before me. Jesus walks with you through every form and frustrating rendez-vous.

3. The Church Is Small, But Powerful

Only about 1% of France’s population is evangelical Christian. Churches here are often small and tight-knit, with believers from many cultural backgrounds. Our local Boulanger said, in regards to the number of denominations in America who refuse to work together, “Division in the church is a luxury we cannot afford in France. There are too few of us to divide.” Be expected to be stretched in ministry. You might wear multiple hats—leading worship, running a children’s class, organizing a food pantry—but the richness of community is unlike anything I experienced back home.

The lack of numbers isn’t discouraging; it’s humbling. Jesus is present in these small gatherings, and His Spirit is moving.

4. A New Rhythm of Life

Life in France is slower-paced and more deliberate. People linger at the table. Sunday is truly a day of rest. And silence is not awkward—it’s normal.

Public transportation is reliable, housing is modest, and your weekly routine may look very different than it did in the U.S. But over time, I discovered that this rhythm allowed me to live more intentionally—and gave me more space to notice God’s presence in the everyday.

What I’ve Learned from Jesus Here

Listening is Love in Action

At first, I was eager to tell people about Jesus. But I quickly learned that listening often speaks louder. The French value dialogue, not monologue. Listening well communicates respect, care, and dignity. I’ve seen hearts soften not through debates, but through simply being present and curious.

Humility Builds Trust

French communication is more nuanced than in America. I once offended a person without realizing it—just by being too direct. Over time, I’ve learned to pause, rephrase, and ask questions rather than assume. Jesus models gentleness, and learning a new culture requires humility. Mistakes are part of it—grace covers you.

Community Is Essential

Missionary life can be lonely. Being away from home, language challenges, and cultural fatigue all take a toll. My lifeline has been a community of fellow missionaries and local believers. Weekly check in meetings, prayers, meals shared in small apartments, and spontaneous encouragement from teammates have kept me going.

Jesus Works in the Slow and Silent

This isn’t a place of quick conversions or flashy ministry wins. But in the quiet, Jesus moves. I’ve seen Him work through years of prayer, tiny steps of faith, and open-hearted conversations. Celebrate every moment of progress. Seeds planted in love never go unnoticed by God.

What I Wish I’d Known

French Fluency Is Vital: Language shapes connection. Begin learning French now. Gospel conversations deepen when you can truly speak someone’s heart language.
Reverse Culture Shock Is Real: Visiting the U.S. after months in France can feel like culture whiplash. Pray through it. Jesus bridges both worlds.
Rest Is Sacred: You can’t minister from exhaustion. Make time for worship, creativity, and rest. Your soul needs it.
France Is Diverse: Each region has its own culture, history, and needs. Learn your local context and adapt accordingly.
Your American Strengths Matter: The French admire initiative, optimism, and hospitality—use these gifts for Gospel connection, not cultural imposition.

What the French Appreciate About You

Hopeful Enthusiasm: Your can-do attitude brings a spark in a culture that sometimes leans toward intellectual caution or skepticism.
Creating Welcoming Spaces: From potlucks to game nights, Americans have a knack for community. Use that gift—it’s a beautiful expression of Christ’s welcome.

Jesus, Always at the Center

France has changed me—but more than that, Jesus has changed me through France.

Every frustration, every small victory, every conversation where I felt unsure but showed up anyway—it’s all part of the calling. And He is always with you.

If He’s calling you here, come with a teachable heart, a strong prayer life, and a deep love for people. Don’t come to save; come to serve. And watch what Jesus does.

He’s already working. You’re just joining in.

How losing our church building was the best thing that could ever happen to our church.