Fiery French Fellowship

The young Frenchman’s voice broke as he searched for the correct English word for his former life.  Later his wife explained that neither she nor her husband want to glamorize their destructive roles in the drug culture.  Instead they want to glorify the Savior, Who brought them out of this horrible darkness into light, love and forgiveness—a new place of peace.  Where once greed and selfishness reigned supreme, now their redeemed hearts are free to invest in others with Jesus Christ’s powerful, life-changing love.

Our new friend’s wife, a lovely homemaker with flawless complexion and makeup, chic clothing and a graceful bearing, described the plain woman who had entered her life and eventually led her to Christ.  After surrendering to Jesus, this young diva assumed that she would need to look and dress like her Christian mentor.  “I was willing to do this,” she explained, “because of what Jesus had done for me.”  She wanted to someday marry and have a family, but she was intent on either remaining single or finding a mate who was as passionate in his Christian faith as she.

These two people in their late twenties are astounded by God’s intervention in their lives.  After their separate conversions, by the Lord’s marvelous orchestration of events, they met at college and fell in love.  Now, instead of bartering others’ souls for personal gratification, they are risking themselves to tell those around them about Jesus.  Because of their radical transformation, four of their siblings have also come to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.  And this dynamic couple is sharing their journey with others across France, even as they train in Biblical studies and work to provide for their family.  They no longer follow in their impaired parents’ footsteps.  Instead they’re raising a sweet princess toddler and a precious infant prince.  These children will know Jesus’ nurture and constant presence, rather than the chaos their parents barely survived.


A third young disciple shared his story as we sat at table together.  He had been raised in a French Christian home but had turned to a self-absorbed life where he tried to drown his lack of purpose in alcohol.  Though he believed that God existed, this belief was shrouded in vagaries, with no connection to his private life.  Christian friends told him of a holy, personal God Who loved him deeply.  They told him of Jesus’ death on the cross that paid for all his screw-ups.  They described real love, which until that point, he hadn’t believed existed.  After putting his faith in Christ Jesus, he’s become a new person—a passionate evangelist who’s training in Biblical studies and spending himself for others.    

It is difficult to describe the sense of God’s presence while these precious saints honored us with their stories.  As we sat at a lavish four-course lunch in their small apartment, I heard the scripture in my heart from Hebrews 11.  “The world was not worthy of them.”  I wondered in that moment, Who is here to help whom?  The Holy Spirit had set these French Christians’ hearts on fire!  Like one chilled to the bone, I wrapped myself in the hot blanket of their fervor.

Yet each of these three people fought to control their own emotions, expressing heartfelt thanks for the encouragement we had brought them!  They seemed desperate for our prayer support.  The Lord’s presence through us brought confirmation of their mission, bolstering their resolve, affirming their God-given abilities.  And as God brought strength to their weary hearts, we experienced the joy of His wondrous refreshment together.

 

 

“Sing to the Lord, bless His Name; tell of His salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples” (Psalm 96:2-3 NIV).

“Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit . . . giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-21 NIV).