France Partner Cultivation Trip Recap
During the second half of June, we had the opportunity to organize a Partner Cultivation Trip (PCT) to France with pastors from a church in the Chicago area and another in Phoenix. The trip offered a valuable occasion for these leaders to see firsthand the unique challenges faced by churches in France—especially in the area of church planting. They were also able to meet our Europe Regional Director, Tsiry Andria (based in Grenoble), as well as several other church leaders in both Grenoble and Paris.
Here is a recap of the trip from John Talley III, Neopolis VP for Partner Development:
From June 11th - June 18th, I had the privilege of visiting the beautiful country of France. Considering the genesis of Christianity in Europe can be traced back to the first century, I’m always honored and humbled when I’m on the continent of Europe! It is a post-Christian context. And despite what the statistics show regarding the lack of faithful Christian presence, God has his fingerprints there and his people are doing gospel ministry that reflect the heart of God for those in need of a Savior.
Three key reflections from the trip
Strength in Numbers
This is a motto and philosophy embraced by the NBA team, Golden State Warriors, emphasizing teamwork, depth, and the valuable contribution of each player that results in the overall success of the team. I was able to see a glimpse of that as we fellowshipped with other pastors and leaders in Paris. The praise reports, partnership, and prayers envisioning a city network that fosters gospel movement were amazing to be a part of. Meeting with pastors from the 5th and 20th districts and hearing about their unique burdens and blessings was worth the price of the trip alone. In was wonderful to also have US pastors present to hear about the work and prayerfully commit to partnering in Paris and Grenoble. It reminded me of when the Psalmist says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”
a Coming Gospel Revolution
The year 1789 marked the beginning of the French Revolution, a period of social and political upheaval in France. We were able to visit a castle and a museum that gave a lot of history about this monumental event in France’s history. It got me thinking about revival and the coming gospel revolution in France. With the pastors that are committed to praying, planting, and pastoring to the glory of God, I believe in God’s timing, there will be a massive revival that will take place in France and beyond. That will overthrow the wicked forces of darkness and usher in the kingdom of light. The pastors that I met are the seedbed for this coming gospel revolution and proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the true light (John 1:9).
Gratitude and Privilege in Partnering to the Ends of the Earth
Ephesians tells us that God has prepared good works for us to walk in. Praise the Lord for his grace, mercy, and sovereignty, that I was able to witness firsthand the amazing partnership in the gospel with these fellow brothers and sisters across the globe. I have a deep sense of gratitude to have the honor of traveling, preaching, praying, and worshipping in churches in France. I was able to hear the preached word from Pastor Thomas Parfitt who exposited the timeless truths from Psalm 42 and 43.
It’s a joy to be a witness to God’s faithfulness in France. I pray that the gospel will continue to go forth and spread in all areas of society.
