The reason why I am in France

The short answer to why I'm in France is for students to know Christ; I'm like a messenger. But since it's better and clearer to explain, I'll do my best to try.

I came to France knowing that is was a difficult place to be a Christian and that there were far many more atheists and people indifferent to religion than in the US. I knew that I wanted to stand boldly for Christ and encourage others to do the same. I didn't realize what that really meant until I started going through the application process. Now that I have gone through the fire by completing an application in French for the GBU, then an even longer one in English for InterVarsity. Now that I have overcome the challenging task of raising my financial support, I can focus on my task: standing boldly for Christ and encouraging others to do the same.

I wasn't naive enough to think it would happen at once, but I hoped that maybe after 6 months I would see some fruit. I have to confess my lack of patience because it doesn't always show right away. The groups that I helped with were predominately Christian. I felt like we met weekly to show off what we knew about the Bible. Even though I knew that we could still learn and grow, I felt something was missing. They were actually people who were missing. Those who didn't know Christ. I have to admit most groups have a couple students who aren't Christian. One group had a Muslim student come all year and another group had a guy very open but without a religion who was invited by his Catholic friend. But for the most part, the groups were filled with Christians. I wonder now if I was really encouraging or if I got used to the groups as they were. Maybe their friends didn't want to come.

This year, I'm being more intentional. I have committed myself to pray daily for the students who don't know Christ to come to the groups. I don't know how they will come, but God will bring them. Last night, I hope again that it might really happen. Here's the post I put on Facebook and a reason to praise God.

Me, Elizabeth & our fav snack

"I forgot to mention this. But last night as we said good-bye to Elizabeth, we said hello to 2 of her friends who are not Christian. They came because they were invited and were able to participate in our discussion. It was amazing to see how Elizabeth could share this moment with her friends who don't know Christ. We kept smiling at each other through the study because I could see how excited she was. Praise God for bold, self-less students!

This has been my daily prayer, I truly desire to reach out to those who don't know the Bible or Christ. I don't want our groups to be exclusive especially to students who can truly benefit. Please pray with me that more will come hungry to hear what the Bible has to say."