Letter # 2

"Dear Reader,

Are you familiar with the term, "unreached people groups"? It refers to people groups who do not have a national community of believing Christians large enough to evangelize the rest of that people group. But what images come to mind when you hear that phrase? Many think of tribes living in primitive jungle conditions, or the closed hostile environment of Islamic countries. However, believe it or not, the French people are also an unreached people group. In our last letter, we shared with you our calling to go plant new churches in France. Perhaps that left you asking questions like these: Is there really a need in France? Is the need in France any greater than in the United States? Yes, the French are classified as unreached, and while the need for the saving message of Jesus Christ is the same in France as it is in the United States, the opportunity to hear it is drastically less. Let's take a look at the current state in France... The Cultural Backdrop: France has a rich Christian heritage and was once a major player in the Christian world. Today, however, it has become a center for postmodern thought and existential philosophy where religion has been forsaken for more fashionable ways of thinking. While Catholicism is the predominant religion, few take their role in the Catholic church seriously or believe in its teachings. In France, Christianity is the source of some valued traditions but has no relevance for their daily lives. The majority of the French people have never opened a Bible and many equate evangelicals to cults such as the Jehovah's Witnesses.  Is there a need in France?  Yes, the French are in dire need of the truth of Jesus Christ.  The Church...Missing: Imagine having only one evangelical church for every 80,000 people.  That is an accurate description of the Paris region in France's current post-Christian state.  Yet throughout much of the United States, churches can be found throughout every city and small town, especially in the "Bible Belt".  But this is not at all the case in France.  Even the large cathedrals function more as art museums and cultural centers rather than places of worship.  The evangelical church is all but invisible to the French.  With strong opposition from the local government- often prohibiting churches from erecting buildings or meeting in public spaces- the few Bible-teaching churches that do exist are kept hidden from view.  These small congregations (often 4-40 people) are forced to meet in living rooms and basements, only occasionally gaining permission for a once-a-month service in a community building.  Without the influence of the Church, France has become dominated by atheists, agnostics, members of the occult and a rapidly growing Muslim population.  France severely lacks the number of Bible-teaching churches to be the "salt" and "light" to their world.  Walking in Darkness: The French people have a beautiful culture that unknowingly reveals the image of God in so many meaningful ways.  But sadly, they are left searching for truth in places that are ultimately leaving them empty.  Only the power of the gospel clearly taught through the ministry of Spirit-led communities of believers can make an eternal impact among the French.  "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God...Where is the wise man?  Where is the scholar?  Where is the philosopher of this age?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?  For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.  For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength."  -1 Corinthians 1:17-25

Until Next Time!
Brandon and Michelle Burch"