France and ABWE Canada

“We cannot push away God’s call to full-time Christian ministry, we have to respond. We are now going to the Bible Institute to prepare.”

— A couple that ABWE Canada missionaries witnessed coming to the Lord, discipled, celebrated their wedding, and equipped for ministry.

The Spiritual Need in France

France has a population of 61 million, but it is in spiritual darkness, with less than 1 percent being born again Christians. Sixty-five percent of the people call themselves Catholic, yet less than 5 percent still attend church at least once a month. Muslims, Protestants, and other minorities enjoy religious liberty in this country.

Many churches in France lack the support, resources, and leadership causing them to feel isolated. One third of churches have French pastors, one third have missionary pastors, and one third do not have a pastor at all.

While the culture may be described as atheistic, humanistic, agnostic or typically postmodern, God is doing some exciting things here, and there are many windows of opportunity for revival. The gospel must be shared with this spiritually needy country where the truth is held down by humanistic skepticism. One does not have to look far to find areas with potential for evangelism and church planting.

ABWE Canada in France

The number of true believers in France has grown ten-fold in the last 50 years, and the number of evangelical churches has grown eight-fold. ABWE Canada is proud to be a part of this growth since entering France in 1984. Many here have come to Christ, are serving Him today, and are better equipped to live spiritually-rich lives.

ABWE Canada currently has 3 missionary units in large metropolitan centers with a focus on church planting, teaching at a Bible Institute, and equipping believers and leaders. One-on-one contact, personal friendships, children’s Bible clubs, literature stands in open markets, literature distributions, Bible studies for university students, sports activities, youth ministries, concerts, small group Bible studies are all effective means of reaching the French with the gospel and helping them grow in Christ. God is growing His kingdom in France with the help of missionaries who are passionate about personal evangelism, discipleship and leadership training.