They are nervous, and there is an air of
defeat. Behind the discussions of politics,
people despair of losing their beloved culture and country.
They used to pride themselves in an
open-minded, socialist approach, welcoming any foreigner. While they also
prided themselves on their unique culture,
including cuisine, art, language, philosophy, and other aspects of life, they held the
democratic “republique” and free-speech
tolerance as central to their value system.
Since the attacks on Charlie Hebdo and
several locations in Paris in the past year,
the liberal French attitudes have given way
to insecurity. Politics has shifted right, at
least temporarily, as a reaction. Immigrants,
with permanent residency but not French
citizenship, are no longer allowed to vote.
What does all of this mean for the harvest? The French want to return to their
faith roots. Some immigrants feel marginalized, less welcome in France. They need
to know that Isa, our Savior, loves them.
They need our friendship, and they need
to know that Jesus awaits them with open
arms. Most immigrants are perplexed by
the hostile turn of events. They just want
to survive and now question their beliefs—
is this the Allah we serve, tearing up our
country? Where do we belong? Some
want to return to North Africa; they are
waiting for an economic breakthrough or
another open door. We went to show these
immigrants that they can find security in
the Savior, not a home country, not their
heritage, not economic stability.
Pray for the harvest in France. A time
of crisis is a golden opportunity for God’s
Spirit to bring healing miracles and lifetransformation. Pray for dreams and visions and for people trapped in Islam
to be ready to receive the Message, the
Good News of acceptance and freedom
in Christ.
just hope none of them are plotting anything,” they answer calmly.
It’s business as usual for them, in a
manner of speaking. They just have less
hope of French hospitality.
At a French Christmas party, mostly
attended by atheists, there is an entirely
different tenor. The French are feeling selfprotective. They expect peaceful protests,
but mass slaughters are entirely different.
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