Building Bridges

Story 1:

Jakin reminded me of this man from
"Fiddler on the Roof"

"You are French?"

"Non, je suis américaine," I responded to the shaggy looking man on the Paris metro.  He asked me for money; I responded,  "Non, mais, peut-être j'achète dîner pour toi?"  His eyes lit up, "Un café?"  Jordan and I got off at the next metro stop with Jakin.

Story 2:

"J'ai le même sac,"  Jordan said, pointing to the man's camera bag.  

The man nodded and said, "I don't speak French."  He was from Mexico and we continued the brief conversation in English.  We talked about the recent suicide at Notre Dame; it's sad that the man felt so desperate, even in a place that had once been created for worship. 

Story 3:

"J'ai eu un vélo similaire aux États-Unis,"  Jordan said to another man on a different train.  This conversation led to more talk of bicycles and eventually Jordan trying to explain why he moved to France.  We want to know if the French people know that God loves them.  "Tu connais Dieu?"  Jordan asked."  The man responded, just before getting off the train, "I know God, but not personally."

Story 4:

In the midst of men wearing kilts and playing the bagpipes, I heard English being spoken behind me.  "Excuse me,"  I said, "I hear you speaking English.  Do you know what's happening here?"  The men explained that it had something to do with celebrating the influence of Queen Victoria in Aix-les-Bains.  Inevitably they asked what had brought me to France.  I told them that I moved to Aix-les-Bains because I followed God and I wanted to show His love to the city.

"Oh, I attend the reformed church down the street," the man responded.  He then introduced me to a few other people who are involved with the other local churches in Aix-les-Bains.  

Last week we joined several other GEM missionaries and French national partners in the Paris area for a Discipleship Multiplication Training (DMT).  It was not necessarily new information, but it certainly served as a good reminder of why exactly we are in France.  Jesus has called us to "Follow" and "Fish" - draw near to Him and help others do the same.  This is true for all Christians, no matter where in the world we live.

Much of our time at the DMT was spent looking at Scripture.  What was Jesus's model of ministry?  How did He communicate with people the Father's heart to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in Heaven?  We also heard from those living out the call to make and multiply disciples; God's moving in some amazing ways in places like Stockholm, Sweden and Cologne, Germany, and even around France.  We discussed methods and ministries that are working; we considered our own cities and thought of ways to best ensure that all of Aix-les-Bains has the opportunity to clearly hear and respond to the Gospel.  It's not about a model or a method; it's about Christ and His Kingdom.  But how can we make sure that we are joining with God in what He's already doing and not working on our own strength?

We also talked about ways to begin spiritual conversations.  Seeing a need and responding (story number 1 above), noticing a common link (stories number 2 and 3), or drawing near to other English speakers (story 4) are all ways to start conversations in a natural way.  (I didn't even have to initiate the conversation with Jakin on the metro!)  After we build a bridge and begin a conversation with someone, we must actively look for opportunities to share the Gospel.  Evangelism is scary to me; natural conversations about why I live in France or why I desire to serve someone is not.  Evangelism cannot simply be an event; evangelism must be a way of life.

This is just the tipping point of what we're learning about and being challenged with concerning evangelism and discipleship.  Unfortunately, the stories above are some of the few times where Jordan and I were obedient to share God's heart with others; there are many more times in our days when we "miss" opportunities.

I'm sure there will be more blogs on this to come, but we'd love to talk more in depth with you.  What does evangelism and discipleship look like in your life?  What prevents you from living a lifestyle of evangelism?  How are you seeing God move in your city?  What are some of your challenges?

*Please note that the French conversations above are similar to what we spoke; it's not correct French....  :)