24h vs. 3 years
We've lived in France for 3 years. During these 3 years, we have run into Christians "at random" on the street a total of 2 times.
During our 7 weeks in the United States, within a 24 hour period while in Pennsylvania, we ran into 2 Christians. That's 2 people we'd never met before who told us they were Christians and involved in a local church in our brief interactions.
What took 3 years in France took 24 hours in the United States. Wow.
How often do you run into a stranger somewhere and learn that they attend a neighboring church?
Before arriving in France, we'd heard the statistics: less than 1% of the population has a personal relationship with Jesus. But living in the United States (where about 25% of the population has a personal relationship with Jesus), it's difficult to fathom such numbers. Now we understand - and maybe this story helps you understand, too.
While we really enjoyed our time in the US, visiting with our families, reconnecting with friends, and sharing with several supporting churches, we recognize that our place is in France. In the United States, there is, perhaps, 1 church for every 900 people; in France, there is only 1 church for every 33,000 people. It's not that Jordan and I are so special that we, personally, must bring the Gospel to France, but God has placed in us an openness and given us an opportunity to which we are willing to respond.
May His Kingdom come to France as it is in Heaven.
During our 7 weeks in the United States, within a 24 hour period while in Pennsylvania, we ran into 2 Christians. That's 2 people we'd never met before who told us they were Christians and involved in a local church in our brief interactions.
What took 3 years in France took 24 hours in the United States. Wow.
How often do you run into a stranger somewhere and learn that they attend a neighboring church?
Before arriving in France, we'd heard the statistics: less than 1% of the population has a personal relationship with Jesus. But living in the United States (where about 25% of the population has a personal relationship with Jesus), it's difficult to fathom such numbers. Now we understand - and maybe this story helps you understand, too.
While we really enjoyed our time in the US, visiting with our families, reconnecting with friends, and sharing with several supporting churches, we recognize that our place is in France. In the United States, there is, perhaps, 1 church for every 900 people; in France, there is only 1 church for every 33,000 people. It's not that Jordan and I are so special that we, personally, must bring the Gospel to France, but God has placed in us an openness and given us an opportunity to which we are willing to respond.
May His Kingdom come to France as it is in Heaven.
AMEN - I have been in the States since last November and I can't wait to get back to France. God has so put it in my heart. It is not always easy there, but when God has put it in your heart there is no place you would rather be. Blessings to you both :)
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