‘Gloire à Dieu’ at France Day

Around 100 people from our churches across the UK gathered in Coventry on 15 September for the France Day. On arrival coffee and croissants were served and then, after a great time of worship in both English and French, Pete Carter (North Kent Community Church), spoke about the history of our involvement in France and our vision for the future. George Tee (Jubilee Church, Coventry) reports back from the day.

During the prayer time we called out to God for France and especially for Paris. It was wonderful to watch over 40 people respond to a call to those who believe that they will move to France at some stage. We have seven churches and one plant at present in France and a few other churches are interested in relationship with Newfrontiers. It is quite apparent that God is giving us faith for much more.

Ralph and Katie Tidmarsh (Mosaic Church, Leeds) reported that, ‘Since living in France for a year (three years ago), we have felt as though we left our hearts there. So, for us, the France Day was an exciting and significant step in not only our journey back there, but also in God's plans for France. We were particularly moved and excited to see just how many other people want to be part of a church or church plant in France, and being together with them in Coventry was very powerful. We came away fired-up and praying for God to use more English and French Christians together in bringing Jesus to more people in France. Gloire à Dieu!

Roger and Georgina Eaton (The City Church, Canterbury) also attended the day and fed back about their experience of the day. ‘Having attended Rendezvous, the French Newfrontiers conference this summer, it was so exciting to be at the France day in September to see and hear of all that God is doing in France and in people’s hearts concerning the nation. The France day confirmed to us that God is on the move in this tough nation, that His people are consolidating under excellent and Godly leadership and that His church is rising up to the challenge.

For us personally, it was so encouraging to meet with others who are also hearing God’s voice calling them to one day move homes, leave family, jobs and churches here in the UK, and move into one of the toughest nations in Europe. Testimonies from those who are already there; living, working and raising families, put into perspective the huge sacrifices and requirements that moving to another nation requires. However, joining 40 other individuals, we stood, not knowing where, how, or when we would go, but knowing that in His will we would go, wherever, however and whenever with a promise that we would not be alone, but joined by many from France, the UK and other nations from around the world.’

It occurred to me that the France Day itself was part of the fulfilment of the well-remembered prophetic picture of a bow superimposed over England with the string stretched back into the Midlands and an arrow on the bow aimed out towards France and the nations. Here we were right in the middle of the Midlands praying about sending many arrows into France.

For further information on Newfrontiers France please visit www.eglises-nouvellesfrontieres.net or email office@jubileechurchcoventry.org