FAMILY RADIO MISSION TO PARIS, FRANCE
July 16 - 27, 2004
LETTER #1
"Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple." (Psalms 65:4)
Saturday, July 17, 2004. We thank our gracious Lord for raising up nineteen Family Radio ambassadors for this Mission Trip and for granting us traveling mercies. One member of our team missed her flight but was able to get on the next flight out and is scheduled to arrive tomorrow morning. All of us came from the USA except a dear brother who joined us from Amsterdam. Paris is the capital of France. It is also the administrative social cultural and political center of the country and sits on the River Seine. It is part of the Ile de France region that is home to ten million people. This is roughly one-fifth of the French population. It also has one of the most extensive and efficient Metro systems in the world. This will greatly assist in our distribution efforts.
Upon arrival at our hotel, we were pleased to learn that 225,000 "Does God Love You?" tracts in the French language were delivered, weeks ago and waiting to be placed in the hands of the dear people of France. We also brought along three boxes of teaching materials to share with those who show an interest in the True Gospel of Salvation.
A young man working at our hotel posed the question to one of our men "Why are you bringing the Gospel to Paris when there are so many churches here?" His answer was that he has a great love for the people of France and was just being obedient to our Lord's command to preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15), which includes sounding the warning to "every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Revelation 14:6-7). The man then replied, "God bless you". Our fervent prayer is that God will also bless His words to the hearts of many of the people who receive our tracts and booklets.
After a brief meeting to organize the task ahead of us and to discuss some basic procedures and common-sense precautions we follow on all of our mission trips, it was late afternoon; therefore, we were only able to work for two hours at a Metro Station right outside our hotel.
We are pleased to report that over all the reception was fair, about 40 percent. Those who refuse the tracts do so without any rancor. They offer a polite "non merci" (no thank you). A small number of tracts were discarded which we quickly picked up and recycled (used again).
Our heartfelt desire is that our merciful Savior will open their hands to receive the True Gospel of Salvation and also touch many of their hearts with His Words of eternal life.
"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14:8)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #2
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8)
Sunday, July 18, 2004. Today is our first full day of tract distribution and we thank our Lord for this great opportunity to spread the true Gospel on this Sabbath day. Although most of the businesses were closed in the city, there were several small markets, restaurants and tourist venues that were open. Therefore, we decided to have our worship service after dinner and go out into the streets with our tracts the whole day.
Two teams were assigned to various small open air ethnic markets in and around the city. They gave out thousands of "Does God Love You?" tracts to the poor and middle class people who were shopping for food, clothing and household items. Many of the shopkeepers and their customers were African and Muslim immigrants; bargaining over a variety of goods from fresh meat to cut flowers. We are happy report that the reception was good.
Two teams worked at a busy underground Metro Station and had an equally good response to the tracts. Many can be seen in intently reading the tracts and pondering it's message.
Another team visited an area with a large Muslim population and distribution went quite well. One man later came and asked for some tracts and booklets so that he could share with his friends. It's an encouragement, and it gives one a sense of excitement when someone wants to learn more and to share with friends and family.
One team was distributing in an area which seemed quiet at first with light pedestrian traffic. As they continued to walk further along they came upon a location where business never ceases. It was a red light area with considerable foot traffic. There were male and female prostitutes plying their trade. Surprisingly a majority of them and their customers accepted the tracts. A male prostitute received his tract, leaned against a pole and read the Gospel of Salvation for over 30 minutes. In spite of the glares of the "organization leaders" the team continued there, undisturbed for several hours giving out the Gospel of the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We know that God had His elect everywhere. We also know that he will be merciful to those He intends to Save; and He will have compassion on whom He will have compassion (Romans 9:15). Brethren, please pray for these dear people who now have the words of eternal life in their hands.
The Family Radio Mission Group in Paris wishes Brother Camping a Blessed Birthday.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #3
"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." (Psalms 119:97)
Monday, July 19, 2004. We thank and praise our Lord for allowing us to continue bringing His marvelous Gospel of Salvation to the people of the world. We have nine first-time missionaries on this trip and they are going about their work with much enthusiasm.
Three teams worked in and around three of the largest train stations in the heart of Paris. Thousands of daily commuters were traveling to and from their jobs. There were also many school children and their teachers going on field trips and people on vacation pulling their suitcases behind them. Thousands of tracts were given out and many people were seen reading them.
One team visited a large flea market which was not a traditional market. It was a lively place with everything on sale – fruits and vegetables, and other products from around the world; Indian spices, African trinkets and clothing, souvenirs, furniture, books, and jewelry. One could find almost anything here including the proverbial kitchen sink.
The acceptance rate continues to be good, about 50 percent. Nevertheless, there are those who detest the True Gospel and will not hesitate to wave you off when you approach them. Some will immediately tear the tract in two and put it in the waste basket or drop it at your feet. Some of their hearts are so hardened that they even spit on the tract before tossing it on the ground for us to pick up. Thankfully these incidents are few and far between.
Another team worked at a bus depot and again the people as a whole were polite and receptive. There are many Muslims and Africans from French-speaking countries here and most of them readily accepted the tracts.
A man approached a member of our group and asked her if she was an American. She replied, "Yes." He then said, "I despise Americans." She then replied, "Do you know the Lord?" He said, "Yes." She then said, "If you know the Lord, then you would know that you are to love your enemies. That's what the Lord says." After some thought he remarked, "I guess I have to read my Bible."
Please pray for this man and the others who received the words of eternal life. Brothers and sisters, please continue to lift us up in prayer.
"For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." (Romans 7:22-23)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #4
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Tuesday, July 20, 2004. We are so grateful to our Lord for giving us the opportunity to share the True Gospel of Salvation with the people of France.
The weather has been pleasant considering that around the same time last year over 15,000 people died of heat-related problems. It has rained only at night since we arrived, and the days have been unusually pleasant.
Our mission teams have continued their distribution without any significant opposition. The Metro stations are excellent places to give out the volume of tracts needed to finish our work here. People from cities all over France flow into the capital; therefore, it gives us a wondrous opportunity to share the Gospel with a vast cross-section of the country. There are also many tourists from other parts of Europe and the world with whom we do witness if possible with tracts in their languages. Our teams continued working at Metro and bus stations, shopping centers, and small ethnic markets with much success.
Generally the French natives don't smile very much, but we keep smiling as we offer them the precious Gospel of Jesus Christ. We greet them by first making eye contact and saying the few French phrases we know, for example, "Bonjour Monsieur" (Good morning, sir) or "Bonjour Madame" if it is a woman. When someone accepts the tract we say, "merci" (thank you) or "merci beaucoup" (thank you very much).
Sadly there are those who read the first two lines and then toss it into the trash can because the message is an offence to them. But God is in control of all things. He knows His elect, and He will incline their hearts and free them from their bondage to sin and Satan. The vast majority though put the tracts into their pockets or purses or stand around reading the message. Over all the reception continues to be good, about 50 percent.
A middle-aged Spanish lady who had received a French tract two days earlier came to our hotel wanting to know more about the True Gospel. She told us that she was troubled by the things that were going on in the churches and wasn't happy being there. We explained to her what the Bible had to say about the time of great tribulation that we were presently in. She nodded in agreement with everything we were telling her. She was hungry for the True Gospel and asked us for some of our teaching booklets and a Bible, preferably in the Spanish language. We happily gave her a few French and Spanish tracts that she wanted to share with her neighbors, and a few booklets. We also presented her with a Spanish Bible and the book, "The End of The Church Age... And After" in Spanish. Nevertheless to say, she was delighted and thankful for these gifts.
Bibles are not as readily available here as in the US. They are also very expensive. We even had a difficult time finding a store with a large supply of the faithful version. By God's Grace we managed to locate and purchase 115 French Bibles, which was all that they had in stock.
Over all it was a blessed day of sharing. We thank our Lord for raising up Family Radio as a beacon of light in a world of darkness. We thank our dear listeners for their support and prayers. Please continue to pray for these people.
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #5
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." (Colossians 3:17)
Wednesday, July 21, 2004. We thank God that His mercies are renewed everyday. Great is His faithfulness.
It is truly amazing to see how God is working out every aspect of this trip. When there is a need, He leads His people to assist us. Some examples are: When we wanted someone to check that the tracts were delivered to the hotel and to arrange transportation from the airport, God moved in the heart of a Family Radio Internet listener named Michael, who, when he heard that there was a mission trip to Paris, contacted our Mission Director, David Morrell and offered to help in any way possible. When we needed to find a bookstore that sold a faithful version of the Bible in French, our Lord led a man from a small fellowship here to direct us to the right place.
One team traveled to a large shopping complex called "Tati." It might be described as a working class department store. January and July are the months when most large stores in Paris have their clearance sales, and large numbers of people flock to these business to purchase shoes, clothes, and household items. This gives us the rare opportunity to witness to many who wouldn't normally come into the city center except at this time. The team returned to the hotel in a joyous mood, having distributed all of their tracts to willing hands.
One team went to "Bondy" a slum area in a suburb of Paris. In contrast to the urban areas, it is a place of high unemployment, crime, poverty, and despair. About 50,000 people live there. They are mostly immigrants from over sixty countries, but mainly North Africa. Seventy percent of the residents are Muslims. The reception here was excellent, about 90 percent. We do know that God is not a respecter of persons; therefore, we make it our duty to go also to the poor areas that most tourist wouldn't dare set foot in. Moreover, we do not fear man, we fear God and give glory to Him. They also need the Gospel and must be warned of the judgment to come.
Please pray that our merciful Savior, who is patient and longsuffering with us, will perform a mighty work in the hearts of many here so that they, too, can be included in that great multitude that no man can number. God knows whom He will save. We are reminded of John 10:16: "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd."
A team went to the University of Paris, but the school was closed for the summer. They had limited success, only being able to witness to a few graduate students and those who were in the dormitories. After about an hour they moved on to other areas nearby working the Metro station, street corners and small shopping areas.
Two teams visited two small towns or districts referred to as "Arrondissments." They distributed tracts in the town squares and also in their small weekly markets. Overall the reception was good.
A North African immigrant who had received a tract approached a member of our group and said, "How do you know that the Bible is true?" He replied, "Because God has opened my eyes to see the truth." The man then responded, "I wish that I can get a Bible to read at least once in my life." Our team member then reached into his backpack and pulled out a Bible and said, "Well, your wish is granted. Here is a Bible for you to read. May God open your eyes to see the Truth." The man quickly called his wife, who was shopping nearby and showed her the precious gift he received. They both had tears in their eyes. They were also offered a few teaching booklets to assist them in studying the doctrines of the Bible. They were effusive in their thanks and gratitude.
We thank all those who sacrificially donated money to purchase Bibles. It is the greatest gift we can offer someone. May God grant many of these dear people His greatest gift, namely His grace. Please continue to lift them up in your prayers. We covet your prayers for us also, that God will strengthen us to continue His work here as we plan to go out at nights; God willing, in order to finish the work we started here.
"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" (Colossians 3:23)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #6
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Thursday, July 22, 2004. Today we experienced the first significant opposition to our mission. The religious leaders are riled up because the True Gospel of Salvation as presented in the "Does God Love You?" tracts is all over this city. The security people and the Metro Police have asked us to leave some areas.
One member of our group was even arrested and hauled off to a Police Station. He was interrogated by the officer in charge of that precinct. After checking his passport and other documents and the contents of his backpack he was freed a short time later but was warned to stay away from that area. Therefore, we decided that it was prudent to send our teams outside the city center and concentrate on the markets and shopping areas in the outlying districts.
We also plan to send a team to two cities outside of Paris. This will cut down drastically on the number of tracts we are able to share daily. Nevertheless, we trust our Lord to work out all things according to His sovereign will. He closes doors and opens others. He leads – we follow.
These trips are not for the faint of heart and could be traumatic for first-timers. But God is testing us. He is developing our faith to trust Him to care for us regardless of the situations we are in. Some of us have been screamed at, cursed and reviled. But we are comforted by John 16: 33: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
We think of the revilings, sufferings, and even death that the believers in the past endured, and our little trials and setbacks pale in comparison.
Two teams worked along the streets where the rich and famous shop. They went from one boutique store to the next sharing the Gospel with the shopkeepers and customers, but the reception was not jubilant.
One team visited two hospitals but was not allowed to enter the buildings. However, they were able to give out tracts and a few Bibles outside to the visitors, outpatients, and staff.
Another team of four persons visited an area of high-rise buildings where the poor and middle-class reside, and the reception was good. They also worked outside of a large supermarket complex,and the reception was equally good.
Tomorrow, God willing and by God's grace, we shall continue our work here and in two cities outside of Paris.
Brothers and sisters, please continue to pray for us. Every listener who prays, work and or support this ministry is an integral part of this team.
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #7
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Friday, July 23, 2004. Today we extended our distribution area. One team traveled by train to Versailles and St. Germain, two cities west of Paris.
The remaining teams went to several markets on the outskirts of the city that were bustling with the people doing their weekly grocery shopping and looking for a bargain on clothes, shoes, and sundry items. Many of these ethnic markets are temporary makeshift structures that are hurriedly erected near major Metro or bus stations. At the end of the day they are disassembled, and the unsold food and merchandise are neatly packed up and carted off in small vans, awaiting another market in another town. Most of the customers and vendors are immigrants from many countries of the world. This presents a wonderful opportunity to reach a diverse group of people with the True Gospel of Salvation.
Two teams of volunteers went out tonight – one to the National Stadium of France; where there was a sporting event, and the other to an area where many religious people from different denominations congregate. Over all, this was a very fruitful day. The teams returned to the hotel rejoicing that they were able to share thousands of tracts without any interference from the police. Thanks for your prayers.
Saturday, July 25, 2004. After an early breakfast we continued our distribution in and around a few large markets, shopping centers, and department stores. The reception was good.
One team worked in the neighborhood of the aristocracy. Most of the residents were impeccably dressed. Some in custom-made clothes and shoes made from exotic animal skins. This is where the ultra rich live and socialize. This area is referred to as "Enlightenment Paris" because of its intellectual and artistic history. It is proud of its theaters, hotels, and luxurious town houses, most of which were built in the eighteenth century. Sadly, most of them were not interested in what we had to offer. Needless to say the reception was poor, about 20 percent. Our prayer is that God will truly enlighten some of their minds and hearts by the power of His grace.
"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #8
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16-17)
Sunday, July 25, 2004. Four teams went out early to work the crowds at the final stage of the "Tour de France" bicycle race. People from all over the world lined up, some overnight to secure front seats along the avenue "Champs Elysees." They were hoping to get a glimpse of the cyclists racing to the finish line. It was a spectacle of epic proportions. The spectators were in a festive mood and came by the thousands to be entertained. They were nevertheless confronted by the true gospel and two very important questions on our tracts "Does God Love You?" and "Are You Ready to Meet God?" The reception was only fair because many were tourists and didn't understand the French language or just weren't interested.
Two team members visited an area where they found large numbers of churchgoers. They were from different denominations and conduct their worship services at different times in a huge complex rented out for religious activities. The reception here was excellent, over 90 percent. Most were immigrants from Africa, and many came back to ask questions regarding Family Radio and also "The End of the Church Age…and After". This gave us the opportunity to share hundreds of teaching booklets. Seven thousand were given the True Gospel of Salvation with the warning that the day of reckoning is near.
We praise and thank our Lord that it is still the day of salvation. Please continue to pray that many might find grace in the eyes of God.
"And that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:7)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France
LETTER #9
"For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?" (2 Corinthians 2:15-17)
Monday, July 26, 2004. Today is our last full day of tract distribution, and we are on schedule to complete our work here by midday Tuesday. We have taken the True Gospel of Salvation throughout Paris and the Ile de France region – from the ultra-rich areas of Avenue Montaigue to the flea market of St. Ouen; from "Les Halles" to the historic areas around the "Louvre" the "Palais Royale" and the "Palais de Justice"; from City Hall to the slums of "Bondy"
This is our ninth and final report. The Lord willing, we plan to leave Paris tomorrow afternoon and travel to our respective homes. We thank our Lord for watching over us and for traveling mercies these past ten days. We also thank our dear Family Radio listeners for their prayers and financial support as we come to a successful conclusion of another mission trip.
A young lady named Fatima, comes to mind. She had previously received a tract on the street and was deeply touched by its message. She told us that she was from a Muslim family and had read the Koran, but found no peace there. She wanted a Bible and has been coming to our nightly Bible studies. We sensed that she has a great desire to learn more of the truth of the Bible. She even asked us for some tracts to share with her friends and family. We were delighted to present her with a Bible, some tracts, and other Family Radio teaching booklets; that might assist her in understanding the Scriptures. Please pray for Fatima and the people of France that God will grant many of them repentance unto salvation and raise them up to continue His work here.
We can see the evidence of God working in the hearts of some already. Five people came to our hotel asking for extra tracts and booklets. We are prayerfully evaluating their requests. May our Gracious Lord bless each and every one of you with His choicest blessing. Let us continue to pray that God will raise up His people to experience the joy of serving Him on a future mission trip. To God be the Glory!
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (1 Peter 3:15)
In Christian love,
The Family Radio Mission Group in France