By Brian Gingles, October 25-30 October 2008

“How good it is when brothers dwell together in unity….”

I am writing this report on a table in the living room of a house that has been kindly loaned to us by a lady in the Digne church (in Provence). The sun has been shining and Simon and Nally Payne, and Caroline and I, have fully appreciated the wonderful hospitality of the French church.

 This church is seeking to be a model of love, unity, peace and healing. The church in France, generally, is wounded and divided. More people have a problem with church than they do with God. There is also a tendency for there to be great rivalry in ministry, resulting in a scene littered with controlling authority, envy and rejection. In fact, the spiritual opposition to Christian work is very great and is manifested very often in various forms of unfaithfulness. On the other hand, God is moving and new buds are appearing on old, damaged “trees” and “shrubs”. Many of the Christians I have met are real gems in God’s kingdom, they would grace any assembly anywhere.

The work of Barnabas in France – and through them in French speaking African nations – is led by Patrick le Dily, Francis Deconnick, and Maurice Bied. They are fine men, with complementary ministries and genuine characters. They make a good team. Despite very few resources they have a big vision and a great burden for their nation. Each man has faced repeated rejection but they have come through the fire without the smell of smoke on their clothes. In their brokenness God has developed humility, forgiveness, deep intercession and a love for God.

This is a critical time for the work in France. God wants to birth something that will make a real difference. Just as Nehemiah sought God with weeping, prayer and fasting so they – like him – will receive clear strategic guidance. As they move forward they are humbly requesting support, help and prayer from their brothers and sisters in other Barnabas regions.

Please pray. Please support the work in France and in French – speaking Africa. Please help by taking an interest, looking at the French web-site and by getting involved in their vision. The work in France looks small but it is a seed that – when watered – will produce a great tree that many birds will shelter and nest in.

The sun is not so bright today but we will soon be going to have lunch with Patrick and Veronique and tonight, God willing, it will be our privilege to minister again with our precious brothers and sisters.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you want to learn more about Barnabas, France.

Please pray for:
• Unity, healing, love and power in the French church.
• Patrick, Francis and Maurice as they lead the work.
• The church in Digne.
• The work in the Ivory Coast.
• Recent contacts with three other African nations.
• Protection as they live and serve God together.
• Finance and human resources.
• A new move of God in France.