France is full of many beautiful but mostly empty church buildings as many are simply viewed as historical buildings. Today, less than 5% of French people go to any sort of church. Most identify themselves as non-practicing Catholics. The most widely practiced religion is Islam. But there is now a stirring among the French. Recent terrorist attacks, COVID, economic strife, and nearby wars have caused much soul-searching. People are asking questions about life’s meaning and purpose. For the first time in half a century, the number of French identifying themselves as atheists has fallen below 15%. People are curious about the Bible and willing to study it with someone. Many French people are reconsidering Christianity as more than just something in their history.
We are working with Poitiers Christian Church in preaching, youth ministry, and worship. We are training our leaders and members to lead Three-Thirds or Discovery Bible studies in their homes to reach out to more neighborhoods throughout Poitiers. We hope to reach some of the 32,000+ students from the University of Poitiers and help restart churches in surrounding towns in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region (home to 6 million people). We are praying these university students can start churches wherever they go!
You can make disciples too wherever you are. Start training today with a group of Christian friends and go to Zúme Training to find out more! Everyone needs to know how great our God is!