Ministering in Québec
I have returned from a long week (nine days in total) away from home with ministry and teaching as far afield as Florida, Southern in Kentucky (classes ended this past week), and Sherbrooke in Québec. Not surprisingly, I was tired when I flew into Montréal last Friday. But oh what refreshment time among the French Baptist brethren proved. I never spend time with my French brothers (this time, especially with Stéphane Gagné and François Deschamps—two very dear brothers and good friends) without coming away refreshed, humbled, challenged, and thankful for the wonder-working grace of God among these brothers and sisters.
The Lord is doing a great work in la belle province—unnoticed by much of the Anglophone Evangelical world (this should not surprise, for that world has largely forgotten—Calvin excepted—the great French Evangelical heritage). And this English-speaking Christian wants to go on record that I am deeply in the debt of these French-speaking Christian heirs of Calvin. Some of the happiest hours as a Christian I have spent among these believers. One of them, Jacques Alexanian, a key figure among the pioneers of the present work in Québec, I consider and honour as a father in Christ. Others of them are among my closest friends. Yet others have touched me deeply by their zeal, their worship and love for Christ and his kingdom. May God continue to bless these churches for the glory of his Son, the Lord Jesus.
This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 3:22 am and is filed under 21st Century. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
May 11th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Glad you enjoyed being in Québec because we need you greatly. I pray that your ministry toward us gets maximized and bear more and more fruit.
Your course on Church history in 2000-01 has certainly changed my life and broaden my perspective on God’s ways and moves.
There is one precision I’d like to make.
When you say: “for that world has largely forgotten—Calvin excepted—the great French Evangelical heritage”.
If you talk about the French people at large, over centuries, and include people from France in it: yes it’s true.
If you talk about Quebecers from our generation: I’d say: We didn,t “forget” our French heritage, most of us have never even heard about it. Or very little…
It is very sad to say but it’s the reality.
May people who read your blog pray for Quebec and that the Lord sends workers in his harvest…
And with .005 of Christians among the population, we certainly need a greater zeal to evangelize as well.