Welcome to Paris

Now that I’ve been here in Paris for three days, I’ve got a couple minutes to sit down and write a quick update. A lot has already happened, so this is just going to be a quick glance at what’s been going on.

On the first day, I got more experience with French conversation than I would in a few weeks of class at school in the United States. First, I chatted with our cab driver, Sophien, on our way from the airport to the center of the city. He was excited to meet Americans, and he said he would look me up on Facebook.

From there, we went to a bank and set up French checking accounts. I was in a room listening (and only half understanding) the conversation with the bank account manager and our translator/helper who works for Agape France. By the time we left the bank in the middle afternoon, I was already to get to sleep.

Later that night, I finally got to the apartment where we were to sleep only to find a plumbing problem that prevented us from using the shower (luckily there was a public toilet we could use). With the help of a French staff friend, we were able to get a plumber to come. This is when the real excitement began.

To make a long story short, the plumbers told us (all in French) that it would cost 650 euros to fix the problem. It should be paid by the apartment building, but we would have to pay the plumbers and then bill the apartment. Unfortunately, this was not an option for us because we are not a part of the building's union.

The plumbers were angry because they had come out to visit us late in the evening, but they were not going to be able to do any work or get paid. They demanded 155 euros from us for the service call, and we had no choice but to pay them to leave. And we still weren’t able to shower. It was a pretty terrible way to start our time in Paris, but the last couple days have been much better.

Since then, things have definitely calmed down. Our biggest prayer request now is that we (the guys) would be able to find an apartment in the city. There is an available apartment that meets our specifications, but the owner is not sure he wants three American guys renting from him. So pray the Claude Billard, who works for Agape France, would be able to change Monsieur Mallard’s mind and that we would be able to move into the apartment on September 1.

Hopefully more updates to come soon.

First Update

My date of departure for France is fast approaching!  On Wednesday, August 26th I will be leaving for Paris for the year.

This summer, many students and staff from Campus Crusade went to Paris for several weeks.  They were laying the groundwork for our team to arrive in August.  They spent their time learning about French culture and values, and they shared their faith with many students.

Below, I’ve listed several things that French students said to the American students about spiritual things. 

“It’s sad to me that you live for something other than yourself.”

·   Non-believing French student.

“You talk about God like He’s a boyfriend or a friend; I’ve never heard someone talk about God that way.”

·   Non-believing French student.

“The day before I met you, I had prayed God would send me Christians to hang out with.”

·   Victor, a young French believer

“Your work is much needed here. It isn’t about me, it isn’t about you… it is about God.”

·   A young French believer to the American summer project on the eve of their departure

“Are you passionate about anything other than God?”

·   Non-believing French student said to Ruth, an American staff member

“If I’m honest, I’m jealous of people with faith because they’re living for something bigger than themselves.”

·   Patrick, non-believing French student

These students desperately need to understand the gospel.  I can’t wait to interact with them for a year and introduce them to the true God of the universe.

It’s been great to see God provide ministry partners to come alongside me and support me with both finances and prayer.  I’m sure God will bless these investments and we will see many Parisian students come to know Him in the next year!  I’m still looking for a $135 in monthly support.  Please pray with me that God will bring this in so I can report to Paris.