The following is a description of a ministry project of Impact France in collaboration with the Fédération des Églises Évangélique Baptiste de France (FEEBF).
“He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:2
This is a powerful word that the Lord Jesus had announced to his disciples. I believe that this word is just as relevant today.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Can you imagine a place in France representing 16.79 km2 with 19,566 inhabitants? A place deeply impregnated both culturally and religiously with Catholicism? Can you think of the city of Lourdes? Well no, it is this magnificent city of Le Puy-en-Velay!
After Lourdes, Le Puy-en-Velay is probably the place most marked by Catholicism in France. The marks of the religious roots are omnipresent. For centuries, it has been a land of faith and spirituality dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Did you know that in the 5th century, a sanctuary representing her was even built at the top of Mount Anis in her honor? You can see it on the picture!
Also, throughout the year, religious holidays are special times. Every Good Friday the White Penitents trace a Way of the Cross in memory of the Passion of Christ. Here is the famous statue of the Black Madonna carried in procession through the streets of the city during August. It is also here that the famous Way of St. James begins. And many other things happen here…
So I would like to share with you a project that is on the one hand a huge challenge, but on the other hand an incredible spiritual opportunity from God.
Let me first introduce myself:
My name is Elvira Gris, and I have been a part-time pastor at the Torrent de Vie church in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay starting in 2022. Our local church is composed of 15 committed members. The Torrent de Vie church is attached to the union of evangelical Baptist churches of France (FEEBF). Also since 2021, I have been working part-time with Bible Missions in communications.
I deeply love the Lord Jesus and am grateful to be part of his redeemed.
I started to serve him at the age of 17, in 2004, in the field of praise through music. The beginning of this service took place in a church which was at that time in St-Denis, in the Paris area. Then, in 2008 in a Methodist church in London, I met a pastor, a music teacher, who took me under his wing. He taught me the biblical principles of worship, how to bring exhortations and preaching in the church, how to have a heart for evangelism and of course to deepen my theoretical and practical knowledge of the worship ministry.
So in 2011, I started studying theology, worship and music at London School of Theology for 2 years. The Lord then allowed me to continue my theology studies at the Faculté de Théologie Evangélique de Vaux-sur-Seine, until the Master 2. Afterwards, I became a missionary with the France Mission church union in Firminy and St-Etienne, a church to be consolidated and another one to be implanted. I worked in the fields of evangelism, teaching and worship.
In 2019, in a perspective of support, I started a voluntary itinerant ministry of preacher in Chinese churches in Paris. This period allowed me to pursue my desire to train biblically, especially the worship groups in local churches in France, at the CIJEM institute, once in Ivory Coast. Finally, with the pastor of the Baptist church of St-Etienne, I continued to serve in the same areas until the Lord, through the FEEBF, proposed me to be a part-time pastor in Puy-en-Velay.
The ministry at the Eglise Torrent de Vie is going well. However, since the work is becoming more and more intense, we have decided, by mutual agreement with the Bible Mission, not to continue my part-time commitment in January 2023. I wish to give more time to the church through my gifts.
That is why I am first of all looking for prayer partners in this double ministry, for the advancement of a part of the Kingdom of God which is in Puy-en-Velay. Secondly, I am looking for financial missionary support in order to be able to fully concentrate and dedicate myself to this double ministry that God is putting before me: teaching, helping relationships, training leaders – creating musical events in the city of Le Puy and the continuous training of worship groups that would allow a solid support in these events.
I am convinced that God wants to reveal Himself to this country, France, and I am convinced that even in a city such as Le Puy-en-Velay, a place that is so spiritually tested, God wants to and above all can do great things!
Do you have France at heart? Does the pastoral ministry, evangelism and music in the city of Le Puy-en-Velay speak to you? If so, then join me, join us in becoming a partner in this project.
Prayer Topics:
- Pray for the formation of the leaders of the Torrent de Vie church
- Pray for people who are new to the church, the spiritual follow-up. May the Lord strengthen their faith.
- Pray for a good understanding with the authorities of the city of Le Puy-en-Velay
- Pray that the Torrent church will be a church at the service of the city with a missionary heart.
Financial Need:
According to the Baptist Federation salary schedule, in order to fund the gross half-time salary, I should seek support of 1,563.22 € (~ $1,700) monthly. The amount would cover the salary and social charges.
Blessings on all and forever be glory, strength and honor to our God!
In Christ,
Pastor Elvira Gris
By contributing to this project, you authorize Impact France to share your contact information with this partner for the purposes of communication and stewardship. If you do not wish for this partner to receive your contact information, please go to www.impactfrance.org/give and in the comments box include a note stating “Anonymous Gift for Eglise Torrent de Vie.”
