Profile : France

Description

Despite suffering extensive losses in World Wars 1 and 2 France today is one of the most advanced countries in the world and is a leader among European nations.

The economy is large and vibrant.

The French are well known for their strong sense of national identity. Hospitality is important but entertaining in the home involves extended family rather than friends. Socialising with friends is more likely to be done in restaurants as small apartments and kitchens can make cooking difficult.

Though children are important, economic and career factors mean many families opt to have only one child. French mothers ofen work outside the home, so children are placed in childcare from 2 1/2 years.

France remains historically and culturally Roman Catholic but there has been a decline in attendance at both Catholic and mainline Protestant churches. Evangelical Christians are few and scattered but have grown in number over the last 40 years.

France is home to the largest number of Muslims in Western Europe. Islam is now the second religion of France. Buddhism attracts many French people. Protestant Christians are often identified with 'sects', as extremists.

France has a strong principle of the separation of church and state. Recent laws have been proposed to ban religious 'signs' like Muslim veils and Christian crosses from schools and public service locations. It is difficult to speak publicly about faith in France, as 'religion' is thought best confined to the private sphere. There have been significant increases in the number of non-religious and non-practicing Christians.

Missionaries

• Danny and Debbie Mullins
• Elisabeth (Libby) Leach
• Xavier and Libby Lukins

Prayer Points

• that God would raise up gospel workers who are well equipped to serve others through the teaching and preaching of God's word.

• that students and young people would have confidence that the gospel of the Lord Jesus has the power to save.

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Opportunities