"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalms 102:18 TEV
After studying abroad for two summers at C.I.D.E.F. (Centre International D'Études Françaises) in Angers, France and receiving a Master's degree in foreign language education, I realized that I still didn't really know the French people and their culture. Even though living with a Christian family those two summers made a major impact on my life, and gave me a greater understanding, I wanted to dig deeper into the heart of the people; their faith and values. I decided the next trip would be a "missionary journey" outside the classroom.
Two summers later, after much prayer and preparation, my tour of duty and discovery began and
France Insolite: Spiritual Journeys in France was born. Rick Warren's
Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life became a spiritual guidebook on my quest to discover God working in the people of France. My journal tells of fascinating encounters with the people, their pleasures, beliefs and customs, an intriguing history of the French Huguenots in the Musée du Désert in Mialet. Photographs of the natural beauty of the landscape and architecture are taken as we travel from Paris to Angers the Missions of Bourg St. Andéol, tracing Robert Louis Stevenson's trail through the Cevennes to a picturesque mountain hotel at Corniche. We enjoy the recreation and beaches of the beautiful seaside cities of St. Tropez, St. Laurent, Nice, and St. Brévin. We hear an amazing testimony and love story of a couple sitting on the banks of the Ardeche River at a baptismal service and picnic. We cheer Lance Armstrong on in the Tour de France, as he wins his battle over cancer and his 6th consecutive race. We marvel at all the wonderful places and people God has created for us to enjoy.
My prayer is, as you take the journey with me through the book, that you too will have a desire to broaden your horizons, or to " increase your borders" as was the prayer of Jabez of the Bible (I Chronicles 4:10). As you seek to know God, He will take you to greater heights of joy in your journey.
In His Service,
Chris
