Not only striving to glorify God is the foundation for our philosophy of ministry, but it also guides all aspects of our lives. As missionary kids growing up in France, this is the example that was set before us by our respective parents. To this day, their influence continues to impact our lives and our service for the Lord.
Top – left to right: Bernard Dodeler, Jeremie, Tim Knickerbocker – Bottom – left to right: Bernice Dodeler, Damaris, Elisabeth Knickerbocker
Striving to glorify God not only is the foundation for ministry, but for all aspects of our lives. As missionary kids growing up in France, this is the example that was set before us by our respective parents. To this day, their influence continues to impact our lives and our service for the Lord.
Then as Christians, our goal is to “make known His deeds among the people” wherever we are. Throughout the years, the Lord has led us to cross the path of so many people who didn’t have any knowledge whatsoever of who Christ is and what He has done for humanity. Sharing the Gospel, one way or another, is an essential part our ministry here in France. Whether it be through conversations, by giving out tracts, by shipping out Bibles requested through our website, or by the preaching and teaching of God’s Word at church, at camps or youth activities, the Gospel is shared.
I must however underline that this is not the only aspect of our service in France. Bringing people to the saving knowledge of Christ is only but the first step. Following our Lord’s command stated in Matthew 28:19-20, we also have an active part in teaching the believers to live accordingly to their new life and to the Scriptures, starting with baptism and encouraging them to pursue spiritual maturity in the same loving and gracious way our Lord showed us.
In theory, a missionary’s final part in a church plant is to help the body of believers to find a suitable pastor and then go on to another area of the country to reproduce the same process. However, the spiritual reality of France makes that quite difficult. Most missionaries in France spend an average of 20+ years trying to achieve this goal. We realize that our ministry in Amiens may take many more years, but we also keep our hearts open to God’s will wherever He wants us to go, as we strive to be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4.2 – Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
