A France Update and Prayer for the Gospel Work

A letter from Sister Lin, wife of Brother Jiang Xianzhi, a coworker in Europe. May the Lord keep us closely joined to the brothers and sisters in France in the love of Christ as we hear about the recent unrest near Paris and their situation. Let us pray for them.

An update from the saints in France

Dear brothers and sisters,

Many brothers and sisters have recently asked whether the saints in different parts of France are safe. We are all well! Daily life has been affected in some ways. At times, certain metro lines are closed, so we have to take another metro line or a bus, which can double the travel time. High school and university students have sometimes been unable to attend class, and there are areas we need to avoid. We live farther out and have not been affected. Thank you for your care.

We also need prayer for our residence permit. We submitted the application in January, and now, at the end of October, we still have not received it.

The situation in France and the gospel work

Last week, the French government cut education funding. Many schools lack teachers, principals, and equipment, and some facilities are aging. This led to student protests. The protests later grew as people voiced frustration over the rising cost of living and fuel prices. Many unions, farmers’ associations, and social groups joined in. Some extremists also became involved, and peaceful demonstrations over everyday concerns escalated into the most serious urban unrest in recent years. Many shops were looted and damaged. Public facilities in several cities, including Paris, Lille, Bordeaux, and Marseille, were damaged or covered in graffiti, and vehicles were set on fire. Some have described the disorder as resembling the aftermath of a war.

None of this surprises us; the signs of the Lord’s return are drawing near, as described in Luke 21:10–11:

Jesus said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences; and there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.”

We continue to spread the gospel at several major universities in the Paris area and around Marseille. On October 15, Brother Jiang and six full-time serving brothers and sisters drove to Lyon and Provence to visit people who are open and seeking, and to fellowship about the gospel work. We hope that a church can be established in Marseille in the near future. We hope the brothers and sisters will continue to pray for the gospel work in France.

Prayer requests

1. May the Lord restrain lawlessness in France and use the recent protests to gain the younger generation for His will and plan.
2. May the Lord preserve all the young vessels and open them to the Holy Spirit.
3. May the Lord cause many residents of France to know Him and enter into the church life.

Yours in Christ, Sister Lin October 21, 2026