Through Painful Toil: Kingdom Perseverance

5 October 2023
[estimated reading time: 5 minutes]
 
Throughout God’s Word, there are revealing allusions to human perseverance. Post-fall, Adam was told that his toiling of the land would require perseverance (Gen 3:17). Jesus told his disciples that "No one who put his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62), and he taught the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). The apostle Paul utilizes this concept to explain the Christian life: "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us" (Heb 12:1).

Further verses expand this key biblical theme, and the lives of the prophets, apostles and our Lord Jesus all demonstrate perseverance in responding to God’s call. For us, it is important to recognize that the work of TWR and the wider body of Christ will not always be easy nor immediately fruitful. Through the Holy Spirit, we must learn to faithfully persevere.

Often, Christian ministry is about not giving up in the face of seemingly insurmountable blockades. Here at the Europe and CAMENA National Partners Conference 2023, we have been hearing from TWR staff and partners about their work in difficult spiritual climates. All over the world there are communities and nations that are unreceptive, apathetic, or simply rejecting of the gospel. Are we to lay down the plow and take up an easier assignment? Of course not. Our Lord is our example. He was rejected by those he came to save, yet he continued his mission, even as it led him to the cross. 

An example of tough spiritual soil today is France. The Western European nation has a high rate of atheism.ⁱ This is partially due to the emphasis on a secular state and how this influences individual attitude. To demonstrate, research undertaken on public notions of secularism in France highlights the following: "Secularism is a fundamental value and essential principle of our Republic."ⁱⁱ 

Whilst at the NPC, I caught up with Cecile Chan-Janiaud, the ministry director of Southern Europe Ministry and Digital Ministry and asked her some questions about her faithful work with TWR's French partners. 

1. How would you describe the spiritual climate in France?

Cecile explained that the general attitude toward Christianity in France is apathy. She highlighted that the estimated percentage of people in France who consider themselves to be actively Catholic is around 6%, whilst the number who consider themselves actively Protestant is around 1%,ⁱⁱⁱ a similar rate to some of the world’s most unreached nations. Furthermore, Cecile provided insight into the general French approach towards religion. Terrorist attacks, scandals in some religious movements and other geopolitical factors have caused many French to consider religion as a threat to the republic.

2. Can you tell us about the TWR partners in France?

Cecile shared about her work with the main partner, Radio Colombe. She is also working on a promising new partnership with Phare FM to expand the geographic reach of Christian content. These broadcasters invite listeners to share their stories and life experiences, ranging from topics such as abortion and essential Christian doctrine to lighter topics such as French cuisine!

3. What are some challenges you have faced?

Cecile shared with me that secularism is part of the French identity. To be overtly expressive of faith could be considered somewhat anti-French. As a result, there is an entrenched cultural barrier to sharing and receiving the gospel. Furthermore, national legislation means that there are limits on sharing religious content in certain environments, such as schools.

4. What specific approach do you think is important?

Cecile highlighted discussions about national events, such as the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She also explained that it is helpful to talk about issues that concern the wider French public, through a Christian perspective. One example she gave was discussions about environment issues, which is a significant factor in political and public discourse. Furthermore, Cecile reflected on the fact that French is the official language in 29 countries outside of France. Potentially, Christian content circulated in the French-speaking world could impact France itself whilst also reaching those individual nations.

5. What encourages you to persevere with your work?

After pausing thoughtfully, Cecile shared her heart for her homeland. She reminded me of Jesus’ words in Matthew:

"With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matt. 19:26).

She reflected on the 2019 burning of the Notre Dame Cathedral, a major part of French history. In the aftermath, people from all over the country and the world donated thousands toward the restoration of the building, despite its religious nature. Cecile also highlighted that in certain regions in France, a promising number of young people are attending church. She has faith that, just like the ashes of Notre Dame encouraged French solidarity, the ashes of post-Christendom France will see a new move of God.

Christians can be encouraged to persevere in similar ways to Cecile. God will bless our toiling of tough soil. Here at the NPC, we have been hearing about developments in artificial intelligence and how Christians can adapt and use AI tools. Learning how to use AI will take perseverance, as has every shift in missional approach throughout Christian history.

 The message from our God is clear: Do not grow weary. Instead allow his Spirit to develop perseverance in our faith and ministry. He is always with us, to the very end of the age (Matt 28:20).