Church Planter Sees Opportunity for Ministry Amidst French Wildfires

Arnaud Schrodi, a church planter with the evangelical network Union Perspectives, recently navigated the impact of severe wildfires in southwestern France. While the fires caused widespread destruction and forced evacuations in the Gironde region, including the suburb of Pessac where Schrodi is based, he reports that the crisis fostered new connections with his neighbors. Schrodi noted that the outpouring of community support during the disaster provided a platform to discuss his faith and demonstrate the love of Christ to those affected by the smoke and displacement.

Schrodi, who evacuated with his parents and mission team members during the height of the emergency, is now considering hosting a prayer and worship vigil in the village of Le Porge to support survivors. Paul Cooke, director of France Mission, highlighted the intensity of the situation, noting that the fires created significant anxiety for residents in the area. Schrodi views these interactions as a foundational step toward establishing a stronger evangelical presence in a region he describes as having a distinct lack of Protestant churches.