Testimony of Two Participants in the R12 Immersion Training Program at OM France (September to November, Paris Region)
Melissa’s Testimony: A Call to Mission in France
Melissa shares her spiritual journey and recent commitment to a mission program. Initially, she felt lost regarding the direction God wanted for her. While the idea of mission work intrigued her, it seemed out of reach. However, God guided her to this program. After attending an open day at OM France, she secured a job that allowed her to finance the training.
Upon arriving, Melissa wrestled with a key question: “Does God want me to commit to mission work?” Quickly, her calling became clearer. Through the teachings, encounters with missionaries, and evangelism outings, she discovered that mission work was indeed a viable path for her. Sessions on religions like Islam equipped her with tools to engage in meaningful dialogue with those she met. She was particularly struck by the teaching on Catholicism, noting that many Catholics in France lack a personal knowledge of God.
In the Montreuil neighbourhood, Melissa was moved by the interest many people, including Muslims, showed in God’s word. Living and working as part of a team created numerous opportunities to share the Gospel during daily interactions. The exchanges were rich, with some individuals accepting a Gospel booklet or a prayer.
This experience drew Melissa closer to God and helped develop her relational skills, especially through co-living. She also realised the importance of the gifts God had entrusted to her and her responsibility to use them wisely.
Looking ahead, Melissa plans to join a long-term mission project with OM in France from September. She feels a deep burden for France, where only 1% of the population is Christian. She sees an urgent need for missionaries in a nation where occult practices and New Age beliefs grow as people search for meaning and healing, while Christianity becomes rare and misunderstood.
Melissa highlights the curiosity of many young French people about God but notes a lack of workers to respond to this spiritual hunger. She recalls powerful moments, such as an Algerian man quietly asking for a Bible at a market or individuals reacting to their conversations about God on the metro.
Her prayer requests include continuing her missionary engagement, finding support, and protection. She also prays for God to mobilise more workers for mission in France and to break down the lies hindering the acceptance of Christian truth.
Capucine’s Testimony: A Journey of Discovery Through Mission Work
“My name is Capucine, I’m 19, and I participated in the R12 Immersion program for three months in the Paris region. I chose this program to explore mission work and, specifically, how to serve God. The training was deeply enriching and taught me so much.”
Within the team, Capucine had the opportunity to work in an office environment, contributing to communication efforts and social media management. Though it was her first experience in such a setting, it was highly formative. The program also included days of in-depth training in biblical knowledge, teachings on different religions, and practical advice for sharing the faith.
Two days a week, the team was in Montreuil, distributing Gospel booklets and engaging in conversations with people they met. This work was incredibly encouraging, with several individuals attending a worship service after receiving a Gospel booklet. Capucine was amazed to learn that many people went home with the Good News after hearing it.
They also participated in prayer walks for the city of Montreuil, asking God to guide their encounters. These moments strengthened her faith and helped her understand how precious it is to serve God in all aspects of life, even in areas where she felt less confident.
The training extended beyond the Paris region. Memorable moments took place in Vendée and Montélimar. In Montélimar, they collaborated with the local church to evangelise, particularly during Halloween, sharing their message of "celebrating life instead of death." That week was marked by many touching encounters and prayers with interested individuals.
They also organised children’s clubs, delivered Bible teachings, and invited families to events such as a Gospel concert. It was a great joy to see an atheist couple attend one of their worship services after coming to the concert.
The entire training centred on Romans 12, focusing on “offering oneself to God.” Each week, they studied verses from this chapter and read daily Bible passages linked to the teachings.
These three months were a time of significant spiritual growth. Working in a multicultural team brought challenges of adaptation but greatly enriched her experience. Capucine realised the vast mission field in France, where the need for God’s word is immense. She also understood that God is calling her to full-time mission work and that she must trust Him for the plans He has for her.