Marseille, France is a port city at the south of France that has been at the center of Mediterranean trade since 600 BC. While Marseille is unapologetically French it continues to see an influx of immigrants from North African countries, making the city a cultural and religious melting pot. Since 2009, BGU has sent students there to reach a population loosing their faith as well as a growing muslim population.
While ministry opportunities vary from year to year, here are a few things that have been done before to give you an idea of what ministry could look like in France.
Every internship location has different ministry opportunities, but not all minors can be studied or applied at each global internship. Below are the minors that can be applied to France if you are in the Intercultural Ministry Studies major.
“In America we are quick to be warm and call someone a friend, but the French are not so quickly warm. However, American’s more easily drop friendships or don’t go very deep with them, whereas the French, once you have the status of friendship, it is not so easily dropped and is incredibly meaningful.”
—Rachael, BGU Student in France
“The spiritual battle taking place in this city is felt by all. You can tangibly feel the oppression of the spirit of isolation, aggression, and lust. France is at 47 out of a list of 170 nations for suicide rate according to the World Health Organization. The number of people living in despair is immense. The result is a desperate need for the gospel of Christ. France needs Jesus. France needs missions. It’s desperate. The people need chains to be broken and the baby Christians need to be discipled.”
—Cassie, BGU Student in France
