To All Nations

January 22, 2013

By Al Clason, France field director

With members of more than 30 ethnic groups attending Trinity International Church in Paris, we are an English-speaking, multicultural congregation of about 140 expatriates who are committed to helping people follow Jesus for the good of the world and the glory of God. Because about one-third of the congregation transitions in and out each year, we have made it our goal not to grow large but to impact lives through our small groups.

The Trinity community consists of university students and families who choose to worship in English. We desire to be a light to the French people and culture. Ministries include Catalyst, an outreach to young adults, and Genesis, a community center in the heart of the city that builds relational connections with French people through cultural and music activities. The church also translates the weekly message into French, exposing the greater community to the riches of Christ’s love.

In 2012, we had the privilege of baptizing eight people from six countries, including Melesse, an Ethiopian who was invited to church by a friend from his home country. When Melesse began attending services at Trinity, he realized he needed God’s help.He admitted that his life was a mess and, although a cultural Christian, he didn’t know if God really existed or if Jesus was real.

“I looked for the ‘bread of life’ in the world, but I did not find it,” said Melesse. “My entire life, I complained about not knowing my father. I was confused and despairing, filled with bitterness, resentment, and hate. I had no peace and sought only self-gratification through destructive, sinful practices. Rebellious without limit, I actively participated in occult practices.”

Finding the Father

Melesse began attending Trinity with his friend and realized he needed God. “I started to read the Bible; I wanted to learn about Jesus,” Melesse said.

When the gospel was explained to Melesse, he surrendered his life to Christ. “I never ever imagined that, one day, I would become a follower of Christ,” he says. “But the truth is, it is Christ who chose me. Now I understood that I have a heavenly Father; I am a son of the King!”

Our goal at Trinity is not just to reach expatriates but to reach the nations. Some church members are here for only a few months, while others stay for a year or two, and still others settle in Paris. Those who move away will take with them the spiritual lessons learned at Trinity to share in their next location. Through Trinity, we are taking the whole gospel to the whole world.