Marseille is a place of contrasts – there is the natural light which attracted famous artists like Cézanne, the blue sky and beaches but also litter everywhere even in the sea, not helped by the frequent strong winds.

It’s a place where we can hear as much Arabic and Spanish as French and eat a diverse range of dishes from couscous and tajines to fresh fish and wood-fired pizza.

Marseille has a large Jewish and even larger Muslim population and is the arrival point for many immigrants in France. There are luxury yachts and homes but also many poor, rundown housing estates where drug crime is a major problem.

But it’s also a city where God is moving particularly amongst the youth, there is growing unity between churches and citywide prayer initiatives. Recently there was a weekend of non-stop prayer and praise, and also a Christian concert in one of the largest concert venues of the town. There is also a youth movement centred around ‘The Chosen’ series.

Many Christian workers live and work in the city and reach out to the different local and ethnic populations and further afield with radio and satellite broadcasts.

I moved to Marseille after many years in the North of France to serve in a dynamic local church with a heart for the local area and a particular vision for discipling children and young people. As part of this vision, they set up a Christian primary school which was a blessing to many families, Christian or not, whose children attended. It was also a witness in the local community. The school has now closed but the vision to disciple young people remains strong, in a country where state control over education is increasing. Children now have to start preschool at three years old and homeschooling is strongly discouraged.

I taught English to children, students and adults, which as a single person was a great way to meet and get to know people. It was a joy to return recently after a year’s absence and meet up with many friends, colleagues and students and to see that some are growing in their faith.

Prayer Points

• More joint projects and support between the churches in Marseille.
• That God will continue to move amongst the youth of the city.
• For fruit for the ministries who faithfully reach out to the different communities and ethnic groups in the city and for evangelism projects happening this summer, for example those reaching out to visitors and people travelling through the ports.
• For God’s light to shine in the poor and crime ridden housing estates, and His love to bring hope to those who live there.
• For existing and new children’s clubs and youth ministries which will introduce many young people to the Good News of Jesus.