Missions Partner Spotlight: Colin Welch

This month, we are focusing our Missions Partner Spotlight on COLIN WELCH, serving in Paris, France with EFCA ReachGlobal! 

In 1905 the French government passed a law called La Laïcité. This was the beginning of the official separation of church and state. Though it was first presented as a “neutral position” on religion, it has resulted in an anti-religious mindset, growing to the point that part of the French identity is to be non-religious. Currently, France is ranked the 7th most atheistic country in the world. It has a total population of 64.5 million, yet out of that only 1.2% claim to be Evangelical Christians. Being that Paris is the capital of France and France is the capital of the Francophone world, ministry in Paris is not only strategic for the rest of France but also an entry point for global impact.

Generally, the French are very suspicious of anything religious yet warmly embrace quality art and good artists, be they Christians or not. Colin is serving in Paris, France with EFCA ReachGlobal in arts ministry, focusing on using art as a bridge to share the Gospel through relationships with artists. His vision is to see the healing of the disconnect between Christ and culture through the lives and work of artists. Imagine the impact that will happen once these influential artists are transformed by the hope and the healing power of Christ! People who write, paint and sing about brokenness can create pieces about forgiveness and hope. These artists really can, through their new lives in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, change the cultural perspective to be more open to Christ.