So when I think of the word Francophone that’s where my mind goes. Need a pinch hitter? You can reach Julio Franco on the Francophone. (I mean, look at the guy. He has a snake around his neck! He’s bound to help somehow). Need some acting advice? You can reach James Franco on the Francophone. (Operators are standing by!) Need some help taking over a European peninsula? You can now find Francisco Franco on the Francophone! (Did you know he was a painter too? I guess dictators need hobbies as well).
Now of course the word Francophone means something way different than all of that. A francophone is someone who uses French as their first language (or mother tongue) and La Francophonie is the global community of francophones . French is not just a language of the people who live inside the borders of mainland France. Through colonization and other factors there are French speakers all over the world. French is an official language for countries from the south Pacific to central Africa. The list is large and encompasses people who are very different. The one common thread? Language!
So let’s say a church is planted in Loches, France (there is one there!). Let’s say that a Frenchman is brought to Christ because of this church plant. Let’s say this Frenchman becomes passionate about taking Christ to a country like Senegal or Tahiti. See where I’m going here? A passion for France is not just a passion for a small country with definite European borders. A passion for France is a passion for people who stretch far and wide. Your support of church planters and missionaries in France can have a far reaching effect. Your support is not just the support of France but possibly bringing Christ to the whole earth.
Can the same be said about Americans or Spaniards or Brazilians? Absolutely. Are those all valid mission fields? Absolutely. Wherever your passion lies is where you should go! We value each and every one of you who are behind us in prayers and other forms of support. It means the world to us! It might mean the world for..well..the world too!
If you’d like more info on how you can support the Saldis and the fields of France don’t hesitate to contact us via any form of contact listed on our blog.