26-27 September 2026
The New District Superintendent of Western Europe, Brother Ola Balogun, paid a weekend visit to the Apostolic Faith Mission in Paris on 26–27 September 2026. The visit was a blessed time of worship, fellowship and encouragement, as well as an opportunity to see first-hand the progress of the work in France.
On Saturday, Brother Ola visited the proposed new church property in Sannois. The property, which is being considered as a permanent home for the Paris church, represents an important opportunity for the future development of the work. The visit provided an opportunity to view the building and proposed plans and to appreciate its potential as a centre for worship, evangelism and Gospel outreach.
Sunday was a particularly uplifting day in God’s presence. The Young People’s and Adult Sunday School lesson, “Be Ready,” based on Matthew 24:44 was taught by Brother Degnon Vimadje. He emphasised the importance of being spiritually prepared for the return of Jesus Christ and living a life of holiness and faithful Christian service. The devotional service was enriched by inspiring music and congregational worship.
The opening preludes included an orchestration “Make Me a Blessing,” followed by the choir singing “Praise God,” and a trio rendering “Arise, Light Your Lamps!” Following the announcements, the choir ministered with “I Love My Saviour Too,” while immediately before the sermon, Sister Morganne rendered the solo “Unworthy.” These musical contributions helped prepare hearts for the ministry of God’s Word. A total of 54 people were in attendance for the devotional service, including nine who joined online.
Taking his opening text Esther 4:14, Brother Ola preached on “What Will You Do With This Opportunity?” After preaching a similar sermon “For Such a Time as This” to the Paris congregation in 2015, he challenged the church to recognise the new opportunity God has placed before them. Particular encouragement was given to the growing generation of young people to consecrate their talents, education, language and understanding of French society to God and the spread of the Gospel.
The visit highlighted the encouraging spiritual life of the Paris congregation, with many young people saved and actively involved in the work. Appreciation was also expressed for Sister Patricia Sossa, her family, and all those faithfully labouring for the advancement of the Gospel in France. As the Paris church prayerfully looks towards securing a permanent place of worship, the emphasis remains greater than acquiring a building: “We are buying a building, but we are building for eternity.” The prayer is that the Lord will establish an enduring Gospel testimony in Paris and use the congregation to reach many more souls throughout France and beyond. What will you do with this oppo…
