The Nagelkirks

Update September 18, 2025

There have been profound changes that have taken place in both countries since the 1960's "revolution."  In the U.S. I would say that the change came largely through the universities and what they have taught in terms of values and world view.  In France it came more from the outside through Muslim immigration and a higher birthrate among the Muslims already established.  The percentage of Muslims in the society has significantly increased and, because of their religion, they have a different standard of values, a different world view and different hope for the future.  This can only lead to divisions and tensions in society.

The reactions we see across Europe are similar.  There are increasing social tensions and increasing political instability.  France's government is very unstable because the people are very divided and have voted in representatives who have completely opposite opinions as to where to go and how to get there.  It's difficult for the government to establish a direction.  This means for the moment, taxes are still very high, jobs are hard to find, houses are too expensive and paying the bills is difficult.    

I don't know what this means for the future.  Only God knows.  But that is the point.  God does know and wants us to keep our eyes on him through all the instability.  He wants us to continue to preach the Gospel, declaring to whoever listens, that there is only one stable rock that we can stand on--Jesus Christ.  All around us people are stressed, afraid, angry, tense, tired, etc...  They need hope.  We're the only ones who preach a God who will be with us, who is strong and in whom we can find strength in troubled times. 

Unity of the Churches in Grenoble
For the next couple of years I have a new role in the church life of Grenoble.  I was voted the president of what is called the "pastorale".  This is a group made up of leaders from various evangelical churches of Grenoble with the goal of encouraging unity in the body of Christ.  This year we are working together with a nationwide federation of churches in order to organize a Grenoble wide worship service for all the evangelical believers.  There are 80 other similar city-wide worship services taking place the same day all around France.  Organizing this city-wide service is one of our responsibilities this year in the Pastorale.  It takes place in a couple of weeks, on the 5th of Oct.  We ask for your prayers for us as we prepare for his event, and for our time together in October as we celebrate together the glory of Jesus Christ. 

During the year, as it's measured by the school schedule, we also organize 6 regular meetings at which we discuss various issues in the church or society, we pray together, and we encourage each other in the work of the ministry.  I will be responsible for the content of two of these sessions as we talk about the growth and impact of the Muslim community in Grenoble and France, and what we can do in response.  To give you an idea of the relative size of the Christian community to the Muslim one, when we as evangelicals get together we are happy if two thousand people come.  When the Muslim community gets together to celebrate the end of the fast of Ramadan, there are between 80,000 and 100,000 men, women and children.  They assemble together every year and we only do it once every seven years or so.   Pray for Grenoble.  

Pray for us as we plan and prepare.  Whether we are a few or a few more, may God be glorified as we come together to serve and worship His name.