Lessons from 40 Years in France

Editor’s Note: Leroy and Debbie Zumack recently retired from full-time missionary service after 40 years. We wanted to share an excerpt from Leroy’s last report from the field, given to his fellow workers in France at their 2024 Fall Retreat. 

Moving to Europe in 1985 was a bit of a shock for us. Like everyone, we struggled with the language, but also adjusting to the culture and so many institutions like the church—even just day to day shopping. Whether you come for four months or four years, you know the feeling of hitting the language full throttle, butting up against administrative frustrations, and hearing someone ask you for the umpteenth time, “vous venez d’ou?” (“Where are you from?”) 

Living in a high context culture makes you stand out. Of course, we also stand out as Christ followers in a society that is not inclined to put God at the head of their priorities or beliefs. 

From Pioneers to Church Planters

Debbie and I came with one baby, having a second one here in France. We saw them attend French schools, learn French poems, get through math, sign their cahiers, as well as live in a bilingual, bicultural home. We had joys in ministry, and we had disappointments. Sometimes we found ourselves waylaid, experiencing anger and confusion, but also untold blessings. 

From the beginning, Greater Europe Mission has been a pioneering mission. In 1974, GEM commissioned our first missionaries behind the Iron Curtain, sending them to Croatia, the former Yugoslavia, and Serbia. We saw workers start and build up Bible Institutes, while others began church planting work. Later, GEM would send pioneers to North Africa, then on to Russia as that field opened up.

The French field has been one of overall harmony. The Evangelical population was just 0.4 percent when we arrived. We had not yet seen the establishment of the National Council of Evangelicals of France (CNEF), and a silent tension existed between charismatic and non-charismatic denominations and churches. Things have changed greatly for the better since the CNEF was founded, and it’s been our privilege to serve here.

Prayer for the Future

As we march towards the Lord’s return, you will see more come to know Jesus, and more turn away from Him. Things will get worse economically, socially, morally and politically—we were told this from our Lord’s lips centuries ago. He will use it to make us more in his image, to take our eyes off worthless trifles, to drive us to his Word. 

Churches may be leaner but stronger in faith. No adversity can outweigh God’s grace. How have we survived in France these many years? In addition to God’s grace, I had to fight against passivity, idolatry, pride and other sins. The battle is lifelong; it won’t stop with retirement.

Stay passionate for Jesus and keep on making disciples. I hope that we have influenced a few of you. 

Treasure your Savior, imbibe his Word, depend on the Spirit, and serve in your local church to the degree that is possible. 

And pray for our organization’s leadership.

I think so much of all of you and our mission. God will continue to do marvelous things through you and His body. The future of GEM France is in good hands. It’s been a great journey; I’ll miss coming here and singing and getting to hear your stories, but the Lord has other adventures for us and perhaps we will return to serve in some way. 

Finally, I must thank God for giving us breath and energy to serve. I am one of the most inadequate missionaries I know. God somehow used Debbie (an introvert) and I (a person lacking social awareness) for his glory. 

All praise to Him and glory to His name for anything that He accomplished through us. 

This article is adapted from Leroy Zumack’s speech with permission.

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