Story number 3 for 24 Mar 2003

(France)–Protests in the streets of France have been a regular occurrence since “Operation Iraqi Freedom” began last week. Thousands are making vocal their opposition of the military action backed by the United States and Britain. Evangelical Baptist Mission’s Gary Goodge they’re feeling the effects of the ire toward Americans. “I think there is a direct effect on evangelization in that people simply don’t understand. You can’t get to the Gospel because you can’t get past the fact that you’re American.” Goodge and his family live and work in France. Their ministry focuses on pastoral help, but he asks prayer for other missionaries in France, too. “Primarily, that we, as missionaries, would be sensitive to the situation. Be informed, on both sides, and have wisdom in what we say and not make the Gospel a political issue. Unfortunately, that’s the way it tends to go, but that’s not what we want to see happen.”