On this page I will attempt to answer some of the questions that have come up a lot in my conversations on my upcoming move to Paris. If you have a question, please leave it and I will do my best to answer it. Thank you!
Q: Why France? Don’t we need missionaries more in poorer or more disadvantaged countries?
A: There are 64 million people in France. Most of these people are immigrants from other nations, who bring with them a multitude of different faiths and worldviews. Of these, only 12% state that they regularly attend church. Our goal is to create an international church to reach out to all of these different people groups.
Q: What will you be doing as a part of The Bridge team?
A: When involved in planting a church, people fill many different roles. I will be doing everything from helping with worship and youth to leading short-term teams and administrative work. I will also be leading a small group and probably filling lots of other roles that have yet to be seen!
Q: Why do you have to raise so much money?
A: The standard of living in France is among the highest in Europe. Their sales tax is about 20% The exchange rate from the dollar to the euro changes almost daily. It is currently at $1.30, which means that you would pay $1.30 in American money for 1 euro. Just a few months ago this exchange rate was at $1.50, so every dollar given in support for me gets cut dramatically.
Q: Do you speak French?
A: Oui. Bonjour. J’mapelle Kelly. Un, deux, trois…ok. Let’s put it this way. I’m learning! I can say “Hello,” “My name is Kelly,” “Today is (Monday, Tuesday, etc),” count to thirty, “It is (cold, rainy, sunny, hot),” “My sister lives in the United States,” “I am an English teacher,” and “I see three dogs.” My vocabulary is growing every day! 
Q: Have you been to France before?
A: I have not. I have been to Nicaragua on a missions trip, The Netherlands twice on missions trips, and Rome. I am madly in love with Europe and really look forward to living in Paris!
Q: Why are you going?
A: Ahh…the tough one. I can tell you that I am 100% sure that this is where God wants me. I know, because I tried to avoid it and God finally caught up with me and was very clear that this is the direction my life needs to go. Let’s put it this way…I can’t NOT go!
Q: What will you do after your two-year commitment?
A: I can’t say for sure. I will have graduated with my degree in English Education before I leave for Paris, so upon return to the U.S. I will be able to get a teaching position, but I am leaving the door open for God to let me know what He wants me to do as the next step.
Q: What are you most excited about?
A: I can’t lie, I am looking forward to living in Paris, enjoying the sights, sounds, and history of this amazing country. (And the tastes!) But more than anything else, I am absolutely dying to see what God does through The Bridge team in Paris. The church we are planting is definitely a dream birthed from God, and I just cannot wait to share the stories of the miracles God has done in people’s lives.
Q: How can we help you?
A: Right now, the two biggest things I need are prayer and financial support. (And prayer for financial support!) God is starting to move on people’s hearts to invest in my work in the Kingdom, and I am excited to see the mountains He moves. So at this time, I can say that any financial help is so appreciated, whether it’s $5 or $5000. If you want to help out in this way, feel free to click the “SUPPORT” tab at the top to find out how you can help.
Q: How can we pray for you?
A: As previously stated, I need financial support. Please pray that God would move on people’s hearts to realize that this is not just putting money in an offering basket, it is becoming a part of the Great Commission and becoming a vital part of our team in France. Also please pray that I would build great relationships with team members, pastors, and investors during this time. I also want God to be consistently confirming the call that He has placed on my life, so please pray for clarity and direction.
I will add more questions to these as I notice questions that people ask a lot. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers!
