Jesus Know Me
July 7, 2026
By Derrick Bremer, Missionary to France
A few weeks ago, Michelle, the kids, and I boarded a plane to cross the Atlantic with a simple goal: to see the field God has called us to serve in the next chapter of ministry.
Since returning home and having time to process and reflect on what we experienced, I can say with confidence that the trip accomplished exactly what it was meant to. Our time in France strengthened our sense of calling to minister there as a family.
The road to France is longer than we first imagined, but after seeing the field and visiting with the people, we are more convinced than ever that this is the road God is calling us to walk.
Before sharing some of what we learned, I want to express my gratitude. We are tremendously thankful for the Pasley family [current missionaries in France], whose hospitality and guidance helped make this trip both fruitful and encouraging. We are grateful to Temple Baptist Church in Rogers for making this vision trip possible. And we are thankful for every individual and church who has already begun investing in this work through prayer, encouragement, and financial support. Your partnership is what makes ministry possible.
Increasingly, we find ourselves thinking less about “our ministry” and more about what we have begun calling “Team France”–the churches, missionaries, pastors, and believers working together to strengthen the witness of God’s people in France. The work is larger than any one family, and we are grateful for every person God has brought alongside us for the journey ahead.
Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. – Psalm 25:4-5
What We Discovered
If you’ve talked with Michelle or me about our excitement and fears, you know that our children’s transition into France’s public school system has been our top concern. It’s enough to wonder how w`e might adjust to a new culture and a new life. God answered our prayers, bringing comfort to our hearts as we visited the language school where we’ll spend the first year of our time on the field.
Our fears began to give way to confidence as we met other families whose children were thriving through the same transition we anticipate making ourselves.
We gained confidence in our ability to learn alongside our children. Many of the other students are missionaries who are preparing to serve throughout French-speaking Africa. The conversations we had reminded us that the mission in France is strategic for strengthening a gospel witness beyond France’s borders. Seeing that larger picture helped us appreciate what God is doing in a way I hadn’t imagined before.
The Need for People Who Will Stay
Another significant moment came during conversations with a French pastor. When asked about the need for missionaries in France, his answer was both encouraging and challenging.
Yes, there is a need for missionaries.
But the need is not primarily for short-term workers looking for quick results. The need is for people willing to stay.
The pastor’s exhortation affirmed what I have been learning from a distance. We were told that many missionary efforts in France never reach the point where deep relationships have had time to develop. In a culture where trust takes years to build, longevity is not a luxury–it is a necessity. Our goal after language school must be to establish deep roots in whatever community God leads us to serve. We have to be patient with those early years of learning, listening, and serving faithfully where able.
Missionary work begins before a church is planted. It starts with daily faithfulness and long obedience.
What Comes Next
The lessons we’re learning are shaping the way we think as we look toward the future.
Right now, we’re working with Denver Street Baptist Church, our sending church, and BMA Global to develop our family’s transition plan. As I work to facilitate these conversations, we are seeking God’s wisdom and will together. These conversations are helping us think carefully about how to leave well before we can arrive well.
I’m thankful God has called us to serve through the BMA, where we have found wonderful accountability and leadership to not just be obedient to what God is calling us to, but to be wise in how we do it.
It is a great blessing to serve under godly authority. I am grateful for the church leaders and missions leaders who are a part of guiding this process. Their counsel and oversight are gifts from the Lord!
How You Can Help Cross the Distance
As we continue down this road, we ask that you pray with us.
Pray for wisdom as transition plans are developed. As we see the final days of my time as pastor of Denver Street on the horizon, pray for my comfort as I leave people I have come to love and treasure; pray for them as they discern and call their next pastor.
Pray for open doors as we meet with churches and individuals to ask them to consider partnering with us to sustain long-term ministry in France.
Pray that God would continue preparing my whole family for the work that lies ahead.
Pray that God would raise up the partners needed to make this ministry possible. Our goal is to build a team of 130 ministry partners who will sustain this work through faithful prayer and financial support.
The survey trip may be behind us, but the journey is far from over. There is still much road between here and France. Every conversation, every prayer, every partnership, and every act of generosity brings us one step closer to the work God has called us to do. Thank you for walking that road with us.
To learn more about partnering with the Bremers, please reach out to Derrick at derrick@livingoutthegospel.com or 497-544-7153.