Lighthouses on a Dark Coast

Today’s letter comes from Brother Jacques and Sister Adriana Broquet in France. As the only members of our church in that country, they shine as a lighthouse of hope for countless others.

Years ago, when the Broquets first met our community in Texas, Brother Blair encouraged them: “In France, just take it one step at a time, by faith, with faith, in obedience.”

These words anchor them to this day.

In March 2023, the Broquets’ daughter Clara married Micha Kurucz, a member of the Israel community. A small group of friends from a Paris church they once attended flew to the wedding in Israel. These friends were deeply touched by what they saw—the love, service, maturity of the kids, the order in the families, and the simplicity of the ceremony filled with God’s presence.

Upon their return to France, one of them testified at their home church, “I have seen the Body of Christ.”

The folks who visited the wedding in Israel wanted to learn more about this alternative way of life, so Brother Abraham Adams and Brother Jacques held a Zoom group every two weeks as an open forum for questions and answers.

This spring, a group of 20 French believers attended the Exodus Revival conference in the Netherlands. As God’s Spirit moved during the worship, one visitor, Alain, approached Jacques and said, “I need to be part of this Body and this family. What do I need to do?”

Another visitor, Marie, was inspired by the experience and wanted to learn more about our church. She traveled to the United States and spent several weeks in the Texas and Idaho communities. After returning to France, she invited the Broquets to spend a weekend at her family’s farm in Brittany, on France’s northwest coast. The farm, passed down through four generations, is surrounded by Brittany’s natural beauty.

At Marie’s urging, the Broquets have stayed with her for an extended visit. Brittany is a land of fishermen, crêpes, renowned sea salt, and year-round rain and wind. Its 320 lighthouses stand as guardians along the coast, guiding ships away from hidden rocks beneath the sea.

This November, several members of the Texas community visited the Broquets in Brittany and held meetings at Marie’s home with a small group of believers.

Brother Jacques recounts, “We embraced the French tradition of spending long hours at the table, sharing our life’s testimonies as the best-served dishes. Sheila Richardson, who had returned to France, arrived just in time to help wherever needed.

“We worshiped our Lord together in both French and English.”

Brother Jacques continued, “During our final breakfast, Brother Shahar yielded to the Spirit’s power, speaking about how the Holy Spirit desires to lead us. One of the people there spoke that she felt the Lord offering her a gift, but saw it locked behind her own fears and pride. In that moment, she yielded to God’s grace, repenting of her sin. Her humility unlocked God’s grace for everyone.

Her husband erupted in exuberant prayer and immediately burst into unknown tongues! He later said, ‘I felt God’s presence so strongly it was almost unbearable. Chains fell from my back and shoulders!’”

Here are testimonies of several of those who found deliverance through repentance during this special time.

Marie: “When the brothers and sisters of Homestead came, I was very honored to receive them in my house. I felt respected and loved. During the time of praise, the Holy Spirit visited me. I experienced an intense repentance that still lasts.”

Shydène: “I was deeply touched and blessed by the ministry of the Texas members. Even though they barely knew us, I felt their respect and love for us. Each specific topic that needed clarity was addressed. I admired their simplicity of life and the love they have for one another.

“Our marriage is bearing the fruits of renewed love through the repentance God has granted us. We are deeply grateful.”

Alain: “Brothers and sisters! I was richly blessed with times of sharing, worship and praise, prayer, and joy in the presence of the Lord.

“For me, it was more than an encounter. Rather, I would say it was a divine appointment where I could feel and experience the love of Jesus through His body. During this time, I received a vision where I saw my life as a seed that I must now plant in the right soil of the Body of Christ.

“Special thanks to all the brothers and sisters that visited us from Texas and all the others who pray for us.”

Brother Jacques concludes, “This time of ministry has changed us all. We were washed by the Word, encouraged by fellowship, and filled with joy and hope for the future. We also got a taste of French gastronomical savoir-faire—the famous butter, cheese, bread, crêpes, and raclette (a special cheese melted and served with potatoes, which are dipped in the melted cheese, along with pickles and cured meats).

“Our prayer is to become like Brittany’s lighthouses—beacons of hope and healing for those adrift in a stormy sea. The darkness of the French Revolution is being overcome. In an old farmhouse, in a quiet village in Brittany, God’s revolution of light has begun.”

For who has despised the days of small things? (Zech. 4:10)

For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7)