Currently there are two families serving on the city team with a third couple living in Lyon and serving as the regional leader of all three teams in France - Lyon, Marseilles and Toulouse.
We are one of two additional families that have been accepted to serve in Lyon. The other family, hailing from South Carolina, is also building up their ministry partner team and plans are to begin ministering together with them at the International Christian Community of Lyon (ICCL). Steve will lead worship and Greg will be the lead pastor.
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We so appreciate the kind letter written by Mike DiGena, the Lyon City Team Leader, on our behalf as we step through this time of building up our ministry partner team to serve in Lyon.
To the Dahlgrens and their current and future supporters,
As the Lyon City Team leader and in behalf of it members, it is my pleasure as to extend a wholehearted invitation to the Dahlgren family to join the Lyon City Team. Our goal in Lyon is to: “Multiply Healthy Community of Worshipers among all People for the Glory of God”.
A recent vision trip has confirmed the vital part that the Dahlgrens will play in the accomplishment of this goal among us. They are an impressive and gifted family with a heart for service and a humble attitude. Their gift set, calling and determination to follow God’s lead in kingdom service cross-culturally will bode well for them. We are excited to follow their process as they embark on the journey that will lead them to the field which the Lord of the harvest has already prepared before them.
As a team we envision the Dahlgrens serving in worship leadership and coordination for our international church plant known as the ‘International Christian Community of Lyon’ (ICCL). This strategic ministry is one of the first fruits of our work as a team. The presence of the Dahlgrens will reinforce the growth and development of this body as it moves to autonomy for greater impact in the city. I was very impressed with the quality of the relationship that developed with the ICCL members during their visit. There is hearty consensus in the church to have them serve among us.
We also foresee the Dahlgrens’ impact growing in the French context as they intentionally pursue fluency in French. Their talent and love for music will afford great occasions for outreach in a land that values excellence in the arts. Their competence administratively and technologically will also prove vital to the growth of our team and the expansion of its desire to reach out to every population group in Lyon with the gospel.
I close out this letter with a call to each reader to do all in their power to expedite the arrival of the Dahlgren family to Lyon. I can’t speak more highly of them or of the importance of having them here as soon as possible. A summer arrival 2012 would be ideal especially in regards to schooling realities for their lovely children. Please pray earnestly for their ministry, the support that will make it possible and for God’s abundant provision. My prayer is that you who read this letter will see yourself as God’s answer through your generous and consistent support. Thank you for the part you will play in reaching Lyon as you reach out to encourage the Dahlgrens in tangible ways.
With thanks and anticipation,
Mike DiGena
Lyon City Team Leader – Lyon, France
