Mike and Ali and their children Eva (soon starting fashion studies) and Luca, originally from the UK, have been living in southwest France since 2009 after a clear call from the Lord. Since then, many challenges have been overcome, including adapting to the culture, setting up businesses and (for Mike) the language.
Both Mike and Ali are self-employed artisans: Mike is a carpenter and Ali the designer and maker of her online fashion brand. They believe that within their local context the best way to reach people and form relationships is through work and interacting with local people on a daily basis.
Mike has had local men working with him and Ali has had students on placement with her. She has also been doing creative workshops with Ukrainian people. Mike serves with a team from a local church working with the homeless and those in need.
They have bought a large property, called La Prévoterie which they believe is central to what the Lord wants to do in the long term; the property requires extensive renovation. Mike’s strenuous labours are paying off. Although the house is not yet complete, the two workshops, accommodating Ali’s loom and creative space and Mike’s large, well equipped carpentry workshop, are operational.
Both Mike and Ali see the house, and their work, as a place where disadvantaged people can learn skills that will equip them for life, and possibly see the Lord establish a church there eventually.
‘These hands have provided for my necessities and for those who were with me’ (Acts 20.34)
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