Why Quebec?
In a province with almost nine million inhabitants, less than 3% would say they follow Jesus. Can you believe that? On Sunday mornings, Protestant Evangelical churches barely see 1% of the population, while only about 6% of Catholics make it to Mass regularly. Imagine living in one of the 700+ communities in Quebec with no Evangelical Church around - that's nearly 1.8 million people!
The decline of religious institutions is evident with the drastic reduction of Catholic churches from over 2,700 in 2003 to only about 700 by 2024. Many now sit empty or have been repurposed as secular establishments. Since the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s/70s, there has been a gradual disengagement from traditional religious institutions among Quebecers with a notable shift towards secularism or laïcité. The shift is underscored by the passing of bills such as Bill 21, which bars public service workers from displaying religious symbols during their duties.
The French-speaking population extends beyond Quebec, with Ontario's Francophone community comprising 5% of the province's populace. Cities like Sudbury and Timmins boasts significant French-speaking populations, reflecting the broader cultural landscape. Additionally, the Maritimes host around 300,000 Acadian Francophones, primarily concentrated in New Brunswick, where a handful of Evangelical French churches strive to serve their spiritual needs.
Purpose of the trip:
This is more than just a mission trip, it’s embracing a ‘missional living’. It's an opportunity to share the incredible love and hope of Christ with a world in need. It is about coming alongside the local church and other organizations, encouraging them and bringing light to the darkness. We will assist you with some of the practical aspects, allowing you to focus on discipling your group. Our heart is to inspire you to discover and embrace your gifts and passions and to equip and connect you with opportunities to use them, sharing God’s love with those around you