Missionary Information

Approximately 80% the size of Texas, the French Republic is geographically the largest nation in Western Europe. Julius Caesar conquered the area in 57-52 B.C., and it remained a part of the Roman Empire until the Franks invaded in the fifth century. Modern France, whose president is elected by universal suffrage for a seven-year term, is known for its wine, cuisine, and high fashion. The UPC of France traces its roots to 1930, when evangelist John Balca of Yugoslavia brought the apostolic message to a mining community near Douai, in northern France. After hearing the gospel, believers came to the banks of the canal to be baptized in Jesus’ name. The Lord poured out His Spirit, and as a result, a number of evangelical churches were born. The late Bobby Dykes and his wife, Evelyn, the first resident UPCI missionaries to France, arrived in 1973. The Andrew Urshan Memorial Church in Melun houses the local church, the national headquarters, and the Bible school. The Melun church became a mother church and the foundation for a powerful apostolic church. President John Nowacki reported that France has 17 churches and preaching points, 28 licensed ministers, and 1,500 constituents. The French Bible Institute was established in 1996. One hundred fourteen have attended and are a great blessing to the work of God laboring in the harvest and opening new areas for evangelism in France.

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Bio: Founders of the First Apostolic Church of Farmington, Maine, Paul and Darla Brochu arrived in Europe in 1990 as Associates in Missions in the Military Ministries Program. They completed assignments in Luxembourg and in Nuremberg, Germany, working extensively with American military families stationed in Western Europe. They were appointed as Career Missionaries to France in October 1993 and arrived there with their two children in December 1995. Brother and Sister Brochu reside in the city of Chatellerault, where they have labored to establish an apostolic work. With several other preaching points already established, their vision is to see oneness churches planted throughout the Western Region of France. The Brochus have been active in the French District since their arrival. Brother Brochu is an instructor at the French Bible Institute and also serves as the national secretary of the UPC of France.