Country Life Marseille was established in 1987. Since then, it has ministered to all classes of people, a large majority of whom are secular-minded. Through the health food store and restaurant, the ministry has unique access to the population. The people of Marseille are looking everywhere for ways to better themselves and for spiritual enlightenment; however, they rarely consider Christianity as an option.
After centuries of bloody persecution, many in France have developed strong prejudices against the Bible. It takes friendly contacts, service, and lots of time to break through those prejudices to offer more personal and spiritual contact. Emotional healing is a real need, and people have greatly appreciated the presence of a Seventh-day Adventist psychotherapist at Country Life Marseille. The ministry faces the challenge of keeping up local interest in nutrition and natural remedies after 20 years of work. With creativity, openness, and a willingness to try new ideas, they continue to reach out to their community. Often the team plans special evenings when they prepare food from India, Morocco, Greece, and other countries, and play traditional music to match.
The team has launched the health expo concept in France with great success, and it is now part of their yearly activities. They have also kept up a strong working relationship with the local churches and feel privileged to serve the needs of the youth in many ways.
The team in Marseille works closely with Country Life Provence, their outpost in the countryside east of the city. People travel there to take refuge from the stress of city life and to engage in a unique experience. During the “off season,” this center is used as a base for OCI Europe, where families can find training and coaching to start new projects.
