During December 2015 a small group from Chertsey Street Baptist Church visited the ‘Jungle’ camp in Calais.
This visit was done in partnership with a local church there called Eglise des 2 Caps. The pastor of the church, Fabien Boinet, has been in the ministry for five years and leader of the church in Calais for the last three. On 12 July a fire broke out at the church and completely destroyed everything. Fabien reported on the situation via series of questions.
en: Please tell us what you know about how the fire started?
FB: The fire started a little before 6am. It’s not yet been confirmed whether the cause of the fire was accidental or criminal, but some evidence suggests that it may well have been arson. Two bottles of gas we had in our store were found open and the fire started at that specific location. There were no electrical sources in that area which could have started the fire.
en: How has the fire affected you and others in the congregation?
FB: It was a great shock to us all when we arrived to find that the fire had destroyed everything. The roof had collapsed in the chapel and there was much damage. But soon afterwards God showed us all his faithfulness and gave us his peace. Since that day, we have continually been able to see what he has prepared in advance for us. The City Council immediately offered to lend us a room for the summer and we have found a place to rent from September. We know we will not be fully compensated for all the costs involved, but we trust in the Lord who is our source of peace and courage. We have been touched by the support of so many people, churches and brothers and sisters in Christ. We feel lifted up by their prayers, and are not worried about the future. These events are a great opportunity to show our faith in our ability to move forward as we rely on our gracious Father.
en: What ministries is your church involved with?
FB: Our church is engaged in various different ministries. Our goal is to bless the city of Calais and everyone there by sharing the gospel in different ways.
For the past ten years we as a church have established a ministry reaching out to children and young people in challenging neighbourhoods around Calais. And for the last two years we have been involved in reaching out to the migrants in Calais, offering practical support to show God’s love, and through that there have been opportunities to share the gospel.
en: What are your needs after the fire?
FB: Our current needs are financial, because we have to replace all of the contents of the church. All of our equipment was burned, flooded or contaminated with asbestos, which was in the roof. The church was insured, but we do not expect to receive the full amount it will take to replace the destroyed contents, due to their devaluation. The insurance company has given us an advance for the chairs, but we will quickly need to invest in a new sound system, video projector, equipment for children’s work, office equipment, etc.
en: How can people pray and help?
FB: Above all, we must thank God because he is faithful. No one was injured and although our material losses are substantial, we know that everything belongs to our God and he will supply all of our needs.
You can support us financially at http://bit.ly/2aH0udh. Our objective is to raise €10,000 by the end of October. This amount is small compared to our real needs, but we believe that God will surprise us!
Please pray that God renews us in the vision he wants us to share with Calais and its region. Our church has existed since 1932 and has been in these premises since 1945. I believe the Lord is currently writing a new page in our history. God is preparing us to enter into his plans and we need to learn to see more and further. Nothing is impossible for our God! Pray that as a church we will be powerfully united during and after this time of trial. Please also pray that as a church we will be strengthened, renewed and directed so that we are ready and effective for the harvest that is here.
