Encompass workers Rob and Nichole Plaster recently organized a “Bible Blast” initiative. Three churches born out of their collaboration each received 15 new study Bibles for their disciples. And free Bible distribution tables hit the streets offering Bibles to Parisians free of charge. One volunteer was amazed, saying, “You should do this more often. A young man said he’s lived here two years and never seen anything like it.” 

Moments like this shine all the brighter against the backdrop of Paris today. Known as the “City of Light,” Paris dazzles with beauty, art, and culture—yet it’s full of spiritual lostness. Most of its residents live without the hope of eternity, with over 80% never having even touched a Bible. In a city of millions, loneliness and searching hearts are everywhere. For some, receiving this study Bible could be their first step toward discovering that Jesus is real, personal, and life-changing. 

Back in 2008, the Plasters worked with Pastor Matthieu to launch an evening service for his church and explore new avenues for outreach. They’ve stayed in touch ever since and partnered with him in this initiative.  

What made this initiative especially meaningful was the way it united so many parts of the body of Christ: 

• Financial partners gave generously to purchase the Bibles. 

• Pastor Matthieu’s church is training disciples with the study Bibles. 

• Rob and Nichole showered Intervarsity’s student volunteers with refreshment and zeal. 

• The students stepped out in faith, offering God’s Word to complete strangers. 

At first, the university students had the jitters, because talking about Jesus in a post-Christian society is no small task. But God’s love inside of them made their stand so attractive that every Bible found a new home and 20 students signed up to join Bible study—that’s a huge number in this context! “Praise God that so many people want Bibles!” write Rob and Nichole in a recent newsletter. Pastor Matthieu also expresses his gratitude in this short video clip.  

The Plasters remind us that evangelism doesn’t always mean standing behind a table of Bibles. Sometimes it simply looks like showing up with a heart full of Jesus—being joyful, curious, and kind—and daring to ask, “Do you have someone to talk about faith with? Want to grab coffee next week and share what you’re learning?” 

May each person who received a Bible encounter the living God through its pages, and may the Spirit continue showing hearts in Paris the joy of knowing Him.