What is JAO?

JAO is an acronym for "Les Jeunes Adultes D'Oise"--young adults of L'Oise. That's what JAO is; however, as that's not incredibly helpful to understand the ministry, I'll tell you more.

JAO is a regional ministry envisioned and started by Dave and Virginia Hemmerle as a response to the spiritual needs for Bible study and relational connection for Christian and non-Christian young adults in the L'Oise Valley. Although much of France does not have a strong Protestant (or even Christian) witness, L'Oise is considered one of the weakest regions due to a variety of reasons--history, Catholicism, closed mindsets, etc, etc. Thus, young Christians invariably attempt to live out their faith in the context of a church (which by the way isn't necessarily a given institution for support here) but without the support and relationships of peers as well as modeling and teaching. Insert JAO.

JAO consists of two elements--regional monthly gatherings and every 6-week Bible studies. The regional monthly gatherings include worship, prayer, topical teaching, and fellowship (note: really don't like that word, so Christian-ese, but what else do I write?). We gather at a church in Nogent-sur-Oise, a central meeting point, for three to four hours. Up until this point, Dave has been organizing and teaching at each regional JAO but with the Hemmerles' fast-approaching departure, others will soon be teaching as well. For the Bible studies, a smaller (although all are invited) group have met at the Hemmerles' home. The time starts with a meal followed by Bible study and prayer. Of interesting note, for the last Bible study, the the meal began around 8:45pm and the study began at 10pm. :) Not exactly an American hour for Bible study, but I LOVE it! This year Dave took everyone's ideas and we are studying Hebrews. The responsibility for facilitating a study is passed around the group.

As aforementioned, Dave and Virginia leave in less than two weeks for their one-year stateside assignment. In preparation for their departure, Dave has worked to assemble a transition team so that JAO is able to continue ministering to young adults with engaged and equipped leadership. Praise be to God, a man named Francois who works with another young adult ministry a bit north of us heard of Dave and contacted him about working with JAO. As well, two other French nationals Joel and Marie have quickly stepped in to take leadership and organization responsibility. I as well am a part of this transition team to support the ongoing national French ministry.

Dave and Virginia have provided key leadership, relationships, and hospitality for these young adults during their time in L'Oise. However, perhaps most exciting for me as an outsider in some senses is to see the significant potential this ministry has to continue flourishing. It is difficult--stateside, France, or anywhere else--to start a ministry and build into in such a way that it can continue well after initial leadership has departed. Pray that the transition team and all who participate will continue to recognize a call to leadership and engagement with JAO, not only for their needs but for the larger building up of the Church and being a collective witness to the unifying work of Christ in the midst of so many. JAO is an exciting ministry avenue of which to be a part and I hope you will pray with us and for us in the coming months.