Last December, Annejet Hasselaar was sent to Marseille by the ICF congregation of Rotterdam-South. There she will work with others in an International Teams project. What started several years ago with a language course in French turned into missionary diaconal work in one of Marseille's most difficult neighbourhoods. Annejet tells how that turned out.
'Lord, here I am'
At twenty-five, I decide to actively pursue my love for the French language. I start a language course in Rotterdam. I am an exception among pensionados and people who have to brush up their French for their international jobs. When asked what brings me here, I invariably reply that I love the French language and would love to learn to speak it fluently. And if God wants to use it, I'm up for it.
On the last evening of my second course, I urgently experience that I have yet to ask why a fellow student is moving to the south of France with his family. He talks about how his wife and he want to work for a better living environment in Marseille. I am currently engaged in similar activities in Rotterdam-Zuid and find a lot of recognition in their vision. When I ask what inspires them, the man replies, "God." Stunned that we turn out to follow the same God, we talk for a long time. As I cycle home, one comment lingers: "Why don't you come and see us? Maybe God wants you to use your French in Marseille."
In love with Marseille
So said, so done. In October 2019, I will visit Marseille for the first time. In just over a week, I get the chance to become familiar with the different sides of this rebellious port city. I attend a team week where I meet many Christians who are on mission in Marseille. Then I spend two days with one of them in the city's fiercest neighbourhood, where drug crime affects everything. Finally, I hang out as a tourist for another day and see Marseille from a much sunnier side.
The city with all its rough edges intrigues me from the moment I arrive. It's crazy, but it's like I'm in love. I feel by everything that I have to be here one day. But I don't know more than that.
Three years of (un)patience
While giving the trial to God, I am already thinking about when I can visit the city again: spring 2020. Unfortunately, I have to cancel this plan due to the pandemic breaking out. When I still have no clarity over a year later and doors seem to close rather than open, my impatience takes over. God remains too quiet for me and I consider abandoning the idea of Marseille.
In early 2022, I go through a difficult but instructive period, where I learn to truly live 'in the now' for God and not long for another, better place. This process leads to an emotional moment of surrender and acceptance of where God has placed me at that moment. Exactly a week later, the door to Marseille opens. In it, I see God's guidance. I am now convinced that I needed to go through this process and the three years of (un)patience were essential. God's timing is so much better than ours.
God provides
If I terminate my rent, I still have no prospect of finding housing in Marseille. All the lines that were out are so far dead ends. Full of confidence, I take this step anyway. Three days later, I receive an unexpected message from a lady from Marseille: "Alléluia, I have a property for you."
And for a long time I had another uncertainty: But what am I going to do in Marseille? In the months before my departure, I visit the city with a good friend. A project has started from the church my Dutch friends have joined: neighbourhood cultural centre FabricQuai. An old restaurant is being transformed into a living room for the neighbourhood. There have been prayers for an extra creative for the team. I come as called for. And what's nice: with my God-given flat, I live literally around the corner.
Making Jesus visible
In cooperation with the local church, dispatched by International Teams and the CGK congregation ICF in Rotterdam-Zuid, I am working within this neighbourhood centre to increase connection in the neighbourhood. We are in an interesting place: right between a Jewish and North African neighbourhood, next to the metro and close to a large assembly building where people work from all over Marseille.
We welcome the neighbourhood for coffee, lunch, second-hand clothing and a wide range of creative and enriching activities. From deferred coffees for the homeless on our doorstep to language classes for adults and a bilingual creative workshop for children. There is something for everyone. This is how we make Jesus visible in a neighbourhood and a city where the majority of people do not (yet) know Him. And it is noticed. "Here I experience a love and peace that you won't find anywhere else in Marseille in that way," says one visitor.
The power of presence
During my first year in Marseille, I tied the knot that I want to stay here. I want to build relationships through long-term presence. Since January 2024, I have been back in 'my city' for the long haul. My return is regularly noted with surprise by Marseillais who themselves would prefer to leave this city.
Eye for the individual
I thank God that I get to share something of His love in a place where there is so much unrest. And how it is sometimes in the little things. For instance, since January, I've been walking past a homeless boy of 19 every day, in front of the metro station. Let's call him Radu. I regularly take something to eat or drink for Radu, but I notice that the hand I always give him and the chat we have afterwards are of much greater value. In a place where everyone rushes by, I deliberately take time for a conversation. It was only recently that he remarked how grateful he is for this. This gave me a chance to testify to my drive and how God sees him. He was visibly touched!
Are you praying with me for Radu? And pray with me that I may have many more such encounters?
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