Dear Friends & Family,
Seventeen years ago, God planted a dream in our hearts for France. Today, after years of preparation in Alberta and Québec, we are living out that calling here in the Savoie—and we are seeing God move in ways that continue to amaze and encourage us.
Why the Savoie?
In the southeast of France bordering Italy, the Savoie department has a unique history with a rich alpine-farming heritage. Imagine a mountainous countryside dotted with happy cows, peacefully grazing in rolling green fields, with passionate farmers still producing cheese they way it was done hundreds of years ago. Yet beyond the beauty lies a vast spiritual desert. With less than 1% professing to be Christ-followers, the Savoie is one of the least-reached departments in all of France.
With a deep love for the Savoie people, this spiritual reality touches our hearts. As expressed by one of our neighbours: “God doesn’t exist. Let me tell you something: 4 generations of my family have lived in this village. I know everyone who lives around here, and I have known them for a long time. We are all divorced, ex-Catholics, and frankly, we’ll never believe what you believe.” Yet later in the conversation he added, “But we are glad that you are here. We love you and your kids.”
This is why we are here. To introduce those around us to their Creator who loves them, and make disciples in our neighbourhood, in Aix-les-Bains, in the Savoie and beyond
What God Has Done This Past Year:
Since our arrival in France in the spring of 2024, God has allowed us to lay strong foundations that are already bearing fruit:
- Our kids are thriving. They love school, are making friends, and are bringing joy into their classrooms.
- We have been embraced by a local church where we are serving together and discipling fellow believers.
- We’ve established our home in Aix-les-Bains, giving us permanence, stability, and a daily presence in our neighbourhood.
- We’re building meaningful relationships with neighbours—sharing meals, offering support, gaining trust.
- We’ve immersed ourselves in French language and culture, allowing us to connect deeper and love people well.
Your prayers and partnership have helped make this possible!
Why Us? God has uniquely qualified and called us to this work:
- We are called. Not in theory, but in practice, with daily confirmation in our relationships and opportunities.
- We are equipped. God used 15 years in Canada to prepare and equip us for both life and ministry in France.
- We are passionate. We love the people of the Savoie. We love their regional slang, their laid back attitude, their love for the outdoors, and their celebration of all things cheese. These are our people.
- We are committed long-term. We sold our home in Canada, cut ties and bought one way tickets. We purchased our home here. We have no back up plan.
- We have been welcomed. Everyone said that building meaningful relationships in France would take years. Yet God is already accomplishing the impossible with those around us.
- We are not alone. God has provided a local church community, our GEM France team, our sending church and all of YOU to support our family to be here.
Our Vision for 2026:
Building upon the momentum of 2025, we are dreaming big for the year ahead. In 2026 we hope to:
- Establish regular rhythms of gathering together with our close group of neighbours.
- Plan regular community building events that reach a broader area of our neighbourhood.
- Invite our neighbours into projects that support the under-served communities in our city.
- More intentionally share the gospel and begin discipling those open to Jesus.
- Further our “Soil Analysis” (understanding our local context) and its impact on our ministry.
- Write our French language exam in Spring 2026.
Would you dream big and pray for the impossible with us? All of these goals represent the ground work for what we pray will be a movement of God in our community.
How can you partner with us?
God’s provision through your generosity is what makes it possible for us to do this work in France. Therefore we invite you to join us in reaching these financial goals:
2025 Year-End Goal: Raise $29,950 in One-Time Gifts by December 31, 2025
This is a breakdown of what we need to reach this goal. Would you prayerfully consider filling one of these giving slots?
- 1 person at $10,000.00
- 8 people at $1000.00
- 12 people at $500.00
- 15 people at $250.00
- 20 people at $100.00
2026 Monthly Support Goal: Add $4,350 in Monthly Partners
Our ministry budget is $9,221 per month (CAD). We are trusting God to grow our monthly support from 28% to 75% so we can minister from a place of stability and strength.
How can you join us monthly in 2026?
- 1 person at $1000.00 per month
- 2 people at $500.00 per month
- 5 people at $200.00 per month
- 8 people at $100.00 per month
- 10 people at $50.00 per month
- 15 people at $25.00 per month
How to give…
All gifts are processed through Greater Europe Mission (GEM) Canada and are tax deductible. Gifts can be made directly through our page:
https://gemission.ca/donate/joel-and-becky-kennedy
Thank you!
The Savoie is no longer just a place we felt called to—it has become home. We are deeply grateful for every prayer, message and gift that allows our family to be here. Because of you, we are able to build relationships, share Jesus and make disciples in one of the least-reached places in Europe. You are a vital part of this ministry! Thank you for considering partnering with us in the year ahead.
With Christmas almost here, we invite you to join us in celebrating Jesus, our joy and hope. From our family to yours, may God richly bless you and your loved ones this season and in the coming new year.
With much gratitude,
