Outreach in the “Planchettes” neighborhood of Verdun

“Bien dans tes Planchettes” is the name given to our gatherings with the children from a neighborhood in Verdun. As members of the Evangelical Church of Verdun, we wanted to meet and contribute to “living well together” in this neighborhood.

We are convinced that in order to live well together, each of us has to know the love of God. We chose to start with something small and began playing basketball with young people every other Saturday.

In early May, we began offering games, stories, snacks, and jungle fables every afternoon for five days. Fifteen children were at the meetings, a dozen organizers and volunteers, puppets, a big lion and even the sun was there! Games, big and small, a goose game, a naval battle, a sports game (like baseball), and a parachute. The laughing, the competition and the joyous exchanges formed these moments. The jungle fables led us to reflect on who God is, what is good and what is bad, etc. But the children wanted to know more: “Can God forgive me if I do something wrong?” So, we told them about Jesus. What a beautiful source of motivation to continue being present and guide those who ask questions.

Caroline Hansmann