Stories from Paris
It was a joy to spend time with Francisco and Stephanie Ramos in the great city of Paris. For the past twenty years they have been supporting Christians in the arts through the association “La Fonderie,” translated ‘Foundry’, literally meaning a place where metal is forged. In the spiritual sense, it is a place where artists are equipped and cared for. The vision for this ministry was formed in a French protestant church in the heart of Paris. A small group of artists felt God’s leading to create a network for Christians in the arts and twenty years later the vision God put on their hearts is still impacting lives.
La Fonderie has a central location near the Louvre and the Musee D’Orsay and draws painters, photographers, actors, story tellers and musicians from around the world who are seeking to grow in their skill as artists and use their gifts to express their Christian faith. In a Zoom conversation with the president of the organization, he shared the vision of La Fonderie as equipping Christian artists to practice their art where God leads them, and to be a witness for Christ in their communities. The vision is not to create a private Christian bubble of artists, but rather to equip and send them out in the knowledge that they are not alone. Christ is with them, and they have a community surrounding them in prayer. It was moving to learn that every week there is a prayer gathering for each member of the community. This is a ministry grounded in prayer.
Pictured in the background is the space where countless concerts, vernissages, and dramatic performances have happened over the years. Johan, who took this picture is a volunteer from Youth With A Mission (YWAM) who helps coordinate events here. He is most involved with Pave D’orsay, a distinct arts association which utilizes this same space and is not explicitly Christian.
Francisco explained that they are seeking to love and care of all artists in their network and have witnessed how the love of Christ is experienced as people are nurtured in this space. Artists attend each other’s showings, encourage each other through the highs and lows, and through the experience of mutual support and care people experience the love of God in Christ.
It was so encouraging to hear stories of the many lives who have been touched by this ministry. Stories of people who have flourished in their gifts and moved on to new places and ministries, stories of people who have come to faith and seen the connection of their gifts with God’s call on their lives, and stories of authentic Christian witness to the people God has brought into their lives.
For many years Francisco and Stephanie have hosted monthly dinners in their home for artists in their community. I was able to witness the “art of hospitality” in action. They cook amazing French dishes, invite deep conversation, and invite people into a safe and caring space.
Stephanie is a regular volunteer in a ministry called L’escale, which means “the stopover.” It is a word used to describe when boats traveling down rivers would stop and unload and take on provisions and new cargo. In the spiritual sense it is a place where people can come to pray, reflect on Scripture and take a rest after a busy day. L’esale, a ministry that brings together pastors and spiritual directors from various Christian traditions. Together they offer a safe and open space for people to be listened to, pray and reflect on a Bible passage. Each night of the week people from all walks of life meet here, to unload, and to take in God’s love.
Pray for Stephanie and Francisco as they host a five day retreat in December for Christian artists in the south of France. They are currently praying for a capable cook for the retreat and ask prayers for God’s work in the lives of all who attend.