FRANCE — We met 13-year-old Amelie at a mutual friend’s house. Our kids, who are younger than she is, immediately adopted her as a big sister. And she’s taken to them as well.

Since then, Amelie has spent a lot of time with us. So much that she’s become another daughter around our house.

Recently Amelie’s mom asked to come visit us. I made a fourth pot of coffee for the day and arranged some chairs on the back patio to catch the evening breeze.

“Thank you for letting your daughter hang out with our family,” I said to Louise.

“Actually, I wanted to come over and thank you,” Louise replied. “Your family has changed my daughter’s life. Before you knew her, she struggled with depression and insecurity. I don’t know what you’ve done, but she’s made more improvement in the past couple of weeks than she did in months of counseling.”

I didn’t know what to say, so Louise continued.

“Amelie has told me you are followers of Jesus, and you’re different because of that.”

Gulp.

“Our family doesn’t follow one particular religion,” Louise said. “But I want Amelie to ask questions and decide for herself. If that involves spending time with you, I give my consent.”

You all … this is huge! Here in France, people are slow to trust and are skeptical of religion.

We didn’t know to pray for Amelie (and her family) to become part of our lives. But from the first time I met her, I felt there was something special about her. The Lord has big plans for this one! I thought.

Pray for God’s work in her life — for the answers to her questions to be found in a relationship with Jesus.

Crossworld worker Jessica and her family spent several years making disciples in France, and recently returned to North America.