For 25 years, A Rocha France has had the privilege of welcoming many young people as team members, interns, volunteers or European volunteers. Some we keep in touch with, others we lose touch with. But we do know that a good number of them are now influential players in safeguarding biodiversity, in Christian service or sometimes in both at the same time.
The first teams 25 years ago
To mention just a few of those who were part of the first teams in the Vallée des Baux:
- Petra Crofton creates and publishes high-quality resources to help children and families take better care of creation (see, for example, the kit “explorer la création” et “voyage vert” or the book (in French) Les aventures de Nina et son journal écolo (in English Science Geek Christy and her Eco logbook) on our page of ressources for children and young people) ;
- Rob Crofton is pastor of an Anglican parish ;
- Sarah Walker is Internal Communications Manager for A Rocha international ;
- François Tron was for many years programme director in New Caledonia for the NGO Conservation International, and today continues to imagine and implement “nature-based” solutions to combat global warming.
Outlook for the years ahead...
It is our prayer that, in the years to come, A Rocha France will continue to have an impact far beyond the work that can be accomplished by our teams themselves. Our teams are formidable, and the work they do is impressive, but our mission is also to the Church in France:
- to equip, mobilise and accompany;
- to help Christians commit themselves to safeguarding creation;
- to pass on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the only true hope in the face of the many crises shaking our planet, to those who are “without hope and without God in the world”.
Our society is changing rapidly. To fulfil our mission, we need to remain rooted in the Gospel. We also need to discern the times, choose our partnerships carefully, and keep abreast of developments and needs. This applies both to the world of conservation and ecology and to the Church and society around us. The year ahead will have a particular focus on this future, as our national director Jean-François will be taking a sabbatical to reflect on what’s next.
We are grateful for those who have gone before us; for the pioneers who tilled the soil, for those who sowed, for those who cared for this work during the first 25 years of its life. And we count on your prayerful support in the years to come. May we be found faithful to carry out the mission God has entrusted to us!
Rachel Calvert, Chair of the board of A Rocha France
(Photo credits : Peter Harris et Rob Crofton)