During the 2025 Celebrations organized by the CNEF, A Rocha France Ambassadors were present in various cities to represent the association at stands. They answered a few questions about their experience during the day.
Why is it important for A Rocha to be represented at this type of event?
Richard (Montpellier):
Like everyone else, many Christians are aware that we are going through an ecological crisis. And, like others, reactions vary: climate skepticism, climate anxiety, climate activism, or even climate indifference… These reactions are often influenced by our political beliefs and personal situations. And it’s a subject that can divide people.
However, what many people don’t know is that the Bible addresses this issue—and in a very different way, often bringing hope and filled with worship of God. For example, we all know that there is a lot of social injustice in the world. But, as was highlighted during the CNEF worship service, evangelical Christians, regardless of their political orientation, are very committed to this cause. Indeed, they have understood—along with organizations such as SEL and others—that it is essential to proclaim the Good News through concrete actions.
The same is true for environmental issues, which are closely linked to the developing world. A Rocha works alongside our friends at SEL to raise awareness among Christians from all backgrounds about their unique calling: to proclaim good news to all creation through their actions. For many evangelicals, this message is still new, and our booth next to SEL’s provided an opportunity to begin this essential discussion.
Marc & Helen (Saint-Malo):
It is important for A Rocha to be represented at Christian events because “raising awareness among Christians” about caring for creation is an important part of A Rocha’s mission. However, we have seen that many Christians are still unaware of A Rocha’s existence. By being present alongside other Christian organizations (Librairie Jean Calvin, Portes Ouvertes, CPDH, etc.), our participation is a way of legitimizing our presence in the evangelical Protestant “landscape.”
There were six of us Ambassadors around the stand wearing our blue T-shirts. The day provided an opportunity for interesting discussions about the link between caring for nature and our love for God and our neighbor. We were able to talk about A Rocha’s actions and activities: environmental awareness/education, scientific monitoring/conservation actions (at Mas Mireille and Les Courmettes) and themed retreats (Earth and Faith, eco-adventure, etc.).
The two workshops we led provided an opportunity to present A Rocha in more detail. They were a chance to quickly list environmental challenges. We were able to address some biblical points to stimulate reflection, then become aware of our responsibility and privilege before God, and finally help take action in the face of environmental challenges (today and now).
What was your experience as an Ambassador at the booth?
David Lahaye (Strasbourg):
It was enriching to experience such an event with a stand. Many people are unfamiliar with A Rocha, and those who approached us were able to learn about our organization. It is not easy to engage with passersby, but the discussions are always interesting and sometimes surprising. Furthermore, evangelicals seem to me to be quite concerned about ecology.
What were the interests of the people you met at the booth? Did you have any interesting discussions?
Sylvain (Glaisins):
Two types of people came to the stand:
- For those who didn’t know anything about the organization, it was an opportunity to explain A Rocha’s purpose and introduce them to our two missions: “caring for creation” and “raising awareness among brothers and sisters about ecological issues.
- For those who already knew about us, we were able to talk about what the organization does locally, through the Annecy Local Group, and show them how Christians are taking concrete action to promote biodiversity, pray together, marvel at God’s creation, and so on.
These interesting discussions helped to raise A Rocha’s profile a little more!
Lalaina (Villeneuve-la-Garenne):
The aim of the organizers of this day was to raise awareness of Christian associations and creators who are working in one way or another to share the message of the gospel. The people who visited the stand came to find out about A Rocha France, its purpose, and its activities. They were interested in the links between Christian faith and environmental protection, and wanted to find out how they could get involved and what A Rocha had to offer.
Some of the people we met at the stand, for whom the environment is a pressing social issue, were interested in theological and practical reflections on ecology and Christian books on the subject.
I remember a group of women who work with children asking what resources A Rocha had for young people to encourage them to care for God’s creation. I also had an interesting conversation with someone working in the insurance industry who is facing the challenges of climate change. She was looking for a Christian perspective on this issue so that she could better position herself, among other things, in discussions with colleagues.
Christine (Nice):
The A Rocha stand was set up next to the Gideons’ stand and near the entrance to the hall where the celebration was taking place. Many people passed by the stand. Some had never heard of the organization before. It was an opportunity to answer their questions about seminars, accommodation options, and day visits.
Many people were also unaware of the Courmettes estate and the possibility of hiking there. Their curiosity was satisfied by leaflets and flyers explaining the organization’s commitment to protecting nature and biodiversity in the Christian world.
Others were happy to see the association represented on this day of celebration. They asked for news about the activities of the Courmettes center and the Vallée des Baux. Reminding them about the organization of stays made them want to participate more often in the life of the association. I think that A ROCHA’s presence each year at the CNEF celebration will increase its visibility and lead to new contacts.
Thank you to all the organizers of the CNEF joint worship services who allowed us to set up our various stands!