Ever wondered what God might be doing amongst the musicians of France? French record executive Pascal Portoukalian surveys the mysterious (to non-French speakers at least) world of FRENCH CHRISTIAN MUSIC.

JEUNESSE EN MISSION

For about 30 years, Jeunesse en Mission's music has spread all over the French-speaking world. Rolf Schneider, who directs the worship department, joined JEM in 1973 when an international youth team ministered at a youth group meeting. A worship ministry emerged, led by Linda McGowen with the first songs released on cassette, 'J'aime l'Eternel' That was followed by a 'J'aime l'Eternel' songbook with other editions following as churches' interest in worship grew. In 1976, a choreographed musical on the theme of 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If my people humble themselves." was birthed which led to a vinyl album recorded by JEM. Directed by Rolf Schneider, the group toured with the musical in France, Switzerland and Belgium. In the '80s, new talents came to reinforce this worship ministry. Sylvain Freymond, David Durham, François and Christine Reymond and Corinne Lafitte worked closely with JEM to produce new albums which have proven successful in the French speaking world. At the same time, an evangelism through music ministry has developed through groups like Visa.

EXO

Consisting of Chris and Laura Christensen and Thierry Ostrini, the group began in 1994. Exo means "out of" in Greek and express the trio's desire to see praise and worship move beyond the confines of the church. "We believe worship is for church but also for the world. The Gospel is for men, and men are for God." Their four albums, imaginatively entitled 'Eclats' (1995), 'Eclats 2' (1997), 'Eclats 3' (1998) and 'Eclats 4' (2000), have sold extremely well. Said Exo, "The necessity to record our songs had become obvious at the end of concerts. People need to extend these moments of communion with God when they come back home." Exo's large music range is partly due to their natural mixing of musical and cultural influences. It perfectly adapts to different churches' needs.

MAGGIE BLANCHARD

Born in Port-au-Prince in Haiti, Maggie Blanchard was raised by Christian parents. At 14 years old, Maggie began to pursue a dream to make it in music and by 16 had recorded her first pop single in Montreal, Canada. Four years later her first album was released. For many years Maggie sang in Canada, the USA as well as France. Deep down though the singer was dissatisfied until in 1989 Maggie responded to God and gave her life to the Lord. It was another 10 years before Maggie's first gospel record 'Libéré' was launched in Montreal by CIME Productions. Since then, the singer has toured all over the world. 'Libéré' has been consistently in the top five Christian music charts, no mean feat for a three year old album! In November 2002, Maggie participated in French live worship album, 'Expression de Louanges', which has already garnered major sales across the French-speaking World.

JOHN FEATHERSTONE

British-born singer/songwriter John Featherstone has been living and performing in France for the past 12 years and is now an established part of the French language Christian music scene. He regularly tours France, Belgium and Switzerland with two solo shows - a concert with keyboards and guitars and a one-man show on the life of Christ, combining music and drama. These shows are designed for the non-church goer as an introduction to the Christian faith. Over the last few years John has also composed three contemporary choral works, covering the birth, life and passion of Christ. These works have been performed as far afield as Quebec and the French West Indies. They have enabled him to work within the Catholic as well as the evangelical sector. His latest choral creation 'Credo' is designed for two choirs (classical and gospel) and juxtaposes modern and classical idioms. His long-term aim is to reach music festivals and cultural events outside the purely Christian arena. A first tour with a small team of singers will be taking place in October, in collaboration with Britain's Springs Dance Company who have choreographed the work. He hopes to bring out an English version of 'Credo' in the next year or so. John describes his musical influences as ranging from Bach to Pärt and from Sting to Chris Rea.