The Marshall Family Stephan and his family left to plant multiple churches in France in October of 2007.

The Marshall Family:

About Us

Stephen:

• Grew up as a missionary kid in Mali (West Africa) and France
• Responded in faith to the message of Jesus death and resurrection for my sins at a young age
• B.A. in Bible Theology from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL
• Three-month internship in Mali and France
• Master of Theology degree in Pastoral Leadership from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX
• Youth / Children Pastor at Trinity Valley Church

Childhood:
I was born January 18, 1980 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I am the oldest of four children and the only boy. My grandparents and parents were called by God to be missionaries. I grew up in Mali, West Africa until I was 11 years old when a civil war broke out. My parents left Africa to begin a church plant in France, where I lived until I was 18. I attended French schools and am bilingual.

Conversion:
I realized when I was a child that I was truly a sinner in need of a Savior. I responded in faith to the message of Jesus, who came to die and be resurrected for my salvation. I put my trust in Him and He became Lord of my life. When I was nine years old, I wanted to obey my Lord's command and enter the waters of baptism. This symbol gave me an opportunity to tell my friends and family that I was committed to Christ.

Calling:
Growing up in a French high school, I had only one desire that motivated me. I wanted to return to Africa and help those who lacked the basic necessities of life. At 17 years of age, I returned to America and went to a Christian camp. On the last day of camp, the speaker told all of us that he was praying that one person would go into God's fields of harvest. At that time I realized that God had called me to lead people to Jesus and work in the ministry. Since then, I have been mentored by senior pastors, using my gifts in different pastoral positions and receiving a solid Biblical education. I am called to serve my Lord as a church planter.

Marital Commitment:
Ephesians 5:25 "Each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband."

I left France when I was 18 to attend Moody Bible Institute. When I returned for Christmas 1999, my sister had a friend whose name was Sabrina, who had placed her faith in Christ. I was blown away with her desire to know and serve God. In the years to come, we grew to love each other very deeply. We were married the Sept. 6, 2003. She is a very gifted, mature believer who loves her God very much. We share everything together and love being a family. God has given us the blessing of having a baby boy named Alexi Frank Marshall born Nov. 4, 2005. We believe that God puts two people together until death. We have grown in our love for each other and our Savior and have based our lives on the Word of God. She is my support and I am so thankful to God for giving me such a wonderful wife.

Hobbies:
I enjoy playing any sports (soccer, basketball, ping-pong, etc.), and reading history books. My wife and I enjoy going on road trips together. I love looking at maps and learning about something new. Sabrina loves riding on horses.

Sabrina:

• Born and raised in France
• Responded in faith to the message of Jesus death and resurrection at the age of 17
• Received a two-year accounting degree from a college in France.
• Also received a two-year Bible certificate from a Bible school in France
• Active involvement in youth and women's ministry

Sabrina was born October 5, 1981, and raised in a small French town. She received a two year accounting degree from a college in France. She then wanted to ground herself in the Word of God and attended a Bible school for a two-year Bible certificate. She has a strong desire to be a wife and a stay-at-home mom. She is gifted in teaching women and caring for others. She has a strong desire to encourage a strong prayer life among women. She has French citizenship with a U.S. permanent green card.

Alexi:

• Born Nov. 4, 2005 in Dallas, TX
• Loves eating and making a mess

Theo:

• Born July 6, 2007 in Dallas, TX
• Loves his big brother

Prayer Requests:

Pray that the Christian calendars (Bible verse a day) we gave to our neighbors will cause them to reflect on spiritual things. Pray for continued good communication between Action Bible Church and us.

More info: http://smarshall-france.ebm.org/index.php