Years ago, Pastor Steve DelDuco attended a conference and while waiting in line struck up a conversation with Manuel Brambila, a church planter in Cannes, France. The two men hit it off and stayed in touch. Steve introduced Manuel and his church planting ministry to Grace BFC in Harrisburg where Steve was a pastor at the time. The church started to support Manuel and his ministry. Steve even visited Manuel in France and preached in his church plant which meets in the hotel lobby where Manuel works.
Connecting with the Bible Fellowship Church
Manuel has gotten to know the BFC over the years and was interested in connecting with us. Last year on July 28, 2025 he had the first of many conversations with David Gundrum exploring the possibilities of his group becoming a Mission Church with the BFC.
“It’s amazing to think all that has happened in just one year,” said David. “Manuel has completed his BFC credentials examinations, he has presented his ministry to the Board of Church Extension, and he has continued to preach the gospel in Cannes, France.” Manuel also visited BFC Conference in April to greet the brothers and get to know in a more in-depth way how the BFC works. (see picture)
Church Planting Assessment
In May, Tim Zuck and Carlos Rodriguez completed an official Church Planter Assessment with Manuel and discovered that his giftings and abilities are compatible with the ministry of church planting. Then, Church Extension Ministries offered a Call to Manuel and Le Chemin Communaute Biblique in Cannes, France is now an official BFC Mission Church. Praise the Lord!
Ongoing Coaching and Guidance
Church Extension Ministries has a Memorandum of Understanding with Grace BFC in Harrisburg in regards to the guidance and development of Le Chemin Communaute Biblique. Pastor Josh Miller of Grace BFC in Harrisburg has already been meeting with Manuel and will continue to do so as the Mission Church works towards graduation as a Particular Church. Church Extension will put together a Transitional Leadership Team (TLT) of pastors to also assist with guidance and development. Manuel will continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in Cannes, France.
“With a population of 74,000 people, Cannes has not one sound church. So, we began a Bible study in a Hotel in 2015 which eventually became a church plant. The Lord has blessed us with a small congregation that is committed to biblical doctrine and has a heart for the lost. Our heart goes out for the lost in the city, so we go out every Friday to hand out tracts and share the gospel. We created a simple website with a clear gospel presentation in five languages and resources for believers, to encourage evangelism,” said Manuel.
Connecting in France
In addition to connecting with the BFC, Manuel is working on obtaining official church status for the Mission Church through the French government hopefully to be completed this Fall. This step is one that those of us in the United States may not be able to culturally identify with, but it is an important step for being recognized in France.
Please pray for Manuel, Grace BFC, and Church Extension as we seek the Lord to save people in Cannes, France and see them discipled through the ministry of the Mission Church. This Sunday two people will be baptized in the Mission Church! We rejoice with these believers and we pray the Lord will continue to save souls!
If your church is interested in connecting with the Bible Fellowship Church, please see our steps for connection. We are especially interested in connecting with churches in the Eastern United States, Mexico, and France.