Côte Nord
Sept-Iles Basse-Côte

Geography: The Côte Nord (North Coast) Region is also known as Manicouagan and Duplessis. This vast and largely unpopulated wilderness follows the beautiful Saint-Lawrence River shoreline for over a 1000 kilometres and, to the north, reaches beyond the lakes, rivers, mountains and even iron ore country to Nunavut in the true north.

Population: The two largest communities in the region are Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles, both with populations of just over 25,000.

Economy: The region was settled in the 1800's because of its rich forestry resources, but the real riches were struck in the 1950's when iron ore was discovered at Fermont and Schefferville. Hydro electricity is another primary industry with the giant Manic 5 and S-M 3s projects also providing a ready source of economic wealth.

Ministry: There are five French Fellowship Baptist Church in this remote region: Sept-Îles, Baie-Comeau, Port-Cartier, Fermont and a church reaching out to the native population of the Sept-Îles region (the Montagnais people). Some of these churches have been without a pastor for many years.

The church in Baie-Comeau was much encouraged with the arrival of missionary pastor Jean-Pascal Besrest and his family in the summer of 2005. Under his leadership, the congregation has grown.

Please pray for:

  1. Jean-Pascal and Jeanne Besrest as they serve the church in Baie-Comeau.
  2. Stability and growth in the churches at Port-Cartier, Sept-Îles, and Fermont.
  3. God to reveal himself to the Montagnais people and bring growth to the church.
  4. Outreach to the hundreds of towns, small ports and outposts that are still without any gospel witness throughout this region.