CLC International is marking an important leadership transition in the life of the ministry this summer that we’d like to share with you.
On 1 July, Hervé Lessous will begin serving as CLC’s next International Director. Hervé has written about his journey, his heart for the ministry and his vision as he steps into this new responsibility. As CLC enters a new season, we invite you to pray for him and for God’s wisdom, guidance and blessing upon his leadership.
At the same time, on 30 June, Gary Chamberlin will complete almost five years of service as CLC’s International Director. He is planning to continue serving as CLC International Consultant and focus on Special Projects. Gary looks back with gratitude on this season of leadership and reminds us that our roles are a stewardship entrusted to us for a time, and that our calling is to faithfully administer what God places into our hands.
We hope these personal reflections will encourage you, strengthen your prayers for CLC International and serve as a reminder of the privilege it is to serve together for God’s glory.
Reflecting with Gary Chamberlin – CLC’s Outgoing International Director.
As I complete my time serving as International Director of CLC at the end of June, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the CLC family around the world.
This year marks 31 years since I joined CLC and began managing the CLC bookshop in Torino, Italy. In time, I became European Director and, for almost five years, I have had the privilege of serving as International Director. Serving the Lord together with my CLC colleagues around the world has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
During those first days as International Director, the Lord placed on my heart a desire to strengthen one of our core values: Fellowship. This was reflected in the themes we embraced together—first, Stronger Together, and now Serving Together. We are stronger when we live and serve as one family across cultures, languages and continents.
Part of this has been encouraging us to support one another intentionally—both in prayer and financially. This spirit has always been part of CLC’s DNA from the days of our founders, Ken and Bessie Adams. Countries with available resources have supported projects and stood alongside countries facing challenges and opportunities. We are not simply independent ministries, but one global fellowship.
During these years, I have had the privilege of visiting colleagues in many CLC countries and attending all of our regional conferences. I have also been encouraged by progress in global publishing through initiatives such as the Children’s Bibles Project and Myanmar Bible Project, participation in ECPA Rights Fairs, publishing training, building projects and growth in our online presence.
But what I will remember most is not projects, it is my CLC colleagues. You serve with remarkable dedication, sacrifice and passion, and you have greatly inspired me.
I will long remember the smiles, conversations, prayers, shared meals and countless moments of fellowship that have made this journey such a privilege. As Paul wrote, “I thank my God every time I remember you…” (Philippians 1:3).
One lesson I take from this season is this: none of us owns the CLC ministry. We are stewards for a season. Our calling is not to hold on to our position, but to faithfully administer what God has placed into our hands and leave it stronger for those who follow.
Jesus said, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.” May we continue serving faithfully for His glory.
Getting to Know Hervé Lessous – CLC’s New International Director.
Hervé Lessous grew up in western France in a Catholic family. During his university years, he met Marie, who would later become his wife. At that stage, neither of them had a personal relationship with Christ. However, through a period of questioning and searching about faith and creation, Hervé gave his life to Christ in 1993. He and Marie married the following year.
Before joining CLC, Hervé spent 16 years working in the steel industry in Austria and France. He eventually became the manager of the French subsidiary of an international company. His responsibilities included leadership, strategic planning, financial oversight and frequent travel. Looking back, he recognises that God was using those experiences to prepare him for future ministry leadership.
Around 2001, Hervé and Marie sensed God calling them to serve Him more directly. After several years of prayer and waiting, they learned that CLC France was seeking a National Director. Following further prayer and discussions with CLC leaders, they believed God was opening the door, and Hervé took on the role in 2008.
The early years brought significant challenges. Hervé had no background in bookselling or publishing and CLC France was facing serious financial difficulties. Difficult decisions had to be made, relationships with suppliers rebuilt and many aspects of the ministry restructured. Throughout this period, he witnessed God’s faithfulness and guidance.
Family has played a vital role in this calling. Marie has supported the ministry through prayer, translation work, proofreading publications and practical help. Together, they have viewed ministry as a shared calling, with their children also participating in events and assisting with CLC book tables.
As he begins serving as International Director, Hervé is encouraged by seeing how God uses Christian literature to impact lives across cultures and nations. He desires to promote unity, fellowship, faithfulness and a continued commitment to CLC’s mission of making Christian literature available around the world. He believes CLC must continue serving both locally and globally with vision and humility. A verse that has deeply shaped his life and leadership is John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches… because you can do nothing without me,” reminding him that lasting fruitfulness comes from remaining close to Christ.
For Hervé Lessous as he begins serving as International Director, that God would give him wisdom, strength and guidance as he steps into this new season of leadership.
For CLC International as we enter a new season, that we would continue to serve together in unity, support one another and remain faithful to the mission God has entrusted to us.
For Gary Chamberlin as he moves into a new role with the International Office, that God would guide him and continue to use his gifts in service of CLC’s ministry.