Europe
After the civil war in Syria broke out in 2011 and displaced over 11 million residents, hundreds of thousands of refugees have poured into Greece. Many now live there illegally, confined to abysmally overcrowded camps. Greek society does not welcome competition for jobs and social benefits after a severe economic collapse in 2009. Only 0.45 percent of the population is evangelical. The Orthodox Church sees evangelical Christianity as a threat.
In Spain, only 1.35 percent of the population identifies with evangelical Christianity. Roman Catholicism used to dominate as the state religion; however, Spain has become increasingly secular. Spain’s declining religious sector has given way to immorality. It is one of the largest consumers of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in the world. Younger generations are particularly disillusioned, rejecting ideas of absolute truth.
Albania, the only country ever to classify itself as an atheist nation in its constitution in 1967, is home to many people who identify themselves by their parents’ or grandparents’ religion in name only.
Meanwhile, Europe’s Islamic population has increased due to the large influx of Middle Eastern refugees.
How You Can Make a Difference
Ways To Give
Evangelism & Discipleship
Building Christ’s Church
A fast-growing indigenous ministry in Spain has catalyzed a revival among local Spaniards, planting at least 100 evangelical house churches in the country. In response to the high number of North African and Middle Eastern refugees entering the country, the ministry created a successful outreach program, teaching the new arrivals Spanish and helping them find shelter and meeting their other basic needs. The ministry’s robust training program is equipping indigenous leaders to reach their own people in Spain and North Africa. GIVE NOW to help evangelistic and discipleship ministries like this one in Europe.
Community Engagement
Being Salt and Light
Recognizing that most Albanians would never set foot inside of a church, a native ministry leader opened a much-needed language and vocational training center as a platform to share the gospel. Elementary and high school students come for supplemental English and computer instruction; Christian women volunteer their time to teach sewing classes. Bible studies are offered for teenagers, men and women. GIVE NOW to help community engagement ministries like this one in Europe.
Compassion
Sharing the Love of Christ
An indigenous ministry in Greece seeks to alleviate the suffering of refugees while sharing the hope of Jesus with them. Upon arrival, weary and destitute refugees are met with food, clothing, information on their rights in Greece, and sympathetic hearts for their stories and concerns. The ministry tries to connect them with accommodations, assist them through the asylum process, connect them to government agencies, and provide them with counseling. The ministry has occasionally been referred to as a church, which has prompted people to call the ministry daily with questions about God. The ministry has shared the gospel with thousands of refugees. GIVE NOW to help compassion ministries like this one in Europe.
Countries Where We
Assist Native Ministries
Overview
After the civil war in Syria broke out in 2011 and displaced over 11 million residents, hundreds of thousands of refugees have poured into Greece. Many now live there illegally, confined to abysmally overcrowded camps. Greek society does not welcome competition for jobs and social benefits after a severe economic collapse in 2009. Only 0.45 percent of the population is evangelical. The Orthodox Church sees evangelical Christianity as a threat.
In Spain, only 1.35 percent of the population identifies with evangelical Christianity. Roman Catholicism used to dominate as the state religion; however, Spain has become increasingly secular. Spain’s declining religious sector has given way to immorality. It is one of the largest consumers of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in the world. Younger generations are particularly disillusioned, rejecting ideas of absolute truth.
Albania, the only country ever to classify itself as an atheist nation in its constitution in 1967, is home to many people who identify themselves by their parents’ or grandparents’ religion in name only.
Meanwhile, Europe’s Islamic population has increased due to the large influx of Middle Eastern refugees.
How You Can Make a Difference
Ways To Give
Evangelism & Discipleship
A fast-growing indigenous ministry in Spain has catalyzed a revival among local Spaniards, planting at least 100 evangelical house churches in the country. In response to the high number of North African and Middle Eastern refugees entering the country, the ministry created a successful outreach program, teaching the new arrivals Spanish and helping them find shelter and meeting their other basic needs. The ministry’s robust training program is equipping indigenous leaders to reach their own people in Spain and North Africa. GIVE NOW to help evangelistic and discipleship ministries like this one in Europe.
Community Engagement
Recognizing that most Albanians would never set foot inside of a church, a native ministry leader opened a much-needed language and vocational training center as a platform to share the gospel. Elementary and high school students come for supplemental English and computer instruction; Christian women volunteer their time to teach sewing classes. Bible studies are offered for teenagers, men and women. GIVE NOW to help community engagement ministries like this one in Europe.
Compassion
An indigenous ministry in Greece seeks to alleviate the suffering of refugees while sharing the hope of Jesus with them. Upon arrival, weary and destitute refugees are met with food, clothing, information on their rights in Greece, and sympathetic hearts for their stories and concerns. The ministry tries to connect them with accommodations, assist them through the asylum process, connect them to government agencies, and provide them with counseling. The ministry has occasionally been referred to as a church, which has prompted people to call the ministry daily with questions about God. The ministry has shared the gospel with thousands of refugees. GIVE NOW to help compassion ministries like this one in Europe.
Exclusive Stories from the Mission Field
Help Bring Aid for the Poor in Africa
A native ministry leader in Zimbabwe was thankful to native workers who made it possible for impoverished families to prepare meals for their families at Christmas. “There were elderly people too who deeply appreciated the food, especially this time of the year when many have zero,” the leader said. Workers provided food and Bible lessons to 300 children regularly throughout the year, including 95 orphans and other needy kids who attended the ministry’s school. Donations of $35 or $70 are sought to provide such compassionate aid to the poor throughout Africa. Pray that children who experience the love of Christ will still be praising him as seniors.
Provide Gospel Tools and Training in Spain
Native Christian workers have planted a church with its own building in one city and a house church in another. Besides reaching Spaniards through personal evangelism, sports activities, street festivals and prison visits, workers are bringing the gospel to refugees in events for married couples, children, teenagers and young adults, as well as in Bible studies and daily interaction while providing aid. Training for evangelists takes place continually, with one program providing instruction for two years. Workers need donations of $25 or $50 for the materials and training to proclaim Christ and disciple new followers. Pray the Lord will be glorified as more people commit to serving and following Him.
Provide Compassionate Aid in Burma
Unable to work amid military offensives and COVID-19, people are struggling to survive. Native Christian workers are providing rice, cooking oil, beans and basic medicines in several places. They are ministering especially to the elderly with shelter, food, vitamins and medications, along with teaching them literacy, which enables them to read the Bible and accept Christ. “We showed our love and concern to the community by way of helping with humanitarian needs, health and so on,” the leader said. Workers need donations of $35 or $70 to provide such compassionate aid. Pray for their provision and protection.
Help Workers Share Christ in Greece
Reaching out to both refugees and nationals, native Christian workers bring the gospel daily through home visits, online means and church services. “We continue the church services where we can see more people get converted and grow in Jesus,” the ministry leader said. “Lots of the people have started to move out of Greece, but each one of them is looking to find a new spiritual home in their new country.” A Muslim refugee woman no longer needs aid but continues to visit the ministry office because of the love she feels there, and she is opening to the gospel. Workers request prayer for her and donations for such gospel outreach. Pray new believers will abide in Christ despite opposition.
Help Bring Christ’s Love to Refugees in Spain
A Muslim refugee from sub-Saharan Africa arrived at a local ministry and began attending Bible studies. The son of a mosque leader, he received a Bible but had to read it in secret as he was sharing a room with Muslims from his country.
Provide Aid to Desperate Refugees in Greece
A local ministry over the course of a year arranged for 105 nights of emergency housing for the most vulnerable refugees, such as unaccompanied minors and single women with children facing homelessness or domestic violence. Thousands of other refugees received baby formula, diapers, food and clothing.
