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
“Miracle!” How a Blind Refugee Reunited with His Family
Tal, whose name has been changed for security, was just 18 years old when he arrived in Greece as a Syrian refugee. He was alone and desperate to reunite with his mother and sister, who had already relocated to Denmark. To join them, however, he needed to apply for asylum, obtain an ID, and get a passport. But he knew next to no one, he did not speak the language, and he did not understand the legal system. Tal was also nearly blind.
Support Critical Outreach To Hungry Families in Sri Lanka
Because of a native ministry’s food distribution program, families in several villages have been able to feed their children. These families often do not have jobs because finding employment is difficult, and as a result, they do not have the income necessary to provide for basic necessities.
Deliver Basic Necessities To The Vulnerable in Greece
Christian workers at a center for refugees provide compassionate aid to those who come to them for help, but they do not distribute Bibles because they do not want anyone to believe that taking a Bible is a requirement for having received aid. Instead, they gift Bibles to those who directly ask for one, which has created a ripple effect of sorts.
Support Missionaries’ Daily Work in Europe
During a recent prayer walk, native missionaries prayed for their neighbors by name as they passed homes and apartment buildings. When they approached a gas station, the owner came outside, and the missionaries asked if they could pray for him. “No one in my life has ever prayed for me like that,” he said when they concluded.
Share Jesus With The Lost And Lonely in Italy
When two native Christian workers began teaching Italian language classes to refugees at a local facility, they had no idea how many people would attend. And as refugees trickled in, they initially greeted the missionaries with uncertainty. But when their greeting was returned in their own language, their entire demeanors changed.
Equip Missionaries To Impact Their Communities in Slovakia
Native ministry leaders led an evangelism training event for 65 Christian workers—primarily evangelists, pastors, and church planters—from five countries with the goal of teaching them to share the gospel through outreach, online ministry, and other seminars and trainings.