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 Change Lives with the Gospel in Greece
An Iranian refugee who had received help from native workers three years ago and left the country recently returned on a visit to thank them for the help – and the gospel – that he and a friend received. Accepted as a refugee in Switzerland, he told workers that his Christian journey began with their assistance in getting him a Skype appointment with asylum officials.
Provide Critical Aid to Refugees in Europe
A refugee in her 30s with serious health problems and no documents was lost and depressed. Native Christian workers helped her register for asylum and get medical help, and they referred her to an organization that provided shelter and training in job skills.
Help Refugees to Recover in Spain
Refugees from war-ravaged regions of Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine obtained crucial assistance from Christian workers at a native ministry as it opened 12 new refugee centers over a six-month span. Trafficked women from Russia received rescue and aid. A trafficked refugee the ministry helped to escape from an organized crime ring recently succumbed to cancer, and her parents and aunt were so moved by the ministry leader at her funeral that they put their faith in Christ.
Provide Aid to Desperate Refugees in Europe
A refugee mother showed up at a European ministry’s offices needing medical help, and soon workers discovered that her husband was physically abusing her. They helped find shelter for her and her children and assisted her in obtaining legal services.
Help Spread the Gospel in Greece
Refugees have learned of Christ’s love for the first time from native Christian workers who provided them aid. Sharing the gospel with refugees in ministry offices, weekly Bible studies, home visits and online calls, workers have seen Muslims who might otherwise never have heard about Christ come to saving faith.
Provide Relief for Refugees in Spain
The perception among some Spaniards that refugees only cause trouble has changed as the immigrants have become eager to glorify God after accepting Christ. “Entrepreneurs trust them and are giving them work, a great testimony,” the ministry leader said.