Since 2015, nearly 700,000 refugees and asylum seekers have arrived in Italy. This influx and previous immigration includes many Muslims, raising Italy’s Muslim population to 4.9% percent of the total. Among the largest Muslim groups in Italy are Albanians, Arabs from North Africa, and South Asians.

In addition to the growing Muslim population, the vast majority of Italy’s Christians adherents –around 80 percent of the population – identify with cultural religion and have little knowledge of the Bible or the gospel.

A native ministry that began as an outreach to Muslims in Italy soon focused its efforts on the refugees streaming in from Afghanistan and North Africa, especially Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Native Christian workers are helping immigrants integrate into cities, thus reducing conflicts, which improves not only Italians’ image of Muslims but also Muslims’ view of Christians, opening opportunities for gospel conversations.

Workers help Muslim refugees learn Italian and arrange for them to obtain medical and legal assistance, creating further bridges to engage in spiritual conversations and invite them to Bible studies. They also go to refugees in train stations and the streets to offer them food, prayer and gospel materials. Besides discipling those who put their faith in Christ, workers also train churches to reach Muslims with the gospel and assist Arabic-speaking congregations with activities for women and children. New Christians who are persecuted for leaving Islam receive support and encouragement from workers.

Sources: Joshua Project, CIA World Factbook, Wikipedia, International Rescue Committee