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
Support Fellowship Opportunities in Albania
Recognizing the importance of discipleship to both men and women, a native ministry has worked hard to organize groups and events specifically targeting the spiritual needs of local believers. Ministry workers led a men’s study called “Every Man is a Fighter” that helped train Christian men how to serve in different ministries
Give Aid To Refugees in Slovakia
A retired couple fled Ukraine and discovered a refugee ministry when they arrived in Slovakia. The ministry workers offered them groceries and medicine and invited them to their church services. “Besides help we had warm fellowship when we visited them,” the woman said.
Encourage Refugees With The Hope Of Christ in Europe
A refugee family that has lived for eight years in a refugee center learned about Christ through a native ministry and chose to accept Jesus as Savior and be baptized, leaving behind their traditional Muslim religion. Though their life in the refugee center is difficult and their future uncertain, their perspective was transformed when they became believers.
Deliver Compassionate Aid To Refugees in Europe
A young mother fled her home country with her three children to escape an abusive husband, but she was separated from two of her children on the journey. When a refugee ministry in Europe was able to reunite the family and provide for their physical needs as well as help with legal documents, it paved the way for workers to also share the gospel.
Comfort Traumatized Refugees in Spain
A young African refugee who witnessed the murder of his family by jihadists stumbled into a refugee ministry after a harrowing journey across the Strait of Gibraltar in which many people drowned. When he arrived at the refugee ministry, he was psychologically traumatized and angry with God.
Provide Spritual And Humanitarian Care To Refugees in Slovakia
A Ukrainian refugee visited a local ministry to obtain groceries and receive free dental and barber services. The workers were so kind to him that he also began attending church services on Sundays and a small group during the week where he studies the Bible and fellowships with others. “I’m so grateful to ministers and partners for help they provide to refugees today,” he said.