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
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.
African Refugees Find New Life After Tragedy
January was cold. Too cold to be crammed into a leaking boat filled with dozens of other terrified refugees desperate to escape Africa and reach Europe’s shores. But Amadou and his two young daughters had no other choice. They couldn’t turn back now; they could only squint toward the horizon and hope for land. The water lapped at their ankles, freezing Amadou’s youngest daughter’s feet. It was a terrifying sign of what would happen to them if the boat sunk. Even worse horrors befell his older daughter, but Amadou was helpless to protect either of his children.
Send Aid to Devastated Refugees in Spain
Most of the refugees arriving from Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa are traumatized, especially women and children, and a local ministry has a team of psychologists who care for them and help them re-integrate into society. “But the main work is of a spiritual order, because we understand that it is the greatest need they have,” the ministry leader said.
Send Critical Aid to Refugees in Europe
A ministry in Greece acts as a safe, welcoming haven for refugees who have fled their countries and arrive with nothing in a foreign country where they cannot even speak the language. Ministry workers share the gospel while offering humanitarian aid, counseling, legal information, and various social services. They help refugees find shelter in official camps and sometimes provide emergency accommodations, as in the case of a five-member family who had to wait weeks to get an appointment to apply for asylum.