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 Bring Christ’s Love to Refugees in Spain
A Muslim refugee from sub-Saharan Africa arrived at a local ministry and began attending Bible studies. The son of a mosque leader, he received a Bible but had to read it in secret as he was sharing a room with Muslims from his country.
Provide Aid to Desperate Refugees in Greece
A local ministry over the course of a year arranged for 105 nights of emergency housing for the most vulnerable refugees, such as unaccompanied minors and single women with children facing homelessness or domestic violence. Thousands of other refugees received baby formula, diapers, food and clothing.
Help Bring Christ to Refugees in the Netherlands
A Muslim refugee from Syria came to the Netherlands after concluding that his wife and children, kidnapped by Islamic State terrorists six years prior, were no longer alive. “He would cry a lot and feel very guilty because he could not help his family,” the native ministry leader said.
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.
Send Critical Aid to Refugees in Europe
At a time when refugees in Greece could not apply for asylum until they tested negative for COVID-19, local missionaries helped families to obtain rapid tests so they could begin steps to recover their lives.
Help Bring Life in Christ in Greece
Praise God for refugees coming to Christ as a local ministry provides them aid that creates occasions to share the gospel. Local missionaries went to a refugee camp to pray for one family that had recently arrived and continued visiting them after they moved into a house.
