Christianity is at an important crossroads in Europe. There are many competing philosophies that vie for the hearts and minds of the people of every country on the continent. They are bombarded with Eastern religions, New Age philosophies, cult teachings, secular humanism, atheism, and apathy at every level of society. In the midst of all of this, we are happy to report that the Church of Jesus Christ is alive and well in Europe!
Europe Alive! is how we think of what is happening in major cities across the continent. People who have never experienced lives of faith are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and their lives are being transformed. Ministries are being established to help single mothers, the homeless, the poor, and people in need of recovery from addictions and co-dependencies. Men and women are being called into pastoral ministry and are being equipped to be the future leaders of our churches in Europe.
Will you join with us in prayer for our churches scattered across the continent of Europe, praying that they will have healthy and balanced ministries that introduce people to Jesus Christ, help them grow in faith, and impact their communities?
We are thankful for our ministry partners in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada who help make the work on the continent possible. Perhaps you, too, could partner with us!
If you were at the 2011 General Conference at Roberts Wesleyan University, you would have been amazed a this year's Missions Central. Themed booths were developed for each of the world areas and for the VISA Ministries. The Europe booth featured the Europe Café, where people could sit and relax, enjoy a free cup of cappuccino, and learn more about the development of the Free Methodist Church in Europe. Items from the various European countries represented were also available for sale. The Europe Café provided a good opportunity for people to meet and connect with missions partners from around the world.
We are looking for help in many of our ministry locations in Europe. Terms of service range from 1 or 2 weeks to 1 or 2 years. If you love the Lord, are interested in experiencing ministry outside of the ordinary, are willing to be flexible with your time and living standards, and are willing to work hard to help further establish the Kingdom of God in Europe, then we are interested in talking with you! Download the our Help Wanted brochure using the link at right for a detailed description of ministry positions available and information about who to contact.
2011.04.11.
TEACHER'S WORDS
Ministerial Training in Oostende, Belgium
Larry taught a quick overview of Free Methodist history and polity to three ministerial candidates. Jackie from Belgium, Lawrence from Ghana (now living in Belgium), and Péter from Hungary. Read more in Larry Winckles' blog!
2011.04.28.
PASTOR JAILED IN THESSALONIKI, GREECE
Now, he is free, an he got his pink card too!
Pastor Johnson Otamere from Nigeria has been part of the Thessaloniki Balkan Church Anagenesis for two years. The police arrested him on Friday, March 19. Finally, on April 1 he was released. In the photo Pastor Johnson stands as a free man outside the police station. Now, Jonson got his pink card for staying. In June he is going back for an interview for a permanent card. Thank you for your prayers!
2011.04.02.
Now, he is free!
Pastor Johnson Otamere from Nigeria has been part of the Thessaloniki Balkan Church Anagenesis for two years. The police arrested him on Friday, March 19. Finally, on April 1 he was released. In the photo Pastor Johnson stands as a free man outside the police station. He went to the hospital today to check his health. Continue to pray through his dilemma with papers, jail, and his health.
2011.03.21.
PASTORS IN BUDAPEST
Country Leaders meeting
Country leaders from our works across Europe have gathered in Budapest this week for two days of meetings with our area leaders. The afternoon sessions were devoted to hearing reports from each leader. Read more in Larry Winckles' blog!
2011.03.28.
Pray for Pastor Johnson!
Pastor Johnson Otamere from Nigeria has been part of the Thessaloniki Balkan Church Anagenesis for two years. The police arrested him on Friday, March 19. He is in jail now because of problems with his legal residence documents, and his case is going slowly. Join us as we continue to pray for God's favor to be upon him as he waits in jail and for justice from the authorities to give his swift release. Click for more information!
THE VOICE OF THE BRIDEGROOM, AND THE VOICE OF THE BRIDE
Marcie's wedding
We were thrilled to be able to join with other friends and colleagues from Europe, as well as others from the U.S. and the U.K., in celebrating Marcie's and Clive's wedding, held on Saturday at the Fulwood Free Methodist Church in Preston, England. Read more and see pictures in Larry Winckles' blog!
2011.02.28.
JOY IN BELGIUM
Hamleys' new baby
Rejoice Michael and Carrie (Caty) Hamley! Their little son Andrew is a great little boy who arrived at the beginning of January. These are his father's words: "We have had a very exciting last few weeks. Our son, Andrew, is now four weeks and a day old. And he's been wonderful! Very sweet and easygoing and a lot of fun. Being parents is even better than we thought it would be." Read more in their Newsletter.
2011.01.18.
FROM HUNGARY TO KENYA
Károly in Nairobi
The Budapest Free Methodist Church fellowship has sent out its first short-term missionary. Károly Baracskai departed on January 18th for a seven-month assignment in Nairobi, Kenya. Károly will assist with maintenance and construction projects in Free Methodist churches and schools there, working under the direction of Bishop Nixon. Please keep Károly in your prayers.
2011.01.10.
CYCLE MISSION - BIBLE BIKE TOURS
Camino del Norte Way of St. James 2011
We will begin the Camino del Norte in the northern city of San Sebastian, and cycle west along the coast through the Basque capital of Bilbao, past Santander, and finish in the Galician town of Santiago de Compostela where you will receive a pilgrims certificate if you complete the route.
Cyclists can accumulate official place seals in a pilgrims passport along the route.
More information: Spain Cycle Tours
2010.12.20.
TEAM BELGIUM GROWS
Hamleys from Spain to Belgium
Michael and Carrie (Caty) Hamley have served as Free Methodist missionaries in Spain and Portugal since May 2007. They are now facing a time of transition in their ministry and in their personal lives. The Hamleys were recently made aware of the growing Spanish-speaking immigrant population in Belgium. Click for more information!
