Ministry Pathways: Wrestling in Portugal

A Pioneer in Portugal fell in love with wrestling at a young age. He now gets to use that love to meet friends and share the love of Christ as he serves on a church-planting team in Lisbon.

Tommy fell in love with wrestling at first sight. It was a special day in kindergarten when they headed to the gymnasium for an assembly and he was shocked to see two guys fighting on the stage. He was captivated by the way they moved with elegance and power.

Tommy ran home to share his new enthusiasm and wrestling moves with his dad. His parents immediately put him in wrestling and it became a pillar of his childhood. He loved everything about it. He loved learning from his coaches, trying new techniques, and trying to make his body move with a combination of explosiveness, speed, purpose and control.

Tommy continued wrestling until a series of injuries abruptly ended his wrestling career in college. He was devastated. In the midst of that devastation, Tommy noticed God had kindly surrounded him with a few new friends who were always talking about Jesus. They were confident in their identity and seemed to talk about God with the same passion Tommy thought about wrestling. He joined them at their church one day where people showed genuine interest in him.

“There were people asking my name, what I do for fun, people genuinely interested in me. They were asking what I thought about the passage, they were people genuinely caring for my heart.”

God opened Tommy’s eyes to the Gospel through the meek, genuine love of his church. “God took wrestling from me and made Himself my deepest desire. He graciously caused me to repent of my sin and believe the Gospel. He reordered my heart and saved me from pursuing a perishable wreath of temporary, ever-fading false glory.”

That same community and Tommy’s girlfriend at the time (now wife) challenged him to use skills he’d learned through wrestling to disciple kids. He suddenly saw an opportunity to teach wrestling’s discipline, suffering joy, and work ethic on the foundation of God’s Word.

He became involved with high school teams in the States and saw God bring fruit on and off the mat. When Tommy and his family moved to Portugal a few years later, he remembered how God had used his experience and love for wrestling and wondered if there was opportunity to do something similar in this new city. He found a wrestling club, assuming he would pursue the same kind of role he had as a high school coach: teaching, mentoring, challenging and ultimately discipling young men to follow Jesus.

Tommy got to practice and noticed everyone was older than expected, 18 to mid 30s. He asked the coach how he could help and the coach in turn asked if he would compete. To Tommy’s own surprise, God led him to say yes and opened the door to a new community where he could extend the same Gospel love that first attracted him to Christ back in college.

“It really was as simple as that, I continued to show up to practice, train hard, share my knowledge of the sport, and be genuinely interested in my teammates, asking them questions about what they like, about their family, about what they believe, just like that first church I went to with my friends.

This became a regular rhythm for Tommy as he learned language and culture in a new place. He faithfully showed up and engaged everyone at practice and over time, God gave room for spiritual conversations.

“As we stretched after practice, there would be really good questions and conversation about our beliefs, questions about the world and evil and suffering…countless opportunities to share that God loves the world, that we are sinners and choose ourselves over God and it results in broken marriages and child abuse and so much evil we see all around us...”

When Tommy took a step back (literally), considered how he could steward the experience God has provided him over the years, and gave a yes to the coach’s invite to compete and God’s invite to trust him, a new world opened up.

He continues to show up, train, and share knowledge with the club so that God would be glorified in this city, specifically on the mat. Tommy has gotten countless opportunities to share that passion for God with others and continues to pray for those seeds of truth to flourish in the young men’s lives.

“I have yet to see someone in Europe come to faith that I met through wrestling and at the same time I can also say that it is in wrestling, in the conversations while we are still dripping sweat and can barely finish a sentence, the conversations while we cool down and talk about life that I have seen God most clearly and directly reveal who he is to those people who do not have a relationship with Him. It is in those conversations that I have seen him communicate through me to people that don’t know him about his desire to restore the world to a perfect and beautiful harmony….and that is far more beautiful to me than anything I have ever seen.”

Pioneers throughout Europe are stewarding the skills and experiences God has provided them in response to God’s call to “go”.

Tommy’s willingness to steward his love and meekness on the wrestling mat has opened doors to share the Gospel with new communities in Portugal. Is this something you could do? What experience do you have that could be grafted into the work God is doing to build bridges and share His good news in Europe?

Ministry Pathways: Loving People with Disabilities in Kosovo

“People don’t do things like this for us.”

In a small town in a less known nation, a Pioneer in Kosovo introduced a new annual event, a “Night to Shine”. The special event is a complimentary event for people with disabilities hosted by local churches around the world.

 For the past ten years, the Tim Tebow Foundation has put on “Night to Shine” events all over the world. These events vary from country to country but all aim to communicate the love of Christ to populations that are often less celebrated. After Metta’s first trip to Kosovo with her family, she knew they wanted to bring the light of Jesus not just to local Albanian Muslims but also to local Albanians with disabilities.

Kosovar Albanians often hold an honor-shame worldview. They see honor of the family and the community as vital. Shame must be avoided in order to have and increase honor for you and your people. This worldview often leaves individuals with disabilities in a shameful light.

 “Each ‘Night to Shine’ event has the primary goal of communicating clearly to individuals with disabilities and their families that they are loved, valued, and have a purpose. That the God who created them loves them and sees them! That they are not cursed or shameful.”

Metta served alongside similar ministries in the States for 20 years. In February, she got to steward that experience and skillset to share Gospel love and light with Kosovar Albanians. In partnership with the local church, the Pioneers team gathered volunteers from across the country to collaborate on producing a “Night to Shine”.

Each of the 120 guests at “Night to Shine” were welcomed as VIPs as they walked the red carpet. The carpet was surrounded with signs that read, “God loves you!” and “You have value!”

“What a blessing it is to see someone walk down the red carpet, realizing that the people are cheering for them! The smiles we saw at that moment were priceless!”  

The remainder of the night is filled with dinner, dancing, limo rides, karaoke, and a crowning ceremony. Volunteers are recruited to serve the guests and their families, making them feel loved and creating a fun experience.

This is one of the many ministry pathways being used by a Pioneer in Kosovo. Are you interested in joining this ministry or doing something similar where you live?

Password: durrez38

Olympic Perspective: An Opportunity to Engage the Nations

A Pioneer in Paris experienced her lifelong dream come true when the Olympics came to her city this past summer. Below she shares what it was like for her as a missionary to see the nations come to France. Let’s rejoice with her and pray with her for Paris—the city that is home to more nations than any other city in the world! Here’s what she said:

In the years and months leading up the Olympics, a massive mobilization and collaboration effort was created, a sort of "hub" to unite all the different Christian works that would be happening. They posted volunteer opportunities, outreach activities, proposed training and evangelism resources, and resourced groups with Olympic-themed New Testaments and other tools.

With all the world descending upon my city, I wanted to seize the opportunity to reach the nations with the Gospel. Initially it was overwhelming to know which group to join, but ultimately I joined two different groups I had connections with, one using sports activities to reach their neighborhood, the other doing street evangelism and using the arts as a starting point for spiritual discussion.

Unbeknownst to me, pin-trading is a thing during the Olympics (who knew!), and someone had the brilliant idea to use pins as a means to share the Gospel. We distributed several Olympic-themed pins, using the colors to walk through the Gospel message, reminiscent of those old beaded bracelets. The card had a QR code sending people to a great website to go deeper, offered in countless languages, which was particularly helpful for the times when we were unable to walk through the explanation. Not only were thousands given out, the online response has been incredible—they have more people asking questions than they have responders! Praise the Lord for the spiritual hunger!! It was a fun and unique way to share the Gospel, and I was able to get into several conversations the day I went out sharing in the street. I heard from many people that the Olympics created a greater openness in people, even among the normally-wary French. Praise God! 

In particular, I believe there were two people with whom God orchestrated a divine appointment for me. The first day that I joined the sports-focused group I met an American, Ari. On the way to play ultimate frisbee I asked him questions about himself. That quickly led to an hour and a half long discussion about God, the Gospel, the problems of this world and the solutions. It was an incredible conversation, and I invite you to pray for this young man seeking answers. Pray that this secular Jew reads the Gospels and encounters Jesus as his Messiah! 

Finally, near the end of the Olympics, I was in an art gallery being used for outreach, preparing to go out into the streets armed with pins. But I never made it out, because I began talking with Imran, a young Turkish man studying in Paris who stumbled upon the gallery. We ended up talking for two hours about God, Islam, Christianity, and Jesus. He took a New Testament home and thanked me profusely for the “enriching conversation.” I believe that he is truly seeking truth, and ask you to pray with me for God to reveal to him The Truth in Jesus! 

While I'm thankful for those days I was able to do evangelism in the city, I was also thankful for the chance to fully experience the Olympic magic in Paris! I especially loved the Nations Park—an entire section of Paris where countries opened up Hospitality Houses, a place to learn about their culture, try their cuisine, watch their athletes' compete, or even meet the athletes themselves. It was so impressive to literally see all nations gathered for one common reason—truly a foretaste of heaven! I absolutely loved it. 

One of the most beautiful things was seeing the Parisians and the French get swept up in the Olympic excitement. Leading up to the Games there had been such apprehension and frustration about the ways it could all go wrong. Many people I knew wanted nothing to do with the Olympics. As a result, massive amounts of Parisians fled the city to avoid it, leaving Paris shockingly calm and almost empty in some parts. But much to everyone's surprise, everything went off without a hitch, and so an overall happiness settled in, a sense of pride in Paris took over, and even people who initially didn't care got swept up in the electric atmosphere. Once the Olympics began, there was a change that took over the city...people talked to each other, smiled more easily, developed amazing patience when the metro was crowded, and showed incredible patriotism for any and every French athlete.

Over and over I heard and saw how great the French fans were, how kind and hospitable everyone was. It was truly like Paris relaxed and welcomed the world with open arms. I have never been more proud to be a part of France, nor loved living in Paris more than I did during the Olympics! I often said, “This is what Paris is meant to be!”

I can only hope some of that attitude sticks around, especially that openness and warmth that allows you to connect more easily with people. The Olympics are over, but the need for prayer after all the seed-sowing isn’t! Please pray with me.

• Pray for the thousands of seeds of the Gospel planted during the Olympics. Pray for people to go online and seek more information. Pray for them to encounter more believers who water those seeds.

• Pray for the Gospel to spread to all nations as a result of hearing the good news here and taking it back home.

• Pray also for the French church to grow as a result of people hearing the Gospel. Pray they find a church and get discipled. Pray for a continued openness to the Gospel! Pray for the Lord to transform this secular culture by His powerful Word. 

• Pray for the people I connected with: Ari, Imran, and Matisse, among others whose names I never got. 

• Pray that some of that openness, positivity, and relaxed mindset sticks around after the Olympics.

What a gift the Games were! May God be glorified among the nations right here in Paris and beyond.

God Saved the Queen

By a Pioneers Field Worker, United Kingdom

Billions of people recently listened to a clear presentation of the Gospel.  This was not a clever campaign by a well-funded media group.  This was the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in Scotland on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96.

Two of the British monarch’s titles are Defender of the Faith and Supreme Governor of the Church of England.  In these roles, Queen Elizabeth appointed bishops and deans in the Anglican Church as well as going to church for national occasions, royal weddings and state funerals.  She also regularly attended church services in Windsor and at Craithie Church when she was at Balmoral in Scotland.  

Queen Elizabeth spoke openly about her faith in the Lord Jesus in her annual Christmas Day broadcast.  In her very first one in 1952, she asked people to pray for her and her upcoming coronation.  ‘Pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve him, and you, all the days of my life.’  She upheld the Scripture, asking ‘To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn, than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible?’ 

In the year 2000, when the millennium was the focus, Queen Elizabeth chose to speak of the birthday of a man ‘who was destined to change the course of our history.  And today we are celebrating the fact that Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago; this is the true millennium anniversary.’  She proceeded to speak about her own Christian faith.  ‘For me’, she said, ‘the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life.  I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.’

In 2016, Queen Elizabeth noted the widespread nature of the Christian faith.  ‘Billions of people now follow Christ’s teaching and find in him the guiding light for their lives’, she said.  ‘I am one of them because Christ’s example helps me see the value in doing small things with great love.’

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, wrote of the Queen’s Christian faith on the day her death was announced.  ‘She lived out her faith every day of her life.  Her trust in God and profound love for God was foundational in how she led her life - hour by hour, day by day.’

Starting From Scratch | Lindsey the Baker in France

A young missionary from America has two passions: baking and Jesus. Watch as Lindsey figures out how to combine the two in France–one of the epicenters of the culinary world.

Are you interested in exploring opportunities in France or elsewhere in Europe?

A Prayer Walk in Paris

Each month my teammate and I set aside time to “prayerfully wander” the streets of Paris, lifting up the needs of the city as we walk by them. Paris, as you can imagine, is a beautiful city to walk in, with stunning architecture and ancient monuments everywhere. But it is also a city full of brokenness, and when you look for it you find evidence all over of a city with only an estimated 2% of the population following Christ. Living here day in and day out it can be easy to overlook both the beauty and the brokenness. This is why we carve out time each month to walk open-eyed in this city, concentrating on a particular area within the city. 

It’s mid-January and we launch out from my neighborhood with our destination, Stalingrad, in mind. We walk slowly, side by side, praying as we feel led. Our minds and our eyes are tuned into our context, using the things we observe as inspiration for our prayers. 

Joining up with the metro line 2, we follow along in its tracks, admiring the graffiti, street art, and colors of Paris. As we pass clusters of men who have immigrated from various Muslim-background countries, we begin praying that God will bring about transformation in men among these male-dominated cultures. We pray that God redeems these cultures and that these men will come to know Him, leading their families and ultimately their cultures in a Christ-honoring way. 

We also pray for the Christ-followers who belong to these cultures. They are not numerous, but we know they exist and are scattered throughout the region of Paris. We ask the Lord to give them courage to be bold witnesses, to stand strong amidst persecution and social pressure, and for the Lord to use them as a means to spread His Gospel among these immigrant populations. 

As we reflect on the number of refugees in this city — most of whom are young men — and as we observe the multitude of men who have immigrated from various parts of the world, we ask the Lord to raise up more men to serve here! We recognize the need for Christian men to connect with these male populations, unafraid to love them where they are at, as Christ does. 

Stopping and admiring the architecture of one of the few above-ground metro lines, we hear shouts and cries behind us. We have just walked in front of a local park with a reputation for drug deals, and the cries behind us sound as if they are coming from someone suffering from a drug addiction. We begin praying for those who are enslaved by drugs, alcohol, or other addictions. We ask the Lord to bring healing and freedom to the captives. We pray that these people not only be freed of these chains, but that they find ultimate freedom in Christ. 

Moving on toward our final destination, we become aware that we have stumbled upon a local community of Comorians. The islands of Comoros off the coast of Africa near Madagascar are 98% Muslim and an extremely hard-to-reach people group. We pray that God breaks down barriers among Comorians, establishing his church among hard soil. Paris is home to so many diverse cultures, many of whom come from closed and hard-to-reach countries. We pray that God raises up more laborers to serve in this city to reach all these various people groups! We pray for those already here serving among them, that God works through them to bear fruit for His kingdom. 

Approaching the busy intersection at Stalingrad, dodging cars, bikes, and mopeds, we are yet again aware of the diversity of this city and the many needs. We watch the young men, most likely refugees who have fled their war-torn countries, position their sleeping bags over the underground metro grates in an attempt to find warmth in the freezing January temperatures. We praise the Lord that He sees each soul and every injustice, and that He is at work even when we don’t see it. 

Finally we reach our destination at Stalingrad, ending our walk at the Canal Saint Martin, a crossroads of young hipsters, poverty, homelessness, trendy cafes, drug abuse, and immigration. We are thankful for this reminder of both the beauty and brokenness of Paris. We recognize even more the need for more laborers to take the Gospel to all corners of this city and society. Turning our heads to the right and to the left we are yet again struck by all the men here, reinforcing that particular need. We again ask God to raise up men who can build relationships with men in Paris, faithfully preach the Word, and be salt and light! 

“Trust!”

Will you join us in praying for Paris and all these needs? Will you pray that God raises up more laborers for His harvest field in France? 

DIFFERENT TIMES, DIFFERENT CHOICES, THE SAME HEART FOR MISSION

(READ ARTICLE IN DUTCH)

Three generations of Teeuwen men felt moved by the need in Albania. What have they learned from each other about mission? And how do stories about courage and faith inspire the young people of today? Jacques (93), Andrew (57) and Joab (22) Teeuwen share on their connection with Albania and the power of stories.

A journey with far-reaching consequences

Immediately after his conversion in 1952, Jacques realised: “I need to share this news with others.” He and his wife Ruth (90) led an adventurous and international missionary life for many years. For thirteen years they worked in Papua (Dutch Papua New Guinea at the time), and Jacques made countless trips to communist countries behind the Iron Curtain. 

One of the journeys that stands out is the one to Albania in 1979. The country proudly declared itself to be the first atheist country in the world. A statement that struck a chord in Jacques. “I wanted to go there! Although Albania was a closed country, my travel companion and I found a way: go in ‘undercover’ with a communist tour group. This wasn’t without its dangers. The secret police searched our rooms for forbidden items, such as photo cameras or bibles. We would have been deported or - worse yet - arrested if someone found out we were Christians.” 

“God has to rise to the challenge and reveal Himself”

Jacques’ son Andrew remembers that time vividly. “My father often travelled undercover to countries to smuggle Bibles and it was always thrilling. But the Albanian trip was intense. I said goodbye to my father, wondering if I would ever see him again. At the same time, I was struck by his faith. I was as outraged as he was that a country or government simply declared that God did not exist. I thought, ‘God has to rise to the challenge and reveal Himself.’ So, as a 15-year-old boy, I decided to pray daily for Albania.” 

During his stay in Albania, Jacques did not meet a single Christian. As his plane took off, he prayed over the country: ‘Lord, give me this mountain for you’. He didn’t know that years later, his son - who is now the regional leader of Pioneers Southern Europe - would become a missionary in those same mountains and start a Christian congregation there. Andrew's love for that country and its people can be traced back to his father's one journey. “Eleven years after my father's reconnaissance trip, I had my very first encounter with an Albanian. Finally, I was talking to one of the people I had prayed for for so long. It was an amazing and emotional moment,” Andrew says, with tears in his eyes. 

Three generations of commitment

Jacques and Ruth passed on their heart for mission to their children and grandchildren. Andrew knew from a young age that he wanted to be a missionary. “When the Danis - an indigenous tribe in the jungles of Papua - discovered that the gospel had been around for nearly 2,000 years, their only question was: ‘Why did you wait so long to come here?’ Our son was very moved by this reaction,” Jacques explains. “That’s why he now works with Pioneers, an organisation that wants to take the Gospel to unreached people groups.” 

This heart for Albania continued into the third generation. Grandson Joab – who has just finished his Bachelor’s in Communication Sciences – will soon be going to Albania to prepare for a youth mission trip, and he was there in 2018 with his church’s youth group: “That was the first time I saw poverty up close. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to help the people there.” 

“You have a responsibility to share your story”

The trip to Albania is only one of Jacques’ many remarkable stories which you can read in his Dutch book God verandert grenzen. Stories that, as far as Andrew is concerned, should be passed on. “The biographies and stories of heroes of the faith are uplifting and challenging. Courageous faith full of obedience and trust in God is one example. I see it as the responsibility of older people to pass on their experiences, to encourage younger generations.” Joab, Jacques’ grandson and Andrew’s nephew, feels the same way: “I feel inspired by the way my grandpa and grandma faced every adventure full of faith. They have been helping people their entire lives, without getting anything material in return. As young people, we can learn from that.” 

Modern-day missions: group chats and a surf school.

The way evangelism is done has certainly changed over the years. Where Jacques spoke before large crowds, Andrews' method is personal conversations and Joab mainly embodies the gospel by helping people who are experiencing poverty. 50 years ago, Jacques and Ruth had to travel for two days through Papua to make a telephone call, but Andrew is now in a group chat with his Albanian congregation. Andrew says: “These days, the term ‘missions’ can sound old-fashioned. But when you understand what God's desire is for all nations, it takes on real meaning. At Pioneers we even have missionaries who run a surf school. And praying and giving are also crucial parts of the call. You don’t have to go all the way to Papua - you can be a witness anywhere!” 

VERSCHILLENDE TIJDEN, VERSCHILLENDE KEUZES, HETZELFDE HART VOOR MISSIE

(READ IN ENGLISH)

Drie generaties Teeuwen-mannen werden geraakt door de nood in Albanië. Wat leren ze van elkaar over zending? En hoe inspireren verhalen over moed en geloof de jongeren van nu? Jacques (93), Andrew (57) en Joab (22) Teeuwen aan het woord over hun betrokkenheid bij Albanië en de kracht van verhalen.

Een reis met verstrekkende gevolgen

Direct na zijn bekering in 1952 beseft Jacques: “Dit nieuws moet ik aan anderen vertellen.” Hij en zijn vrouw Ruth (90) leidden jarenlang een avontuurlijk en internationaal zendelingenbestaan. Zo werkten ze dertien jaar in Papoea – toenmalig Nederlands Nieuw Guinea - en maakte Jacques voor Open Doors talloze reizen naar communistische landen achter het IJzeren Gordijn.

Een bijzondere reis was die naar Albanië in 1979. Het land verklaarde trots het eerste atheïstische land ter wereld te zijn. Een statement dat Jacques diep raakte. “Ik wilde erheen! Hoewel Albanië een zeer gesloten land was, vonden mijn reisgenoot en ik een manier: ‘undercover’ mee met een communistische reisgroep. Niet zonder gevaar. Onze kamers werden doorzocht door de geheime politie op verboden voorwerpen, zoals fotocamera’s en bijbels. En we zouden het land uitgezet of - nog erger – opgepakt zijn als iemand had ontdekt dat we christenen waren.”

Jacques’ zoon Andrew herinnert zich die tijd nog levendig. “Mijn vader ging vaker in het geheim naar landen om bijbels te smokkelen en dat was altijd spannend. Maar de Albaniëreis was echt heftig. Ik nam afscheid van mijn vader, mezelf afvragend of ik hem ooit zou terugzien. Tegelijkertijd sprak zijn geloof me enorm aan. Ik was net zo verontwaardigd als hij dat een land of regering gewoonweg verklaarde dat God niet bestond. God moest die uitdaging aangaan en zichzelf openbaren, vond ik. Dus besloot ik - als 15-jarige jongen – dagelijks voor Albanië te bidden.”

Het evangelie heeft sinds de jaren 90 in het hele land vrucht gedragen. Er zijn van noord tot zuid en van oost naar west kerken die de naam van Jezus groot maken en verkondigen.

De gemeente die toentertijd in het noordoosten van Albanië (in Peshkopi) door het Pioneers team is gesticht, gaat nog steeds door. Zij wordt luchthartig als 'kraamafdeling' betiteld omdat er daar voortdurend vooral jongeren tot geloof komen die de stad dan verlaten en zich in de hoofdstad Tirana of in het buitenland bij een andere gemeente aansluiten. De gemeente in Peshkopi heeft in de jaren negentig in Kosovo een nieuwe gemeente gesticht, onder anderen door het uitzenden van twee jonge Albanezen naar Kosovo.

Er is ook een Pioneers team werkzaam onder de Roma in de buitenwijken van Tirana. Ze runnen daar een kleuterschool en geven praktische en geestelijke steun aan de inwoners van die wijken. Omdat de meeste Roma analfabeet zijn worden bijbelse verhalen mondeling overgedragen.

Tijdens zijn verblijf ontmoet Jacques geen enkele christen in Albanië. Terug in het vliegtuig bidt hij uit over het land: “Heer, geef mij dit bergland voor U”. Hij kon toen niet vermoeden dat zijn zoon jaren later zendeling zou worden in diezelfde bergen en er een christelijke gemeente zou starten! “Elf jaar na mijn vaders verkenningsreis had ik mijn allereerste ontmoeting met een Albanees. Eindelijk sprak ik iemand van het volk waar ik al zo lang voor bad. Een geweldig en ontroerend moment”, vertelt Andrew met tranen in zijn ogen.

Drie generaties van betrokkenheid

Jacques en Ruth gaven hun zendingshart door aan hun kinderen en kleinkinderen. Zo wist Andrew al jong dat hij zich wilde inzetten voor de zending. “Toen de Dani – een inheemse stam in de jungle van Papoea – ontdekten dat het evangelie al bijna 2000 jaar bestond, was hun enige vraag: ‘Waarom hebben jullie zo lang gewacht met hierheen komen?’ Die verbazing raakte onze zoon diep”, vertelt Jacques. “Daarom werkt hij voor Pioneers, een organisatie die onbereikte volken wil bereiken met het evangelie.” Andrew is tegenwoordig regioleider van Pioneers Zuid Europa.

De betrokkenheid bij Albanië bereikte ook de derde generatie. Zo gaat kleinzoon Joab – net klaar met zijn bachelor communicatiewetenschappen – binnenkort naar Albanië als voorbereiding op een jongerenreis en was hij er in 2018 met de jongerengroep van zijn kerk: “Dat was de eerste keer dat ik armoede van dichtbij zag. Een geweldige kans om mensen daar te mogen helpen.”

‘Je verhaal delen is een verantwoordelijkheid’
De reis naar Albanië is slechts een van Jacques’ vele bijzondere verhalen die u kunt lezen in zijn boek God verandert mensen*. Verhalen die wat Andrew betreft doorgegeven moeten worden. “Biografieën en verhalen van geloofshelden zijn opbouwend en uitdagend. Moedig geloof vol gehoorzaamheid en vertrouwen op God is een voorbeeld. Ik zie het als verantwoordelijkheid van ouderen om hun ervaringen door te geven, om jongere generaties aan te moedigen.”

Joab ervaart dat ook: “Ik vind het inspirerend hoe mijn opa en oma met vertrouwen ieder avontuur aangingen. Ze hielpen hun hele leven mensen, zonder daar fysiek iets voor terug te krijgen. Daar kunnen we als jongeren van leren.”

Moderne zending: groepsapp en surfschool

De manier van evangelisatie is door de jaren heen wel veranderd. Waar Jacques voor grote menigten sprak, is Andrews’ methode het persoonlijke gesprek en geeft Joab het evangelie vooral handen en voeten door mensen in armoede te helpen. En terwijl Jacques en Ruth vijftig jaar geleden in Papoea twee dagen moesten reizen voor een telefoongesprek, heeft Andrew een groepsapp met zijn Albanese gemeenteleden. Andrew vertelt: “Zending kan tegenwoordig ouderwets klinken. Maar als je begrijpt wat Gods verlangen is voor alle volken, krijgt zending echt betekenis. Bij Pioneers hebben we zelfs zendelingen met een surfschool. En bidden en geven is ook een opdracht, dus je hoeft niet naar Papoea te gaan. Getuige zijn kan overal!”

Geïnspireerd worden door meer verhalen? We delen ze op www.pioneersnederland.org

* Het boek van Jacques Teeuwen is verkrijgbaar bij de christelijke boekwinkel of via internet

Pray for Greece as Wildfires Rage

Over the past week and a half the nation of Greece has been battling 586 forest wildfires in the hottest weather they’ve experienced in over 40 years. Tens of thousands of acres of forest have burned, one volunteer firefighter was killed and two more are in intensive care with burns, and more than 60,000 people had to flee their homes and the fires.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, “We managed to save lives, but we lost forests and property,” and called the wildfires “the greatest ecological catastrophe of the last few decades.”

Pray for the fires to be completely extinguished and for the people of Greece to seek comfort and help from God. One Pioneer worker says the situation is frightening and unpredictable and everyone is on alert and anxious. Pray that Greeks, as well as the many migrants who live there, might do what Paul encouraged the Philippians to do, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Nearby Turkey and Italy, as well as Algeria in North Africa and Siberia in northern Russia, as well as the western United States are all battling fires of catastrophic proportions. Scientists claim climate change is to blame.

Midweek Memo: 5 Deaths and Great Destruction Caused by Rare Tornado in Czech Republic

Last Thursday a storm including a tornado and tennis ball sized hail swept through several villages in South Moravia, Czech Republic. The tornado killed five people and injured dozens, including 45 people who were admitted to the hospital, with six in serious condition. Czech officials say around 1,000 homes were severely damaged.

Photos and videos of the destruction show homes and businesses without roofs, cars overturned, trees uprooted, lumber and glass strewn about, and total devastation of entire neighborhoods. Winds of at least 219km/h (136 mph) were recorded, but one Czech meteorologist reports winds possibly clocked at above 332 kph (206 mph).

Please pray for the Czech citizens and leaders as they grieve the loss of life in their communities, as well as continue the cleanup effort. The Czech Republic remains near the top of the list of the world’s most atheist nations. Pray that this natural disaster would cause Czech people to cry out to their Creator and Savior, to seek God and find him.

(Photo credit Vojtěch Bernátek via @CzechView21 and @KeraunosObs).

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/25/europe/czech-republic-tornado-intl/index.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-57605651

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-atheist-countries

Midweek Memo: Euro 2020 Underway After a Yearlong Covid Delay

Euro 2020, Europe’s continent-wide football (soccer) championship held every four years, is now underway after a yearlong delay due to Covid. The tournament is being held across Europe from June 11 - July 11, 2021 and still goes by the name Euro 2020. Portugal is the defending champion from 2016. 

The tournament’s opening game was held in Stadio Olimpico in Rome, including Turkey and Italy. The semi-finals and final game will be held at Wembley Stadium in London. 

32 matches will be played in 11 countries: Azerbaijan, Denmark, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Russia, Scotland, and Spain. 

The 24 teams competing hail from Turkey, Italy, Wales, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Belgium, Russia, Netherlands, Ukraine, Austria, North Macedonia, England, Croatia, Scotland, Czech Republic, Spain, Sweden, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Portugal, France, and Germany. 

Rejoice with us that this beloved sporting event can now take place one year later. Also, considering taking a moment to look up each country and how many Evangelical Christians live there. Across the continent only about 2.7% of people claim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. As you watch each match, pray that the diverse people of each nation would become a people of God’s own possession, that they might proclaim the excellencies of him who called them out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). 

Image credit: UEFA

Midweek Memo: The EU Responds to Belarusian Hijacking

European Union leaders met today and agreed upon several sanctions against the eastern European nation of Belarus, following what Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, called a hijacking and an attack on democracy.

This past Sunday Belarusian authorities told flight controllers there was a bomb on board a Ryanair flight heading from Athens to Vilnius in Lithuania. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko personally ordered a MiG-29 fighter jet to accompany the plane to the Minsk airport. No explosives were found on the plane however, Roman Protasevich and his girlfriend were on board and both were immediately detained by Belarusian authorities when the flight landed.

Protasevich is a young journalist who is outspoken against President Lukashenko and his regime, and he is the co-founder of the Nexta Telegram channel, which has played a leading role in the wave of protests in Belarus against the 2020 re-election of Lukashenko who has been in power since 1994.

Western nations are unanimously outraged and this most recent incident serves as a reminder that hundreds of political prisoners remain unjustly detained in Belarus. Western leaders agree that Lukashenko’s re-election in August 2020 was fraudulent and tens of thousands of Belarusians have risked their lives and imprisonment since last year to protest the current regime.

Pray for the safety and release of Protasevich and his girlfriend, for peace in Belarus, for the truth to prevail, and for followers of Jesus to shine especially brightly in these dark days. Pray for Christian leaders and workers throughout Eastern Europe to have wisdom, peace, and courage in midst of corruption.

Midweek Memo: EU Borders Opening Up to Vaccinated Visitors

Representatives from the 27 member states of the European Union approved a recommendation made by the European Council to start allowing vaccinated visitors from outside the bloc into the EU. Commission spokesman Christian Wigand told reporters on Wednesday that while an agreement has been made, the EU Council must still formally adopt it. With the summer tourist season quickly approaching, leaders are eager to find safe ways to welcome vaccinated people in.

The EU’s external borders closed in March 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and member states have been constantly updating a list of countries from which visitors could visit for the past year. As the plan takes shape for vaccinated visitors to enter, the EU is also making an emergency plan to close borders, should the pandemic worsen due to travel or increased variants.

This is great news for Pioneers and other workers who have been waiting a whole year to arrive on the continent. Many missionaries, teachers, and other religious workers have been in a year-long holding pattern and now they can begin to plan for their departure to the field. Additionally, increased vaccinations and open borders will allow for summertime camps, which are an important resource for sharing the love of Christ throughout Europe. Pray for both long-term and short-term missions in Europe this summer. Pray that after a year of isolation, Europeans will be eager to gather and hungry to know their Creator and Savior.

Midweek Memo: Record Number of Migrants Seeking Refuge Land on Italian Island Over the Weekend

More than 2,100 migrants arrived on the shores of an Italian island over the weekend. Lampedusa is about 200 miles from both Tunisia and Libya and is one of the main arrival ports for people wanting to reach Europe from North Africa. Sunday witnessed the highest single-day number of migrants arriving at an Italian port so far in 2021. News agencies and NGOs reported seeing boats carrying as many as 400 men, women, and children and several of those vessels were in distress.

Alarm Phone, an NGO that provides independent support for people crossing the Mediterranean Sea to the EU, tweeted in the early morning hours on Sunday, “There are now 5 boats in distress in Maltese SAR zone. The situations on board are critical. Although all authorities are informed, no one has intervened to carry out a rescue operation. Night has fallen: will ~419 people be left at sea? Rescue is needed now! #DontLetThemDrown.”

The tweet highlights the ongoing disagreement across the EU as to how to handle the unceasing flow of migrants from North Africa. Approximately 11,000 migrants have landed on Lampedusa since the start of the year, which is more than double for the same period last year, but still less than 2015, which is considered the height of the migrant crisis. According to the UN in 2019—the year for which we have the most recent data—26 million refugees and 45.7 million internally displaced persons live in the EU.

Pray for citizens and politicians alike to honor and protect the Imago Dei in all migrants arriving on the shores of the EU. Pray for wisdom, compassion, and perseverance in this ongoing crisis. Pray for fresh energy for the Pioneers in Europe and other Christian workers seeking to alleviate suffering in this region.

Midweek Memo: Sarajevo Under Siege from Covid-19

Springtime in the city of Sarajevo has seen an average of 10-13 deaths per day due to the Covid-19 virus. In a city of 344,000, healthcare workers and residents alike feel under attack. The population hasn’t witnessed a loss of life like this since it was under siege during the Bosnian War in the 1990s when 11,000 people died in Sarajevo alone. City cemeteries now have trouble keeping up with daily burials of those who have succumbed to Covid-19.

This is the deadliest period of the pandemic so far in Sarajevo, which is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country that became an independent republic after the Bosnian War in 1995. The nation’s constitution requires a three-member Presidency to represent each major ethnic group in the region: Eastern Orthodox Serbs, Bosnian Muslims and Catholic Croats. While the limitation of power for each ethnic group is intended to keep peace amongst them, many say it has made it difficult for the country to pursue aggressive measures in fighting Covid. The complicated structure has made it difficult to obtain vaccines and ventilators and residents have taken their frustrations to the streets in protest, even as their Balkan neighbors Serbia and Croatia have rolled out effective vaccine programs.

Pray for the residents, healthcare workers, and government officials in Sarajevo, as they long for an end to the pandemic. Pray for the Christian church, that it would be a bright light in dark times. Pray for the local Christians and the Pioneers there to boldly share the love and security of Jesus Christ in the midst of so much suffering and uncertainty.

Midweek Memo: Church Leaders in Ireland Decry the Criminalization of Corporate Worship

Since the Covid-19 pandemic began in March 2020, churches in Dublin, Ireland have only been allowed to gather for worship fourteen times. Corporate worship has been banned—but not criminalized—across the country for months, as a matter of public health regulation. That changed on April 16, though, when the Irish Health Ministry signed a new law into effect, making meeting for church a criminal offense.

A statement of the Church leaders of The Dublin Gospel Partnership says, “While we appreciate the unprecedented difficulties government has faced, and thank God for the desire to promote peace and protect life, the introduction of this statutory instrument…has criminalised religious freedoms that the government is obliged to protect.” The statement concludes, “For the good of this nation and for the glory of God, we call again for freedom to worship the risen Lord Jesus Christ - our hope in life and death, and the only Lord of all.”

Pray for Pioneers workers throughout Ireland and their co-laborers, as they seek to honor the Lord, their communities, and their faith families under this new law.

Midweek Memo: Third Covid Wave Devastating Europe

A third wave of Coronavirus is taking a devastating toll on Europe. The massive increase in cases seems to be the result of the variant known as B.1.1.7. The variant was first detected in the United Kingdom. Two months ago the World Health Organization warned that it would likely become the dominant strain in Europe and cause a huge uptick in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, as early studies suggest it is more contagious and possibly deadlier than previous virus strains.

A variety of tables and charts reveal that Europe is indeed at the heart of the world’s toughest fight against Coronavirus at this time. Measurements of Covid-19 cases per capita, new cases, or where hospitalization rates are becoming unmanageable include countries such as Estonia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Poland, Bulgaria, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, and Italy. 

Pray for Europeans to cry out to God and find him during this trial. Pray for missionaries to be wise, bold, and ready to share the truth of Jesus Christ. Pray for national leaders to make wise decisions for their people. Pray for the God of all comfort to draw near to those who are suffering and mourning. May this Easter weekend be one of resurrection and revival across the continent. 

Midweek Memo: Swiss Burqa Ban

Welcome to our first Midweek Memo! Every Wednesday we will share one brief news story from the continent of Europe. Our goal is to simply bring the diverse peoples of Europe to the forefront of our readers’ thoughts. No commentary, just news. Our prayer is that as you see and hear more of Europe some of you will be eager to go and share Jesus on a continent where the vast majority of people do not know him as Lord and Savior. 

In Switzerland on Sunday 51.21% of voters approved the so-called Burka Ban. This means that facial coverings including the niqab and the burqa will not be allowed in public places such as public transport, restaurants, and on the streets. Face coverings are still permitted for health reasons and in places of worship. 

The very slight approval margin reveals Swiss division on the matter. While some say it’s a religious rights violation, others see it as a step toward liberating women who reside in Switzerland. Currently, virtually no women wear burqas in the country, while only about 30 women don a niqab. 

Muslims in Switzerland largely come from Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo and they make up only 5% of the total population. 36.5% of the country is Roman Catholic, 25% has no religious affiliation, and 24.4% are Evangelical Reformed Christians. The country is rich with the history of the Protestant Reformation, with Zwingli’s influence in Zurich and Calvin’s in Geneva in the 16th century.

Photo Essay: Basque Country

Basque whalers and cod fisherman started the first commercial fishing industry with their trips across the Atlantic, and it was a Basque who first circumnavigated the globe, Juan Sebastian Elkano. Fishermen were some of the first disciples Jesus called, we need more fishers of men.

Green rolling hills dotted with mounds of snowy wool is such a familiar sight in the Basque Country. But the people like the sheep are lost without a shepherd.

The Basque Country is full of mountains and mountaineers, many people take a daily or weekly walk to the mountain of their town or village, almost in the manner of a pilgrimage. Many mountain tops bear witness to the Lord of the earth and yet most don’t know Him.

The modern-day history of the Basque Country is filled with division, oppression, and fighting. Freedom is a common cry, yet only knowing Jesus can truly set you free.

Bridges between island outcrops and the mainland are a stark reminder of the bridge Jesus became between people and God and the task He left us to become bridge builders.

Joaldunak are protectors who warned the people in the towns and villages of the arrival of the carnivals. They are said to also chase the bad spirits away with the noise from the bells on their backs. God longs to redeem such festivals and His creation.

Towns and villages along the coast reflect both the ancient and the modern that is the Basque Country, but there is very little reflection on God or spiritual matters amongst the people.

Layer upon layer of history and folklore are stacked up creating a fascinating and complicated people. Some of the most ancient archaeological sites in the world are here, showing God’s creation to those who have eyes to see.

Walking in these mountains is a favourite pastime for many Basques, surrounded by God’s glory. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Narrow streets and laneways mark the old part of most towns and villages, life on life, and yet people are lonely and broken. People live in close proximity and yet don’t know their neighbours.

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On The Ground in Nice, France: Ministry In A Time of Fear and Terror

On Thursday, October 29th a young Tunisian man with a knife attacked worshippers in a French church killing three people. (AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

From a Pioneers Worker in Nice, France

Along with our teammates, my wife and I serve at a ministry café each Thursday. The Davidsons had already arrived earlier than the 9AM attack, but we were still on our way on the tramline. We missed a tram and waited for the next one. If we had been on that previous tram, we would have been right near Notre Dame Cathedral when the attack happened. However, our tram was stopped because of the event which was still unknown to us. We set out on foot but another pedestrian warned us not to go down the main avenue because he had heard 7 or 8 gunshots. We got to our café fine through back-streets but crossed 4 or 5 emergency vehicles as we walked the streets.

All-day long the atmosphere in the city was subdued. The authorities cordoned off the whole area as they looked for other potential threats. Dignitaries came to pay their respect. President Macron changed his schedule to fly to Nice to show his support for our city.

I’ve been connected to France since 1987 and served here for most of the time. These last years have been the worst years for these kinds of events. Extremism is now identified as an enemy of the state and the values of the Republic. People are looking at extremist sub-cultures with distrust and fear. Recently, the trial dealing with the attack in 2015 on the office of the Charlie Hebdo magazine began. Anger and resentment are rising to the surface in the Muslim community as memories are refreshed. Emotions have run high leading to the murder of the High School teacher in Paris. Was this the same emotions that motivated the young Tunisian man to attack worshippers in the church on October 29th? When push comes to shove, moderate, even secularized Muslims become defensive. They're easily provoked to radical positions. Men that are far from living devout lives can have strong reactions in defense of their religion and prophet.

One of the outcomes of extremism is that any view that differs from French cultural norms has become suspect. This includes any expressions of the Christian faith outside of the mainstream denominations. Evangelicals as a whole are viewed this way despite all their efforts to the contrary.

Then in the midst of this falls COVID-19 with all the conspiracy theories and anti-science rhetoric swirling in its wake. It’s disheartening to hear Christians being caught up in these theories and rejecting sound science. It puts the evangelical community firmly in the extremist camp in the minds of some French people.

Most Mondays I go to the small Italian border city of Ventimillia where we serve tea and coffee to the migrants passing through on their way to France. We’ve met lots of Tunisian men over the past weeks. We didn’t cross paths with the attacker as apparently he came through Ventimillia on Wednesday. Christ calls us to be a light in a very dark world. The tendency is to hate, yet Christ calls us to love and prayer for our enemies.

We praise God that during this year we’ve seen people investigate faith and turn to Christ. After serving at the café, my wife and I went to a Bible Study with four young adults from our church. Before we got into the study, one of our friends announced that after last week’s lesson he had prayed to receive Christ that evening. What a joy to be part of his discovering Jesus! What a good way to end a difficult day.