Refugee
Mark Oshman
Life in a Refugee Camp in Greece
,

A British Melting Pot

,
london .png

By a Pioneers In Europe Field Leader

The phrase ‘melting pot’ has long been used to signify the coming together of diverse cultures. Most often referring to the many strands of immigration which have coalesced to form the American identity, the phrase applies just as well on this side of the Pond.

London. It’s been said that you can find any people group in the world represented in this expansive and diverse city. Zoom in with me, if you will, into West London. In the borough of Ealing you’ll find the town of Acton.

By God’s hand, this was to be the destination for a vision. A denomination of churches in Nigeria had a burden for the UK. They dispatched a family in 2013 with a simple commission: plant a church. Unsure of where to begin, God ordained a simple relationship which would provide a fledgling root in Acton. In time, word of a godly and passionate Nigerian preacher would spread, bringing other Nigerians from clear across London. A simple house meeting eventually moved into a community center. In 2016, a lease agreement with the congregation of an emptying Anglican building would provide a more permanent center for worship.

But this was not just to be a gathering of Nigerians; that was never the heart of the sending denomination in Africa. They recognized God’s heart for all nations, and always desired that God would establish a multiethnic gathering of worshipping Christians.

On his walks in the community, the pastor would soon come across the likes of Jefferson, James, and Julio—Europeans of varying descent who had found their way to London, and fallen upon hard times. Each one was homeless, drunk, and regularly in trouble with the law. But God’s church is a melting pot, with plenty of room to squeeze in these men alongside the vibrant congregation of Nigerians. And not just them, but the friends they regularly bring with them as well.

But God’s vision for a ‘melting pot’ would add in yet another ingredient. Four Iranians would come along too. One man has two wives. Another is eager for baptism.

Perhaps the United States has long been called the melting pot, but I doubt there are few places where one can find Nigerians, Iranians, and a mix of homeless Europeans worshipping together, shoulder to shoulder, united under Christ.

This is God’s vision for His Church, and it’s being lived out in London. Pioneers is eager to continue to partner in what God is doing. Church planting. Unreached people groups. A burden for the local church.

Europe. UK. London. A gateway to realizing the heart of God in Christian mission among the nations. Is He inviting you to jump in?

Tragedy and Opportunity: Engaging the Refugee Crisis with the Love of Christ

refugeemomwalking.jpg

By a Pioneers In Europe Fieldworker

Of the more than 1.8 million refugees who crossed the EU’s borders in 2015, more than 90% are of Sunni Muslim background.  The rich Muslim countries of the Persian Gulf have not offered to take in any refugees.  As local doors closed to them, many people decided they would rather attempt the dangerous journey to Europe rather than subsist in impoverished, overcrowded refugee camps in the region. 

When the crisis started, the majority of those on the move were men.  However, since the start of 2016, women and children have made up the bulk of refugees.  In the earlier years, the strong young men plunged into the unknown of Europe and now their families are following.

Refugees have often lost quite literally everything, arriving in Europe with the clothes they are wearing and a small backpack.  All the refugees have been traumatized.  They have seen war in their communities, suffered through bombings, seen violent killings, and lost family members, classmates and friends.  Some reports indicate that 85% of women have experienced sexualized violence and 40% have been gang raped.  Nearly 80% of all Syrian refugee children have experienced a death in their immediate families.  Of all refugees, 40% have suicidal thoughts or have attempted suicide.

Not surprisingly, many of these Muslim background refugees are becoming disenchanted with Islam.  First, they see that these wars have been ignited within Muslim majority nations—their present state of destitution is a direct result of warfare within the House of Islam.  Second, they note that none of the rich Muslim countries are offering refuge to their brothers.  It is the infidel countries of Europe and North America that offer aid in their time of need.  Third, many refugees have been living for decades under Islamic rule and they feel disillusioned with this form of government. 

Finally, and most significantly, they often become bitter that Islam is not offering them answers to the urgent life questions they now face: 

“How could God let this happen?” 
“Whose side is God on?” 
And most often: “How do I find peace?” 

Increasingly, miraculously, they are finding peace in Jesus.  Many refugees freely give witness that in their desperation they have turned to Jesus in these dark hours of their lives and found what they are seeking—peace which passes all understanding, as well as forgiveness, grace, and meaning for their lives.

The current refugee crisis in Europe is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  Never before have millions of Muslims arrived so suddenly and unexpectedly in Western countries where there are few restrictions on speaking the Gospel.  This is an open door for this generation to reach Muslim peoples as never before.  Through personal, everyday contact, relationships between ordinary Muslims and ordinary Christians are flowering and Muslim background refugees throughout Europe are getting acquainted with Jesus. 

Such once-in-a-generation opportunities are finite and don’t last forever.  We are exhorted to make the most of every opportunity because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:15.)  This is one of those God-given opportunities as He makes the way for a new generation of Muslim peoples to become followers of Jesus.

Burning Goose: The Unshaken Protagonist

Jan Hus c. 1372 - July, 6, 1415

Jan Hus c. 1372 - July, 6, 1415

On October 31, 2017, Christians around the world will celebrate the quincentennial anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. On that day, Martin Luther nailed the ninety-five theses to the castle door at Wittenberg, Germany as a form of public protest against the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. 

Luther was specifically protesting against the sale of indulgences which promised eternal salvation to anyone who would drop a coin in the Roman coffer. Pope Leo X had commissioned John Tetzel, the “telemarketer” of the day, to sell indulgences to faithful followers. Indulgences were purchased for a price and reduced the time a loved one spent in purgatory. Tetzel famously announced, “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs.” The unsuspecting were deceived and Luther was outraged.

Luther’s bold move on October 31, 1517, sparked a firestorm that we celebrate today as the Protestant Reformation. Some eager evangelicals are quick to acknowledge the wonderful benefits of the Reformation but acknowledge even greater reform needs to take place within the church in our generation. Sadly, many who make a profession of the Christian faith know little or nothing about the days of the Reformation. Many fail to understand that the truth of the gospel was recovered in those days and has been passed on for us to defend and proclaim. The result: An anemic church who fails to recognize doctrinal error and also fails to rejoice in the historic doctrines that were rediscovered during the sixteenth century.

John Hus: The Unshaken Protagonist
Just over one hundred years before the Reformation exploded, the doctrinal foundations were already being carefully cultivated by John Hus. Hus attended the University of Prag at the age of sixteen. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1394 and Bachelor of Theology in 1396 and was subsequently ordained as a priest in 1401 at the age of twenty-eight. One year later, Hus was appointed as Dean of the Philosophical Faculty and chosen as Rector of the University. During this time, he served as a preacher at Bethlehem chapel, not far from the University. 
Hus had the audacity to publicly condemn the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. So he was arrested and thrown into a dark hole at the opening of a sewer in November 1414. He spent eight months in that noxious pit. This godly man was tortured and burned at the stake along with his books on July 6, 1415.

The name Hus means “goose.” Prior to his death, he penned these poignant and Providential words: “Today you are burning a goose, however, a hundred years from now, you will be able to hear a swan sing, you will not burn it, you will have to listen to him.” A century later, Luther believed that he fulfilled the original prediction of Hus.

It is no secret that we live in a time of unprecedented compromise. It is not uncommon to hear of men and women quick to capitulate their Christian convictions. So, desperate times call for biblical responses which are carried out by godly people who model truth and humility. The cultural quicksand reminds us to turn our attention to the truth of God’s Word and the men who championed the claims of the gospel; men who were unwavering in their convictions and unshakeable in their beliefs.

John Hus was such a man. Armed with biblical ammunition and courage, he was an unashamed champion for the truth. Hus was a man who bore the marks of an unshaken protagonist. A protagonist, of course, is an advocate or a champion for a cause or an idea. A protagonist might stand for social justice or the rights of the unborn. A protagonist might argue for gun control, capital punishment, or reformed child labor laws. The cause of John Hus, however, was the undiluted gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a protagonist for the Word of God. Three marks, in particular, characterize such a man.

The Unshaken Protagonist Clings to God’s Word
First, the unshaken protagonist clings to God’s Word. Paul instructs Titus, “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught …” (Titus 1:9). The challenge for Titus was clear: Hold fast to the truth! The high watermark, then, is devotion to God’s Word.

This man clings to the truth of God’s Word. The unshaken protagonist cherishes the Word of God as truth from God. This man understands that God’s Word is absolute truth (John 17:17). He understands that the Word of God is our highest authority: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This man embraces the sola Scriptura principle. This man clings to the truth of God’s Word, without wavering.

The man who clings to God's Word is characterized by a worthy walk: "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! (Ps. 119:1-3). Jeremiah 15:16 adds, "Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts." Thus, the worthy walk marks the man who clings to the truth.

John Hus was an example of such a man. “Scripture is the final authority,” writes Hus, “by which the pope as well as any Christian is to be judged … an unworthy pope is not to be obeyed.”  Hus was not timid. He was not intimidated. This man clung tenaciously to the Word of God. His allegiance to Scripture triumphed over anything the world might offer. Hus adds, "I have said that I would not, for a chapel full of gold, recede from the truth ... I know that truth stands and is mighty forever, and abides eternally, with whom there is no respect of persons." 

How do we cling to the Word of God in a culture drowning in religious pluralism, inclusivism, and syncretism? How do we cling to the truth of Scripture which militates against that which is despised by the prophets of postmodernity? A faithful response involves an unwavering commitment of the mind, the heart, and the will. 

My grandfather was sent to the Pacific Theater during World War II. When he set out to board the train, my mother - a young child at the time, clung to her father with all her might. She was simply unwilling to let her Daddy go. She had already made a commitment; a commitment of the mind, heart, and will.

The intersection of a godly intellect, emotions, and volition results in Christ-exalting obedience. Every Christ-follower is called to this kind of radical obedience. We do not marginalize the truth, trifle with the truth, or compromise the truth. We do not play games with the truth. Rather, we "hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught ..." (Titus 1:9). Lloyd-Jones challenges every follower of Jesus:”Oh, that we should all take a firm hold of this truth! Faith is obedience to the Word of God." 

Additionally, we do not embrace the liberal lie that the Bible is filled with clever stories which never occurred in real time and space. We reject the postmodern lie that ascertaining truth is either an impossibility or beyond our reach. And we refuse to accept the pluralistic lie that the Bible is a mere book among a myriad of competing religious books.

John Hus essentially told his oppressors: “You can mock me, you can taunt me, and you can ridicule me. You can even burn me at the stake, but you'll be forced to pry this Book from my lifeless fingers - for I am an unshaken protagonist who clings to God's Word!”
The Unshaken Protagonist Challenges with God’s Word

Second, the unshaken protagonist challenges people with God's Word: “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). We are called, then, to "give instruction,” a word derived from a Greek term that involves the "act of teaching or educating." The word implies the process of "helping, comforting, encouraging, and exhorting." There is a sense of urgency attached to the word that should grip the heart of every Christ-follower.

Paul tells Titus this teaching must entail sound doctrine or healthy teaching; teaching which is in accord with God's Word. Paul's passion is a constant theme that emerges in the pages of the New Testament:
-    Whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine (1 Tim. 1:10).
-    If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words ... (1 Tim. 6:3).
-    Follow the pattern of sound words (2 Tim. 2:13).
-    Rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith (Tit. 1:13).
-    Teach what accords with sound doctrine (Tit. 2:1).

John Hus encouraged people with sound teaching and vibrant, Christ-saturated doc-trine. For instance, he taught that God alone can grant absolution from sins. Even though he had purchased an indulgence twenty years earlier, he eventually repudiated his belief in the indulgence system. He taught that sinners are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, on the Word alone, to the glory of God alone!

How shall we challenge people with God's Word? First, our teaching must be marked by decisiveness and authority. Paul boldly proclaimed the Word of God to the philosophers at Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-34). Imagine the pagan philosophers who heard the apostle proclaim:
-    God made the world and everything in it.
-    God is the Lord of heaven and earth.
-    God has no needs.
-    God gives mankind life and breath and everything else.
-    God is sovereign over all.
-    God commands all people everywhere to repent of all their sins.
-    God will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, namely, Jesus Christ.

Second, our teaching must be characterized by grace, humility, and patience. Strong teaching which is decisive and authoritative need not be mean-spirited. Much to the contrary, our teaching should have a distinct tone of gentleness and meekness: "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love" (Eph. 4:1-2). Faithful and patient instruction will win the hearts and minds of people as the Spirit of God applies truth to their specific situation.

The Unshaken Protagonist Confronts With God's Word
Finally, the unshaken protagonist must confront with God’s Word: “He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it” (Titus 1:9). Calvin observes, “A pastor needs two voices, one for gathering the sheep and the other for driving away wolves and thieves.”  The unshaken protagonist is called to challenge anyone who brings a different gospel (Gal. 1:6, 9). Paul helps us understand that these false teachers must be exposed and rebuked:
-    Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Eph. 5:11).
-    This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (Titus 1:13).

John Hus fearlessly and faithfully confronted his opponents with God’s Word. A total eclipse of the sun delayed the council that eventually condemned him to die. When he arrived at the execution ground, known as “the Devil’s Place,” Hus knelt and prayed. For the last time, he was given an opportunity to recant. Hus uttered these final words with God-centered resolve: “God is my witness that the evidence against me is false. I have never thought nor preached except with the one intention of winning men, if possible from their sins. In the truth of the gospel I have written, taught, and preached; today I will gladly die.”  He was heard reciting the psalms as he breathed his last. 

The Swan Song
One hundred years after the martyrdom of Hus, the world heard the swan sing, as the unshaken protagonist predicted. When Luther hammered his theses to the castle door at Wittenberg, he shook the very foundations of the German countryside and before long a seismic shift of epic proportions rocked Europe and could be felt around the world. The rumbling continues to reverberate as the truth of the gospel revolutionizes lives every day from Seattle to St. Petersburg and from Minsk to Montreal. 

We celebrate with men like Martin Luther and John Hus. But the Reformation is not about these men. The Reformation is about the Lord Jesus Christ and the unchained message of the gospel that liberates sinners and reconciles them to a holy God.

Over 600 years ago, godless men burned a godly man. They burned the goose and tried to banish his message. But he continues to sing and his message continues to soar! The swan song of the unshaken protagonist carries on. His song echoes in the hearts of Christ-followers and can be heard in every corner of creation. May the song in your heart reach for the heavens as you contemplate the reality of the gospel and treasure the transcendent realities, which were rediscovered during the days of the Reformation!

Dr. David S. Steele is the Senior pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washing-ton. He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther. He blogs regularly at www.baldreformer.wordpress.com.
,

Photo Essay: Albania

,

(On a mobile device? Turn device sideways to see picture title and description)

9 Obstacles to Faith in the Former Communist Countries of Europe

Many Pioneers serve in nations that are currently communist or have been communist within recent history.  Current communist nations include China, Cuba, Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea.  Previous communist nations in Europe include Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. 

What happens to a people group that has endured communism?  What barriers does communism create for Gospel receptivity?  The list below was compiled with input from Pioneers located around the globe, serving in nations that are currently or formerly communist.  

  1. Communism creates a culture of secrecy.  Christians who survive communism are forced to hide their faith or be punished for it.  When communism falls, the believers have already developed a habit of hiding their faith and an unwillingness to share it—making evangelism very rare. 
     
  2. Relatedly, under communism Christians often become desensitized to compromise.  Many are forced to sign certifications that they do not practice religion or to register in some way that promises they do not have a faith.  These seemingly small compromises add up and lead to a worn down desire and drive to be obedient to the Lord. 
     
  3. Communism triumphs the material world, science, and intellect.  The spiritual world is completely rejected.  In order to be a true communist, one must be an atheist.  Any faith in anything other than science or what is seen, is viewed as weak. 
     
  4. People who live or have lived under communism find the concept of grace very hard to digest.  Communism teaches that you get what you deserve.  The compassion of Jesus is totally foreign.  Grace is too good to be true. 
     
  5. On the opposite side of the same coin, communism produces people who work to earn favor.  Work and productivity are highly valued.  People cannot imagine not working for their rewards on earth and in heaven. 
     
  6. In communist cultures leaders are not kind or trustworthy.  Examples of leaders who lead sacrificially are not existent.  Therefore, people cannot imagine a good God who is trustworthy.  
     
  7. Under communism the collective good of the people is considered far more worthwhile than the independence of individuals.  People do not think for themselves.  The culture does not value or promote freedom, unalienable rights, or personal responsibility.  Citizens are required to play their part in society and individual joy and ideas are squelched. 
     
  8. People under communism are very afraid of the repercussions they will face if they believe. Following Christ often means the loss of a job, community, family, and the possibility of imprisonment.  Even in countries where communism no longer reigns, people are very afraid of doing anything outside the norms of their culture.  People are mocked or shunned if they make choices that are different from everyone else’s. 
     
  9. Missionaries often find life in communist or post-communist cultures very difficult and oppressive.  Many are unable to stay due to government restrictions or personal trials related to their dark surroundings.  The high burnout rate of missionaries leads to a discounting of the message they have brought.  Additionally, many are taught that Christianity is a western religion that seeks to undermine the communist government. 

Pray for people groups around the globe who currently suffer under communism or have been raised under communism and have not yet shed its oppression.  Pray that the God of Grace would move hearts to believe and follow Him.  That His grace would be found sufficient for them (2 Corinthians 12:9) and that He would be exalted among the nations and in all the earth (Psalm 46:10). 

Witness (Video)

In the United Kingdom, a revival among Iranians and other Muslim background peoples is growing every day.  In the video below, a Pioneers missionary and pastor tells the story of when the local Imam came to him asking him to stop telling people about Jesus because many Muslims are becoming Christians. 

 
,

Photo Essay: Brno, Czech Republic

,

(On a mobile device? Turn device sideways to see picture title and description)

Pray: Refugee Ministry Training

This little girl from Syria, is now a refugee in Europe. 

Did you know that 80% of missionaries who work with refugees experience burnout within the first year? Pray for 25 missionaries this week as they receive training in ministering to people with severe trauma, understanding Islam, church-planting within a refugee camp context and learn how to thrive, not just survive, in ministry among people on the move. 

A Vision for Italy (Video)

A Pioneers team in northern Italy, in partnership with Act 29 Europe,  has a vision to see gospel communities spread across the nation of 60 million people. Watch this video to learn about the vision and to fuel your prayers for this team. 

 

The Bus - A Missionary Perspective

By: Amber Smith, Pioneers Poland

I was still waking up as the bus rolled to a stop. I stepped in and stood by the doors. Grandmothers in heavy fur coats with shopping bags in hand prepared for the morning sales. Men and women in business attire hurried to another day of work. Students, cell phones and school bags in hand, stood and somehow remained upright as the bus lurched toward the university.

During the mundane morning commute to language school, I glanced at advertisements for anything from the police academy to belly dancing classes. It was hard not to watch my fellow passengers, however, and wonder, ”Who are you? Where are you going? Is there life beyond your daily tasks?”

Then the thought struck me, simple, but devastating to my otherwise peaceful morning: “Am I the only one on this bus who knows Jesus?”

As I got off the bus at the university stop, I wondered what filled the minds and lives of the students as they hurried to class. Were they as depressed as I that the days were growing shorter?

For the next five hours I sat in class with two other missionaries and a small assortment of fellow international students: two hours of grammar, one hour of conversation, one hour of reading, one hour of writing. By the end of the day my head was swimming. In the murky darkness I walked back to the bus stop where students whose names I did not know milled about.

The dim lights of the bus reflected the spiritual oppression I felt. The much-quoted line from “The Sixth Sense” came to mind: “I see dead people.” Everywhere I looked, I saw the faces of the spiritual walking-dead. “God,” my heart cried out, “how will we possibly reach all of these people? They need to know Your truth! There are too few of us here to tell them. Help, please!”

As I walked down the hill toward home, I passed the large brick church that always reminded me of Minas Morgul, a tower from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. In front was a banner reading “Come, Mary, and save us, lead us to your Son.” In a world of muddled theology, where people cut and paste together beliefs to suit their lifestyles, how will we break through?

I thought of my Polish friends by name, and of the names of my teammates’ friends. People God had put in our lives for a purpose. “Thank you Lord that we can influence at least these few,” I prayed. “Please continue to work in and through us and help us to discover how we will serve you best. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, for my teammates, and your Word that sustains us. May we encourage one another as we run this race together. Please send more workers to Poland!”

After the Quake: Six Ways to Pray for Italy

Today marks one week since a 6.2 magnitude quake struck a string of mountain towns in Italy, killing at least 290 people.  The powerful quake inflicted excruciating pain on those left behind—many people lost every member of their family or several of their dear friends. 

As the international media moves on may we be found interceding on behalf of Italians for weeks and months to come.  Below are seven points for focused prayer, based on the input of missionaries working in Italy right now.

1.  The province of Rieti, where the quake struck, is one of the least-reached areas of Italy.  In the whole province of 160,000 people, there are no more than six of Evangelical churches.  The lack of gospel witness in Rieti is a great tragedy.  Pioneers International has only three missionary families serving in Italy—none in the quake affected areas.  Pray that God would send workers to Italy for His name sake. 

2.  This past weekend over 40 Christian aid agencies within Italy gathered to strategize relief efforts for the quake victims.  Typically, both missionaries and Italian Christians report conflict within and between churches and amongst agencies.  It appears that this disunity was overcome on August 29 when all of the agencies signed a declaration, committing their prayers and unified efforts to help earthquake victims.  Praise God for this unity and pray that it would continue.

3.  Small church bodies near the epicenter have been earnestly pursuing ways that they can help.  One local pastor said, “We quickly gathered in prayer and we wondered how we could make ourselves useful.  Our community is tiny and consists of people who work for themselves and cannot take leave. However, as a church, we would like to be present, to show our solidarity and be put to work.”  The church commissioned a 17 year old member to go and work alongside the Civil Defence Civitella d’Agliano in the relief work.  Praise God for the faithful Italian churches who are giving their best efforts to their suffering fellow countrymen.

4.  Only 1.28% of Italy is Evangelical Christian.  Over half the population of Italy lives in towns with less than 50,000 people.  Most of these towns do not have a single Evangelical church.  Additional populations within Italy which are virtually unreached with the Gospel include: college students (230,000 in Rome and 180,000 in Milan without a substantial campus witness), the upperclass, and migrant communities and refugees.  Pray for the Light to shine in the darkness in Italy. 

5.  Comments from Italians affected by the quake reveal a belief in the divine or supernatural.   Additionally, statistics show that there are 150,000 practicing fortune-tellers in the country (three times the number of priests).  Pray for the spiritually hungry in Italy to have their eyes opened and for believers to be ready to share their only Hope.

6.  And, in moving forward in Italy, we must consider the past.  While in the past the Roman Catholic Church vehemently opposed any Protestant work in the country, there has been a recent shift toward ecumenicalism and focus on shared words such as Jesus, faith, and grace.  However, indigenous believers report that Protestants and Roman Catholics pour vastly different meanings into these words.  One missionary says, “Underneath the kinder, gentler veneer of the RCC, the dogma of meritorious works is still essential teaching... it is not gospel, it is works righteousness.”  Pray that Italy would embrace Grace and Truth. 

Two Tragedies In Italy

As news comes through, it appears evident that the earthquake that struck a remote, yet beautiful area of central Italy, is a devastating one. By the hour there are more reports of missing and of deceased. Old people and young children. Seven years ago the nearby city of L’Aquila, 60 kms away, was hit by a similar earthquake. As then, so now, we face the tragedy of lives lost and the anguish of devastated families and communities.

One of my first thoughts early this morning, however, was how this present tragedy points to another tragedy. Recently I have been researching the presence of Evangelical churches throughout Italy. The province of Rieti, where the earthquake happened, is one of the least reached areas of Italy. Rieti province has an overall population of 160,000 people; 50,000 people live in the city of Rieti (60kms distant from the earthquake area), the rest of the province’s population live in small towns and villages. In the whole of the province of Rieti there are no more than half a dozen Evangelical churches (of any denomination) and they are almost all in the city of Rieti. A simple conclusion: the area affected by the earthquake has, as far as we can tell, no witness to the gospel! That is a great tragedy.

As we think about that, three important elements emerge:

  1. vast areas of Italy still have no local, evangelical witness
  2. the challenge of reaching not only the cities, but the small towns and villages as well, is great; research indicates that over half of the Italian population lives in locations with less than 50,000 inhabitants, 35% with less than 15,000 inhabitants and 15% with less than 5000
  3. and as the evangelical church, we are thus unable to love and serve these communities practically and spiritually if we are not present

How can we be present? The church needs to discover God’s passion for his mission.

Please pray for Christians throughout the country: that they might be present in this time of tragedy to bring comfort and to present the gospel of hope, with compassion and empathy, in the midst of darkness and desperation. We want to reach into the destroyed communities with hope and light so that a radically different narrative can be proclaimed about what is happening, with the gospel at the centre, redefining everything.

JD Gilmore, born into a missionary family, grew up in Italy and was touched by grace as a teenager. Passionate for the spread of the gospel in Italy, with his wife Annette, they have been involved in church planting (and growing), most recently in Budrio (Bologna). He now coordinates Impatto (Acts 29 in Italy).

Life in a Refugee Camp in Greece

24991509824_d497a39fff_z.jpg

This American Life goes to Greece this week to document what they find in the refugee camps. They find refugees falling in love, refugee kids mad at their parents, and refugees living in a gas station and an Olympic baseball field–all trying to move forward while standing still.

Listen to the show and check out the interactive tour for an inside look at a current world crisis and opportunity for the gospel.

Interested in joining Pioneers' work with refugees in Greece?  Go here to check out the current opportunities. 

7 Things to Know and Pray for Nice, France

We are waking up this morning to the realization that yesterday’s terrorist attack in Nice, France was not a nightmare.  It was very real.  Here are seven things provided by Pioneers International missionaries in France to keep in mind as you ponder and pray for those affected by the attack in Nice: 

1.  Most people around the world think of Nice as a glamorous beach vacation destination, home to mansions, yachts, and movie stars.  But Nice is also home to a significant Muslim population (France has the largest percentage of Muslims as compared to their total population in the EU). Nice is the second largest French city on the Mediterranean, after Marseilles, which is the most Muslim French city with a 20% Muslim population.  The Joshua Project says that Nice is a “formerly or falsely reached” city.  

2.  This attack follows the Charlie Hedbo newspaper attack (killing 12) in January 2015 and the attacks on the Bataclan Theatre and Stade de France (killing 130) in November 2015.  The people of France are grieving deeply and again. 

3.  Pioneers International missionaries in France report that people are increasingly afraid and have little faith in politicians to protect them from such heinous, random, and unpredictable acts of barbary.  These events trigger strong feelings of fatalism and despair, a feeling that the world is spinning out of control, leading the secular French to often turn to astrology and sorcery for guidance.  Without a deep faith in the Lord people are filled with fear.  

4.  Pioneers International has a team in Nice ministering to the Muslim population.  Situations like this—terrorist attacks done in the name of Islam—cause many moderate Muslims to question their faith in a supposed religion of peace.  Ask the Lord to provoke Muslims across France to seek God and question their faith.  

5.  There are small churches in Nice who will be assisting those who are grieving.  Ask the Lord to allow these small congregations to be a source of His love and that many would see the compassion of local believers.  Ask the Lord for open doors for the Gospel. 

6.  Pray that the authors of this attack and the mosque associated with the attacker’s radicalization would be soon identified and respective imams and mosque leaders deported, as that is increasingly how France deals with terrorists.

7.  Pioneers International has 12 other teams in France working in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Bayonne, Lourdes, Lilles, and Nantes.  They minister among other Muslim populations and also agnostics and cultural Catholics.  Operation World reports that France has an Evangelical population of less than 1%.  Pray that they would be able to minister to an increasingly fearful France and that France would turn to the Lord and be filled with a peace that surpasses understanding.

Video: From Albania to Greece

After living in Albania for several years, Andrew and Alecia moved to Greece to make disciples among Albanians who have immigrated there. They recently partnered with local believers to plant an Albanian-speaking fellowship at the foot of Mars Hill in Athens, just steps from where Paul preached the gospel 2,000 years ago.

 

While It Is Day

BY PIONEERS' ARAB WORLD MEDIA AND PIONEERS USA March 17, 2016

It’s everywhere. News of violence and terrorism.  Talk of how to insulate ourselves from the refugee crisis. But we hear little of how God is working in the Arab world.

Pioneers’ Arab World Media is making a difference in the lives of Muslims. Through media—video, social media, chat rooms, articles—they share Jesus and His offer of hope and love. And God is using it to bring a fundamental shift in the lives of Arab people.

See what some of these Arab world Muslims and new Christians have written in the last few months…

How can I make a fresh start in my life and begin again? 

Thank you so very much for your care and encouragement. Now I don’t feel lonely. I have a very special family after my conversion to follow Christ. I’m not alone when I go through difficult times as a new believer in Christ. Jesus gives me peace, joy and security that I have never experienced before. Thank you again. 

I think I am totally blessed. It is the first time I have found answers to my prayers. I am isolated and living in a corrupt place. Now I have found on [your website] rich articles, answers to my questions and someone to care for me and guide me. Now I can say I can be a really good Christian because of [your website]. 

I saw the Lord Jesus Christ in a dream three months ago. He said to me: “Trust that I am He.” I asked him: “Are you Jesus?” He answered, “Yes.” 

I used to be a Muslim, but I have become a Christian. Life is very difficult for me with my family who are still Muslims. They don’t know about my faith. I can’t read the Bible in front of them or go to church. 

I’m attracted by the Christian religion. Back home I wouldn’t have the freedom to talk about this. Our society doesn’t allow it. I had a dream about Jesus. I need your help. 

I feel as if I’m a new person. Yesterday, and then again today, I remembered you in my prayers. I told my husband about you and said that you had opened my heart to see the love of Jesus for me. I feel a great sense of peace. 

I would like to become a Christian, but I would be killed if I changed my Islamic religion—although I never chose it in the first place. What should I do? Please help me or guide me to someone who can. 

The word “love” that I read in the Gospel made me think about becoming a Christian. I want to know more about God’s love, as I’m a new believer. Could you please tell me what you know about that? I am hungry to know more. 

I feel like a young child who is full of joy, jumping up and down all the time, after my salvation, I don’t know what to do! 

Would you consider giving to our While It is Day campaign? Read more here or even download the full proposal here.

Global Glimpse: Everyday Life - France

In this Missionary Perspective, we hear from a husband and wife who have been serving in France for a decade. They seek to build relationships through everyday activities and then find opportunities to share the good news about Jesus.

In this global glimpse, we hear from a husband and wife who have been serving in France for a decade. They seek to build relationships through everyday activities and then find opportunities to share the good news about Jesus.

 

How Millions of Migrants are Entering Europe

The immigrant crisis Europe is currently facing is providing a tremendous opportunity for God's people to show the love of Christ and to share the gospel with immigrants from unreached people groups from Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. 

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)

Are you interested in helping to show God's love to the masses of immigrants coming from these closed countries?