Where is Europe going spiritually? What path is she choosing?
After a fast-paced March, I just spent several days meeting with the top Campus Crusade leadership across Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Russia. I was the new kid on the block and had a glimpse into the hearts and passions of these leaders who serve across Europe and Russia.
We looked at the “current reality” across Europe and Russia and identified factors that are shaping this super continent.
Fall of the Communism
Expansion of EU (European Union)
Uncertainties of Russia
Blurring of political borders
Intentional state-sponsored secularization
Migration to cities
Rise of Islam
Increased hopelessness
Wide economic diversit from the Siberian yak farmer to the London investment banker.
Europe is the most secular society ever in the history of the world, so says a recent edition of the International Tribune, an English language newspaper widely read across the continent. Europe is the only society in history that is purposely depopulating itself through negative birthrates. And it is the only continent on earth where the Christian church is not growing. Just 100 years ago, Europe was the cradle and protector of the world’s Christian missionary effort that spawned such missionaries as Hudson Taylor, Amy Carmichael and David Livingstone.
One factor worth mentioning is the growing trend to restrict religious freedom. Countries like Belarus, Serbia and even Russia have either passed or contemplating anti-evangelism laws. Leaders in Western Europe say that anti-evangelism laws are blowing in the wind as there is more and more suspicion directed toward Christianity and Christian missionaries. We acknowledge that our movement (Campus Crusade for Christ) in this part of the world does not know how to operate underground. Yet we also acknowledge that just that kind of hardship could very well be a gift from God that gets the body of Christ in Europe and Russia growing again.
Yet there are bright spots. For example, Romania and Albania are bright spots where the ministry is fully indigenized (led by nationals, not Westerners); Romanians and Albanians have evangelized the entire country and are sending out missionaries deep into the Middle East and as far away as China. Hungary leads Europe and Russia in evangelistic output per staff and is the birthplace of Youth at the Threshold of Life, a world-wide teacher’s training embraced by governments across the globe. Poland, the Ukraine, Britain, Spain and Switzerland are places where the Spirit of God is softening hearts.
Now is the time for the body of Christ to commit to pray for Europe and Russia, the new “dark continent” (a phrase used 150 years ago in the days of David Livingstone to describe Africa). Jesus Christ has not abandoned Europe and feels compassion for European multitude for they are distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). Darker days may still lie ahead for Europe before things change spiritually. But now is the time to pray and fast, sow seeds, proclaim the gospel and strengthening the churches that are there. Jesus Christ deserves the adoration and worship of the peoples of Europe and Russia!
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After Easter services today we took family pictures in front of the white azaleas in the back yard to mark the occasion. My three sons were in attendance of their first Easter service together.
On the way to services one asked if the Easter bunny would be showing up to church today. The comment took me back to a church on Holt road that placed a 10 foot inflatable Easter bunny in front for 2 full weeks before Easter. He was driven past the church every day on the way to another church that provided his “pre-schooling”.
My church broke from it’s denominational roots and reformed ten years before homosexuality entered the pulpit. The bible was not being taught nor believed in the old denomination.
Later during the service, during the offering of bread and wine, was able to explain to my son the resurrection and the meaning of the offering, whispering in his ear just as God talks to us so we may hear.
Underground teaching and preaching is not what Christ did. He confronted and spoke with authority. Islam does not tolerate reason and teaches heresy. Those with minds and reason can do so straight from the facts. I am told from missions in Palestine and Iraq that many start on the path of salvation first with dreams and convert when hearing the same message during the day.
Confront with authority, do not pass the inflatable Icons taking over the next generation.
Stanley
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