Posts by Leanne Monge Barrera
Why Should We Care about Missions?
Do you remember your first exposure to missions? If you grew up in a Christian church, perhaps the idea was first planted in Vacation Bible School. There we would be regaled of the Apostle Paul’s adventures in prison, earthquakes, and on rough seas. We would hear fantastic stories of people suddenly understanding foreign languages, and…
Read MoreIs Christ the Focus of Easter in Poland?
In this life, there should be nothing more important to us than being a part of God’s family and bringing Him glory. But how can we—mere, sinful humans—possibly be worthy of His acceptance? This is what Easter is all about. We pause to remember the undeserved kindness God has shown us with His unthinkable sacrifice…
Read MoreStories from Our Workers: God’s Call to Europe
How do you know what God is calling you to do? In a world of seemingly endless possibilities, it may feel overwhelming to find the answer. Perhaps you know you’re meant to serve missionally––but do you know how? Thankfully, as we spend time with God, He speaks to us. He tells us, often uniquely, what…
Read MorePreparing for the 2024 Summer Olympics: Are Christian Workers Ready?
Welcoming a new year often brings renewed anticipation for what’s to come. For the country of France, 2024 brings its own level of anticipation, though much greater in scale and with more required preparation than our own resolutions may require. Since 2017, the world has known the 2024 Summer Olympics would be hosted in the…
Read MoreExploring the Christmas Capital of the World: Strasbourg, France
Adorned with fresh snow and charming lights, Strasbourg, France is bustling with Christmas spirit. The ‘Christmas capital of the world’, Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s longest running Christmas markets since its inaugural start in 1570. This extravagant market, spread through thirteen separate areas within the city center, boasts more than 300 shops for all your…
Read MoreInside Look: How GEM Supports Its Female Workers
Have you ever fallen victim to the trap of a busy lifestyle? Often, the fruit of this culturally encouraged way of living is stress, exhaustion, and missed opportunities to build relationships. If we are to be effective followers of Jesus, then we need to take care of ourselves, and make time for others. Dawn Sanders…
Read MoreHow Greater Europe Mission Came to Be
What do you know about Greater Europe Mission (GEM)…like, really know? Do you know why Europe is its focus? Do you know who began GEM or how it began? Many of us know about GEM in its current state; we know it is a mission organization that is passionate about spreading the Gospel across Europe…
Read MoreHow GEM Kids Navigate the Challenges of Missionary Life
You may have heard that life on the mission field isn’t always easy for a missionary, but have you considered its impact on their children? Do they experience the same highs and lows their parents do? Do they naturally follow in their parents’ footsteps, or have entirely different hopes for their future? When God calls…
Read MoreThe Appointee’s Journey to Becoming a Full-time Missionary
What does it take to become a full-time missionary? What does the preparation process look like? Is it difficult? It can be hard to fully comprehend the complexities of this journey; an appointee commonly goes through a whirlwind of experiences, including a wide range of emotions and a furthering of their dependency on God. Willing…
Read MoreThe Spiritual Impact of Music in Discipleship and Evangelism
What would happen if something as universally beloved as music was used as a means of both stirring up believers and reaching the lost? Music inspires emotion and provokes thought. It reaches down into a person’s soul, uncovering joys and sorrows. Churchgoers are well aware of the role music plays in worship and drawing nearer…
Read MoreThe Accessibility and Importance of Refugee Ministries
Imagine, for a moment, being torn from your home, all you know and love, and sent to a new, unknown location. Sure, you could have stayed, but doing so may have brought more devastation. Now you cling desperately to the hope that you’ve made the right decision. You don’t know if you’ll see your home,…
Read MorePastoral and Professional Support for Missionaries
God’s calling will often draw people out of their comfort zones. When it sends them into entirely new and foreign lands, life can take on a whole new set of challenges. Though God equips those He calls and blesses those who are obedient, serving far from home in a different culture with an unfamiliar language…
Read More