Pray

This month, will you join us in praying for Norway?

Norway is well known for its natural resources of petroleum, hydropower, fish, forests, and minerals. Ironically, it is also known as a missionary-sending nation, though very few Norwegians are actively involved in Evangelical congregations. In 995, Norway’s king adopted Christianity, and in 1536, Lutheranism became the official state religion. Even today, an amazing 91% of the 5.4 million Norwegians claim Christianity as their religion, with almost 72% belonging to the Lutheran church. Though, even with these seemingly impressive numbers, only 8% are considered Evangelical and due to the society’s increased affluence these past few decades, materialism has hidden people’s deep need for a relationship with Jesus.

In Norway, many state church pastors focus on Christ and His Word, unlike leaders of government-sponsored churches in other European countries. The Norwegian Baptist Union is active and has planted many churches in recent years, some among immigrants. Among Norwegians, friendship evangelism has been the primary way for people to experience Christ and enter into a relationship with Him.

The Norwegian Baptist Union has requested help from missionaries to serve in discipleship, leadership training, evangelism, and church planting. One prime area for effective church planting is in the suburbs, reaching everyone from businesspeople to the poverty-stricken. Cities are effective places to minister to immigrants, many of whom are refugees that have settled in Norway over the past several decades.

◾️ Pray that state church pastors will be increasingly committed to biblical theology, and that God’s Spirit will spark revival in churches.
◾️ Pray for God to re-establish the roots of Norway’s rich Christian past.
◾️ Pray for Evangelical churches to be fruitful in multiplying disciples as they reach the younger generations through creative, Christ-centered ministries.

To learn more about how you can partner with us and support our ongoing efforts in Europe, click the link in our bio!

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This month, will you join us in praying for Denmark?

While Danes are known for their Viking invasions, the Kingdom of Denmark was united and officially “Christianized” in 965 A.D. In 1536, Danish leaders declared the country Lutheran. Today, although the core of Christian traditions and values in its social laws and values remains, Denmark is no longer considered religious. In fact, much of the population is now agnostic or atheist, with less than four percent having a relationship with Jesus. This downward spiral of Christianity has left many churches with only a handful of attendees any given Sunday, and sadly, many Danes believe baptism, usually as an infant or child, is enough to guarantee their entrance into heaven.

That said, because Danish people have a hospitable, compassionate, and optimistic spirit, they are often open to the Gospel message and relational evangelism. Danes of all ages know little of biblical Christianity; therefore, believers can make a huge impact! Danish believers are currently planting churches among Danes as well as among Islamic immigrants. Tens of thousands of immigrants from all over have recently settled in Denmark; many of which have never heard the Gospel before, yet whom remain open to it. Some may prove to be a significant force for spiritual renewal in Denmark, since a number of these migrants are Christian. It is estimated that one-third of people in church on a given Sunday attend a foreign-run congregation.

◾️ Pray that God would create a hunger among Danes for Jesus and His Word, and that they would see the difference between an active, personal relationship with their Saviour and empty, traditional religion.
◾️ Pray that Danish believers will continue to be bold to share the Gospel in the cities, with this generation and among immigrants.
◾️ Pray that more young people will become disciple makers with a biblical worldview.

To learn more about how you can partner with us and support our ongoing efforts in Europe, click the link in our bio!

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Join us in praying for Dan & Janet Snyder! They've been living in Hungary, serving in partnership with SHARE Education Services. SHARE provides really valuable educational services and resources to families with a broad variety of educational needs and in a broad variety of educational contexts. As Dan and Janet say their goodbyes in Hungary, let’s pray for wisdom regarding finishing their work in Hungary and setting up their new place in Canada. Pray for favour as they continue aspects of their ministry and for God's direction in their lives. Pray for continued health, and praise God for His faithfulness and even His generosity in a difficult time!

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The Mosaik Miracle - a church planting idea that exploded onto the scene in Frankfurt a few years ago - continues to produce amazing fruit and spread to new partnerships throughout Europe. The concept is simple enough: embrace intentionally multicultural church bodies that represent the body of Christ in the neighbourhoods where they're found. The reality is, though, that it's God who makes things grow, and this movement has grown! Stephen and Susan Beck have been core leaders of this movement and Stephen's book continues to inspire new growth. They home-base in Frankfurt, and have been involved in church-planting for many years. Let's pray for them as they not only lead, but transition leadership in the way that true disciple-makers do! Pray for guidance in the weeks and months ahead, for wisdom, and for health. Praise God for his faithfulness and provision!

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The Camino de Santiago, the Way of St James, is a trail with historical Christian pilgrimage roots. In 2017, some 300,000 people finished the Camino trail, nearly all by foot! Being on this pilgrimage trail gives Wes and Sherry Koop’s ministry, running a café, a wonderful opportunity to reach an incredibly diverse group of people who then take their experiences back home with them. Let’s pray for Sherry and Wes as they return to Spain and work to establish a new home. Pray for them as they reconnect with those in their village and continue those important relationships. Pray for wisdom and clear direction as they re-engage their relational ministry with new parameters due to COVID-19.

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France has a concerning shortage of healthy, operating churches. With only about 1% of France’s population truly following Jesus, finding a supportive Christian community can be difficult. What can we, an organization committed to spreading the Gospel and making disciples, do to provide the support that these local believers require?

One of the ways GEM has brought encouragement and support to Christians across France is through a camp called Camp des Cimes – also known as Camp of the Peaks. Located in the southeast part of the country, its mountainous landscape showcases God’s beauty in creation, allowing for a rejuvenating change of scenery for all its visitors.

Offering programs for people of all ages and interests, the main goal of the staff is to create a place where the lost can be saved and the found can be strengthened. This involves refreshing, encouraging, and displaying the Gospel. “People come from very troubled backgrounds to the camp... it really has become a refuge [for campers].” Pamela Konstant says.

“The culture in France isn’t necessarily supportive [for Christians],” Pamela starts, “so when they come to the camp, it's just totally different than how they've felt. They feel accepted and safe to bring up their problems and questions without feeling judged,” Pamela explains. “In many cases, the people who come to the camp will be the only Christian [in their community], and so the opportunity to connect with other believers and be strengthened to go back is a huge blessing.”

If you've been looking for an opportunity to serve in a beautiful setting alongside great people, Camp des Cimes may be the place for you! The camp is always looking for help of every kind, from cleaning to construction - even those with artistic abilities willing to lead a workshop are welcome! “If anybody has any skill whatsoever, we need them,” Pamela states.

…to read more and explore how you can play a role in supporting the ongoing efforts in France, click the link in our bio and navigate to our blog post, “Encouraging the Faith of Believers in France.”

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Missions, and ministry in general, requires a broad array of gifts and skills all put to use for one common purpose. Some of these gifts are exercised behind the scenes; like the technical crew for concerts or theatrical productions! Susan Zerf is an integral part of GEM's ministry, faithfully serving in Canada with the gifts God has given her. Susan's learning spirit is evident in all that she does, and continues to boldly go where God leads. Let's pray for Susan, that she feels God's presence in her life in a profound way this week! Pray for health, both for herself and for her family, and pray for moments of joy that point to God's fingerprints in her life, especially in December over Christmas!

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Join us in praying for Jordan and Sharon Toews!

In 2019, GEM helped over 1600 volunteers participate in short-term missions, serving and supporting national partners throughout Europe. Jordan and Sharon are on the team that makes that possible! Join us in praying for them as they prepare to return to Germany in August.

As trips resume in the coming months, pray for wisdom as well as for workers to help the European church in this critical time!

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Discipleship! At our core, we want to be disciples who disciple others so that they get to the point where they can in turn disciple others. The ministry of Alex and Wendy Buchnea exemplifies this discipleship multiplication heart. They've even been discipling people remotely before COVID-19 made it cool! Let’s pray for Alex & Wendy as they invest time and their passion for the Lord, spending time in Germany and Canada. Pray for their local and their online ministries, pray for health, and pray for their children and grandchildren!

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