Europe is the crossroads of the world – where old meets new, and East meets West. From the long-established traditions of Western Europe to the newly emerging democracies of Eastern Europe, over 700 million Europeans create a fabric as diverse (and yet rich) as any found on earth. Castles of centuries past stand in stark contrast to modern skyscrapers of steel and glass. Billionaires and beggars call the same continent home, yet live in separate worlds. Different cultures, languages, and ideologies exist side by side, divided only by invisible political borders.
This eclectic mix presents special challenges and opportunities for church planting. Though Europe has a Christian heritage, this generation of Europeans has grown up in the shadow of the church–far removed from the realities of a personal relationship with Christ. The continent that brought us Wesley, Spurgeon, Luther, Calvin, and Knox, has long since lost the spirit and the power of the Reformation. Europe needs to be evangelized! Europe needs new churches! Europe needs Christ!
Therefore, it stands to reason that the nations of Europe would figure prominently into The 100 Nations Project. BIMI missionaries are already hard at work in 21 countries of Europe. Several of these countries, like Albania, Spain and Latvia, have only one or two missionaries who are constantly praying for reinforcements. Of course, there are also several European countries with no BIMI missionaries. We are praying for teams (composed of married and/or single missionaries) to voluntarily join together for a minimum of four years to pioneer church planting efforts in five European countries.
Are you interested in finding out if God can use you in Europe? Then come visit Europe with us next summer! Three different one-week trips are scheduled in May of 2006. A limited number of scholarships are available for qualified applicants that may cut the cost in half! If you are praying about your place in the Great Commission, don’t wait another minute…contact Dave Carney for trip details! (Call 423-344-5050, ext. 2612 or E-Mail Dave Carney)
Estonia and Finland: May 12-18, 2006Lithuania and Latvia: May 19-25, 2006
Russia: May 26- June 1, 2006
Would you like to help a prospective missionary discern God’s will for his/her future?
Numerous missionaries testify that God used a mission trip to settle their call to missions! That’s why trips like the three mentioned above are so important to The 100 Nations Project. Will you help make it possible for a serious prospective missionary to visit a mission field? You can make a one-time donation or become one of the 100 Partners who contribute $100 a month to help subsidize the trips for prospective missionaries. (A thorough screening process will ensure the worthiness of applicants.) Please contact us today or visit bimi.org for further details.
AUSTRIA
Situated in southern Central Europe, Austria has been at the “center” of things for centuries. It was at the center of the Roman Empire, classical music, and the Nazi invasion of Europe. The true story of the von Trapp family was immortalized in the famous musical “The Sound of Music.” The mix of spectacular scenery and culture makes Austria one of the most unique places on earth.
Although 78% of Austrians profess Catholicism, statistics indicate that the church is losing up to 40,000 members each year. The Catholic educational system turns most young people off religion. It is estimated that only 3% of the younger generation have any religious affiliation. We are praying for a team of four or five dedicated missionaries to impact Austria for Christ. With only seven Independent Baptist missionaries serving in this country of 8.2 million, the need is great for more workers! Will you pray for Austria?
BULGARIA
Bulgaria, located beside the Black Sea in Eastern Europe, is rich with history and conflict. Bulgarians are still striving to lay aside the mantle of 45 years of communist rule, which left them in precarious financial and social disorder. Besides the legacy of communism, they also share the Cyrillic alphabet and Orthodox faith with neighboring Russia.
The collapse of the communist ideal and successive corruption has left many Bulgarians searching for truth. They are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which makes a great bridge for the gospel. With only one independent Baptist missionary for seven and a half million Bulgarians, there is great need for long-term missionaries who will learn the language and culture. Would God have you become part of a church planting team in Bulgaria?
ESTONIA
Estonia was on the leading edge of events that brought about the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. Unfortunately, along with their newfound freedom they also inherited the decadence and immorality of western culture. Years of Soviet occupation have left 60% of the population claiming no religious affiliation. This spiritual vacuum, coupled with religious freedom, makes Estonia a marvelous mission field for independent Baptists.
Prospective missionaries needn’t worry about “tripping over” other missionaries. We know of no other independent Baptist missionaries in this country of 1.3 million. We are praying that the Lord will put together a team of church planters who will open up this country to Baptist missionary endeavor. Could God use you in Estonia?
LITHUANIA
Situated between Russia and Poland, Lithuania has significant numbers of immigrants from both countries. Five decades of Soviet occupation have resulted in hardship for many Lithuanians. Since their freedom in the early 90’s, positive progress is evident in the country–especially in the area of religious freedom.
The greatest need is for evangelism and church planting among the 3.6 million Lithuanians. Opportunities abound for independent Baptist missionaries in this former Soviet republic. Please pray that the Lord will send His team of harvest hands to the ripened fields of Lithuania.
SLOVENIA
Sharing part of the Alps with neighboring Austria, Slovenia boasts a beautiful landscape and a Catholic tradition. However, Catholicism, like in much of Europe, has left a legacy void of real spiritual fervor and life. Slovenia is waiting for church planting missionaries with the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
It is estimated that there are less than 400 Baptist Christians among the 2 million citizens of Slovenia. Currently, there are no known independent Baptist missionaries living in the country. The need is great and the time is now! What will you do to help carry the light of the gospel to Slovenia?
