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w h y
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The Eastern European people have had a long history of totalitarianism. Perhaps their worst suffering came this century with the advent of Communism. The failure of Communism and the breakdown of the former Soviet Union brought sweeping changes to the Eastern European people. These same events have produced a historic opportunity for sharing the Gospel of Christ. After 70 years of forced atheism, God has opened a wide door to reach millions of people with His message of hope. Most Eastern Europeans have never heard the truth about Jesus Christ and many are hungry for the good News. However, many regions within Eastern Europe still remain unreached. One region is Eastern Europe (North), which is very beautiful and steeped in history. Eastern European are intelligent, well-educated, and looking for answers in the midst of a society shaken by political, economic and ideological upheaval. They need to experience the love of Christ in action. |
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To
meet this need, World Team and Xenos Christian Fellowship have established
a solid partnership to place a church-planting team in Eastern
Europe
(North). This team is comprised
of two experienced and well-trained couples, Jon and Mary, Pascal and Christa,
and Brian and Keri--and all of their children. Their long-term goal is to
see nationally led churches firmly incorporated through the Eastern
European (North)
region
and beyond. The team works through evangelism, discipleship, and leadership
training to equip national workers. In addition to these efforts, the couples
also work very hard to learn the Eastern European language.
The team has stepped into an area that faces many economic hardships. They spend a lot of their time shopping and preparing food baskets for the Eastern European families. Many people whom the team has come to know and love face severe hardships in day-to-day survival. Students have responded to the question concerning their economic and political future by expressing concerned hope mixed with despondency and despair, as they believe they are being asked to walk with both legs tied together. The team faces many people who espouse atheism, but who when pressed, admit there must be a God. Many cults have infiltrated Eastern Europe since it opened its doors. For instance, the government passed a law forbidding religious organizations from operatng in Eastern Europe unless they were approved 15 years earlier (such as the traditional Eastern European Orthodox Church). All other religions are forbidden to hold public meetings. We do not know yet how this will affect our workers. What we do know is there are many spiritually hurting people with hearts and minds open to the good news of the Gospel. |
. . .w h o
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wanna Help ? |
If
you are interested in being a part of this work, there are several ways
you can contribute!
TEAM NORTH Eastern Europe needs: Prayer Partners - A vital aspect of any missions effort; without it, the team would be laboring in vain. Financial Partners - Prayerfully consider helping to keep this vital ministry alive by making a monthly financial commitment. Home Support Team Partners - Assistance with administrative, logistical, and prayer needs is also a vital aspect of this work
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