“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” (Philippians 1:3–5, ESV)
Partnership is critical to ministry and missions. Without partnership ministry does not happen and the mission is not accomplished.
Thank you for your partnership. “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit” (see Phil 1:19) we have been able to see the Gospel advance throughout Europe. Here are just a few highlights:
Russian-Speaking Nations
Key Leaders from the Russian-speaking World.
Did you know Russian is the fifth most spoken language in the world? It is pretty staggering when you think about it.
On December 4-7 we had key leaders from four Russian-speaking nations (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Georgia) gather in Kiev to begin strategizing and working together to plant new churches and to strengthen existing churches throughout the Russian-speaking world. It was a powerful time.
One leader from Kazakhstan told me, “This is a historic gathering.” I believe 20 years from now we will be talking about the church planting movements that started because of that gathering.
Sweden
Gathering for Worship in Gothenburg, Sweden
God has set before us an open door of in Sweden. In this land of the frozen north God has opened doors of partnership with people who want to help get Foursquare established in Sweden. We could see up to five Foursquare churches there in the next couple of years.
While in Gothenburg I was interviewed on the radio. Kris, the show host asked me, “Jeff, Foursquare has been a movement since the 1920s. What has taken you so long to get here to Sweden?” He did not ask this in an ugly or accusatory way, it was a heart cry for partnership and relationship. The harvest is ripe, even in the frozen north of Europe.
The Romani People
This year Debbie and I have been blindsided by a blessing! We have been blindsided by an incredible opportunity to reach into the Romani peoples of Central and Eastern Europe. The Romani (commonly called Gypsies) are an unreached people group in Europe. I do not know where this will end up, but I am amazed to see some 30 churches issue a “Macedonian call” to “come over here and help us” (see Acts 16:6-10).
These are only three of the doors for effective work (1 Cor 16:9) that we have right now in Europe. Time and space do not allow me to tell you about Portugal, the United Kingdom, the Balkans, and many other places throughout Europe. The harvest is ripe. (If you want to see real-time updates and pictures, friend me on Facebook.)
Each of these Kingdom opportunities share some common traits, among them are:
- Partnership. They are not looking for us to solve all their problems or give them money. They are looking for the increased fruitfulness that comes through partnership.
- Relationship. With tears one pastor recently told me, “Jeff, please don’t forget us. We are so alone at times. Please don’t forget us.” Relationships matter.
- Ministry. We preach Jesus Saves! Jesus Heals! Jesus fills us with the Holy Spirit! Jesus is the Coming King! The emphasis must always be on ministering the Word, Life, and Works of God.
Because of your partnership the Gospel is going forth throughout Europe.
“I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit” we will see the Gospel saturate the new Dark Continent. We will see healthy churches being planted and developed. Europe will be filled with the knowledge of the Glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Debbie and I cannot thank God enough for your partnership.
“Pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ…” (Colossians 4:3, ESV)
Debbie and I serve as the FMI Global Associate Director for MENACA and Europe. We focus on cultivating disciples, leaders, and church planting movements.
