Author: Lea Rocha Lima e Marcondes
“Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, praise His name. Proclaim His salvation day after day. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:1–3)
Over the past decade, Europe has received people from many nations. Most come seeking a fresh start in life, as professionals or as students. Many are young adults who arrive alone or newly married; others flee war-torn countries with their families – children, grandparents, uncles, and cousins. This massive migratory movement has opened unprecedented access for the Gospel among Unreached People Groups (UPGs). The current distribution of UPGs across European nations represents a unique opportunity for them to finally hear the Good News.
When we think of Europe, we often remember that it was the birthplace of the Protestants – a land where countless evangelistic and missionary movements rose up. Sadly, however, what we see today is a generation of skeptical and atheistic natives, surrounded by all sort of mysticism.
Here in Portugal, for example, there are many small towns and villages in the countryside with no evangelical presence at all. Catholicism, though deeply rooted in culture, is largely nominal. Genuine conversions are rare, and many have never heard the true message of Jesus. The percentage of evangelical believers in Portugal is around 3.5%.
Though there has been gradual growth in recent years, the percentage of truly born-again believers remains low across most of Europe.
But God, in His divine creativity, continues to move in surprising and powerful ways. Evangelistic efforts (often local and small in scale) have been reaching lives and sparking transformation.
In Italy, where we have an active church plant in Milan, evangelicals make up 1.4% of the population. In Spain, where The Task’s base is located, the number is 1.6%; in Germany 2.12%, and in France only 1.23%. These are nations that, centuries ago, witnessed major Christian revivals whose impact still echoes in today’s evangelical movements; and yet, their current spiritual landscape reveals a great need. The presence of thousands of UPGs in these same countries further highlights the urgency of the mission.
We have witnessed churches being revitalized by small groups formed by remaining believers, creating new strategies to reach their own people. Many of these congregations have grown from 10-20 members to 50-100 or more. For the European context, this is considered a significant expansion, as most churches keep an average of 20-50 people. A “large” church may have 100 to 300. Many of them are growing through genuine conversions and baptisms – both of locals and of immigrants who have made Europe their home.
European churches have a deep desire to reach their own people but often struggle to minister effectively to the foreigners arriving among them. Immigrants face enormous challenges, such as social, professional, spiritual, and emotional, while they are forced to adapt to new languages, cultures, and ways of life. And it is in this very gap that God is opening the door for us to walk alongside the European church – offering vision, strategy, and partnership to reach both the locals and the many UPGs now living across the continent.
Europe today lives in spiritual emptiness, with a longing for peace, security, and meaning. A thirst that only the Living Water of Jesus can satisfy. Let us pray for Europe – that this continent may encounter the Prince of Peace, the Bread of Life, and the Living Water that quenches the soul.
The Task is present in Europe to walk faithfully with God in His purposes for this continent.
May we be His messengers, proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to every nation, every people, and every heart that cries out for hope.
