“Come over to Europe and help us”
During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”(Acts 16:9,NIV)
》 Continent Profile
Population | 740 million
Area | 10.18 million (㎢). 47 countries
People Groups | Slavic 33.6%, Germanic 15.4%, Anglo-Celtic 8.4%, Italian 8.1%, French 7.2%, Spanish 5.4%, Romanian 3.1%, Scandinavian 2.6%, Hungarian 1.6%, Portuguese 1.6%, other Europeans 4.0% ,
Non-European ethnic groups 6.5%
Official Language(s) | English, German, French
Total Languages | 269
Bible Translations | Completed 63, New Testament 31, Partial 61
Religion | Catholic 41%, Orthodox 10%, Protestant 9% (Evangelical 2.5%) Atheist 27%, Muslim 6%
》 About Europe
From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance, through the Reformation, civil and industrial revolutions, and through two World Wars, most of Europe has gone through a common historical path. Once at the center of global power, Europe began to lose influence after the devastation of the two world wars. In response, Europeans pursued the vision of a “united Europe,” starting with economic integration through the European Community (EC), which eventually developed into the European Union (EU).
The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states. It holds significant influence in both areas. The EU has established the European Central Bank, adopted a common currency (the euro), and formed the European Parliament, which works on foreign affairs and defense cooperation. Citizens of member countries are granted the rights of “EU citizenship,” allowing them to move, live, and work freely across national borders. Beyond the EU, 19 countries belong to the Eurozone, and 26 European nations are part of the Schengen Area, which enables passport-free border crossing.
100 years ago, Europe was the heart of Christian history and revival. It played a major role in world missions, marked by pioneering sacrifice and service. But today, the idea that Christianity is Europe’s moral foundation has largely collapsed. Churches are growing empty, and secularism and nominal faith are spreading faster in Europe than anywhere else. At the same time, Europe is leading the way in legalizing actions that go directly against God’s word—such as same-sex marriage, abortion, euthanasia, drug use, and prostitution. Meanwhile, the Muslim population is growing rapidly, raising concerns that many European countries may soon become Islamic states. With little strength left in the church to recover on its own, voices from within are now crying out, “Come over and help us.”
》 Scripture Focus
| Acts 16:6–10, 25–26(NIV) 6 Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the HOLY SPIRIT from preaching the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the SPIRIT of JESUS would not allow them to. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that GOD had called us to preach the gospel to them. 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to GOD, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. |
》 Prayer Points
1. Governments and the European Union are pushing legislation to protect freedom and human rights, but these laws often restrict biblical faith from being practiced publicly. In an increasingly secular and atheistic Europe, Christianity is facing an atmosphere of hostility and organized opposition. The general secular worldview labels Christians as rigid and intolerant, and those who live out their faith are often marginalized and mocked by the media and popular culture. Contempt for Christianity, negative views, and rejection of the gospel are all steadily increasing. Nevertheless, God still loves Europe and desires its people to repent and return to Him. No matter how strongly the gospel is opposed, let us pray that, just as Paul and Silas prayed and praised God in prison, the sound of prayer, praise, and the gospel will rise again throughout Europe.
2. European churches were once filled with cultural Christians, but now even that number is sharply declining. Nominalism is growing, and more and more people no longer identify with any church. The cooperation and partnership between immigrant churches and indigenous European churches is critical, holding great potential for the future of Christianity in Europe. In areas such as spiritual vitality, foundation, training, and resources, these churches can mutually strengthen one another. Immigrant churches in particular have a vital role in Europe’s spiritual revival. Let us pray that immigrant and native churches will unite across cultural and ethnic boundaries to lift up the name of Jesus. Let us pray that Europe will rise again as one unified body in the gospel and glorify Christ.
3. Europe continues to see a steady influx of immigrants, both legal and illegal. Aging populations and low birth rates have made immigration an economic necessity, though it also brings societal concerns and opposition. Over 30 million immigrants from outside Europe now live on the continent. In particular, the large number of Muslim immigrants and their high birth rate have made Islam the second most prevalent religion in Europe. Nevertheless, this also represents a tremendous opportunity to freely share the gospel with Muslims. Let us pray that Christians will boldly proclaim the love of Jesus and the power of the gospel, so that Muslims may hear the message of Jesus Christ, believe, and be saved.
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