by Jon Konnerup
Two days after our BBFI Missionary Reunion, I traveled with Pastor Dennis Jennings to Brussels, Belgium, to participate in the European Missionary Retreat. A very good number attended, and my heart was blessed by the fellowship and the spirit of the missionaries. Europe is a spiritually dark continent, yet despite the spiritual battles, moral decay, and financial strains upon them, our missionaries will not give in. As Elijah was a “live” witness of God’s presence to the people of Israel who had turned their backs on God, our missionaries are shining bright as “live” witnesses of the one true God who gave His only Son that modern Europeans might have joy, peace, and everlasting life. It was thrilling to hear how God is using each of the missionaries in their own particular ministries with various strategies. It seems as though new opportunities are opening and revival is just around the corner in Europe.
From Belgium we flew to Portugal where we have had a missionary presence for 20 years since the Lionel Martin family first arrived. I spent some time with each of our five families who serve in different cities across the country. I would say that in 95 percent of the cities and towns there is no gospel witness or Baptist church whatsoever. Even though most churches are small, and there is a lack of trained national leadership, each of our missionaries shared ways they are impacting their towns and cities in unique ways. Churches have been started, Bible studies are in place, a Bible institute is underway, and camps are reaching out to the youth. It would be great to see more join those already there to reach a people steeped in religious traditions and rituals that do not fill the void in their hearts.
After Portugal, we flew to Aberdeen, Scotland. This was my first time to see Scotland and I did not know what to expect. I know our missionaries are putting forth their best effort to reach people for Christ and to plant churches. The United Kingdom has long been known as a place with rocky soil for the gospel. In fact, I have heard it said that we need people to go to other places in the world where the harvest is ripe and our funds can bring more results. However, I believe God is doing a great work through the faithfulness of the missionaries and those efforts are making a difference. As we traveled through different towns and cities, I couldn’t help but believe God intends to send more laborers into this incredible harvest field with tremendous opportunities.
In each country we visited, the plea was for more missionaries to join the task of reaching people who usually express no belief in God but are now seeking answers to questions about life and their future. We cannot for¬get Europe with its millions of people who live in what was once known as a “gospel-rich” location but now know nothing of our loving and caring God. On top of that, scores of immigrants are relocating to Europe from all over the world, making them prime prospects for receiving the Good News.
Our missionaries are doing a tremendous job in a very difficult region, but they need more help and desperately need our financial and prayer support. It is through our prayers that God’s power will be alive and strong, empowering the efforts of God’s servants throughout Europe as they preach “unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”