Journeying together in mobile Europe

This past week, a GO team from Martinsburg, Pennsylvania was in London ministering with us and learning firsthand what ministry looks and feels like here. They had multiple opportunities to connect with people and help them take the next step in their spiritual journey. They provided the environment in which Monia, a new believer from a Muslim background, was able to share her salvation testimony for the first time. One team member, Dan, connected with Chris who lives on the streets of London – and shared the Gospel with him. Several of the team members helped show Christ's love through the Soup Kitchen at the American Church (see photo).


As Europe becomes more mobile and urbanized, a significant implication is the transiency of relationships – people with each other and in relation to the Church. People simply move more frequently. The consequences of this change are numerous – some positive and some negative.

On the negative side, it is increasingly rare for a person to live his/her entire Christian experience in one local church (i.e. first exposure to the Gospel, conversion, baptism, discipleship, service & outreach). Many relationships in the Body of Christ are short- rather than long-term.

But on the positive side, this increased mobility is a huge opportunity for the Gospel and Jesus’ Church. If we can plant the seed of the Church in individuals with whom we work, they can take that with them wherever they go.

In the midst of that mobility, God allows us to help in the journey of many individuals who may never be a part of one of our churches. But all of these small touches in Jesus’ name will see the larger Body of Christ built up and Jesus’ Church progress in a global sense, without necessarily being easily measurable.

Another example, a definite highlight for us this year, was the recent baptisms of Kim, Shaun and Steve. We know them through Goodenough Trust, where we lead a Bible-reading group each Tuesday evening. Just weeks after her conversion, Kim came on an April mission trip to Serbia with a whole group from Goodenough (I was a part of that group as well). During that trip and over the subsequent weeks, God used MaryAnn and myself in a discipling relationship which led to her baptism.


Kim may not become a member of a Grace Brethren Church, but God clearly used us in her life to move her to a point of believer’s baptism. And we count it a great privilege to be able to journey awhile with people like Kim, Monia and the Martinsburg GO team in their walk with Jesus.