Advertise on podcast: The Why Europe Podcast

In this episode, Cody Finch breaks down how he was initially involved with Greater Europe Mission. Throughout his story one word kept coming back up. That word was "invitation".  We discuss how Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship and story with him, the opportunities and power of young adults serving Christ with great faith, and how we can invite others to join God's kingdom.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

A moment in time that is not discussed but incredibly important, the Interwar Period, is a pivotal time in European History. In this episode we briefly discuss: The aftermath of WWI The treaty of VersaillesThe League of Nations and its ineffectivenessFinancial crises and how it leads to extremism Christian leaders who stood for & against the NazisSpanish Civil WarThe rise of doubt, secularism, and distrust in Christian leadershipThis all shaped how European culture influences the world today and how it has responded to the gospel of Christ.  ----------- SOURCES: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/9/1/26?utm https://christianciv.com/blog/index.php/2015/10/22/real-nazis Thomas Kselman, Religion and Society in Modern France (1996 https://historyforatheists.com/2021/07/hitler-atheist-pagan-or-christian/ 1905 French Law, official government translation (Ministère de la Justice, France) Barry, The Catholic Encyclopedia, “War,” 1914 edition Jowett, The Transfigured Church, 1915  H. G. Wells, The War That Will End War, appendix; also in Enrico Dal Covolo, La Chiesa e la Grande Guerra. Clifford, Christianity and the War, 1915 Keegan, The First World War (1998); Arnold, History: A Very Short Introduction (2019); Gilbert, The Century (1997) Eichengreen, Golden Fetters (1992) Temin, Lessons from the Great Depression (1989) https://www.britannica.com/topic/League-of-Nations/Members-of-the-League-of-Nations https://cathedralofhope.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/The-Theological-Declaration-of-Barmen.pdf https://www.worldhistorythreads.com/p/religion-and-dictatorship-in-francoist Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

World War One (1914–1918) had a profound and often disorienting impact on the spiritual climate in Europe. The unprecedented scale of violence, death, and destruction led many to question long-standing religious beliefs, moral assumptions, and the authority of traditional institutions, including the Church.  In this episode, we break down a brief history of the war and the major spiritual and religious consequences that came from it.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Tom and his wife took a leap of faith by moving to the UK in the early 2000s. No plan, no job, just trusting the Lord. Fast forward 20 years and now they are still taking big steps of faith and life is even more of an adventure.  Now in the Normandy region of France, their family is on full-time mission. In this episode, Tom shares his heart for refugees, sabbath, music ministry, his family, and the process of learning the French language.  Tune in for an adventurous and grace filled episode.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Alex grew up loving and cherishing his local church family. As he grew in relationship to Christ, he sensed God was calling him to serve the global Church. In this episode, we discuss Alex's first steps serving his local church and then his first steps serving the Church around the world.  With a summer in Birmingham serving at Oikos church and then a summer praying in new nations GEM is pursuing, we break down the lessons Alex learned. We then talk about the faith it requires to allow God's mission to be the focus of the church.  “It is not so much the case that God has a mission for his church in the world, as that God has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the church; the church was made for mission – God’s mission." ― Christopher J.H. Wright, The Mission of God's People: A Biblical Theology of the Church’s Mission Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

"Just like the Statue of Liberty, I was born in France. But I was made & renovated in America." Debby has been involved with GEM since 1956 when her parents moved to Paris. Over the years, Debby cherished the gospel, served the church, and served GEM faithfully.  In this episode, we see just a glimpse of the incredible story God has walked her through. Street evangelism, teaching, church planting, counseling, and even mime are all ways God has used her to reach others for His kingdom.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Kristian Morris, aka Kmo, has spent multiple summers serving with Greater Europe Mission. Over time, Kmo noticed a trend not just with GEM, but with mission agencies as a whole...less than 3% of global workers are ethnic minorities.  This empowered Kmo to learn the "why?" behind this statistic, myths facing ethnic minorities going on mission, and what we as believers can do about it. Listen to learn more about Kmo's powerful testimony, his music, and his perspective on how God can leverage our ethnic backgrounds for the Kingdom of Christ worldwide.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Doug and Lisa Mitts have a heart for everyone to be one with Christ. Both developed a heart for the persecuted and restricted church in Eastern Europe during communism. They have been serving in Europe ever since.  In this episode, we discuss the power of "knowing the Spirit", sharing our faith, and why it's necessary for believers to practice sharing the gospel.  This conversation is packed with practical advice on how to engage with the lost. It will leave you encouraged and empowered to take a step of faith toward the uncomfortable and the unknown.  "...this practice is never comfortable, but always joyful and fruitful in the sense that you planted that gospel seed." Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Growing up as a missionary kid (mk) Jason said he "never" would be in "full time - ministry". Decades later, he and his team are planting churches all over Frankfurt, Germany and leading people toward Christ daily.  In this episode, we hear Jason's story, his perspective on a global body of believers, and what "going to church" really means.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Kim Garrity was appointed to be a GEM missionary over 40 years ago. After a backpacking trip around Europe in his early years, he was "ruined for the ordinary". In this episode, we discuss Kim's story of getting to Europe full time as a global worker. We also discuss one of the biggest buzz words of today, "refugees". Kim's focus became the refugee opportunity in Europe from 2015 onward. He has led hundreds of teams to come and serve in Europe with the hope that all people come to know and understand Christ. "We are all refugees. Thats who we are. And we as believers have found a refuge." You do not  want to skip this episode.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

How is God working in Bulgaria? In this episode, we hear all about it. We discuss the story of Jivko and Julie's relationship to one another and their love for Bulgaria. "It's all the Lord working through us." is the common theme throughout this conversation.  This episode is filled with great stories, encouraging words for the listener, and practical ways to obey the Lord each and every day.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Sean Thelen took a leap of faith to serve God's kingdom overseas. After sensing the Lord's leading after a few short term mission trips, Sean and his wife moved their lives to Athens to serve within the local church context. In this episode, we discuss Sean's story, debt in relation to the mission field, serving the local church, Greek Orthodoxy in the culture of Greece, and Sean's art as an outlet to connect with the Lord. To view Sean's art, click here. https://thisismytimewithyou.substack.com/  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Serving others was intertwined within the mission of Jesus. The mission of GEM teams is to reflect the life and mission of Jesus. Serve others and preach the good news. Gene Harter leads GEM teams, so we talk with him about his story, the needs of GEM teams, and powerful stories from the field. Do you want to serve with GEM teams? visit gemteams.org or inquire at our website.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Over 40 years ago, a young man from Wyoming went to France for the first time. That young man went back to France for the next 11 summers serving at Camp des Cimes, which is now his home and ministry.  Tom Guffey simply said "yes" to God. What could he do with your "yes"?  French culture, camp ministry, Tom's story, salvations, and more in this episode! Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/

Barbara Wilkie works in administration with Greater Europe Mission. Almost every missionary we come in contact with has the need for an administrative worker in their field of work.  In this episode, we briefly discuss the importance of admin and how it glorifies God just as much as an evangelist, church planter, or other cross cultural worker.  Are you passionate about using your administration gifts for God's kingdom? If so, visit our website to see where you can use your gift in Europe!  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater Europe Mission https://gemission.org/give/