April 27, 2009
Following two world wars that ravaged the continent during the first half of the 20th century, Europeans seemingly suffered a severe erosion of faith. While for hundreds of years Protestants and Catholics marked this part of the world with religious fervor, it appeared that this “post-war” continent had become “post-Christian” as well.
During these years The Alliance focused largely on continents that seemed to be more open to the good news. Yet God was working in Europe in His own way.
In the aftermath of World War II, Dutch Christians sent missionaries to serve with The Alliance on the African continent and in Indonesia. Because of this partnership, Alliance churches were established in the Netherlands in the 1950s.
In 1962, The Alliance began work in France as a ministry to refugees fleeing war-torn Southeast Asia. Yet the need among the French themselves soon became apparent, and outreach began there as well.
Gradually, efforts were expanded to Spain, Great Britain, and Germany. In more recent years The Alliance moved into Eastern Europe and partners with existing evangelical churches in Russia and the Balkans.
Our workers and church leaders have adopted a relational approach to reach Europe’s post-Christian, postmodern population. Today, a number of innovative outreaches in the region include marriage enrichment seminars, ESL classes, coffeehouse ministries, small groups, and musical programs. This model also extends to our current work in the Middle East.
One of the first countries to which The Alliance sent overseas missionaries was in the Middle East in 1890. And in 1994 portions of the Middle East were added to the Europe/Middle East administrative region of the C&MA.
The sacrifices of those early missionaries in the last century are today bearing much fruit across the aptly named Fertile Crescent. Innovative endeavors in the Middle East focus on relational outreach and now include community centers where activities and services to the community include sporting and arts events, small groups, job-skills training, and English classes.
As relationships develop through these opportunities, the Light shines from Alliance workers. It is at this point that the Source of peace and joy can be shared.