A snapshot of the need — and opportunity — in Western Europe

From England
Recently, Ellen and her pharmacist had a conversation about his daughter’s upcoming wedding. Ellen told him she would pray for good weather for the event.

One day after the wedding had taken place, Ellen returned to the pharmacy, and her pharmacist greeted her, saying, “I don’t know what you did, but it worked.” The Lord had granted Ellen’s request for good weather on the day of the wedding. Ellen explained to her pharmacist that she had prayed daily as well as during the wedding.

“Only the Lord can make these things happen,” Ellen explained to her friend. “He tells us to pray about everything, so I continue to pray. I will stay steadfast in praying, and you will continue to be amazed, as I have, when the Lord answers.”

From Malta
Many in different countries and states joined together in intercession for a day of prayer in Malta. Workers there had praise, worship and prayer time in Maltese and English. Nearly 100 people participated in these events, including a team from the United States who prayed for the 68 council areas of Malta and Gozo.

Workers in Malta saw one of God’s tangible answers to their prayers for the people of Malta. In one of the villages, Tom struck up a conversation with a policeman as he was standing outside the police station. During the course of the conversation, Tom had a chance to share the Gospel with the policeman, who recognized his need to ask Jesus into his heart and life.

Eleven people like this policeman accepted Christ as their Savior during the emphasis, and many prayers of intercession were lifted up on Malta’s behalf. The fields are indeed “white unto harvest!”

From Germany
Carol’s friend Betina believes in and prays to God but doesn’t know what to think about Jesus. She said she believes the Bible is a book full of men’s opinions, but still, she wants to hear more.

Carol and her husband Alex have looked for ways they can minister to Betina and her family, and recently, God provided a unique opportunity for them not only to physically help Betina, but also to pray for and speak truth into her life.

Betina and her husband have an adult son, Dieter, who is disabled. Alex has helped carry Dieter up and downstairs to Betina’s flat. Usually when it is time for Dieter to leave the flat, he throws a terrible tantrum and is very hard to manage, which upsets Betina.

But this particular time, Alex and Carol prayed for God’s peace for Dieter during the transition to the van. Dieter was totally fine, even happy, and began singing! Betina was so amazed.

Alex and Carol told Betina they had asked Jesus for peace for Dieter as they helped him out of the apartment, and Betina wondered aloud if that was what had happened to cause such a change in Dieter’s behavior and attitude!

These are just a few stories of Western Europeans with whom IMB workers cross paths each day. They are friends, neighbors, and members of the community who may be searching for truth and hope. Pray for workers as they seek to be salt and light to their friends as they go about their daily lives, and pray for more Europeans like these to be curious about Jesus Christ.

Posted by Linda Rose on Apr 28, 2009

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