Europe Ministry Update

God Will Give the Increase When We Do Our Best

By God’s grace, we have yet another opportunity to testify about God’s work in Europe. He continues to guide His church throughout Europe, whether it is in times of trials and tribulations or when we rejoice together in His presence. So we give thanks and praise to our Father in heaven.

Bless the Lord, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! (Ps 103:21-22, ESV)

On a personal level, we all strive for perfection in the eyes of God. As a church, we also grow and “are being built together into a dwelling place for God” (Eph 2:22, ESV). This does not happen overnight, but we take one step at a time and God adds to it. 

Throughout Europe there are 16 countries with 10 languages spoken, where we have churches, prayer houses, or members. The development of the True Jesus Church in each country is different, yet there is a pattern to it. We start off by introducing regular Sabbath services and train local members to lead Bible studies and sermons during family services. Later on, we start the legal registration process, to be able to act as a legal entity in each country. Currently, we are already registered in France, Germany, Austria, Spain, Italy, and Hungary. The members in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Greece are going through this process, each according to the local regulations and with their individual challenges. In parallel to the church registration, we also build up the internal organization such as a church board. 

Once the church is registered, we look for a place to rent or buy to make it a proper church and move away from having family services only. Throughout Europe we have bought or rented 8 chapels, where we can publicly put up a True Jesus Church sign. The members in Paris (France), Albacete (Spain) and Budapest (Hungary) are in the process of purchasing, renovating, or building church buildings to give glory to God. Each project poses different challenges and tests our faith. In Paris, there are legal disputes with the city council about the usage of the building as a church. In Albacete, we strive for more unity to have a clear vision about the renovation process. The church building in Budapest will be the first one in Europe that we build from scratch. This is a huge undertaking in every aspect and tests our abilities in every way: Will we have enough faith and unity throughout the process? Are we willing to spend our time and money for God?

In the more mature churches we build up the next generation, such as through student spiritual convocations, that are now a regular event every year in Germany, Spain, Italy, and Russia. We also grow in evangelism and literary ministry, producing leaflets and other content in the individual local languages and compiling hymn books. All to fulfill Jesus’ prophecy:

And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. (Mk 13:10, ESV)

While we give our best, God adds to His work. After we started regular Sabbath services in the Netherlands last year, He gave us truthseekers. When we started the work on the church building in Budapest, He granted us unity and faith. When we were in need of workers, He added Moscow Church to the European Coordination Center (ECC). His grace is abundant!

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Cor 9:15, ESV)

Let us continue to pray in one accord for the holy work in Europe, so we may all bring glory to His name. Amen.