The World’s New Mission Field
Europe
Did you know…
Some people ask "Why Europe, isn’t it the cradle of Christianity?” Perhaps that was true 100 years ago but today’s Europe is a land of spiritual lostness. Now, Europe is known for the following statistics:
Europe has the lowest percentage (2.5%) of evangelical Christians of any continent in the world.
Atheism has risen by more than 400% in Europe in recent years.
“Europe is the world’s spiritually darkest place.”
– Time Magazine
Explore Europe
Explore Europe
Explore Europe
Click below to select the nation you want to explore and see how you can partner with what EI is doing in Europe.
Albania
Did you know?
Albania was the first country to be proclaimed an atheist nation in 1967. Although Albania is moving towards more religious freedom, in the past citizens caught practicing Christianity are subject to imprisonment for 3-7 years!
Today, while state persecution has ceased, Albania has a small Christian community and is now 70% Muslim.
Despite Albania’s anti-Christian stances, it produced one of the 20th century’s greatest Christian leaders, Mother Teresa.
In 2018, EI first broke ground in this spiritually desolate nation, partnering with churches in and out of Tirana, the capital. Through the years, EI teams have evangelized both the westernized Albanians as well as Muslims. We have also ministered to the impoverished Roma (Gypsy) population in villages.
Austria
Did you know?
The hills are alive with the sound of music … Austria is well known for its renowned classical music composers, such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert and Strauss.
Historically, Austrians have identified themselves as Catholic. Like most Europeans, their religious influence has faded into agnosticism and atheism.
Only about 2% of Austrians are born-again believers.
Most of EI’s ministry in Austria has consisted of creative arts evangelism in the bustling downtown walking streets of Vienna. EI now has strong church partners in Vienna who think outwardly and are now taking ownership to reach their nation.
Belarus
Did you know?
Country of forests and lakes: Belovezhskaya Pushcha is the largest ancient forest of Europe.
Belarus was one of the first countries in Europe to print its own bible, in 1517.
Traditionally Belarusians identify as Eastern Orthodox. Protestants are a minority who were heavily persecuted during the Soviet era.
The collapse of the USSR opened up new opportunities for preaching the gospel, but in recent years Christians have once again become increasingly restricted in their activities.
In 2023, Freedom House, a non-profit political watchdog, rated Belarus’ religious freedom as 1 out of 4.
In 2020, during the height of Covid. EI went into Belarus for the first time, sending a vibrant Go40 team. Our team partnered with Belarusian believers in one-on-one conversations to the lost. We also ministered in local churches, tangibly blessed the poor, and did home-to-home evangelism outreaches in villages near Minsk.
Belgium
Did you know?
The Kingdom of Belgium is comprised of 3 regions: Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels. French is the language of Wallonia, Flemish is spoken in Flanders and German is spoken in the eastern region.
Belgium is known for its chocolate, beer and french fries - in fact the french fry was first created in Belgium.
Most Belgians today are secular, forsaking their Catholic and Protestant historic roots.
Brussels, the home of the EU, is foundationally strategic to Europe’s future.
Belgium has a surging Muslim population, and one of the highest per capita in Europe. This trend coupled with the decline of Christianity has resulted in Belgium becoming a strategic mission field. Belgium is also home to immigrants from all over the world - one of EI’s church partners has over 55+ nations represented within its congregation. In the south, a wealth of African-Belgian churches and ministries desiring to see a spiritual awakening among the Belgians, have opened their doors to EI with a variety of ministry opportunities. EI was actively involved in flood relief during the catastrophe in 2021. Several times EI has sent teams to minister at the world’s second largest street festival which takes place each July in the city of Ghent.
Bosnia
Bosnia is known for its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, shaped by both Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian influences.
The capital city, Sarajevo, is often called the “Jerusalem of Europe” because of its rich mix of mosques, churches, and synagogues.
The dominant religions are Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Roman Catholicism, with only a very small percentage of evangelical Christians.
EI partners with local believers in Bosnia to bring the hope of the gospel to communities across the nation. Ministry efforts include one-on-one conversations and support for the local church. Today, Bosnia remains one of the most under-reached nations in Europe, and the need for workers is great.
Bulgaria
Did you know?
Bulgarian culture is a mix of Slavic, Greek and Ottoman heritage.
The Cyrillic Alphabet was created in Bulgaria during the 9th century.
The dominant religion is Eastern Orthodoxy, with only a small percentage of evangelical Christians and Muslims.
EI has partnered with a local ministry that provides education and shelter to Roma (Gypsy) minors. The hope is to raise up a generation of literate, Christ followers within the Roma community. Moreover, EI has conducted evangelism outreaches in Sofia, the nation’s capital.
Croatia
Did you know?
Croatia is a flagship of the beauties of nature, consisting of about 1,200 islands and extensive national parks and nature reserves.
Primarily Catholic, a miniscule 0.38% of its population identify as evangelical Christians.
Many EI teams have conducted creative arts outreaches in Zagreb and Rijeka’s city squares. As well, we partnered with the USA’s Ballet Magnificat, to use dance to reach Croatians in downtown Zagreb. EI has also partnered several times with an American based ministry that serves the indigenous Roma people in impoverished villages. EI has also delivered humanitarian aid and sent teams to serve in summer Bible camps for children in the villages.
Czechia
Did you know?
100 years before Martin Luther sparked the Reformation in Germany, it was already in full swing in the Czech Republic. Jan Hus, outspoken critic of un-Biblical doctrines, became one of the first martyrs of the Evangelical movement in Europe.
Today, the country has become increasingly secular - it has one of the world’s highest rates of atheism. Only about 0.3% of the population are born again believers.
EI has ministered in Prague’s red light district, public schools, local churches, city squares, and more. Famous for its beautiful architecture and cheap beer, Prague has become one of Europe’s hubs for party tourism, attracting students and young adults from all over the world. Looking for entertainment, they find themselves drawn to the dances and dramas that EI brings to the streets. EI outreaches in Prague often attract crowds of over 500 people. Whether it be the Czech citizens or tourists, thousands are impacted by EI teams who are in Prague at least once per year.
Denmark
Did you know?
In the 10th century, the Danish established a monarchy that has been uninterruptedly in existence for over 1,000 years, making it the oldest monarchy in the world.
While Denmark itself is a rather small nation, it is sovereign over the 50-times larger Greenland.
For years the Danes have ranked very high among the “happiest people” on earth, yet at the same time, Denmark has the 5th highest percentage of atheists worldwide.
Despite its centuries-old Lutheran heritage, the Danish people like most Europeans have drifted away from faith towards God and instead have gravitated towards a secular, natural world view. Like its Scandinavian neighbors, Sweden and Finland, Denmark has become a challenging land for the gospel. EI has conducted evangelism outreaches in Copenhagen in the past, and is hopeful for an open door to return. May the Danish people awaken to faith in Christ!
England
Did you know?
The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales (which collectively make up Great Britain) and Northern Ireland.
England’s anthem, “God Save the King” gives homage to their rich royal history – and their Maker.
London is the most touristed city in the world - more than 30 million people visit each year. London’s Heathrow Airport has over 67 million people annually traveling through it, including manyEI staff members!
While for many years, Christianity was on the decline in the UK, there is a fresh move of the Spirit happening. Currently over 2 million more people go to church now than only six years ago, with Gen Z leading the way (16% of people under age 24 attending church vs. 4% in 2018!).
EI’s ministry in Great Britain could not be more diverse. It has ranged from sending a team to London for urban evangelism during the 2012 Olympic Games, to painting apartments for a drug rehab ministry in Scotland. Thanks to our partner church in Scotland, we have had the privilege to bring teams into a public high school, sharing testimonies in a very secular environment. In Edinburgh, EI teams have utilized the creative arts to bring the gospel to the famous “Royal Mile”. Birmingham, England’s second largest city, has been the stage for some spiritually intense ministry, including prison ministry and a partnership with one of the most long-standing homeless ministries of the nation.
Estonia
Did you know?
Over 50% of Estonia is covered in forest, also making it a country with one of the cleanest air qualities in the world.
Approx 18% of Estonians believe in God, but less than 1% are born-again Christians.
Despite its beautiful nature and being known as one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, Estonia has the sixth highest suicide rate in Europe - which stands in stark contrast to it being ranked among the happiest nations on earth.
EI has been partnering with churches in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, since 2023 to reach the Estonian people with the gospel. In the summer of 2025, EI mobilized a California church team to bring the gospel to the Estonian people.
France
Did you know?
Birthplace to The Enlightenment in the 18th century, France has valued freedom ever since: freedom from oppressive regimes, freedom from foreign control, and sadly, freedom from religion.
Research in recent years suggests that 80% of the French people have never read, held, or even seen a Bible.
France has been a focal point of EI evangelism outreaches for many years. The cities we have ministered in most often are Paris, Lyon, Marseille and Nice. If France is awakened spiritually, it will have a profound impact on the rest of Europe and the Francofone community worldwide.
FinlAnd
Did you know?
Finland is known for its sauna culture, with over 3 million saunas in a nation with a population of 5.6 million.
The Finnish education system continues to rank as one of the best in the world.
Finland shares a 1,340 kilometer border with Russia. Finland frantically joined NATO in 2023, in response to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.
Several EI mission teams have conducted outreaches in the city center of Helsinki and have shared the gospel in hundreds of conversations. We have learned that many Finnish people are by their own words “paper Christians”. This means that they joined the state church as a teen, a common tradition, only to qualify to be married in a beautiful church building later in life. Finns have shared with EI teams that paper Christians are actually unbelievers, most of whom are atheists. May faith go beyond paper and reach the hearts of the Finnish people
Germany
Did you know?
Germany is the world’s 3rd largest economy, behind the USA and China.
As the birthplace of Martin Luther and Count Zinzendorf, Germany has sparked great movements of faith.
Today, only about 2.5% of Germans are evangelical Christians. East Germany, under Socialist control for 45 years, has one of the highest per capita rates of atheism in the world. Hundreds of East German towns are without a single church.
Founded in 2007, European Initiative established its first base in Germany’s capital, Berlin. Since then, EI ministry has spread to over a dozen other cities throughout Germany. Josef Stalin once said, “He who controls Germany, controls the soul of Europe.” Among Germany’s nicknames is “The Fatherland”, and in the past, Germany abused its European neighbors. But perhaps the time is coming for Germany to take on its leadership calling to usher Europe back to faith in God.
Greece
Did you know?
Considered the cradle of Western Civilization, Greece has brought us philosophy, democracy, and humanism - the seeds of the French Revolution.
Modern-day Greece is plagued by federal bankruptcy, through-the-roof unemployment rates, and the collapse of its social security system.
Greece has a strategic location - it is a gateway to Europe, and consequently is overrun with asylum seekers from the Middle East and Africa.
EI partners with ministries in Greece’s capital, Athens, as well as the nation’s second largest city, Thessaloniki, where Paul the Apostle broke ground as the first missionary to Europe. EI’s ministry has ranged from downtown evangelism outreaches in Athens, to humanitarian work among refugees,to compassionate work with drug addicts and to the Roma (Gypsy) community.
Hungary
Did you know?
The Hungarian language is considered the second most difficult language in the world.
The Hungarian people are strong in engineering and science - two of the four men leading the Manhattan Project (the creation of the atom bomb) were Hungarian Americans.
In its long history, Hungary has only had a few centuries of freedom, having been overtaken and oppressed by many empires, including the Romans, Ottomans and Austrians.
As a result of 45 years of Russian communism - two generations of Hungarians were indoctrinated with atheism. Today, Hungary is less than 4% Christian.
Budapest, capital of Hungary, is home to EI’s second base of operations and is a strategic part of our European ministry. EI has been mobilizing teams to Hungary since 2011. With the help of local partners, EI has developed a ministry within the public schools of Budapest and the surrounding region. The Budapest base is currently the training center for missionaries joining the EI staff. Hungary has also been EI’s launching point into Ukraine, sending mission teams and humanitarian aid to Ukraine before and during the war with Russia.
Iceland
Did you know?
In 2016, Iceland was dubbed “Europe’s most godless nation”.
Only 0.03% of Icelanders consider themselves to be Bible-believing Christians
Iceland tops the list for antidepressant consumption per capita.
At the same time statistics say it is the safest, the third-most happy, and the fifth-most expensive country to live in worldwide.
Iceland has a unique landscape full of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls and geysers - making it the perfect filming location for sci-fi and fantasy productions such as Star Wars and Game of Thrones.
In 2024, EI brought its first Go20 team to Reykjavik, Iceland. Remarkably, several atheist Icelanders we met thanked us for having a conversation about Jesus with them. Whether they were ready to believe or not, they wanted to hear the news that no one had ever mentioned to them.
Ireland
Did you know?
Ireland, or “Eire” in the local Gaelic language, is also called the Emerald Isle because of its lush green countryside.
The island of Ireland is divided into two countries:the Republic of Ireland is part of the EU and Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom.
Despite its long-standing Catholic heritage, the Ireland of today has largely left its spiritual roots in favor of a secular and skeptical world view.
EI sent its first team to Ireland about 10 years ago. We have partnered with a Dublin church to minister to drug addicts, kids and teens in a poverty-stricken area of the city. EI has also sent multiple Go20 teams to conduct evangelism outreaches in the greater Dublin area.
Italy
Did you know?
Pasta has been known in Italy since the 4th century B.C.
At the heart of the nation’s capital, Rome, lies the smallest country in the world: The Vatican, the cultural and spiritual center of Catholicism.
Consequently, the Catholic church holds immense political and cultural influence in the nation, even today.
EI has ministered in over a dozen cities in Italy, from Milan in the North to Naples and Bari in the south. We often utilize the creative arts in city squares that are often packed with locals and tourists. Despite its Catholic roots, Italians, like most Europeans, have moved away from the Christian faith in droves. Catholic religious traditions, many of which are unbiblical, have trampled on the simplicity of a relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Cor 11:3). EI has hope for Italy, as new evangelical churches are taking ownership to bring the gospel to the Italian people.
Latvia
Did you know?
Modern day Latvia is known to have the fastest internet speeds in the world.
The Latvian flag is one of the oldest in the world. The carmine red with a white stripe represents the people’s will to fight for freedom.
As a post-soviet nation, many Latvians speak Russian, but the Latvian language is one of the oldest in Europe, its origins dating back 2,000 years.
The Baltic nations were one of the last regions in Europe to be “Christianized” in the Northern Crusades of the 12th and 13th centuries. Many pagan inhabitants were made to convert - at least on paper.
The majority of Latvians are raised with some form of faith, Orthodox, Catholic or Lutheran, but few of them have ever heard about having a personal relationship with God. On EI’s several trips to Riga, we found the younger generations to be especially receptive to the gospel. Latvia is ripe for revival.
Lithuania
Did you know?
Lithuanian is also one of the oldest spoken languages in the world.
Once one of the largest and most powerful of European Empires, Lithuania is now only about as big as the state of West Virginia.
Sadly, Lithuania has the third highest suicide rate worlwide as of 2024.
The capital city of Vilnius, surrounded by a mix of both historical and modern architecture, is the perfect backdrop for EI’s creative arts outreaches. Together with local church partners, who share our heart for evangelism, EI teams have brought many Lithuanians to faith in Christ.
luxembourg
Did you know?
“Luxembourg” means “Little Fortress”.
45% of Luxembourg’s population are expats.
Luxembourg has 3 official languages: French, German and Luxembourgish (a German dialect).
Luxembourg is rich - it has the world’s second highest per capita income.
Like many other wealthy nations, the percentage of evangelical Christians in Luxembourg is very low, less than 1.0%
When the first EI team arrived in Luxembourg in 2023, we had been prepared to expect a lot of skepticism from the wealthy and intellectual locals. Although most people we met lived a secular lifestyle with faith being mostly a question of tradition, we found an open atmosphere to share the gospel. EI most recently sent a Go40 team to Luxembourg in the summer of 2025.
MAcedonia
Did you know?
Macedonia is birthplace to the legendary ancient king and warrior, Alexander the Great - but it is far from just a legend!
Macedonia was the first European nation to receive the gospel because of the vision the Apostle Paul received of a Macedonian man calling, “Come over and help us!” (Acts 16:9-10).
Today, there is still a deep need for the gospel in the land of Macedonia. In the capital Skopje and smaller towns, EI has been honored to connect with local believers and proclaim the good news through urban outreach and children’s ministry, including among the Roma community.
montenegro
Did you know?
This country’s name means “black mountain,” as it’s covered with sweeping dark forests, stunning peaks and lovely coasts.
The Montenegrin people have faced deep pain during the Yugoslavian war and recent political turmoil.
The nation has longstanding religious influences from both Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam, with a small evangelical community that comprises about 0.30% of the population.
In 2021, EI began connecting with local partners in the capital of Podgorica and engaging with nonbelievers in conversational evangelism. Montenegro, nicknamed the “Jewel of the Adriatic,” is surely treasured by our heavenly Father!
moldovA
Did you know?
Moldova is widely known as one of the poorest nations in Europe. After exiting the USSR, Moldova faced economic and political hardships.
Within its borders, Russia has annexed its own territory, Transnistra. To enter this “stealth” area of Moldova, one must cross a border, armed with Russian soldiers.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 Moldovans has become a victim of sex trafficking, making it the European nation suffering the most under modern slavery.
Traditionally, Moldovans identify as Orthodox, with about 1% being evangelical Christians.
Spiritually, Moldovan’s are open to hearing about a living relationship with God. EI has taken the gospel to local parks and squares in the capital city of Chisinau and has seen many people receive Christ. Additionally, we have sent a Go40 team to bring the gospel to Russian controlled Transnistria. Moldova, considered by many, the least respected country in Europe, is fertile for revival.
The netherlAnds
Did you know
Windmills, canals, tulips and world-famous art make the Netherlands a cultural oasis.
Its spiritual heritage includes the Dutch Reformers and the Ten Boom Family, who protected Jews during the Holocaust.
Sadly, The Netherlands has the dubious distinction of being one of the most immoral nations in the world. Amsterdam, the capital, is famous for the Red Light District, “De Wallen”, an area known for prostitution. In 2000 the country legalized and regulated prostitution, which led the way for other European nations to follow suit.
It is no wonder that The Netherlands is less than 2% evangelical Christian.
EI has ministered in Rotterdam, which has the largest port in Europe and is the second largest city in the Netherlands making it a perfect location for our creative arts outreaches. In Amsterdam, the capital, hundreds usually crowd around EI’s drama performances and witness the gospel being preached through the arts and in personal conversations. The Dutch speak great English, facilitating spiritual conversations, but their hearts are often hardened towards God, being enticed by worldly desires (Eph 4:18-19). May Jesus open the blind eyes!
polAnd
Did you know?
Poland is home to the world’s oldest restaurant, established in 1275.
Of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, 3 million were Polish.
For centuries, the most influential power in Poland has been the Catholic Church. Religion and State are still not separated and approximately 88% of the Polish people identify as Catholic.
Beloved Polish Pope, John Paul II, is credited with bringing down the Iron Curtain and ending Russian communism across Europe.
EI’s ministry in Poland has been extensive, primarily in the cities of Warsaw, Krakow and Łódz. EI’s first ministry in Poland focused on marriage conferences with local church partners. Several years later, we helped organize a worship conference in Warsaw to equip worship leaders from across the nation. EI has reached members of the Jewish community with the gospel through theatre concerts performed by a Messianic Jewish classical pianist. Despite its Catholic heritage, many Poles today hold secular beliefs and are generally disconnected from the church. To them, the idea of a grace-based relationship with Jesus is a relatively unknown concept, and when made aware of it, their hearts often open up to a decision of faith.
Portugal
Did you know?
Portugal is Europe’s oldest nation state, founded in 1139 A.D. Its borders have barely changed since 1297 A.D.
Cabo da Roca is Europe’s western most point.
Portuguese is spoken in 9 nations by over 230 million people.
Traditionally, Portugal is firmly Catholic, but in reality its people are becoming more and more secular. About 2% of the population are evangelical.
EI has sent Go40 teams to Lisbon, the colorfully-tiled capital of Portugal, partnering with a local Bible school and local churches. We’ve also focused on ministry in Porto, the second largest city in the country. Both in touristic and more impoverished areas, EI teams have experienced a great hunger for the gospel with many Portuguese people repenting or rededicating their lives to Jesus.
Romainia
Did you know?
Located in the heart of this beautiful nation lies Transsylvania – the birthplace of myths and vampires.
During the Cold War, Romania’s population endured the most repressive dictatorship of the Soviet Bloc, suffering terrible hunger and poverty.
Today, the majority of Romanians identify as Orthodox Christians, often struggling with legalistic teaching.
EI has been ministering in Romania since our inception in 2007, Including our annual trip in January, one of EI’s oldest and perhaps most beloved EI tradition. Romania has the largest Roma (Gypsy) community in Europe — about 25% of the population. Often despised and ostracized by society, many Roma families struggle to survive the harsh winter months as they lack the basic necessities such as warm clothing, adequate housing, firewood, and food. Our teams provide humanitarian relief as we go home-to-home to share the gospel, as well as ministering powerfully in public schools. For several years we have given away Christmas gifts for every child in entire villages. In our efforts to reach the urban population, we have rented and filled theaters with unbelievers as we presented the gospel through professional dance. For about 10 years. EI teams have gone to Transylvania University, sharing the gospel with the young elite among the nation.
Serbia
Did you know?
Have you ever wondered where your raspberries are from? Chances are they have been imported from Serbia.
Historically, Serbia has been the birthplace of many political world changers – including Constantine the Great, the Roman emperor who first declared Christianity an official religion.
Serbia’s national anthem, “God of Justice,” reads like a Psalm of David. In spite of this, only 0.6% of Serbians are evangelical Christian.
EI has been ministering in Serbia for 13 years, conducting many evangelism and benevolence based outreaches in the northern region of Subotica and its surrounding areas. EI also ministers in the three largest cities of Serbia; Belgrade, Niš, and Novi Sad, bringing the gospel to the city centers as well as focusing on the large student population. Serbians love dance and classical music. EI has also brought Ballet Magnificat to perform at a theatre in Belgrade, bringing the gospel to hundreds.
slovakia
Did you know?
A former satellite state of Soviet Russia, this melting pot of nationalities consists of over half a dozen different ethnicities.
Slovakia is Europe’s youngest nation, gaining independence from Czechoslovakia in 1993.
Despite its many castles, the nation’s poverty is still a painful reality for the Slovakians, affecting about 15% of the population, especially the Roma (Gypsy) communities in the countryside.
In the aftermath of socialism, the gospel is still nearly unheard in Slovakia. With the vision to see a new generation grow up knowing their identity in Christ, EI has found open doors to public schools, and in the city squares of the capital, Bratislava. And in the early months of the Ukraine War, EI staff partnered with Slovakians to take humanitarian aid to the war-torn nation.
Switzerland
Did you know?
Switzerland is famous for its rich reformation history through Huldrych Zwingli, John Calvin, and others in the 16th century.
Currently, the nation is becoming increasingly secular, with only about 17% belonging to a church, 2% of those being born-again Christians.
Neutrality is one of the values the Swiss are best known for - Switzerland has not participated in a foreign war since 1815.
In 2020, EI sent their first Go40 team to the city of Geneva. Our team conducted outreaches right at the edge of the lake, in the very heart of this very wealthy and international metropolis. The impact we saw in just these few days shows that Switzerland is very much a spiritually hungry nation, ready to know Jesus.
Spain
Did you know?
Spain’s fun-loving, outdoor culture has many unique traditions and festivals such as “La tomatina”, where for one day in the year, an entire village in the region of Valencia participates in a giant tomato-throwing food fight!
Spain was once known as a beacon of Catholic faith, sending missionaries into all the world. Now, hordes of young Spaniards have left the Catholic Church, resulting in a rise of atheism, agnosticism and the occult.
Only about 1.5% of the population are evangelical, half of those being Latin American immigrants.
EI has been facilitating ministry in Spain since 2009. As a result of our long-standing heart for Spain, EI realized the need to have a base in Madrid, which became a reality in 2023. From mobilizing a team from Ballet Magnificat, the world’s premier Christian dance company, to the region of Malaga, to urban evangelism in the bustling squares of Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, EI teams have impacted thousands of Spaniards. EI staff members partner with local believers in multiple weekly outreaches. We are seeing a growing desire of the Spaniards to share their faith.
Sweden
Did you know?
Sweden is much more than the home of Ikea, meatballs and Vikings - It is also known for its highly regarded welfare and education system, and it is where the Nobel Peace Prize was established.
“Lagom” describes the uniquely Swedish concept of living in balance and moderation - striving for “just the right amount” for a content life.
Over 60% of Swedes are still part of the former State Church of Sweden, but only 20% of their church leaders consider themselves believers.
Sadly, Swedes have become very liberal and secular - today Sweden has the distinction of being the 2nd most atheistic nation in the world. Its Scandinavian neighbors, Norway and Denmark are also in the top five.
“Faith is a very private thing” is something you will hear a lot in Sweden. Liberalism, tolerance and diversity are high values in modern Swedish society. Sweden is a very challenging place to converse about Christianity. Nonetheless, EI continues to send teams, and slowly, we are seeing slight increases in openness to the gospel in Sweden.
Turkey
Did you know?
Istanbul is Europe’s largest city (more than 20 million) and it is the only city in the world to straddle two continents-Europe and Asia. Istanbul was formerly known as Byzantine and then Constantinople.
The Hagia Sophia - now one of the most important mosques in the world, was originally a church built in the 6th century. It was the most important church in Christendom.
Turkey is one of the richest historical nations in the world for Christianity. The seven churches Jesus writes to in the Book of Revelation, are all located in modern day Turkey.
The devastating earthquake in Feb 2023, killed over 125,000 people in eastern Turkey and destroyed much of Antika - the ancient city of Antioch, where Paul and Baranbus were sent out as missionaries. (Acts 13)
EI has been conducting ministry in Turkey since 2021 and began a small base there in 2022. Turkey is Europe’s largest nation, with a population of 85 million. Turkey, which was a focal point of missions work for the Apostle Paul, is just as important a mission field today - 99% of the Turkish people are Muslim.The Turkish people by nature are very hospitable, respectful and friendly. Younger Turks are generally open to learning more about Jesus and Christianity.
ukraine
Did you know?
Ukraine is Europe’s largest nation in geographical size.
Since February 2022, the nation continues to experience Europe’s only inner-continental combat since WWII.
Ukrainians predominantly identify as Orthodox Christians, with about 2% evangelicals.
Ukraine has one of Europe’s largest Jewish communities - the largest Messianic Jewish congregation in the world is in Kiev.
For the past 11 years, EI has sent teams to the Transcarpathia region of Ukraine. EI teams have ministered in orphanages, hospitals, Internally Displaced Person (IDP) living centers, served abandoned children living in shelters, as well as distributed aid in Roma villages. In 2021, one of EI’s Go40 teams pioneered evangelism outreaches in the cities of Kiev, Lviv, Odessa, Ternopil and Chernovtsy. These contacts enabled EI to be among the first Christian ministries to take humanitarian aid into Ukraine at the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War. With every step we take in this nation — a nation suffering greatly from corruption, war, and poverty — we pray that His light and hope would transform lives.
Missionary Journeys
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European Initiative mobilizes Churches, Bible Colleges, and Christian universities on short-term mission trips to Europe. From the urban and secular capital cities of Western Europe to remote villages in Eastern Europe, both the needs and opportunities are great. We invite you to contact us and learn how your team can be a part of making an eternal impact in Europe.
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