Heartache, disappointment, frustration and even anger are just some of the feelings many church leaders across southern and central Europe feel as yet another young man or woman they have trained and discipled over many years announces they are leaving the country and moving to the West. In countries where there are maybe 20 or 30 churches, the loss of just one gifted young leader or evangelist is sad, but to lose ten, twenty, thirty is catastrophic. In majority muslim nations like Albania, Bosnia or Kosovo the small evangelical church is struggling due to the continual whittling away of its congregations and leadership as they leave for life in the West.
Artur Krasniqi, (pictured above right) pastor of the Fellowship of the Lord’s People in Pristina, the capital of Kosovo identifies this as the greatest challenge they face - over and above the bomb threats, the economic crisis or political pressure. Without the right people to lead the many areas of church life they struggle to keep doing all they are doing, let alone start anything new. It is incredibly frustrating to see wonderful opportunities, but lack the people to make them happen. Despite this in the past year Artur’s church have completely demolished and rebuilt their church building, run childrens clubs in a number of other towns and helped organise and participate in “New Life for Kosovo”, (pictured right center) a campaign combining practical projects and outreach.
Mirce Andreev, (pictured right) leader of the evangelical church in Macedonia agrees with Artur about the challenge of finding and keeping young leaders:

“For most people in the country the main goal is how to get out. The church leaders we do have are all very young and there is a great need for more churches in Macedonia. Tracts and the Jesus film are not enough – we need to be a presence in the community”.
As I travel to these and many other countries I am struck again and again by that thought. When God chose to save us He sent His son to a particular country and to a particular village and community. He walked the same streets, spoke the same language, and ate the same food. He was a presence in the community.
If we are to see communities transformed by Jesus as people come to know and accept what He has done for them and how His Spirit can change them, then we need men and women living in those towns and villages to show them the way to Him.
Tracts, the Jesus film, TV and Radio, concerts, events, and programmes are all tools that are useful only when there are men and women to use them and put skin on the message proclaimed by those means. Dare I say that to see Europe turn to Jesus we will need many more men and women like Artur and Mirce, committed to their community and country, determined to stay where they are whatever pressures come; and by their presence, their lives and their words, introduce people to Jesus. After all, that’s how He did it...
Throughout our history Eurovangelism has worked through men and women committed to their country and community, living amongst their people and sharing their lives and faith, day by day by day. We are committed to people not projects or programmes. To that end we need funds to continue to support these men and women and help identify, train and support others as they seek to be a presence in their community.
For example:

Vance, Tanja and their daughter live in Macedonia in his parents flat. Vance is a church worker at Stip Evangelical Church, he works with young people, administration, aid distribution and shares teaching with Petar, the Pastor.

Emeal was a drug addict for 15 years. He became a Christian about two years ago and helps Vance with church work. He spends his spare time doing Bible study on the internet and would love the opportunity to learn more.

Please consider if you would help in one of the following ways to help encourage and equip these men and women to stand their ground.

1) A Partnership
A regular gift of £200 a month would support the pastor or churchplanter and their family. Whether an individual, a homegroup or a church, a monthly commitment will ensure that many more communities will hear the good news of Jesus. Also if you are a church leader or member of a mission committee why not suggest a partnership with a church in Eastern Europe? We are able to link you with a church in the region so that you can learn from each other, pray for each other and even visit each other. To find out more call David Roderick on 0117 961 5161.

2) A gift toward the support of a church planter or pastor
We support churchplanters across the region enabling them to support their families and remain in place without the economic pressure to leave for the West. Your gift could help send another churchplanter to start a church in a new community for example in Macedonia or Moldova.

3) A gift toward training a young leader to be more effective in their work
We are continually investing in theological and other training for young leaders, encouraging them to take advantage of the nearest course or method of study to their current location in attempt to overcome the problem of those trained overseas that never return, or never settle down if they do return.