What are the challenges and opportunities that come with the arrival of thousands of refugees to Germany? How can we make sure Muslim asylum seekers understand religious freedom? Marcel Fink (S.A.M.) gives some answers. Watch video (5 min).

On June 19 and 26, many churches will spend a day to pray “for the welfare and protection of the world’s forcibly displaced peoples”. Ideas and resources are offered.

Hundreds of evangelical Christians from many denominations marched in Madrid (Spain) to pray for their city, the authorities and asking God to bring hope to its society. Many gathered in other cities on June, 11.

Churches that have gone through difficult times often unconsciously give space to news “messianic leaders” with a non-Biblical leadership, says Diane Langberg, Clynical Psychologist.

In Revelation 13, we have a description of what a state or a government can become when everything goes wrong. A state can become a devouring beast, destroying everything in its path, and especially attacking Christians with demonic hatred.

Italian pastor Giovanni Traettino believes “the Word of God is moving and acting in the Catholic Church.” The Pentecostal leader encourages other churches to have an “open” approach to the Vatican. “Pope Francis is my brother in Christ”, he says in an interview with Evangelical Focus.

“There are 2,200 in France and about 50 in the Bretagne region. However, these are still relatively unknown churches”. French public television France 3 airs report about evangelical pastor Thierry Le Gall. 

“We need to develop in young leaders the ability to recognize and nurture a calling of God into the ministry, even amidst career options that are much more lucrative”, says Dr. Steve Patty after conducting a wide-ranging study.

More than 700 participants at the European Leadership Forum conference in Poland. Networks, seminaries and plenary sessions gave biblical perspectives on current issues. John Piper: “Prayer is central, the world does not need more Christians with powerless ministries”.

Christian weekly newspaper Uusi Tie (Finland) made a survey of the number of Christian baptisms among the new immigrants in the country. At least 235 baptisms of new Christians are documented.

Two consecutive Bible competitions inspired evangelical churches in Bulgaria. 135 teenagers and 43 university students coming from a dozen of towns compared Scriptural knowledge.

Usama Hanna (MEOS, Switzerland) believes churches in Switzerland and across Europe “are opening up to integration.” He emphasises the importance of “praying for and with the refugees.”

Free Church of Scotland Moderator David Robertson: “If this is an attempt to state there is a church where one does not exist, then this is a foolish policy. The church is not a virtual organisation which one can join, opt out of, switch off and on as you please.”

What should be the approach to refugees coming from an Arabic background? What is important to them? How can we talk to them about God? Usama Hanna (MEOS, Switzerland) gives some answers. 

More than 500 people participated in the convention of the National Union of Protestant Reformed Evangelical Churches (UNEPREF). Church planting, environmental care were also discussed.

The World Evangelical Alliance Secretary General participated in the Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly (Rome, 8-9 April). In this interview with Evangelical Focus, Bp Tendero talks about the need to listen to local churches and to face challenges like the refugee crisis and climate change. 

Imagine you are a former member of a guerrilla. Imagine you met Jesus and you became a pastor. 

President Xi Jinping threatens non-official churches with more controls and says Communist party members must remain “staunchly atheist.” State media spread the conclusions of governmental conference on religion.

Robert Strong (OM Netherlands) on the experience of opening the church building to offer tea and a safe place changes the perspective of Christians and creates opportunities to speak about God.

Free Church of Scotland Moderator David Robertson analyses low numbers of church attendants. “There are great opportunities for the gospel, many people think they have rejected Christianity but they haven't a clue what it is.”

Efraim Tendero (World Evangelical Alliance) and Jaume Llenas (Spanish Evangelical Alliance) agree in their disapproval of ecumenism and emphasise mission: “If we stop sharing the gospel, we stop being evangelical Christians”. A second report from the 2016 Italian Evangelical Alliance assembly.

What can members of local churches do to welcome asylum seekers living in their region? Robert Strong (Netherlands) suggests some easy steps we can follow.  

Jesus was able to command others to follow him, yet his approach to leading these followers was to build close relationships where he taught in small groups, challenged, mentored, and answered their questions. 

“There is no dichotomy between doctrinal content and relationship”, pastor Mark Stirling says.

The Evangelical Council in the region of Asturias expresses clear condemnation and “solidarity with those who suffer any type of spiritual abuse.” Prosecutor asks for 22 years of jail for the man.