Nikos Stefanidis (Helping Hands Greece) believes that reaching refugees through “holistic ministry” is following Jesus’ example. The pastor shares stories of asylum seekers who have started to follow Christ. 

Every summer thousands cross the ports of Southern Europe in their trip to Africa. Operation Transit volunteers go to these cities and offer Bibles and evangelistic materials. 

“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.

Dr Pablo Martinez is one of the authors of the ‘Pastoral Guide for the prevention of spiritual abuse’. In an interview, he explains the causes from a biblical perspective, and recommends steps to take action.

About 70 trained volunteers are ready to go from Egypt to Europe with the “Give A Hand” project. Speaking in Arabic to refugees arriving in Lesvos “gave them a feeling to finally be understood by somebody.”

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.”

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. 

Evangelical Focus asked the well-known Pentecostal pastor about his “open” approach to Roman Catholicism. Traettino defended his position about ecumenism during the Italian Evangelical Alliance 2016 assembly (8-9 April, Rome).

Ahead of their appearance at the Court of Appeal, the Baking Company’s General Manager, Daniel MacArthur, said: “The gospel says that we are all sinners, and God is the great judge.”

The Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance believes the views of evangelical minorities in Catholic countries should be “heared” before relating to the Vatican. In an interview with Evangelical Focus, he also highlighted the role of the churches in the refugee crisis.

A Christian Maths student is interviewed about her faith on the back cover of a secular Spanish national newspaper. 

Whitney Gerdes (IAFR) explains how refugee children “develop a ‘new normal’ very quickly”, but they also “need to be kids”. Local churches are very important in that process.

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. 

Swiss cartoonist Alain Auderset on how his ‘Willy Grunch’ animation video went viral on Facebook. His new project, a “book without words” to share the gospel.

What are some of the struggles child refugees face? Can church members serve them? What should we have in mind? Whitney Gerdes (IAFR) gives answers. Watch Video (7 min).

The 1569 Bible translation “is an unknown masterpiece”, Spanish academic Antonio Muñoz Molina says in an interview at the public television.

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.

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.  

“There are around 33,000 prostituted women in France, and 80% are victims of trafficking”, says Marcel Georgel. He works algonside victims of human trafficking in Nantes (France).

“Doctors and nurses are also victims of abortion”, says Patricia Sandoval, who worked as a nurse in a Planned Parenthood clinic. “I found Jesus and his forgiveness.”

Boshra is on of the producers of a series on Christians in the country. He aims to “highlight our struggles and show who we are.”

Doug Marshall (IAFR) shares about the situation of refugees in Malta. “I would challenge the political right [in Europe] to be a little bit more engaging. Especially if they claim to be Christian right.”

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

Ewan McGregor plays both Jesus and the Devil in Rodrigo Garcia's film about the final few days in the wilderness. “It was done with nothing but respect and passion”, the Scottish actor says. 

Did Jesus know about his trial, death and resurrection? Did it take him by surprise? Will Graham answers some questions about a week that changed the world.