Posts by natwater
Volleyball Ministry: How Sports Create Opportunities for Discipleship
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to…
Read MoreDiscipleship in Everyday Life: How Two Students Share their Faith Everyday
Sisters Sophie and Miemie believe God purposefully puts us in places and gives opportunities to share faith in Jesus. Sophie says knowing Jesus is a gift and therefore wants to share this gift with others. The house church Sophie and Miemie attend has had a big impact on them in how to disciple others. Miemie sees the stress her fellow students face at…
Read MoreDisciples Making Disciples in the Netherlands
Nilüfer felt “there should be more” to life. After buying a Bible and reading in the New Testament, she met Jesus—and immediately knew this was the “more” she’d been searching for. As she was looking for a church to attend, God led her to one where GEM worker Margré Hays attends. This was the first time Nilufer had ever been in a church, but she…
Read MoreChurch Anywhere: How Everyday Believers in Rome Met for Church in McDonalds
A church at a McDonald’s restaurant? Yes, that’s right. God can use the most random and unexpected places for people to gather and learn more about Him, for discipleship to happen. Tomas, an Italian American student in Rome, is a very new believer, having accepted Christ just a year ago. While going through a rough time in his life, his…
Read MoreDiscipleship in Community through Fitness in the UK
“Talking about evangelism and being on mission, it can feel quite daunting. But if it’s just doing something that you’re doing anyway, with some intentionality…with other people, there’s just this bond of encouragement that you have.” Dan, pastor of Oikos Church in Birmingham, UK and a gentleman from his church, found a way to intentionally build a community around fitness and to meet other men who don’t know…
Read MoreHow Friendship Led One Woman to Explore the Bible in Northern France
Laura liked to live her life on the edge. She considered herself an anarchist and a communist, priding herself on rejecting any form of privilege or luxury. Holding these strong beliefs didn’t make Laura unapproachable—far from it. The slim, dark-haired Frenchwoman with the lovely smile was warm and friendly, eager to help, and she readily…
Read MorePainting in the Park: How Art Creates Connections for Discipleship
Art can open many avenues of conversation that regular day-to-day life often cannot. When a person sits in a public space with a canvas and a paint palette, people are bound to approach out of curiosity. That is exactly what Mary McCain takes part in every week. Mary lives in Stockton-on-Tees. Her love for others and the…
Read MoreHope on Campus: How God is Changing Lives in Lille
In northern France, the vibrant city of Lille is home to thousands of university students. Seeing an open door of opportunity in a country with few believers, Greater Europe Mission worker Emily Rezek joined a Christian ministry building relationships with and serving university students. “The student ministry includes ‘French Corner’, where 10–20 international students gather each week to practice French,” Emily starts. “We also host a weekly…
Read MoreDiscovering Faith at a Christian Camp in Spain
The female counsellors at Spain’s L’Arcada Christian Camp never knew from week to week what type of campers they would have in their teepees. Would the girls be giggling and constantly whispering about boys, or would they be serious-minded seekers? It usually ended up being a combination of both and everything in between. GEM worker Dani Rhodes, who…
Read MoreCelebrations 2025: A Unifying Worship Service in France
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 Imagine what can happen when God’s children willingly and humbly work together for His glory. Not long ago, the Christian landscape in France was shaped by division and limited connection. While there were followers of Jesus, they were often…
Read MoreWhen the World is Your Home: A Children’s Book for Third Culture Kids
It started with a question. What happens when bedtime stories don’t reflect your child’s reality? For GEM worker Alyx Scholl, that question led to writing “When the World Is Your Home,” a book for children growing up between cultures. Alyx and her husband, Nick, have been serving with GEM in Italy since 2022, along with their two young children, ages four and one. The idea for the book came from a desire to…
Read MoreFinding Refuge in Athens: Ahmad’s Story
What if your decision to follow Christ cost you your family, friendships, community—or even your life? Ahmad, a Syrian refugee, was deeply impacted by the war in his country. The devastating loss of his brother led to his loss of faith in Islam. After fleeing to Athens, he, like many other refugees, felt hopeless. An…
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