Posts by natwater
How a UK Mum’s Group Is Building Community and Making Disciples
Discipleship doesn’t just take place in churches, in Bible studies, or in schools. Two mums, Nikki and Charley, in Birmingham, UK are reaching out to other mums in their community through their weekly Mum’s Meet. Nikki’s desire was to serve God in her role as a mother. Mums Meet was created to be a welcoming…
Read MoreMinistry through the Arts: A Pathway to Connection & Curiosity
His eyes moved slowly across the paintings before him. Drawn in by the vibrant contrasts of colour, the intertwining brushstrokes, and images emerging from abstract shapes, he stepped closer to the canvases. A quiet sense of connection to an unknown creator stirred within him as he lingered. There was something peaceful about the blues washing over sharp…
Read MoreSports Ministry & The Great Commission: Encouragement for Planting & Watering Seeds
Does it ever feel discouraging to pursue the Great Commission? You tell others about Jesus and demonstrate His love, but don’t see transformation as quickly as you’d like—if at all? Don’t lose heart! Paul says in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow… Each will receive…
Read MoreA Thursday Night in Budapest That’s Changing Lives: Inside a Growing International Student Ministry
On any Thursday, if you were to walk down the stairs to the basement of the building that Danube International Church rents, you would hear the overwhelming sound of university students chattering. The room is set for worship, and you’d be instantly invited to join in someone’s conversation. Danube Uni Students (DUS) began in 2019 and now has 70…
Read MoreVolleyball 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…
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