Europe: Rediscovering HopeIan Nicholson - 2 May 2012

Announcing Aufstehen: 24-7 Eurogathering 2012.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ( Romans 15:13)

Greece has always been a gateway to Europe and a conduit for new ideas and movements. It was in Northern Greece that a small band of Jesus followers met a woman, Lydia, by a river and she and her family were baptized; Christianity had arrived in Europe.

Very quickly this fledgling movement came under pressure as Paul and Silas were beaten, stripped and imprisoned (Acts 16) in Philippi. However, overwhelmed with confidence in God their response was to break out into songs of praise in the middle of the night. Suddenly the jail was demolished through an earthquake and the jailer and his family were then baptized; nothing could hinder the irresistible advance of the Spirit from Macedonia into Europe.

Two weeks ago I spent a few days in this same area of Northern Greece and was struck by how this region is once again being shaken – but this time through despair, anger and fear:

• Youth unemployment is over 50%
• many salaries and pensions have been cut by 30%.
• Bars and restaurants are empty as eating and drinking out is a luxury, and
• many are leaving the cities to return to their villages or find work abroad.

People here talked continually about the financial crisis and its impact on their lives; what struck me was the sense of humiliation and the tangible lack of hope. These feelings could be mirrored in Spain, Moldova, Iceland or Serbia – Europe is at an economic and spiritual crossroads.

As we have  planned  for ‘Aufstehen’, our 2012 Eurogathering we have been struck that we want to strengthen our identity as a people of faith and hope

Our confidence is not in the banks, governments or the job market but in the Father who shaped Europe; what He did in the past He can do again.

As I write I am encouraged that the number of 24-7 prayer rooms has increased by 40% this year alongside a growing spread of communities engaged in mission and an upsurge of prayer rooms in schools – Hope is on the rise!

Last year over 350 people gathered from 23 nations and many churches and organisations to worship passionately, pray, be challenged through great input and encourage each other in living and sharing the gospel – God met us. We warmly invite you to join us once again in Frankfurt  from 18th – 21st October. The cost of £120 includes all gathering costs, accommodation, breakfast and main meal each day.

Book your ticket now and join me in Frankfurt as we 'Aufstehen' (Stand Up) and fix our eyes on Jesus the Hope, Joy and Peace of Europe.

Read more about this years Eurogathering.

Email the team with any questions