Austria

Inspiring Stories of Refugee Life Change Through Christ

Today we now focus on three individual stories from Europe missionaries who are working to engage with the refugee movement. As we continue to follow the Great Commission, we remember the words of Christ, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV)

Due to the sensitive nature of these stories, certain names and locations have been changed.


Belgium

Missionaries Sam and Naomi are working with those who speak Arabic in the Brussels, Belguim area. Naomi has had the privilege of praying and counseling with a young Agfhani m*slim woman who related this testimony: “Bahoz was once incurably ill declared by his doctors. For twelve years, he suffered severe seizures every day. Exhausted and emaciated I found him in November....treatment costs and other problems put him on the street. One prayer in the name of Jesus Christ and he was healed completely. He's been attack-free for three months and shares this miracle that God has done in his life with the people around him. His brain scans don't show any trace of the epilepsy.” 

Sam also says: “We have had the privilege of helping to plant a new Pentecostal Arabic/Flemish speaking church in a city north of Brussels. We just heard recently that this new church plant (a little over a year old) which is bursting at the seams has decided to plant another new church about 10 miles away where 4 or 5 families are now attending and being taught! They are also active in street evangelism in other places.”


France

In France, God has led one of our missionaries to create an economic opportunity for those affected by the migration. God has given a clear vision to open a café serving Middle Eastern dishes, run by refugees. It will offer catering, sandwiches and preparation of food for distributing to those still on the streets. AGWM personnel are currently taking classes on health and food safety in order to meet the French standards. A portion of the profits from the café will finance meals to be distributed once or twice a week to migrant camps in the Paris region by teams of volunteers. The café will also host migrant support workshops, including French classes, lessons on Parisian culture, job skills classes, and also continue to hold women's events.


Austria

In Austria, one of our workers has planted a “refugee church” with several different nationalities, including Iranians, Afghanis, and Kurds. On average, around 70 refugees attend every Sunday, with several different discipleship classes leading them into a deeper relationship with Christ.  Five people are in an advanced discipleship course which is meant for those who feel called into the ministry. Throughout 2018, AGWM personnel report that 14 have been taken the step of water baptism, while 7 have been filled with the Holy Spirit. God has and will continue to do great things in this church!

Kulterfest with Immigrants in Austria

A small town in Austria is intentionally making efforts to integrate the immigrants into the life of the community. "Von Nebeneinander, zum Miteinander" meaning: ‘From Next to one another, to With one another.’ This is the goal of the local Kulturfest.

This summer marked the second culture fest of the local church and the local mosque and any others who wished to participate in it. It has been a long time coming, but it is on the way to becoming a "tradition"!

The purpose is community, friendship, understanding... and God among us! The barriers of tradition are gently giving way. And as believers, we are in awe of the sweetness of Jesus being in our midst! He just does things his own way!

Isaiah 55:8-9(NIV) 8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Due to rainy weather, the event was held indoors at a local church. This is a proof of "traditions" being less of an issue! There are also times of meeting in the mosque for a variety of times when we are invited for meals. Also, the Muslim youth pitched in for set-up and take-down and clean up! This made the whole event really "with one another" even in the small or behind-the-scenes things. It was a great turnout even with poor weather!

The gathering had games for all ages, music from the different cultures present, folk dancing, and lots and lots of foods! One report received was: "All in all, it was a great success, especially in times of political uncertainty."

The Spirit of God is moving!

Submitted by AGWM personnel in Austria

DSCN1180 (2).jpgA small town in Austria is intentionally making efforts to integrate the immigrants into the life of the community.

"Von Nebeneinander, zum Miteinander" meaning: ‘From Next to one another, to With one another.’ This is the goal of the local Kulturfest.

This summer marked the second culture fest of the local church and the local mosque and any others who wished to participate in it. It has been a long time coming, but it is on the way to becoming a "tradition"!

The purpose is community, friendship, understanding... and God among us! The barriers of tradition are gently giving way. And as believers, we are in awe of the sweetness of Jesus being in our midst! He just does things his own way!

Isaiah 55:8-9(NIV)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

DSCN1185 (2).jpgDue to rainy weather, the event was held indoors at a local church. This is a proof of "traditions" being less of an issue! There are also times of meeting in the mosque for a variety of times when we are invited for meals. Also, the Muslim youth pitched in for set-up and take-down and clean up! This made the whole event really "with one another" even in the small or behind-the-scenes things. It was a great turnout even with poor weather!

The gathering had games for all ages, music from the different cultures present, folk dancing, and lots and lots of foods! One report received was: "All in all, it was a great success, especially in times of political uncertainty."

The Spirit of God is moving!

Submitted by AGWM personnel in Austria

Austrian Youth Minister to Roma in Slovakia

A team of Austrian youth came to minister to the Roma (Gypsies) of Slovakia. AGWM personnel, John Bean, whose ministry focuses on the Roma tells of the great blessing these young people were. They helped strip paint off of a container building which was purchased to house small group meetings as well as a place for children’s ministry in this Roma project. The youth also did children’s programs in four different villages in the area throughout the week. John Bean’s family were much involved in these programs, with his daughter being the translator for the leaders and the youth. It was a busy and fruitful week for these young Austrians. It was the first time that some of these Roma women were out of the country of Slovakia. They were so excited to get to see the city of Vienna and to worship and sit in sessions with people from 15 different nations. We all returned to Slovakia with a renewed passion to reach the children of this nation.

image001.jpgA team of Austrian youth came to minister to the Roma (Gypsies) of Slovakia. AGWM personnel, John Bean, whose ministry focuses on the Roma tells of the great blessing these young people were. They helped strip paint off of a container building which was purchased to house small group meetings as well as a place for children’s ministry in this Roma project.

image003.jpgThe youth also did children’s programs in four different villages in the area throughout the week. John Bean’s family were much involved in these programs, with his daughter being the translator for the leaders and the youth. It was a busy and fruitful week for these young Austrians. It was the first time that some of these Roma women were out of the country of Slovakia. They were so excited to get to see the city of Vienna and to worship and sit in sessions with people from 15 different nations. We all returned to Slovakia with a renewed passion to reach the children of this nation.