“All my friends know I’m a Christian. But how do I reach them?” That was the question that went around the table as AGWM personnel, John Koeshall in Germany sat eating Turkish food and talking about next semester with university students. The Koeshalls are reaching out to university students in a culture where faith belongs solely in the private sphere, and where it is extremely rude to foist it upon someone. The discussion centered on how do we as a community be a witness to the world in which we find ourselves?
“All my friends know I’m a Christian. But how do I reach them?” That was the question that went around the table as AGWM personnel, John Koeshall in Germany sat eating Turkish food and talking about next semester with university students. The Koeshalls are reaching out to university students in a culture where faith belongs solely in the private sphere, and where it is extremely rude to foist it upon someone. The discussion centered on how do we as a community be a witness to the world in which we find ourselves?
Indeed, this is the question we ask in secular Europe, where 3% or less are in evangelical churches, and where only 1% of the German population attend the state Lutheran church on Sundays. To be now sitting around a table with six faithful, passionate students, discussing and dreaming how to be a relevant witness to their friends is an answer to prayer. Having a voice in secular Europe begins with genuine community, where the life and truth of God is lived out in the power of the Spirit. John further states, “As I sat there watching them, I could see wheels turning, ideas coming together, encouragement spoken, admonishments to pray voiced, and resolution firmed. They all know it’s going to cost them: time, energy, comfort, and reputation.” There is a price to pay but seeing students coming to know Jesus is well worth it.