Empty Cathedrals

If you're like me, you've dreamed of walking the streets of Europe and taking in the sights of historic landmarks and beautiful cathedrals. However, I recently experienced a revelation. This continent that sent missionaries to other countries for centuries is now known as "post-Christian" and has been a forgotten mission field for decades. Check out a few statistics below.

• Out of 821 million Europeans, only about 2% know Jesus. (Greater Europe Mission - www.gemission.org)
• In more than 20 European nations there are less than 1% Evangelical Christians, among them Albania, Austria, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, and Spain. (European Christian Mission - www.ecmi.org)
• While the Gospel has advanced in most countries during the past 250 years, in Europe it has declined. (Greater Europe Mission - www.gemission.org)

These numbers astound and sadden me. I picture empty cathedrals that stand all over Europe like skeletons of a dead faith. European people are in desperate need of Christ.

I urge you to join with us in prayer for the countries of Europe. Greater Europe Mission (www.gemission.org) has declared Thursday, October 23, 2008 a Day of Prayer for Europe. Mark your calendar and check back on Thursday for more information about the specific needs in Europe.

Brandy