missions

Evangelism

Post Christian Europe: Not Dead

This past Sunday, we had the wonderful opportunity to have Pieter and Nora Kalkman visit us and share about their ministry in Europe. They spoke about their work in eastern Europe and their challenges in “post Christian” Europe. Nora and Pieter are based in Prague, Czech Republic where they serve through International Ministries as liaison and volunteer coordinators with the European Baptist Federation (EBF). They match the skills and interests of short term mission volunteers from the United States and Puerto Rico with the needs of more than 50 Baptist unions that are part of the EBF.

Some interesting information they shared:

There are only 2.4% Bible believing Christians in Europe, making this is a priority mission field.
Georgian Baptist pastors wear similar liturgical vestments that Orthodox priests wear because of the historical Eastern Orthodox presence in that region.
In some countries, only 3% of the population go to any type of “church.”
There are a variety of needs to do mission work. Week trips, short term, and long term ministry opportunities can be found here.

So if there only 2.4% “Bible believing Christians” living in Europe, we have to ask the question: Is Christianity dead in Europe?

Haiti

Haiti Hits Home

The destruction in Haiti continues to sadden and compel people to give. Over $50 million has been given from “text giving” and tens of millions of dollars continue to flow into relief agencies. The Haiti earthquake had a personal connection for me and for the people of our church. One of our members, Jude Pierre, was serving on a mission trip in Haiti when the earthquake struck. The mission trip team was about 50 miles away from Port-au-Prince, but still felt the earthquake. Jude and his team return safely a few days later and their return was reported on by NBC13 here in Albany:

Click for video

It was an incredible turn of events and this Sunday morning, Jude will recount his experiences during the 10:15 a.m. worship service at FBC Ballston Spa. Jude will have pictures and information about his mission trip. We hope you will join us.

In addition, FBC Ballston spa has given over $1500 to fund Haiti relief efforts through International Ministries of the American Baptist Churches U.S.A. The American Baptist Women’s group aka “G-Unit” group at FBC also made medical kits with donated supplies that is being sent to Haiti. Thanks be to God for the generous giving from the good people at FBC Ballston spa. Also, our denomination has quickly responded to relief efforts.

Here is a summary of what the ABC has done:

Post Christian Europe: Not Dead

Haiti Hits Home

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