How to reach your neighbour
Tuesday 04 May 2021 12:00 Krista and Jesse are ECM workers on Gotland, Sweden, and describe how God used the Alpha course in a couple's life.
“We had the honour of welcoming one of our neighbours into Christ’s family. Goran and his wife Annika (names changed) attended the Alpha Course a while back. They kept their questions and comments entirely to themselves whenever we met. I don’t think Annika ever uttered a word in any of the meetings. Even during the much-prayed-for weekend retreat they were seemingly unresponsive.
“Recording one of Jesus’ parables, Mark wrote that God’s kingdom is like seed thrown on a field by a man who then goes to bed and forgets about it. That’s kind of what happened to Goran and Annika. They attended the course and then went their own way, somewhat forgotten.
“But the parable continues: The seed sprouts and grows, and he (the farmer) has no idea how it happens. The earth does it all without his help.
“And that’s kind of what happened here, too. Over the subsequent months, Goran began to feel the nearness, conviction, and friendship of God in his life. So, in response, with sweaty hands and a racing pulse, he logged into his Facebook account, navigated to the info tab, and indicated that he was indeed “Christian”. Then he sat back in his chair and waited for the proverbial fireworks. But, “All men shall know thou art mine disciple by thine Facebook status” is not exactly what Jesus said. So, months later, Goran realised his newfound love needed a proper context. That’s when Goran called me out-of-the blue and asked if I would be willing to baptise him and welcome him into the church as a new member!
“Praise God that he is always working, even if we have forgotten the seed.”
More similar stories can be found in our ECM Spring Magazine. Follow this link.
Read more about ECM's work in Sweden here.
Stories from Europe > 2021
December
November
- 11/23/2021 11/23/21, 12:00 PM - Helping others to love Muslims
- 11/16/2021 11/16/21, 9:43 AM - The call to missions
- 11/12/2021 11/12/21, 12:10 PM - Trusting God in Portugal
October
- 10/26/2021 10/26/21, 2:00 PM - The gospel into people's homes
- 10/19/2021 10/19/21, 1:11 PM - How long, oh Lord?
- 10/11/2021 10/11/21, 12:12 PM - Tom and Grace Campbell
September
August
July
May
April
- 4/27/2021 4/27/21, 12:00 PM - Confined but connecting
- 4/20/2021 4/20/21, 5:30 PM - A life transformed...
- 4/6/2021 4/6/21, 11:30 AM - A light in the community
February
January
READ our stories about what is going on across Europe,
PRAY for the projects and the workers involved!
Searching for Hope
April - 14 - 2026 12:52 Across Europe, many people are searching for meaning, identity, and hope. Behind the statistics are real lives. Meet Sander. full storyCalled? Keep going!
April - 08 - 2026 12:42 Sensing God’s call to mission can be both thrilling and daunting. Anna’s journey back to Romania reminds us that when God calls, He provides — and you are never alone. full storyThe Triumph of the Cross
April - 01 - 2026 12:23 As we approach Easter, we remember the Cross — the moment that changed eternity — and give thanks to Jesus, the King of kings. full storyClaremorris Church Opens Its Doors
March - 25 - 2026 11:31 What began as a small gathering in a town hall has become something far greater. On 21 March 2026, the growing church in Claremorris, County Mayo, celebrated the official opening of its very first building — a powerful milestone and a testament to God’s faithfulness. full storyStep Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
March - 18 - 2026 10:55 What could your next step in mission look like? Across Europe, doors are open for you to serve, grow, and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re exploring a short-term experience or sensing a longer-term call, there are opportunities waiting where your gifts can make a real difference. full storyWomen of Faith
March - 04 - 2026 12:27 This March, we celebrate the incredible women serving in mission — women who lift God’s name high, shine His light, and make a difference across Europe. full storyA Church Takes Root
February - 25 - 2026 11:48 In the fast-paced rhythm of Budapest, a new church is taking root. Through patient relationship-building and creative outreach, Tamás and Virág are seeing lives changed and a vibrant community begin to grow. full storyEncouraging Growth in Portugal
February - 18 - 2026 12:05 There are hopeful signs of growth in Portugal, as new data reveals a significant rise in church planting across the country — a reminder that God is at work, often in ways we may not immediately see. Read on to see what God is doing! full storyThe Heavens Declare
February - 11 - 2026 13:17 Berlin Psalm Project’s second album is here! Experience the Psalms like never before, with jazz-inspired arrangements that stir the soul. full storyNew Neighbours
February - 04 - 2026 12:48 What does it mean to leave a familiar, supportive Christian environment and move to a place where the gospel is rarely heard? Last August, Edward and Trix Landman took that step together with their children. Now, a year later, they look back on their first experiences. full storyJoin God’s Story in Europe
January - 28 - 2026 17:24 At ECM, our work is more than programmes and projects—it’s about people, and ultimately, it’s about God, at work in and through us. Every time a believer is equipped, a community is connected, or a disciple is multiplied, it is His Spirit moving, using us as instruments for His glory. full storyA New Beginning in Frankfurt
January - 21 - 2026 14:12 In one of Germany’s largest cities, a new church-plant is emerging through prayer, presence, and trust in God’s leading—bringing hope to the Oberrad community. full storyHope, Healing, and Growth in Barcelona
January - 14 - 2026 11:22 Something is happening in a church in Barcelona—something gentle, hopeful, and hard to ignore. Andy and Andrea Warner have been watching how quiet healing, honest searching, and unexpected growth are transforming people's lives. full storyThere’s no Plan B...
January - 07 - 2026 10:54 “The church is God’s plan for the salvation of the world. There’s no Plan B… God is putting all his eggs in the church basket.” (Stephen Foster) Thank you for being part of God’s great Plan A! full storyHappy New Year from ECM!
January - 01 - 2026 11:41 May 2026 be a year of hope, growth, and renewed courage to share Christ in every community. Together, one disciple, one church, one soul at a time, we can see Europe transformed. full storyMerry Christmas from ECM!
December - 23 - 2025 11:15 As Christmas approaches, we pause to celebrate the greatest gift the world has ever received: Jesus Christ, God with us. His birth reminds us that hope shines brightest in the darkest places—just as your partnership helps the gospel reach communities across Europe where hope is needed most. THANK YOU! full storyStanding with Bitaj
December - 16 - 2025 11:03 As Christmas approaches, many of us are preparing to gather in warm, familiar places — churches filled with carols, candlelight, and the joy of Christ’s coming. In Bitaj, Albania, the Way of Peace Church has long been such a place: a simple building where families come to worship, to learn, and to find compassion in Jesus. And now they need our help. full storyJoin the Team
December - 09 - 2025 10:23 Remedy International Wesleyan Church in Poděbrady is seeing remarkable growth among students and is praying for new English-speaking missionaries to join their team. This opportunity invites you to invest in relationships, strengthen a vibrant church community, and share the hope of the gospel in the Czech Rep. full story