The Sun Shines for Irene
Wednesday 13 May 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change.
Irene grew up in Catholic Seville, Spain, and was raised as such. However, like many in Europe, she became disillusioned with religion. New Age spirituality attracted her, and seemed a response to her search, but it did not fill the emptiness she felt.
“In my worst moments, I didn't even want to live anymore. I was coming out of a painful divorce and had sunk into depression,” shares Irene. In her anguish, she began looking for Jesus. An online search connected her with an ECMI couple in Seville.
“We have a heart for discipleship, which is a high priority at ECMI" say ECMI workers Henk and Hanneke. With a gift for hospitality, their doors were open for all, and through long, regular conversations around their table, Irene came to faith in Christ. She was baptised in the ECMers’ garden pool, surrounded by her family and friends — a joyful celebration!
At first, her family was very suspicious of her decision. Now they see in her a deep peace she had never known before.
“The change had to happen by placing my life in the hands of Jesus”, says Irene.“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Her journey continues as she meets biweekly with Hanneke, discovering more of what it means to follow Jesus.
“The sun has finally begun to shine in my life again.”
Stories from Europe > 2026
May
- 5/13/2026 5/13/26, 12:34 PM - The Sun Shines for Irene
- 5/6/2026 5/6/26, 12:05 PM - A Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
April
- 4/29/2026 4/29/26, 1:34 PM - Faith from the Ruins
- 4/22/2026 4/22/26, 1:06 PM - Faithful Presence
- 4/14/2026 4/14/26, 12:52 PM - Searching for Hope
- 4/8/2026 4/8/26, 12:42 PM - Called? Keep going!
- 4/1/2026 4/1/26, 12:23 PM - The Triumph of the Cross
March
- 3/25/2026 3/25/26, 11:31 AM - Claremorris Church Opens Its Doors
- 3/18/2026 3/18/26, 10:55 AM - Step Into Mission: Opportunities Across Europe
- 3/4/2026 3/4/26, 12:27 PM - Women of Faith
February
- 2/25/2026 2/25/26, 11:48 AM - A Church Takes Root
- 2/18/2026 2/18/26, 12:05 PM - Encouraging Growth in Portugal
- 2/11/2026 2/11/26, 1:17 PM - The Heavens Declare
- 2/4/2026 2/4/26, 12:48 PM - New Neighbours
January
READ our stories about what is going on across Europe,
PRAY for the projects and the workers involved!
The Sun Shines for Irene
May - 13 - 2026 12:34 After years of searching — through religion, spirituality, and personal pain — Irene reached a point where she didn’t want to go on. But a simple online search connected her with an ECMI couple whose open table became the place where everything began to change. full storyA Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together
May - 06 - 2026 12:05 Across Europe, many live unseen — shaped by disability, anxiety, or neurodivergence. As followers of Jesus, we are learning to notice, to listen, and to create spaces where everyone belongs. full storyFaith from the Ruins
April - 29 - 2026 13:34 When war tore through Irpin, life was shattered. Yet even amid war, God’s work continues—lives changed, churches planted, and hope restored. Discover the story. full storyFaithful Presence
April - 22 - 2026 13:06 Mission in Europe often moves slowly, but God works in unseen ways. This story from Austria reminds us that faithful, patient love can transform lives — even when change seems invisible. full storySearching 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 story
