News feed for: ECM Australia

Ready for Camp Season?

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:28:00 +0200

Summer camps across Europe continue to offer children, young people, and families opportunities to encounter Christian community, hear the gospel, and experience lives transformed through Christ.

Every summer, camps organised by churches and ministries across Europe become places of friendship, healing, discipleship, and gospel witness. Away from daily pressures and routines, children, teenagers, and families often become especially open to meaningful conversations, community, and the message of Christ.

One example is a recurring outreach in Croatia organised through the Christian NGO “I Want Life” which is led by ECMI worker Jonathan Vukov and the associates of the local Emanuel church. The ministry began in 2013 after a season of prayer for new opportunities to serve. Since then, annual summer camps on the Croatian coast have welcomed foster children, foster families, and young people for a week of shared life, fellowship, worship, biblical teaching, games, and time together.

Over the years, many participants have taken important steps of faith through these camps — some deciding to follow Christ, being baptised, or becoming connected to local youth groups and churches afterwards.

For many vulnerable children and families, however, attending camp would not be possible without financial support. Each year, organisers help cover camp and transport costs so that those with limited means are still able to participate.

As the summer season begins, please pray for ECMI workers, churches, and volunteers involved in camps and outreach activities across Europe. Pray for protection, unity, open hearts, and lasting spiritual fruit in the lives of those attending.

You can also learn more about — or support — the Croatia summer camp ministry here:

Croatia Summer Camp Project

A New Path

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 12:46:00 +0200

Fatima* arrived carrying deep trauma and a firm rejection of faith. Through consistent friendship and practical support, her openness began to grow — until one unexpected moment changed her direction completely.

A story from an ECMI worker in the UK

I first met Fatima* just over a year ago. A refugee from the Middle East in the UK, she had already endured trafficking, forced marriage, and domestic violence in her young 21 years. Having courageously left her abusive marriage with her baby, Fatima longed for friendship and support as she learned to parent in a new culture.

Given her past, she rejected all religion and quickly shut down any conversation about God. Nevertheless, I continued meeting her regularly, offering practical support on parenting, education, and employment. Several months later, she allowed me to pray for her before an interview — which she successfully passed. Weeks later, she phoned with something unexpected: she wanted to become a Christian. Waiting for a bus in the city centre, she wandered into a nearby church and experienced an overwhelming sense of God’s peace and love.

Though initially resistant to the gospel, God had been at work through our friendship, preparing her heart so she had a Christian friend to turn to when she was ready. Fatima now attends a fellowship for Muslim-background believers and passionately follows Jesus, even amid harassment and intimidation. Pray for ECMI workers ministering to Muslims in Europe, that many more lives will be changed by Jesus.

*Name changed to protect identity.

“God had been at work through our friendship, preparing her heart for Jesus.”

Churches Unite in Leiria

Wed, 27 May 2026 12:51:00 +0200

More than 200 believers from 12 churches and 9 mission organisations joined together in Portugal’s Leiria region for two days of evangelism, prayer, and outreach — with around 700 people approached and 40 decisions for Christ reported.

More than 200 Christians from across Portugal and beyond gathered in the Leiria region on 1–2 May for the evangelistic mobilisation “Sharing Jesus – Blessing the City”, a united outreach focused on prayer, evangelism, and serving local communities.

The initiative brought together 12 evangelical churches and nine mission organisations, including ECM Portugal, YWAM Switzerland, OM, EveryHome, and the Portuguese Evangelical Alliance.

Participants gathered each morning for evangelism training, prayer, and fellowship before heading into the streets of Marinha Grande, Leiria, and Fátima to share the gospel through conversations, prayer, music, creative activities, and personal testimonies.

Organisers estimate that around 700 people were approached during the outreach, with 40 people making decisions to follow Christ. Many others requested prayer or began ongoing conversations with local churches and believers.

One memorable moment came when a young girl named Sara shared leaflets and flowers she had picked herself while telling people, “You were made for love.” Another powerful testimony took place during an evening prayer gathering in Leiria, where three teenagers spoke with a young woman for more than 30 minutes before she gave her life to Jesus.

The mobilisation also included prayer walks through the cities, with teams praying for local leaders, churches, families, and spiritual renewal across the region.

Organisers described the event as “a practical expression of the unity of the Body of Christ” and celebrated the collaboration between churches, mission agencies, and international teams serving together with a shared purpose — making Jesus known.

“We left with hearts full of gratitude,” the organisers said, “knowing that God was present in every detail and that there is still much fruit to be harvested.”

A Life Saved

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:38:00 +0200

What began as a soup kitchen relationship became something far more urgent. When Mr. Dumitru’s life was at risk, ECMI workers refused to give up — advocating, praying, and walking with him until the moment that changed everything.

When Jeroen and Marieke responded to God’s call to go as ECMI missionaries to Romania, they did not imagine the impact their obedience would have. The ministries they started, the church they planted, the many they would help. For one man, Mr. Dumitru, it meant saving his life.

Mr. Dumitru was one of the regulars who first started attending their soup kitchen. Some time later, they were able to build for him a small house in the woods, where he could live. Things were going well. However, last year, his health started to deteriorate rapidly, becoming increasingly weak and even losing consciousness.

The hospital then refused to treat him, but the ECMI workers determined not to give up. They contacted other doctors, got him referrals, and advocated for him until, after much work and prayer, he was admitted. The next day, he underwent surgery for prostate cancer and received six bags of blood transfusions in the days that followed. The surgery saved his life.

After leaving the hospital, Dumitru stayed with an elderly woman to help him recover. When Jeroen and Marieke visited, what followed was unexpected: a moment of gratitude, conversation, and prayer together.

Transformation is sometimes dramatic, sometimes quiet—but it always requires faithful workers willing to be present and serve others sacrificially.

“Transformation requires faithful workers willing to serve sacrificially.”

The Sun Shines for Irene

Wed, 13 May 2026 12:34:00 +0200

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.”

A Place for Everyone — Rethinking Ministry Together

Wed, 06 May 2026 12:05:00 +0200

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.

In every community, there are people who feel on the outside.

Some live with disabilities. Others are neurodivergent. Many face anxiety, addiction, depression, dementia, or other mental health challenges. They are often present around us, yet missing from our churches — not because they don’t want to belong, but because church has not always known how to include them.

This is not only a social need. It is a gospel question.

Jesus consistently moved towards those who were overlooked, excluded, or misunderstood. He made space, restored dignity, and welcomed people into relationship. As His followers, we are called to do the same — not simply out of compassion, but because this reflects the heart of God.

We love because He first loved us. And His love is for all.

Seeing the Need

Three years ago, ECMI launched Disability Ministries to help bring visibility to this area and equip missionaries. A working group began developing resources and encouraging learning across the mission.

One key initiative is Church For All — a monthly Zoom gathering exploring topics like disability, neurodiversity, and mental health. These sessions create space to learn, ask questions, and grow together as we seek to reflect God’s heart more faithfully.

From Vision to Action

This growing awareness is leading to action.

In Italy, an ECMI couple, inspired by this initiative, has started a ministry among the neurodivergent community. They are learning as they go — listening, adapting, and building relationships. It is not a finished model, but it is already opening doors for connection and belonging.

Moving Forward

This is not a specialised calling for a few. It is part of following Jesus.

To notice who may be missing.
To remove barriers where we can.
To become communities that reflect the welcome we ourselves have received.

We are still learning. But we are taking steps — trusting that God is already at work, and inviting us to join Him.

Join God’s Story in Europe

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:22:35 +0100

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.

Often, the impact isn’t dramatic. It’s in the quiet prayer shared with a neighbour, the patience extended in a difficult conversation, the encouragement sent to a colleague halfway across the continent. These everyday acts of faithfulness reflect His love and advance His mission.

And it’s not just those on the frontlines who participate. Every prayer you lift, every gift you give, every time you engage with this work strengthens what God is doing. Your support equips those He calls, connects communities, and multiplies hope—always for His glory, often in ways you may never see but can trust Him to accomplish.

As we step into a new season, let’s remember that multiplying disciples isn’t about doing everything at once—it’s about faithfully participating in what God is already doing, wherever we are. Every connection matters. Every act of equipping plants seeds. Every moment of courage multiplies hope.

Together, we rejoice in being part of His greater story, seeing His Kingdom grow, one faithful act at a time.

Connecting Across Europe

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 06:27:57 +0200

We asked some of our workers to share how they are connecting with those around them in Jesus name.

Chloe Wolfson, Spain

Working Across Cultures

Many Romanians live in Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain. They have migrated for work and have established their families and lives in the town, along with Romanian churches. All of these churches are Romanian-speaking, and while one or two offer facilities for translation into Spanish—the local language—none have specifically Spanish-speaking ministries.

Our town is also home to a large number of migrants from North and West Africa. Many come from Muslim countries and have had limited contact with Christianity or opportunities to hear the Gospel. As a team, we are excited to take advantage of God bringing these families to Spain, where we have the freedom to share about Jesus. A couple of years ago, we wanted to start a kids’ club for the many children we had met during our summer activities. This also served as a fun opportunity to invite local churches to reach out to those in their neighborhoods. One of the Romanian churches, alongside a particularly marginalised neighbour, accepted the invitation and formed a team from their church. Some Romanian young people, born in Spain, had never prayed in Spanish in public before.

Over the next two years, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Romanian Christians and use their church space to run a weekly kids’ club for children from countries including Senegal, Morocco, and Guinea Bissau. From Genesis to Jesus, we were able to share God’s unfolding plan for salvation. Working together, we accomplished something we could not have done alone.

James & Carolynn Webb, Spain

Networking along the Camino

In Spain, we are part of the Soy el Camino network, a group of Christians involved in various ministries along the Camino de Santiago. Some members operate Christian hostels like ours, while others run food trucks offering coffee and conversation or provide free resting spots for pilgrims. Some individuals walk the Camino with the intention of sharing the gospel with others. “Soy el Camino,” which means “I am the way,” is derived from Jesus’ words in John 14:6, and our collective goal is to point pilgrims toward Jesus, the true and living Way.

Last year, we witnessed firsthand how this network has borne fruit through a French pilgrim named Sebastian. When he arrived at our guesthouse in Zalla, he looked every bit like a bohemian traveler, complete with dreadlocks, a bandanna, face tattoos, and an accompanying dog. It was easy to assume he was an alternative seeker, perhaps involved in new age spirituality.

However, as we began to talk, we learned that he was actually a Christian who had come to follow Jesus while walking the French Camino with his brother the previous year. At that time, he was engaged in new age practices and ended up staying at Fuente de Peregrino, a Christian hostel in Galicia that is part of the Soy el Camino network. It was there that he experienced a personal encounter with Jesus and committed his life to Him. The Christians at the hostel prayed for his brother, who was struggling with poor mental health, and he was almost immediately liberated from disturbing internal voices.

Sebastian was excited to learn that we were also a Christian hostel and that we were familiar with the team at Fuente de Peregrino. Later, he kindly brought us a tray of fruit from the market to share. For us, this was a reminder that God can touch anyone’s heart and transform lives.

For pilgrims interested in learning more about Jesus, we recommend other Christian hostels along the Camino where they can stay. We also direct them to an evangelistic devotional app called “Who is St. James,” developed by a friend who is an Australian journalist. This app contains Bible readings, reflections, and questions about Jesus that pilgrims can read each day on their phones.

Being part of the Soy el Camino network allows us to share resources, connect with and follow up on pilgrims, and mutually encourage each other in our ministries as we work together to share the love of Jesus with those walking the Camino.

soyelcamino.com

This article appears in ECM News SPRING 2025