Have you ever been to a Christmas market?
They’re extremely popular in countries like Austria. But while they have “Christ” in their title, they’re mainly about shopping and drinking.
Even though most people in Austria still need to meet Jesus, God is at work there! Here’s an example of the long-term impact ECM has had there, thanks to the prayers and gifts of people like you.
It started with missionaries sent by people like you.
The first ECM missionary arrived in Austria’s Vorarlberg province way back in 1965. Seven years later the first evangelical church was planted in the town of Dornbirn. Then, for 30 years, it was led by a series of ECM workers from the UK, the Netherlands and Australia.
The work continues under local leadership.
In 2012 something really exiting happened. The church appointed its first Austrian pastor! Stephan Pohn was someone who had been discipled and trained by that string of ECMers, especially Ian Wooley from Australia.
And today? This church is now Austrian-led and self-sustaining. A thriving team of ECMers strives to train and disciple young Austrians into leadership. The church wants to both plant new churches and strengthen other churches so that they can reach out effectively within their own increasingly secularised and ethnically diverse society.
But God isn’t only at work in Austria!
ECM has more than 250 workers (increasingly ministering in their own nations) spread across 25 some European countries. Whoever they are, wherever they are from, they are there because of the generous support of people like you. Thank you!