The Why Europe Podcast

In this episode, Cody Finch breaks down how he was initially involved with Greater Europe Mission. Throughout his story one word kept coming back up. That word was "invitation".  We discuss how Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship and story with him, the opportunities and power of young adults serving Christ with great faith, and how we can invite others to join God's kingdom...

A moment in time that is not discussed but incredibly important, the Interwar Period, is a pivotal time in European History. In this episode we briefly discuss: The aftermath of WWI  The treaty of Versailles The League of Nations and its ineffectiveness Financial crises and how it leads to extremism  Christian leaders who stood for & against the Nazis Spanish Civil War The rise of doubt, secul...

World War One (1914–1918) had a profound and often disorienting impact on the spiritual climate in Europe. The unprecedented scale of violence, death, and destruction led many to question long-standing religious beliefs, moral assumptions, and the authority of traditional institutions, including the Church.  In this episode, we break down a brief history of the war and the major spiritual and reli...

Tom and his wife took a leap of faith by moving to the UK in the early 2000s. No plan, no job, just trusting the Lord. Fast forward 20 years and now they are still taking big steps of faith and life is even more of an adventure.  Now in the Normandy region of France, their family is on full-time mission. In this episode, Tom shares his heart for refugees, sabbath, music ministry, his family, and t...

Alex grew up loving and cherishing his local church family. As he grew in relationship to Christ, he sensed God was calling him to serve the global Church. In this episode, we discuss Alex's first steps serving his local church and then his first steps serving the Church around the world.  With a summer in Birmingham serving at Oikos church and then a summer praying in new nations GEM is purs...

"Just like the Statue of Liberty, I was born in France. But I was made & renovated in America." Debby has been involved with GEM since 1956 when her parents moved to Paris. Over the years, Debby cherished the gospel, served the church, and served GEM faithfully.  In this episode, we see just a glimpse of the incredible story God has walked her through. Street evangelism, teaching, ch...

Kristian Morris, aka Kmo, has spent multiple summers serving with Greater Europe Mission. Over time, Kmo noticed a trend not just with GEM, but with mission agencies as a whole...less than 3% of global workers are ethnic minorities.  This empowered Kmo to learn the "why?" behind this statistic, myths facing ethnic minorities going on mission, and what we as believers can do about it. Lis...

Doug and Lisa Mitts have a heart for everyone to be one with Christ. Both developed a heart for the persecuted and restricted church in Eastern Europe during communism. They have been serving in Europe ever since.  In this episode, we discuss the power of "knowing the Spirit", sharing our faith, and why it's necessary for believers to practice sharing the gospel.  This conversation...

Growing up as a missionary kid (mk) Jason said he "never" would be in "full time - ministry". Decades later, he and his team are planting churches all over Frankfurt, Germany and leading people toward Christ daily.  In this episode, we hear Jason's story, his perspective on a global body of believers, and what "going to church" really means.  Support the show Wan...

Kim Garrity was appointed to be a GEM missionary over 40 years ago. After a backpacking trip around Europe in his early years, he was "ruined for the ordinary". In this episode, we discuss Kim's story of getting to Europe full time as a global worker. We also discuss one of the biggest buzz words of today, "refugees". Kim's focus became the refugee opportunity in Euro...

How is God working in Bulgaria? In this episode, we hear all about it. We discuss the story of Jivko and Julie's relationship to one another and their love for Bulgaria. "It's all the Lord working through us." is the common theme throughout this conversation.  This episode is filled with great stories, encouraging words for the listener, and practical ways to obey the Lord each...

Sean Thelen took a leap of faith to serve God's kingdom overseas. After sensing the Lord's leading after a few short term mission trips, Sean and his wife moved their lives to Athens to serve within the local church context. In this episode, we discuss Sean's story, debt in relation to the mission field, serving the local church, Greek Orthodoxy in the culture of Greece, and Sean&ap...

Serving others was intertwined within the mission of Jesus. The mission of GEM teams is to reflect the life and mission of Jesus. Serve others and preach the good news. Gene Harter leads GEM teams, so we talk with him about his story, the needs of GEM teams, and powerful stories from the field. Do you want to serve with GEM teams? visit gemteams.org or inquire at our website.  Support the show Wan...

Over 40 years ago, a young man from Wyoming went to France for the first time. That young man went back to France for the next 11 summers serving at Camp des Cimes, which is now his home and ministry.  Tom Guffey simply said "yes" to God. What could he do with your "yes"?  French culture, camp ministry, Tom's story, salvations, and more in this episode! Support the show Wa...

Barbara Wilkie works in administration with Greater Europe Mission. Almost every missionary we come in contact with has the need for an administrative worker in their field of work.  In this episode, we briefly discuss the importance of admin and how it glorifies God just as much as an evangelist, church planter, or other cross cultural worker.  Are you passionate about using your administration g...

Jon has been the president of Greater Europe Mission for nearly a decade. Jon joined GEM with a heart that was already passionate about reaching Europe for Christ. His enthusiasm for Europe is contagious, his wisdom about the gospel is refreshing, and his concern for discipleship is motivating.  -Why Europe?  -Why GEM?  -Who is GEM?  -How was GEM started?  -How do we get involved? Tune in to disco...

Serving with EuroCorps in 1985, GEM's former Ten2 Project program, Kay Baker's heart was gripped for Europe.  God placed a seed in Kay's young American heart to follow His plan, and not her own. Passionate about teaching, singing, and relationship, God has used Kay and her willingness to be obedient to His plan, one step at a time.  Kay is an energetic and passionate follower of Jes...

Ray Baker left his home in 1985 to pursue the great commission in Europe. After spending time in Iceland, his journey lead him to Sweden, where he has now lived for most of his life. Author, teacher, linguist, and GEM worker, Ray Baker, discusses the importance of apologetics, learning languages, his experiences in Europe, and much more in this episode. You can find and support Ray's ministry...

How can your gift be used for the mission of God? Fred uses his passion on the mission field to bless others doing God's work in Europe.  In this episode, we discuss culture, architecture, Fred's story, and even answer the question, "Is Greece really Christian?"  Thanks so much for listening.  Support the show Want to serve or learn more? https://gemission.org Give to Greater E...

Interested in building community in Belfast through film? In this episode, Ted Cox shares his heart for film and connecting with people through the movie making process.  We discuss the culture of Northern Ireland, our testimonies, and share plenty of laughter together. Why Europe? Why Belfast? God's plan for Ted's life was going to take him into the biggest risk his life had ever seen....

Lisa Meyers has served with GEM for over 30 years in Vienna, Austria.  In this episode, we break down some really insightful life and ministry lessons that God has taught her while being on the field.  Music, women's ministry, and local church discipleship are just a few topics in this exciting episode. Her incredible journey all began with a short term summer trip on the original "Ten2...

For decades, communism tried to keep the church from worshiping Jesus. The good news is that you cannot stop the work of the Holy Spirit. God has been moving throughout Slovakia for the last 100 years, and in this episode, we talk a little bit about it with GEM missionaries.  Slovakia is a small country near the center of Europe. We discuss the many opportunities to serve the Slovak people. Much l...

Bethel and Adam Gascho have served together in GEM since 1998. In this episode, we discuss their story and also talk about how they did their best to raise their family to stay strong in Christ in a post-Christian society.  We talk about some other topics such as truth and cultural differences as well.  Bethel and Adam served in Germany for 16 years before moving back to the states. Bethel now ser...

Here in GEM, we speak with many are interested in "vocational ministry", especially youth work.  In this episode of the "Why Europe?" podcast, we talk with Andy Osenton, who is based in Sunderland, England and has worked with Wearside Youth for Christ for the last 25 years. We discuss a few topics...  - What is success in ministry? - God's call is unique to every believer....

London is no longer a city of predominantly one culture. London has transformed into a multicultural melting pot with different religious perspectives around every corner. Leslie shares her way of life and mindset on how to share the love of Christ & love skeptics well. We discuss her salvation story and how that led her to GEM. Pray with GEM every Friday, led by Leslie. http://prayforeurope.l...