Refugees in Europe: Problem or Blessing?

When some 70,000 refugees swam from Morocco to the tiny Spanish enclave of Ceuta last week, 100 or more died in the attempt, and the world awakened once more to Europe’s “problem.”

Over the last decade, tens of millions of refugees have made their way to Europe, many of them Muslims fleeing violent nations in Africa and the Middle East. Such a significant increase in the population, as well as crimes committed by migrants, has put a strain on European countries and caused protests.

But a movement of the Spirit of God is changing that now, turning Europe’s “problem” into a blessing.

“There’s tension in Europe today because of the amount of refugees that have come through the years,” explained Jonas, a Swedish missionary to refugees. “There’s frustration because (of so many) people with different cultural backgrounds, Muslim radicalization taking place in a lot of neighborhoods, and drug addiction and gang related violence going on. There’s a real need for transformation through the Holy Spirit. And I think the hope for Europe in the current situation is an advancement of the gospel among these peoples.” (Novo, November 29, 2023)

Ministering among refugees in Thessaloniki, Greece, Jonas met an Iranian who said he wanted to turn his life around. So he invited him to meet for Bible study at a local coffee shop. When the Muslim showed up, he had brought eight others with him. One of those was Ali, whose name is changed here for security purposes.

Read Ali’s miraculous story here:

Jesus Calms the Sea for Iranian Refugee

Even though Jesus had saved Ali’s life, he still had no interest in following Him. He just came to the Bible study for the coffee. And kept coming back.

Then one day, they read the passage about Jesus calming the storm, and Ali realized Jesus was real. He had performed that very same miracle to save Ali and his pregnant life that day their boat was sinking. In that moment, he felt God’s overpowering love, and chose to follow Jesus.

The Lord transformed Ali’s heart from bitterness and anger to compassion and love. Now, he is the one teaching the Bible to Iranian refugees.

Three months after that first coffee shop meeting, 30 Iranians were baptized. They and Ali soon shared with their loved ones and friends, and yet more came to Christ. As families spread out to settle in Germany, France, England, the Netherlands, Sweden and Belgium, they took the good news with them. Now, hundreds more Iranians have come to Christ, teaching Discovery Bible Studies and planting house churches as far as Eastern Europe, Syria and back home in Iran.

“Muslims are people looking for a connection with God. There’s an open door and open atmosphere to talk about spiritual things. And when you present Jesus and the gospel of reconciliation—about forgiveness and love—of course people want to follow Jesus. Everybody wants Jesus when they get to know him,” said Jonas.

“We’ve seen crazy cool things happen to really violent people. When the Holy Spirit comes, it changes people to being filled with the love of Christ,” Jonas continued. “So I would say there’s hope for Europe in the midst of the crisis. I think that through the gospel there’s a way that instead of being a burden, refugees can be a blessing.

“That’s something we instill in everyone that comes into our network. ‘God loves you. God has a plan for you. And you’re here to become a blessing.’”

Lord, thank You for missionaries like Jonas who are reaching into areas where Muslim refugees are struggling, and showing them the love of Jesus. Please anoint and empower them to share Your good news with the lost, and give them favor with authorities so they will be able to continue the work You’ve called them to do. We praise You for the many Iranians and other Muslims who have come to Christ in places like Thessaloniki and all throughout Europe and the Middle East. Please use them to spread Your Word so fast, house churches will sprout up in every neighborhood. Change the face of Europe because of the thousands of transformed lives that will shine Your light in the darkness. Turn violent people into loving people by the power of Your mighty love and salvation. Spread Your good news into every corner of every Muslim and European nation, until Jesus’ name becomes the talk of the town, the One everyone wants to know. Protect these former Muslims who now proclaim Christ, and keep them from harm. Surround them with Your angels and encourage them when they are persecuted. Give those who are in danger the way of escape. Make their love deep, their knowledge of Your Word strong, their ability to walk in Your Spirit of Truth and freedom powerful. Anoint them to share Your good news in ways those around them will eagerly accept. Give every Muslim such a deep hunger for You they will seek You with all their hearts and find You. Call out loving Christians to surround the lost with such understanding, compassion and love, they cannot deny that You are truth. Lift the veil from the eyes of every Muslim and every refugee so they will see You as You truly are, and fall to their knees before You in repentance and submission to Your grace and salvation. In Your precious name, Lord. Amen.

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