Group photo at BCM Netherlands' De Herikon
Focus on Western Europe
Western Europe has never been wealthier—nor more spiritually cold. Less than ten percent of the population attend church regularly, and Muslims far outnumber Christians at religious services. Evangelical protestant churches are small and scattered, typically 30-50 in attendance with only a handful of children or youth. An hour or more drive may separate congregations of any affiliation.
Yet within this bleak landscape can be found some of BCM International’s most enduring ministries. BCM camp centers like Bijbel Club Centrum ‘De Herikon’ in the Netherlands, Centro Maranatha in the Apennine mountains of central Italy, or Centro Bíblico Betel, nestled in the summer palace grounds of La Granja, Spain, have discipled and grounded three generations in God’s Word. The fellowship they provide encourages Christian children and youth that they aren’t alone and forges friendships that last a lifetime. In this issue of BCM World, join us on a visit to BCM’s Western Europe ministries across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Netherlands—and the wonderful servants of God who make them possible.
by Jeanette Windle
The Netherlands was still reeling from World War II's physical and spiritual devastation when an American BCM missionary Anne Punt arrived in November 1949 to team up with Dutch colleague Annie Verboom in bringing the healing Good News of Jesus Christ to Amsterdam's war-scarred newest generation. A single third-floor room in a canal-front house served as both living quarters and club room. If the first Bible Club drew only five children, it quickly grew. The ‘Annies', as three generations of Dutch children would come to call them, soon saw they needed bigger quarters.
By Jeanette Windle
High on a cool, forested mountain slope about 80 kilometers north of Madrid's arid, dusty plains sits a royal palace. Fifteen hundred acres of manicured gardens, fountains, and sculpture make it a showpiece of Spanish architecture. The village of La Granja within its perimeter was established to service this summer residence of the Spanish crown, and many of its residents are still employed there. But at the end of one narrow, cobbled alley, an unpretentious wooden gate set in a high, plastered wall opens into a surprisingly spacious courtyard whose gardens, buildings and residents are dedicated to serving a very different and much greater King.
By Jeanette Windle
"You be an overseas missionary? With your dyslexia and poor grades, you'd never be able to learn the language!" For Dale Sigafoos, the worst was that friends, teachers, even mission leaders were right. He didn't even understand English grammar. How could he learn a foreign language? It would be far more practical to stay in Ohio where he and his wife Paula were already effectively ministering in BCM Bible Clubs and camps. Except that neither Dale nor Paula had any doubt God was calling them as missionaries to Germany.
By Jeanette Windle
Chuck and Cathy Powers arrived in Toulouse, France, in 1988 with a burden for this Texas-sized country so rich in history and culture, yet so devoid of Gospel witness. To the French, religion was tied historically to the political and social authority of the Roman Catholic church. Democracy included throwing off that yoke.
By Jeanette Windle
If anyone understands the value of persistent, unflagging ministry to children, it's Jim Lines. Accomplished shop-lifter, burglar, and truant from school before he was eligible for a driver's permit, he worried little about what his parents would say. His mother, profane and immoral, wrote the grocery lists for his raids. Few in his hometown who'd suffered the depredations of Lines family shopping believed the young thief would grow up to stay out of jail, much less end up overseas as a missionary.
Other Articles:
A whirlwind tour of Europe, the future of European ministry, and a bright legacy of past generations.
A challenge to a small group of teens has become one of France's largest annual youth outreaches.
A menu of roasted lamb, bitter herbs, unleavened bread brings to light the fruit of years of ministry.
A look at Nazi-era extermination of disabled citizens and, as a result, the ministry opportunities available today.
BCM International is pleased to present our Missionary Class of 2007!
A work team from a Phillipsburg, NJ, church spends two weeks helping remodel and begin construction of an annex and sanctuary in Germany.
Looking for creative ways to give to missions and still maintain needed retirement plans?
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