by Greg Mundis

Welcoming the Immigrant

Dear Friends:

Europe, like America, is in a season of transition. The transition may manifest itself with slightly different nuances; nevertheless, the transition is happening.

This transition, of course, is the fact that the immigration issue is on the common people’s minds and lips and on political agendas across both continents.

I noticed a headline in a recent news broadcast that was reporting on mayoral candidate races across the United States. The candidates who took a hard line against immigration seemed to receive the most votes regardless of their political party persuasion.

In Europe we see a continent that boasts of its tolerance and human rights activities in so many ways among the common people; however, in reality it is the absolute opposite. There is great intolerance for the huge number of immigrants who are in Europe.

One of the stark differences regarding immigration between the two continents is the fact that America is receiving a huge number of immigrants from Latin America and South America. Most of these immigrants have a religious worldview compatible with the United States in that they come from either Catholic or evangelical backgrounds.

In Europe the scenario is much different in that many of the immigrants—probably the majority—are coming from non-Christian backgrounds. Therefore the values, ethos, morals, and religious views are starkly different.

Of course I understand that Europe is definitely not a religious continent; its evangelical population is a “mouse in comparison to that of an elephant” when compared to the United States. However, the Christian worldview and values, although not practiced, are still found perspectively woven in and across the continent. There is, in a sense, as Samuel P. Huntington said, a “clash of civilizations” happening across Europe because of this.

Our missionaries are mobilizing, along with many national churches across Europe, to be a friend and to welcome our neighbors from non-Christian backgrounds who see the world differently. We believe this is one of the greatest challenges we have in Europe for the future. It ranks with trying to reach secular Europe with the gospel.

So, we thank you for your prayers and support of Assemblies of God missionaries to the continent of Europe. The dollars invested, the prayers prayed, and the trips you take to share the gospel in Europe are all part of the seed that we pray will take hold and be watered by the Holy Spirit to bear fruit through the ministry of the Assemblies of God and the national church partners of Europe.

Thank you for your interest in Europe.

Sincerely,

Greg Mundis
AGWM Europe Regional Director

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