Praying the Headlines in Western Europe

Generation Neither-Nor: Recession Robs Spain's Youth of Jobs and Hope

2009-07-30T02:39:00.002-04:00

The ongoing economic crisis has pummelled Spain. Small businesses feel abandoned by the government, layoffs are swelling the ranks of the desperate, and a whole generation of recent college graduates is facing a future without prospects.

Read the full story here.

Please pray for the university graduates and those who work with them. Pray that opportunities will arise for personnel serving in Spain to share hope and the Good News with those who face financial difficulties, job loss, and the loss of hope.

Dozens die in central Italian earthquake

2009-04-06T06:35:00.002-04:00

An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale has hit the central Italian region of Abruzzo, destroying many buildings and taking lives. At least 27 people, including several children, are known to have died in a large earthquake which hit the mountainous Abruzzo region of central Italy at 3.30 am today.

Please pray with us for the people of the Abruzzo region, for the city of L'Aquila and for the search and rescue teams currently searching for survivors. Read more here.

For more information about Abruzzo and the other regions of italy, visit the Viva Italia Website.

Clean-up begins after storm batters France, Spain

2009-01-26T03:22:00.002-05:00

French and Spanish rescuers scrambled Sunday to reopen railways, douse forest fires and restore power to nearly a million homes plunged into darkness by a violent storm that killed 24 people in southern Europe. Read more here.

Remember in prayer those who have suffered the personal loss of loved ones and homes. Remember as well those who are struggling to clean up and restore power in the wake of this storm.

The Changing Face Of Religion (in Switzerland)

2008-12-04T04:42:00.002-05:00

Fewer and fewer people adhere to organised religion in the western world. Switzerland is no exception, with a rising number claiming to have no religious affiliation.

But although church attendance is falling, religion became a factor ahead of the 2007 federal elections, especially with an increasingly large and more visible Muslim population. swissinfo's special dossier takes a closer look at Switzerland's changing religious landscape.

The site above contains a multitude of articles, each pointing to the larger view of what “religion” is in Switzerland. As you read through the articles, pray for understanding, pray for workers to be called to the Swiss people, and pray for the Swiss people themselves - surrounded by so much turmoil and misunderstanding.

Moral battle over Spanish schools

2008-12-04T04:22:00.002-05:00

“If you are able to lead kids to a certain way of thinking, you can have full control of them - that’s what I think the government is trying to do now,” complains Agustin Losada, a parent whose formal objection to the new classes is supported by Madrid’s Conservative regional government.

Mr Losada adds: “The right to educate children in moral principles does not belong to the government, it belongs to the parents. It’s a principle that's recognised by our constitution.”

Read the full article here

The situation in many countries of Europe is not too different than how it is in America. As you read this article, put yourself in the role of the Spanish parents - let your prayers for your own children also be prayers for the children of the peoples of Spain.

Germany named Europe’s top migrant destination

2008-12-03T07:47:00.003-05:00

Germany has been named Europe’s principal country of destination for migrants, according to the World Migration Report (WMR) 2008 released on Tuesday.

As host to 10.1 million migrants in 2005, Germany was well ahead of the other top countries in the study by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on how globalisation is effecting human movement. France came in second with 6.5 million migrants, the United Kingdom had 5.4 million, Spain had 4.8 million, and Italy 2.5 million.

Read the whole story here.

Western Europe has always seemed to be better known as a place where someone is “from” as opposed to where people go. With the increase of immigrants, migrants and refugees, Europe is a bridge to the world now more than ever. Take the time now to pray for the many peoples and places of Europe.

Dutch city turns church into a luxury experience

2008-11-27T02:45:00.003-05:00

A former gothic church and monastery dating from the 15th century, the buildings have been beautifully renovated to welcome disciples of a new kind of religion -- luxury.

Read the whole story here.

What is church? A building? a landmark? a stop on the pilgrimage route? ... a restaurant? For many Europeans then answer can be “all of the above”. While church buildings in Europe are being abandoned, converted or demolished, the church itself is not dead! Pray with us that the European believers will continue to come together in community and will draw others in with them to learn what “church” really means.

Hate crimes plague Södertälje refugees

2008-11-18T04:03:00.003-05:00

Muslims and newly arrived refugees in Södertälje, just south of Stockholm, are being subjected to harassment and hate crimes, according to police.

Read the full story here.

Known as "Little Baghdad", Södertälje (south of Stockholm, Sweden) boasts one of the largest Iraqi populations outside of Iraq. Please pray for the immigrants who continue to arrive daily in this town. Pray for people of peace to receive them and for local believers to reach out and embrace them.

Belgium's dwindling churches to be converted into mosques

2008-09-08T03:02:00.003-04:00

Churches in Belgium are to be turned into mosques as Christian congregations decline while Muslims demand more places to worship. Read more here.

Many peoples are seeking truth, light, and wisdom. Pray with us that those who seek will find, pray that for those who knock the door will be opened.

Nationalists Exploit Public Anger Over Girl's Murder

2008-09-08T02:48:00.004-04:00

The murder of an eight-year-old girl in Germany has prompted neo-Nazis to campaign for the death penalty with torch-lit vigils that politicians are calling a blatant attempt to capitalize on public anger. Analysts say it's a strategy that has worked in the past for Germany's increasingly active far-right scene. Read the complete story from Spiegel.

Pray that wisdom and level thinking will overcome darkness and confusion. Pray that those seeking answers will find them in the love of Christ and not in radicalism.

Wildfires ravage northeastern Spain

2008-08-06T14:03:00.004-04:00

Several hundred firefighters backed by 16 water-dropping helicopters and airplanes battled Spain's first major wildfire of the summer on Wednesday, the authorities said.

The fire, which has ravaged over 2,000 hectares (5,000 acres) in northeastern Spain, broke out amid scorching temperatures on Tuesday afternoon in a pine forest near the town of Zuera.
Read the full story here

Wildfires are as much a part of life in Western Europe as they are in the American West, often with the toll on human life and property just as high. Pray with us for the safety of the Spanish fire-fighters who are battling this first major blaze of the season in Spain. Pray that those who are affected by the flames and smoke, for their health and safety.

Italy: Immigrants use radio to cross cultural divide, says expert

2008-07-11T05:01:00.001-04:00

Italy is home to more than 3.5 million immigrants who come from North Africa, Asia, Latin America and other parts of Europe. Radio has given them a voice in their new country.

“Immigrants need to have space where they speak in their own language, and keep their cultures alive, so that they don't feel forced to assimilate, and give up their roots,” Clough-Marinaro told Adnkronos International (AKI). Read the full story here.

Vast numbers of people from all over Europe and the world now call Italy their home. There is a huge need for the love of God to be shared among both the native Italians and the immigrants that arrive daily. Pray that the new arrivals will meet believers who will not be ashamed to share the gospel. As you pray, please consider how you can become part of God’s plan for Italy.

Italy: Most want Gypsy camps disbanded, says report

2008-06-27T04:38:00.001-04:00

Eight out of 10 Italians want Roma Gypsy camps dismantled, according to a survey released on Monday (June 16) by a leading Italian research institute.

Demos-Coop, an institute that conducts social and political research, interviewed 1300 people across Italy in May. It found almost half of those surveyed were afraid of foreigners and wanted more police on the streets. Read the remainder of this story on AKI.

While excessive tolerance has become a problem in many European countries, excessive suspicion and discrimination are also rampant. Join us in prayer that the Roma peoples in Italy will be better understood and accepted, and that the people of Italy will in turn see the Roma as their neighbours and will follow the direction of Christ to love their neighbour.

EU Countries Move to Stop Flood of Iraqi Refugees

2008-06-25T01:01:00.003-04:00

The ongoing terror in Iraq is driving an increasing number of refugees to Europe. Now the EU is being forced to make some tough decisions: Who will be allowed to stay in Europe, and will Iraqi Christians have greater chances here than Muslims?
Read the full story at Spiegel.de.

So many people are seeking freedom from oppression, violence, anger. Many are also seeking true peace that cn only be found with God. Pray with us that the immigrants seeking a new life in the European Union countries (which includes the majority of Western European countries) will find the love of God along with asylum. Petition that God will guide these refugees to sanctuaries of rest and among people of faith who can offer more than just shelter.

Please pray specifically for those who have converted from Islam to Christianity to know that the end result of such a conversion should not only be to gain asylum in Western Europe, but to enter into relationship with a loving Father who will provide the ultimate shelter.

EU adopts controversial immigration rules

2008-06-19T02:43:00.005-04:00

Western Europe
The European Parliament adopted new rules allowing the detention of illegal immigrants for up to 18 months despite strong criticism from immigrant rights groups, including the UN's top human rights official. Read more at France24.com.

As you read the story, pray with us for the immigrants who have already settled in their new country. Pray that they will seek a new life with the Lord as they have sought a new life in a different country. May the passion and longing for a new life that is intense enough to break the laws of immigration be turned into a passion and longing to seek a new life in Christ.
Pray for the families that have been separated by immigration.

A Multicultural Model for Europe

2008-06-17T03:44:00.007-04:00

Spain - the Iberian Peninsula
After centuries of denying a common history with Islam, Spaniards are once again trying to live together with Muslims. In Granada, home of the Alhambra and former center of Moorish Spain, a multicultural revival is taking shape that sees Christians and Muslims coexisting in mutual respect. Read the full Spiegel story online.

As you read the article above, remember that many Spanish peoples are searching. They are searching for truth, stability, wisdom, understanding. Pray with us that their searching will lead them to the truth, stability, wisdom, and understanding that comes from a relationship with Christ.

The Scientology Capital of Europe

2008-06-10T03:56:00.001-04:00

Scandinavia - Copenhagen, Denmark
The religion of Tom Cruise and John Travolta has gained a foothold in the city, where the organisation’s publications are being gobbled up.

Up to 500 Danes each week are being formally introduced to Scientology and Copenhagen is now considered to be the second most important location for the religion, behind only its world headquarters in the US state of Florida, reports metroXpress newspaper.

With the many choices people face day-to-day, it is often hard to clearly see and understand what is truth and what is a lie. Please join us in prayer for the people of Denmark and specifically Copenhagen that they may see the light and truth that is in Jesus. Pray that people everywhere will understand that you do not ‘buy’ your way into a relationship with God and that any ‘religion’ that offers you salvation for a fee, or by taking this class, or by doing this job, is a false one.

Becoming an Adult in a Modern World

2008-04-23T04:57:00.002-04:00

Denmark, Norway and Sweden - Iceland
At this time of year, in the Easter season, 14-year-olds in Iceland confirm their faith in God. They go to church in groups, wear white robes and kneel by the altar accepting their first Holy Communion. Read more.

Please join us in prayer for the hundreds of teenagers in Iceland who face so many choices in their lives. Pray that these teens will find the truth, knowledge, and acceptance they seek in the loving Father and not to be blind to the dangers that confront them in a largely pagan society.

King appeals for political unity against ETA

2008-04-16T04:16:00.001-04:00

Iberia - Spain
Spain's King Juan Carlos appealed to political parties to unite to defeat the armed Basque separatist group ETA, in a speech at the first session of the newly elected legislature. Full story on Daily Spain site

Violence, anger, and fear are issues that faced the early church and continue to confront the followers of Christ today. Please pray with us that the people of Spain will turn to the King of Kings and find true peace in their lives and in their country.

Youthful German Skeptics Challenge Religious Convention

2008-04-13T04:37:00.002-04:00

A generation of young Germans has turned its back on organized religion, finding the church outdated and irrelevant. Yet a new study posted by Deutsche Welle shows that focusing on spirituality could win them back.

Pray with us that the youth of Germany will seek to learn more about the spiritual. Pray that their longing for knowledge will bring them into contact with believers and followers of Christ who can share their life and wisdom. Pray that the organized religions of Germany will go beyond hierarchical systems and rule-keeping to become true homes of faith and worship.