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

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

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

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)

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

“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

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

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.