An Update From Our Europe Team
Written by Cafe 1040’s Marketing Intern

Our current times were unforeseen by many. Our day to day lives abruptly had to transform into a “new normal.” We search for things to do inside (cooking 101) and catch up with friends and family via screen time. The world pandemic has reached our overseas workers’ doorsteps as well. We are curious to know: What has their ministry looked like? What has changed? And where is the Lord leading them next?

Fortunately, we were able to catch up with L* (name not disclosed for security) in Europe! She helped us understand how daily life has changed, but also shares some encouraging ways God continues to move in this season.

With plenty of time inside and unable to meet new local friends, she felt God was calling her to be more present with those she was near to. Similarly, we are reminded of Paul in his journey throughout Acts. He was limited in where he could go and who he could talk to under the scrutiny of those who feared him and this “Good News” he spoke of. Yet, and this is a courageous YET, the Lord used this time to bring salvation to those who would listen.

 For the past couple months, L* and the rest of the team had been preparing for students to come in the summer and fall, but because of international travel bans, the programs for 2020 were canceled. Though this was a time to mourn what could have been, L* and her team took hold of their new-found open time and spent their days preparing and enriching their location’s program for future students to come. They realized that God had greater things in store for their program.

 Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! L* mentioned that because of this app many of the relationships their team had made continued to grow. There was nowhere else their local friends needed to be other than home, so it was easy to connect. This allowed them to continue conversations that had begun before the pandemic hit.

 L* has also been able to meet daily with the daughter of her Hindu neighbors because of school being canceled. During this time, she has been able to share her curiosity about Jesus with L*. By the grace of God, L* was able to share the Gospel with her! The sharing would have taken longer if she wasn’t home every day while her parents worked.

 L*also created an Instagram for donations to the local refugee center and requests are flooding into her DMs! The refugee community is receiving things they need and are open to having conversations with L* when she drops off supplies. How amazing!

 “Altering our life schedules has been an adjustment, to say the least, but knowing that the Lord is still moving and working in everything keeps us motivated.”

Let us continue to pray for L*, the Europe team, and all of our overseas staff that a sense of unity, rest, and courage will continue to prosper.

Thank you, L*, for sharing your story, and we pray that blessings continue to flood your side of the world!