Racing To Win

Matt Lankenau, Missions Coordinator
Saturday, November 5th 2011

The past three weeks have been a fast and furious sprint for all of us here at European Initiative. I just arrived back to Berlin, Germany from a 14-day ministry trip that found me in the 80-degree sunshine weather of Texas, and then transitioning to the 50-degree rain and drizzle of London. In some ways the differences in weather are symbolic of the spiritual climates between America and Europe.

I was in London to meet with British leaders who are coordinating extensive outreaches for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympic Games. From late July through August, millions will be gathering in London for the games. EI will be partnering with YWAM England and a UK sports evangelization ministry, More Than Gold, to reach Olympic visitors with Christ’s love. Due to the sheer number of people who will be in London during this time, the city counsel and police department have actually asked the Christian community to provide logistical help, such as greeting visitors arriving at trains stations, airports, etc. City officials have also granted permission to UK ministries and partners such as EI, to conduct outreaches throughout the greater London area! How amazing is that?!! 

When I think about the current spiritual state of the United Kingdom, I can’t help but be filled with hope for the upcoming Olympic outreaches. England, like most of Europe, is in a state of spiritual decline. While I believe there are many reasons for this, one striking problem has been the militant atheistic philosophy that is sweeping across the United Kingdom. A recent Wall Street Journal column written by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, sums up this new militant atheism:

“Britain today has become one of the most godless societies on earth. Its principle religious exports today are thinkers who despise religion. From Richard Dawkins, who has compared religion to child abuse, to my friend Christopher Hitchens, who titled his 2007 book "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," the British have cornered the market on being anti-God, at least the Christian and Jewish varieties.”

Boteach goes on to say, “U.K.’s churches are empty enough to land jumbo jets inside.”

This spiritual collapse in Europe must change, it will through God’s bountiful mercy! European Initiative is partnering alongside national churches and ministries in England and other nations to go on the offensive for this lost continent. This is why we plan to mobilize American teams to London next summer and this is why we run the race with such intensity. Lives are hanging in the balance!

“ Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one receives a prize. So run in such a way that you might win!”- 1 Corinthians 9:24

Let us join together and pray that God grasps this great continent once again and that the 2012 London Olympic Games will be a catalyst for the next great move of God in Europe!