· Berlin, Germany
· Moscow, Russia
· Bucharest, Romania
· Brussels, Belgium
· Vienna, Austria
· Belgrade, Serbia
· Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina
· Istanbul, Turkey

Berlin, Germany

Historically, unity has been a stranger to Germany. At the time of the American Revolution, the country consisted of 1,800 fiercely independent administrative units. Not until 1871 did a force emerge, in the person of Emperor Wilhelm I, who was strong enough to impose unity upon the whole region. Germany functioned as one nation for the next 74 years until, after World War II, the Allies partitioned the nation—and Berlin—into two halves. The two Berlins vividly contrasted the Western and Soviet philosophies.

Though embedded in the heart of East Germany, Berlin’s western half was the showcase of free market policies and affluence. The Soviet Union tried unsuccessfully to absorb this island of democracy into the surrounding sea of communism, but no expense was spared to save West Berlin and the spirit it symbolized. East Berliners were forced to accept a dismal reality: they lived on the wrong side of an impenetrable Wall. The Berlin Wall, in fact, kept the beacon of freedom at a dreadful distance; close, but still unreachable. In 1989, however, the East German government collapsed, as did the Wall, and the two Germany’s and the two Berlin’s became one.

Berlin faces the typical challenges and unique evangelistic opportunities of other large cities. The strategic importance of Berlin, as well as its swelling influence over Germany and nations all over the world, cannot be ignored. The years immediately following WWII saw at least three churches started in the city. Today there is only one relatively small, yet precious, congregation meeting in the southwestern part of the city. The city’s size urges us to see the great need for more Berlin church plantings. Andreas Reinhardt, church leader in Berlin, offers this final appeal, “There is so much to do in this city of 3.5 million people with nationalities from all over the world — and room for more churches too!”

Moscow, Russia

Historically the residence of power for princes, czars and Soviet autocrats, this dynamic city has enjoyed prominence since the 12^th century. From the banks of the Moscow River, Mother Russia has made no apology for her appetite to impose her presence and influence around the globe. Whether by military might, political ideology, literature or technology—from her Moscow capital, Russia has effectively impacted the world.

As the seat of government for the now Russian Federation, With a growing population of over 13 million, Moscow is the capital of the largest country in the world, spanning 10 time zones and boasting a land mass almost twice the size of the United States. Moscow is by far Russia’s leading political, cultural, economic and transportation center. Moscow is a magnet city, drawing ideas, ambitions and great masses of people. Moscow is also a gateway city into all of Russia and many of the former satellite nations that comprised the USSR. Ideas that originate in Moscow have a tendency to spread to the rest of the region.

Moscow is home to three congregations of the churches of Christ, ranging in membership from 15 to less than 70. But the need for additional churches in this city of more than 13 million inhabitants, spread over 400 square miles, is plainly evident. New evangelistic efforts in the city could access the fellowship of other Muscovite Christians, national church leaders and missionaries as more communities of faith are established in other sectors of this great city, Also new additional Christian workers would find that Bibles and study materials are already available in the Russian language. They will find that Bible correspondence courses have identified numerous people who are seeking a meaningful relationship with Jesus. And they will meet missionary families who are eager to share their insights and perspectives.

Bucharest, Romania

In the early 20th century, Bucharest was regarded as the cultural little sister of Paris. A visitor viewing the city’s architecture, enjoying the performing arts and frequenting the sidewalk cafes, might wonder if he were not actually on a Parisian holiday.

The human remnant of 2nd century Roman occupation, Romanians speak a language that is closer to classical Latin than any other Romance language. Romanians are quick to identify themselves as a Latin island in a sea of Slavic people. Former Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceaucescu, attempted to re-shape Bucharest into a model socialist state. His intentions, however, were far more self-serving—he craved a monument to his own personality. Ceaucescu demolished much of the Old City that possessed so much cosmopolitan charm, and erected massive state buildings.

His architectural and political frenzy was cut brutally short during Romania’s revolution of December 1989. Today Bucharest is evolving into the modern city that it needs to be in order to adequately engage with the New Europe. Bucharest is the political, educational, cultural and communications center of Romania. With a population of over 2.4 million, it is 6 times the size of the country’s second city. The opportunities for higher education and decent jobs are far more abundant in Bucharest than anywhere else in the nation. Though many Romanians are immigrating to the west, Bucharest provides its residents the best opportunity for personal and economic advancement in the country.
There are two congregations of churches of Christ combining for a total of about 110 Christians in Bucharest. The missionaries presently working in Bucharest, as well as national church leaders, agree that more church plants are necessary.

One church has a permanent meeting place which is just south of the city center, however, there are sectors of Bucharest that rival the population of Romania’s second tier cities. There are faithful and courageous Christians in Bucharest that would encourage new church planting and who would provide workers with valuable insight and wisdom. An evolving national brotherhood that meets annually at conferences and camps is available to provide fellowship and encouragement for new works.

Brussels, Belgium

Located at the crossroads of the continent, Belgium is recognized as the heart of Europe. Belgium has played center stage in some of the most significant moments in European history from being Napoleon’s Waterloo, unraveling his quest for European domination, to launching initiatives that braided together the European Economic Community—forefather of the present day European Union. And if Belgium is the heart of Europe, Brussels is certainly where one takes the continent’s pulse. There is a common saying, “Belgium is a country on everyone’s way to everywhere in Europe.”

Brussels hosts many of the official organs of the European Union and it is the world’s eighth financial center facilitating a high energy atmosphere for commerce. Being a mere 600 miles from the majority of Western Europe’s capitals has permitted Brussels to network a web of political and commercial relations that has enabled the nation to thrive. Belgium’s interdependence with the European household emphasizes her strategic importance in the region.

Brussels not only serves as a commercial and political crossroads for Europe, but also for the churches in the region. The Belgian churches as well as those in the surrounding nations are relatively close to Brussels. The small size of the churches in this region makes this fact very important. Presently there is a multi-national congregation meeting in Brussels, as is a very small French-speaking group. Paul Brazle, minister to Antwerp, Belgium, lobbies for “renewed” efforts when describing the need in Brussels. “There is an English-speaking church functioning and remnants of the old French work— nothing in the Flemish sector. There is much call for a renewed activity in the city.”

Vienna, Austria

For centuries, Vienna was the political and economic center of the Austrian Empire. The Hapsburg family managed to extend its imperial borders throughout central Europe by political maneuvering, annex-driven marriages and the occasional war. Though two 20th century wars have drastically reduced Vienna’s territorial control, her wingspan of influence continues to shadow the people groups that were once under her regal governance.

Situated on the banks of the Danube River, a vibrant trade route, Vienna has served as the ideal bridge for the peoples of Europe. Her strong economy, elite academic institutions and neutral political status attract governments, businesses, as well as those eager to find a better life. The Austrian capital has a population of 1.6 million and hosts one of the highest standards of living on the planet, meanwhile absorbing thousands of guest workers and refugees from under developed countries annually.

There are three congregations of churches of Christ in Vienna. A combined attendance of less than 100 meets each week. In June 2007 a mission team of four families arrived in Vienna to work with the Viennese Christians as well as initiate new efforts in different districts of the city. The resource ministry Eastern European Mission has been a presence in the city for 40 years. EEM has utilized the strategic location of Vienna to print and distribute Bibles and Bible materials to most of the nations east of Vienna, even before the fall of communism. However, Vienna herself has opportunities not yet realized. “There is PLENTY of room in Vienna for church planting—considering the challenges to overcome,” states Scott Hayes, EEM associate living in Vienna. These challenges include a secular society which is questioning the relevancy of the gospel as it has been presented in the past. It is a necessity for Christian workers to be able to relate to a highly educated and cultured society, as well as the fluctuating international component of the city.

Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia became a stand-alone sovereign republic in 2006 after Montenegro voted for independence from the union of Serbia & Montenegro. This was the latest episode in the Yugoslavia break-up. Though the secession of Slovenia and Macedonia were relatively peaceful, Serbia was involved in devastating wars with Croatia and Bosnia.

Kosovo, a province of Serbia, remains a de facto international protectorate due to the violence between the Kosovo Albanians and the Serbians. No other city engenders so many conflicting images for the peoples who once lived in socialist Yugoslavia. For some, the former federal capital is the heart of evil, the center of Serbian hegemonism. For others, it represents Serbia's most cosmopolitan and tolerant face, where opposition against the Milosevic regime was strongest. Many people who are intensely critical of Serbia's role in the Yugoslav wars still find nice words about Belgrade and its inhabitants. Belgrade with a population of over 1.5 million is one of southeast Europe's leading cultural centers, with a vibrant music and arts scene and a unique charm residing in the comfortable shabbiness of its turn-of-the-century buildings.

As Belgrade journeys to rebuild her city and her identity in the world, witnesses of Jesus Christ are desperately needed. Partnership with churches in the Balkan region may be the most strategic approach for Christians from the US to participate in presenting the Message of real reconciliation and hope for the future.

Sarajevo, Bosnia-Hercegovina

Bosnia-Hercegovina is recovering from a devastating war (1992-1995) which accompanied the break-up of the communist state Yugoslavia. Bosnia-Hercegovina is now independent yet is still under an international administration. The war left Bosnia’s infrastructure and economy in chaos. Around 2 million people (about half the population) were displaced. Bosnia’s three main ethnic groups are Bosnian Muslims, Croats (traditionally Catholic) and Serbs (traditionally Orthodox).

The 1995 Dayton Peace Accord set up two separate entities; a Bosniak-Croat Federation of Bosnia-Hercegovina and the Bosnian Serb Republic, each with its own president, government, parliament and police. Ethnic separatism remains high yet the EU has begun the long journey of what hopefully will result in Bosnia’s entry into the European Union. Sarajevo continues to carry the imprint of three eras of time. Ottoman Sarajevo survives in the great mosques and alleyways of Baš?aršija. The Austro-Hungarian city extends along the river and westwards, while Yugoslav Sarajevo exists in the blocks and housing developments, which stretch west again just as the buildings of the pre-1918 city begin to fade out. Since 1996 the big challenge has been reconstruction and rebuilding an identity for a city that is among Europe's most fascinating in a post-war Bosnia uncertain about its own future.

There have been Christian workers in Sarajevo, but more help is needed as the people of this conflicted city move forward. Christians working in a place like Sarajevo must realize that the city and the nation harbors a historical context that painfully reminiscences of religious/ethnic incompatibility. The people of Sarajevo hunger for what Christ offers, not for just another religion, not for just another church.

Istanbul, Turkey

Once the center of the Ottoman Empire which controlled most of the region, Turkey is now a modern secular republic with its sights set on becoming an EU member. The military has long considered itself as the guardian of the secular system and has directly intervened in national politics. Turkey has advanced economic and human rights measures that have equipped her negotiations regarding EU membership. Ninety-nine percent of Turkey’s 80 million people claim Islam making it the largest un-reached nation with the gospel on earth.

Istanbul, capital and center of two great Empires also covering the Balkans, is a place where all contrasts, contradictions and promises of modern Turkey can be studied. The largest city in southeast Europe, it has been experiencing rapid change in recent decades, growing from 3 million people in 1970 to some 12 million in 2003. Today it is home to 15 percent of Turkey's population, the industrial, financial and media center of the country, and, due to its strategic location between East and West, symbolizes current debates about Turkey's European identity. Yet there is no debate as to the city’s, as well as the nation’s strategic importance on the world stage.

The unpleasant fact is that there has been little church of Christ mission effort focused on Istanbul. Though a modern and seemingly very secular society, Istanbul does require the Christian witness to take a creative approach to presenting the gospel. Traditional methods may harbor barriers to communication within this also quite Muslim context. Christians equipped in secular fields of expertise may be able to walk through doors of opportunities that serve the Kingdom through which the traditional missionary may not be welcomed to enter.