Faith
God’s Call to Renew Europe’s Faith
Faith Facts
- Rev. Jan C. Wessels urges European Christians toward repentance and renewal by 2026.
- He warns against eroding religious freedom, church disunity, and the rise of nationalism and materialism.
- Wessels calls for faithfulness, unity, and true discipleship to confront these challenges.
God has not withdrawn His presence from Europe, even as society faces significant trials.
Rev. Jan C. Wessels, Co-General Secretary of the European Evangelical Alliance, asks if the church is ready to repent and follow God’s lead in these times.
In his address, Wessels highlights spiritual and societal divides, such as religious freedom being threatened and increasing secularization.
He also notes a positive movement toward stronger discipleship and outreach, particularly among youth and newcomers to Europe.
“Europe stands at a decisive moment in its history.”
“The continent that once sent missionaries across the world now finds itself a mission field again — contested, fragmented, restless, yet deeply loved by God.”
“The year 2026 confronts European Christians with urgent challenges that demand spiritual discernment and prophetic courage.”
“But it also presents God-given opportunities that call for repentance, renewal, and faithful obedience.”
He describes a battle for the soul of Europe—one rooted in both ideas and spiritual struggles.
Wessels warns that foundational freedoms tied to the biblical worldview, such as religious liberty, are at risk in a time of rising hostility to faith.
“It is a war against foundational Western values such as freedom of religion or belief, values that did not emerge accidentally but were forged in societies shaped by the biblical vision of human dignity and responsibility before God.”
“Today these freedoms are increasingly eroded by autocratic impulses, cultural hostility toward faith, and the stigmatization of Christian convictions.”
Referencing Romans 1:18, he stresses that when truth is replaced by wickedness, injustice arises.
Wessels affirms defending religious freedom as a way to protect the Gospel and the dignity of every person.
Confronting division within the church, Wessels mourns the growing disunity among believers over issues of baptism, church roles, and human sexuality, which undermines Christ’s message of reconciliation.
“Jesus’ words cut sharply through our ecclesial debates.”
He reminds the church of Luke 11:17:
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined.”
“Truth matters — but so does love.”
“Orthodoxy without humility becomes a clanging cymbal.”
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Wessels continues, drawing on 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, that all Christians carry the ministry of reconciliation.
He says the church should storm division with Christ-like humility and unity.
Addressing nationalism, he notes that while patriotism is not wrong, making nationhood ultimate transgresses the Kingdom call, and reminds: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20), and God’s saving love reaches the whole world.
He cautions the church against adopting fear and exclusion, warning that prioritizing borders over people opposes the very heart of the gospel.
Materialism and comfort, even inside the church, are highlighted as dangers; these diminish sacrificial discipleship and contradict Christ’s humility and service.
He cites Matthew 6:24:
“Jesus’ warning remains prophetic: ‘You cannot serve both God and Mammon.’”
Finally, Wessels urges European Christians to consider their responsibility for the stewardship of God’s creation, warning against ignoring the cries of the earth and the impact on global neighbors.
This is a time for repentance, courage, and prophetic obedience so the church can bear faithful witness to Christ in a changing Europe.
Faithful discipleship rooted in Biblical values is the path leading our families, nations, and continent back to God’s freedom and hope.
Faith Facts
- A Christian watchdog has objected to the United Arab Emirates’ inclusion in President Trump’s Board of Peace, pointing to concerns over Sudan.
- Christian Solidarity Worldwide stated UAE’s alleged support of the Sudanese militia raises moral and legal questions for the board.
- The Board of Peace, led by President Trump, has a mission to restore stability and promote biblical principles of peace in conflict regions.
Christian Solidarity Worldwide warned that including the UAE in the Board of Peace risks undermining accountability and justice. The conflict between forces in Sudan has resulted in significant human suffering, raising questions about the board’s membership and its commitment to human rights.
The leadership of Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, a senior UAE official and sports executive, has sparked public campaigns in the UK over his club ownership and alleged links to humanitarian concerns. A petition has called for greater scrutiny of the connections between Manchester City’s ownership and international abuses.
“It is rather duplicitous of the UAE to be investing in international peacebuilding whilst it continues to fuel the conflict in Sudan, not to mention the deeply worrying impact the Board of Peace is likely to have on the international system and human rights framework,” Gondwe said.
President Trump’s Board of Peace was established under U.N. authority and aims to administer post-war Gaza, focusing on reconstruction and upholding law and order. The board seeks stability and peace in areas marked by conflict, emphasizing values rooted in order and justice.
The UAE was quick to accept an invitation to join the board, which includes leaders from Russia, Belarus, Hungary, and the United States. Its participation is framed as support for fulfilling rights and regional peace, in alignment with American-led efforts for stability.
French President Macron declined to join, voicing concerns about the board’s legitimacy and its bypassing of U.N. norms. President Trump defended the board’s purpose and his commitment to protecting peace and freedom worldwide.
Critics contend the board’s structure could weaken international checks on war crimes and political repression, with Sudan’s ongoing violence cited as a major concern. Christian faith calls believers to be vigilant about justice, truth, and the safeguarding of life in every nation.
Faith Facts
- The people of Iran are boldly standing against a regime that denies fundamental God-given rights.
- Economic hardships, including staggering inflation and shortages, have intensified public outcry and resistance.
- Christian advocates call for prayer and lasting transformation built on justice, dignity, and liberty for all Iranians.
The Iranian people are courageously pushing back against decades of oppressive theocracy and mounting hardship, seeking the freedoms endowed to them by our Creator.
With worsening economic conditions and blatant abuses by religious leaders, the nation yearns for a governance that honors justice and individual rights.
“May the Lord grant the Iranian people the genuine freedom, justice, and dignity they so courageously seek.”
The Christian community joins in fervent prayer for Iran, asking God to bring about true liberty and an end to persecution.
As believers, we must stand in unwavering solidarity, championing a vision for Iran grounded in faith, righteousness, and hope for the future.
Faith Facts
- Two Christian nurses, Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj, were acquitted of blasphemy in Pakistan after four turbulent years.
- The District Court found the prosecution could not prove the charges, resulting in the nurses’ release from the ordeal.
- Praise and gratitude were expressed for the decisive legal advocacy and international Christian solidarity throughout the ordeal.
The acquittal of these Christian nurses marks a rare victory for religious minorities facing persecution under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws. Their journey was marked by threats, isolation, and courageous faith.
Both women were targeted over a disputed sticker and narrowly survived mob violence, later receiving protection as their case wound through the courts.
Supported by Catholic advocates and the prayers of a global Christian community, the nurses’ freedom was won through steadfast courage and the power of faith-driven support.
“Their prayers, financial assistance, and international solidarity strengthened not only the two nurses but also reminded us that the Church and the global community do not remain silent in times of suffering,” Fr. Khalid Rashid Asi reflected.
The blasphemy laws in Pakistan have been widely misused to punish Christians and other minorities, highlighting the urgent need for legal reforms grounded in justice and human dignity.
Let us remain unwavering in prayer and advocacy for believers worldwide who suffer for their faith, lifting up the cause of religious freedom and righteousness.
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