In the book of Acts, Paul saw a vision: a man from Macedonia pleading, “Come over and help us.” Paul sailed across the sea, stepped onto European soil, and met Lydia. As this Gentile heard the gospel, the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. She believed, and her household received baptism. Praise God, this newly reborn woman’s home became the birthplace of the first church in Europe.

God planted an incredible seed in Europe.

And the exciting news is: He’s not done yet.

Europe once carried the torch of the gospel. From cities like Philippi, the good news spread across the continent. Churches flourished. Missionaries launched into the rest of the world, spreading to entire nations, shaped by Holy Spirit-inspired Scripture and gospel-centered discipleship.

Sadly, much of Europe has forgotten its spiritual roots. Crosses still crown cathedral towers today, yet for many, gospel truth is an echo from another age. In France, fewer than 10% attend church weekly. In other countries, generations have grown up without ever opening a Bible or understanding the gospel message in their heart languages.

This is what Bible poverty looks like in a post-Christian continent.

And yet, the story God began in Philippi is not finished.

Hope Rises—One Bible Translation at a Time

Just as the Lord opened Lydia’s heart, He still opens hearts today, and our faithful God uses Bible translation to do it. In fact, the region where Paul first stepped into Europe — Macedonia — remains part of the story. Today, The Word for the World translation teams actively work in North Macedonia, partnering with local churches and pastors to bring God’s Word to the language communities. 

In Albania, the Aromanian community recently received the Gospel of Mark. For the first time, people read and respond in their own language, and trust in Christ is growing. A political party even invited one of our Bible translation teams to present their work. By the end of the event, they distributed 100 copies to the attendees.

Thousands now read the Aromanian text on YouVersion’s Bible App. Even across the ocean, an Orthodox priest in California asked for permission to use the Aromanian translation in worship.

Among the Roma (one of Europe’s largest ethnic groups), there is a growing hunger for God’s Word. In Serbia and Croatia, Roma communities are reading the Bible on mobile apps, sharing Scripture videos, and encouraging one another through translated Christian content. A recent Facebook video of a Roma pastor reading the Arli translation reached over 15,000 people in five days.

From North Macedonia to Slovakia, translation teams press on. Young people rise to serve; churches unite around the task. Trainers equip new translators, and parents tell Bible stories to their children. Praise God, more translated New Testaments draw near to publication.

When the Gospel Revives the Land

The Good Shepherd still gathers His flock. Across Europe, signs of renewal shine through. Translation teams persevere, equipped by Bible translation agencies and empowered by the prayers of the saints. Churches unite in prayer. God is stirring a quiet revival from the Balkans to the Basque Country. Young leaders rise. Local churches take root. Scripture is spoken, sung, and shared. People begin to hear and believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

The same Spirit who opened Lydia’s heart still moves.

And those cathedral towers that still crown Europe’s skylines? They stand not as echoes of what was, but as reminders of what God will do again.

Will you pray with us?

For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
and do not return there but water the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
– Isaiah 55:10-11, ESV