Reaching theworld through Europe!
The world is in great need of the Gospel. Our mission is to inspire and recruit people to serve as missionaries, provide support to those already in the field, and assist churches in equipping, sending, and nurturing their missionaries. Together, we can make a profound impact by spreading the message of hope and salvation throughout the world.
Who are the Stahlmans?
In the year 2000, Matt and Cathy Stahlman relocated their family to Malawi, Africa. During their ministry there, the Lord enabled them to establish two Independent Baptist Churches that remain actively engaged in preaching the Bible and reaching their communities. However, due to battles with malaria, the Stahlman family eventually returned to the United States, where they faced a challenging period of regaining their health. After a period of rest, they felt the Lord's leading to establish Beyond Borders, a training program for missionary candidates preparing for demanding environments. Over the past 15 years, their primary focus has been equipping missionaries for the field and providing support to current missionaries in their service. Throughout this time, the Stahlman family has ministered across the globe, including in South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. The hardships they encountered in Africa became a driving force for them to care for the needs of fellow missionaries and witness the flourishing of their families in their respective mission fields.
The Reality of Missions Podcast!
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Discover the realities of missionary work beyond the surface. Join Matt and Cathy as they delve into the challenges and triumphs experienced by our dedicated missionaries.
What's the plan for Europe?
Our family has been called by God to share the Gospel with people all over the world, particularly in Europe. We have a clear vision of what we aim to accomplish. Firstly, we want to find and train more missionaries who are willing to serve in the 44 different countries of Europe. Our goal is to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively carry out their mission work. Secondly, we strive to work alongside these missionaries in order to support and assist newly established churches. Our aim is to help these churches develop the vision and capacity to send out their own missionaries beyond their borders. Thirdly, we seek to inspire existing congregations throughout Europe to engage in church planting efforts. We plan to facilitate missions trips and organize evangelistic campaigns to encourage the establishment of new churches. Our ultimate objective is to fulfill the Great Commission within our lifetime. We intend to achieve this by actively proclaiming the Gospel through personal witness, street evangelism, and leveraging all available forms of media.
We are enthusiastic about the numerous opportunities that have emerged in Europe. Catholicism, which once held a firm grip on the region, has significantly weakened, making people more open to exploring alternative beliefs and faiths. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a sense of uncertainty and unrest, prompting individuals to seek spiritual solace and meaning. Additionally, Europe is experiencing a significant influx of refugees from countries where religious freedom is limited or non-existent. This presents a unique opportunity to introduce the Gospel to individuals who have not had prior exposure to its message. The younger generations in Europe, being relatively ignorant of the Gospel, may be more receptive, unburdened by past rejection or negative preconceptions.
Engaging in missions from Europe offers distinct advantages. Europeans often possess bilingual skills and have gained valuable cross-cultural experience through extensive travel. This enables them to effectively communicate and adapt to various cultural contexts, enhancing their effectiveness as missionaries. Furthermore, Europeans may encounter less political stigma compared to their American counterparts, potentially leading to greater acceptance and receptivity among local communities. Recruiting missionaries from Europe significantly expands our available missionary force, allowing us to undertake our mission on a larger scale. Also, Europe's geographical proximity to Africa and the Middle East reduces the logistical challenges, costs, and travel-related stress typically associated with missions in these regions.
Our family is fully committed to sharing the Gospel in Europe and beyond. By recruiting and training missionaries, assisting churches, and passionately proclaiming the Gospel, we aim to fulfill the Great Commission in our generation. The opportunities in Europe, along with the advantages of missions from this region, will enable us to impact diverse cultures and generations. With dedication, our goal is to make a lasting difference for God's kingdom by bringing the transformative message of the Gospel to souls worldwide.