The Isidore’s in Copenhagen
"A Gift & Opportunity"
written by Jarle Tangstad
We are so grateful for the surprising gift to be "homechurch" for the Isidore’s as missionaries in Europe.
Therefore, thanks to supporters and partners in the United States. You're backing up a mission field that's bigger than you imagine. I usually say that the biggest mission challenges today are primarily in the Islamic world (Middle East) and then in the post-Christian world (Europe). The rest of the world today has a Christianity that has an influence and plays an important role in society.
Our church's primary area has these two populations. Denmark is one of the most secular countries in Europe and our district is one of the most mixed areas with western students and middle eastern immigrants. In addition, Copenhagen is the capital of Denmark, a central student and traffic center for Scandinavia and an old bridgehead for the Baltic countries.
Isidore’s are real missionaries willing to pay the price and with the ability to enter the current culture with a warmth and flexibility that attracts and creates trust. I know that you as support and partners have already discovered it, otherwise you would not support. So I'll come back for the next time I'm allowed and there describe their minsitry seen from my angel. J
Instead, I would like to give you some pervasive facts about the culture they have arrived:
On the surface, Europeans and Americans can look like each other. But just that can cheat. When traveling to China, Africa or the Middle East, there is a clear difference and everyone can see the missionary needs.
But below the surface there is a big difference between Europe and the United States, especially regarding Faith and Christianity.
The first fact box shows the importance of religion in Europe. Here you can see that Scandinavia and the Baltic countries are at the bottom.