Describe the spiritual climate where you serve.
Sharing Jesus in spiritually tough places isn’t easy. People’s past experiences, cultural differences, and deep doubts often shape how they respond to the gospel.
We asked our missionaries to describe the spiritual climate in the communities where they serve. Here's what they said...
It’s interesting here, as the majority of people would claim to be Muslim, yet live very secular lives. Because of this, many don’t really see a need for God, but if they do, they turn to Islam. At the same time, there’s a growing push from the more religious part of the community to deepen their devotion to Islam and prove that they truly are good Muslims.
At the same time, there’s a remarkable openness to spiritual conversations. Faith is central to their lives and culture. This creates a significant opportunity to share truth in meaningful and respectful ways.
Spain has a very difficult spiritual climate,
largely shaped by its history and a deep-rooted distrust of the church.
However, since the pandemic, we’ve noticed a shift.
People are more open to conversations and are starting to ask deeper questions. The impact of the pandemic stirred a spiritual curiosity in many, but most Spaniards still don’t see the church as a place to explore those questions. But they are open to conversation,
so it's our responsibility to meet people where they are and engage in those discussions.
Do what you love and live intentionally with Jesus.
Missionaries aren’t super-Christians. They’re ordinary people choosing to live with purpose—wherever God leads them.
For over two decades, Christian—a SEND missionary in Slovenia—has done just that. With a skateboard in hand and a heart for his community, he’s built real friendships and reflected Jesus in a place where faith is often misunderstood. Watch Christian's story .
How could God use your skills and passions to reach people with the gospel?
For over two decades, Christian—a SEND missionary in Slovenia—has done just that. With a skateboard in hand and a heart for his community, he’s built real friendships and reflected Jesus in a place where faith is often misunderstood. Watch Christian's story .
How could God use your skills and passions to reach people with the gospel?
Have you heard about Urbana? Since 1946, Urbana has inspired thousands to pursue God’s mission through ministry, global service, and everyday life. Held only every three years, Urbana 2025 is coming this December in Phoenix, AZ. Designed for young adults (17–28) and their leaders, it’s a powerful opportunity to connect with the global church, explore your calling, and be equipped for impact.
Our team will be there — come say hi, we’d love to connect! Get your pass to Urbana .
Not sure where God’s leading you? Explore mission opportunities and connect with a SEND missions coach who’ll walk alongside you.
Additional Posts
Choosing a Missions Organization: Why SEND International Stands Out “Why should I be a missionary through SEND International?” Jenna, a new missionary in Eastern Europe, shared with us what she appreciates about working with SEND. The highlights for her are: - Devotion to prayer - Diligence in communication - Commitment to development - Intentionality in accountability Prayer “Back in September of 2022, the Lord reconnected me with SEND after I had met them a year prior at the Moody Bible Institute. However, before he would sign me up for anything, my Missions Coach encouraged me to pray. He said something to the effect of, "I know that you've been praying on your own for a long time. But as the Church, we are not called to walk alone. So, you and I won't talk for about a month unless you have questions. I want you to go pray with 5 or 6 others from your church about where God is calling you." That October, more than 10 friends prayed with me and we saw God answer as He directed me to Romania. From February 2024 to November 2025, I had the pleasure of being a part of team meetings in Romania with my SEND colleagues. Our meetings were four hours long, two for prayer and two for business. This has been the minimum for our team. There are also prayer meetings with the local churches we partner with, among smaller groups within our team, of course prayer with many of you across the pond, including those at our US office. The organization was built, has been sustained, and continues to run on prayer. This is my favorite thing about SEND. Communication As I mentioned above, we have a two hour block for business / ministry details in each of our meetings. This provides consistency across our team which works alongside three different churches and in a variety of ministries. It also helps us to communicate about the need for change or growth, alongside what is working well. In addition, my team director also meets with each of us, allowing us to communicate needs, considerations, and prayer requests. I've also enjoyed getting to work with SEND workers outside of my immediate region . We receive emails with the minutes from the Europe leadership team, Friday communications from our international director, and information regarding projects that affect our work among the unreached. In December of 2024, our international director at the time wrote a note to my parents for the first Christmas that I was gone. If nothing else had convinced my mom yet, this did. He took the time to care for me, but also to care well for the parents that were sending me (What it meant to my dad and mom for him to do this well has been one of the greatest ways I've been supported.). I also have some pretty wonderful regional directors. These people have prayed alongside us (while also serving in their own countries of service), they have taken time to come visit and encourage our team, and they have also taken the time to encourage the people in our churches. Development SEND has provided much in the area of development and care (spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally). At our regional conference (every three years), there have been medical check ups available, counseling options, and time for connecting with others on the field with similar experience. At our conference last October, I connected with a missionary who served overseas for many years, and is now serving on the administrative side of SEND. She has met with me since then for mentorship and has also invested much of her time recently in preparing a retreat for the singles across Europe. Accountability Over the years I have read and heard amazing stories of how God has worked through missionaries. God has done great things and great things He is still doing! However, people who have committed their lives to the Lord in this way are not “super Christians”. We are still humans with the same struggle against flesh that others have . A major challenge is in being isolated -- living in areas with little to no presence of other believers to sharpen them can cause many difficulties. SEND has been a great resource in this area too. Through my team, I have an accountability partner that I meet with monthly. When my regional director came to visit, he and his wife spent a day with me and asked intentional questions about how I lead, handle conflict, and how I am growing in general as a Christian. In addition, my teammates share their wisdom with me on a regular basis. These things and more have assured me that SEND International is a highly valuable organization and I'm excited to partner with them in service to, for, and with our great God! Interested in being sent by SEND?
Learn about the spiritual harmony in Vietnam & how missionaries engage with college students. Join us in sharing the gospel!
Explore Georgia's spiritual heritage and the impact of SEND International's mission. Join us in fostering authentic relationships today!
