Broad view illuminates great need
Mountains have stories. They overlook cities and towns; they see war, destruction and reconstruction. Some testify to huge cataclysmic events — a volcanic eruption or a flood halted by the mountain’s base. Mountains create natural borders for nations and peoples; they disrupt travel, expansion and exploration. For centuries, mountains have seen it all. They have stories to tell.
We were near the top of one such mountain in Europe, overlooking a city of 80,000 people. The sky was gray, the clouds quite low, the red clay roofs standing out in stark contrast. Heaviness set in as we started to count. One, two, three, four … all the way until we couldn’t see past the clouds, 27 Islamic minarets jutting into the sky. Not one Bible-believing church. The weight of that reality hit us hard.
Four of us stood on the mountainside and prayed for the city. We prayed for more workers to join the harvest labor, we prayed for open hearts and people of peace. We prayed against the enemy and the foothold he has in this city, and we prayed for the light of Christ to be made known among Albanian Muslims. We knew that God was calling us to action and that we couldn’t do it alone. Only through the power of the Holy Spirit could there be heart change.
H and P have ministered among Albanian Muslims for many years. God gave them a vision to have 20 workers and 20 disciples by the year 2020. They use a community-center model to build bridges into the city, offering English, Spanish and guitar lessons, and also holding conferences, parenting classes and trainings for local students and leaders, all with the goal of personal and professional development. The city’s three universities — European, national and medical — all have very little ministry taking place on their campuses. To say the opportunities are endless is an understatement.
H and P are trying to tell a new story; they are trying to write God’s story in the hearts and lives of people that Jesus loves. The cross has been misrepresented for such a long time that true Christ-followers have to help alter that perception. Workers have already begun to see the effects the gospel can have on a community because people can see the difference, people can see the hope that believers have in their hearts, and they want it, too.
This mountain has a story, but we can change that story. We can change it to one of hope, love and freedom that only Christ can bring. We can share the greatest story ever told, the one with the power to change hearts and eternal destinations. SEND is sharing the hope and light of the gospel with Muslims in eight areas, with two new locations soon to launch. We are looking for people to join us.
How is God calling you to share his Hope and Light? On our Hope and Light page, you can find resources to help you pray for and learn about the Muslim world, ways to give to SEND’s outreaches, and a list of opportunities for hands-on ministry to Muslim peoples.
Click here to start exploring.
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!
