Visit a Missionary in Europe
Are you planning a trip to Europe? Why not take the opportunity to visit, and connect with local missionaries during your travels?
Spending time with a missionary host for 2-3 nights is a unique and fulfilling experience that will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of their work, culture, and faith. You'll have the chance to see Europe through the eyes of someone who has dedicated their life to serving others and you will learn about their experiences and challenges.
Not only will you have the chance to make a meaningful connection with someone who is making a difference in the world, but you'll also learn valuable insights about what motivated them to go and commit to their calling. Quality personal interactions that will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
So, whether you're a solo traveller, a family, or a group of friends, consider adding a visit with a missionary host to your European itinerary. It's an experience that will broaden your perspective and leave a lasting impact on your journey.
What you can anticipate...
- A deeper understanding of the local culture, customs, and beliefs through interaction with the missionary host and other members of the community.
- A chance to step out of one's comfort zone and gain new perspectives, insights, and experiences.
- Opportunities to learn about the host's faith and participate in religious activities that offer spiritual growth and reflection.
- Building meaningful relationships with the host and other members of the community that can last a lifetime.
- A greater awareness of global issues and the challenges faced by missionaries working in Europe and around the world.
- A sense of personal fulfilment from gaining a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
WHERE OUR HOSTS LIVE
The Republic of Ireland occupies most of the island of Ireland, off the coast of England and Wales. Its capital, Dublin, is the birthplace of writers like Oscar Wilde, and home of Guinness beer. Dubbed the "Emerald Isle” for its lush landscape, the country is dotted with castles like medieval Cahir Castle.
Barcelona, a city on the northeastern coast of Spain, is an enchanting seaside city with boundless culture, fabled architecture and a world-renowned architectural works which are world heritage sites. Our hosts live just 20 mins by train from Barcelona in Castelldefels and they work a combination of full-time work and student ministry with IFES in Spain.
Tirana, the capital city of Albania, is a fascinating destination for travellers interested in history, culture, and architecture. The city is known for its colourful buildings, bustling and markets. Spend time in Tirana and experience the hospitality of an Australian family before heading out and exploring the countryside.
Bulgaria is a Balkan nation with diverse terrain encompassing Black Sea coastline, a mountainous interior and rivers, including the Danube. A cultural melting pot with Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences, it has a rich heritage of traditional dance, music, costumes, and crafts. At the foot of domed Vitosha mountain is its capital city, Sofia, dating to the 5th century B.C.
The Netherlands is a small country sandwiched between Belgium and Germany in Western Europe. The name Netherlands means “low countries” because almost half of the country lies below sea level. The Netherlands is a country of bicycles, tulips, windmills, canals, dams and dikes. When you visit this fascinating country you will stay with an English/Dutch couple in the town of Renkum.
Kosovo is a country in Southeast Europe with partial diplomatic recognition. Kosovo lies landlocked in the centre of the Balkans, bordering Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania and Montenegro. In Kosovo you can spend time with an Irish/American couple who have worked for over 20 years in its beautiful eastern region, which is also one of the areas in the country least reached with the Gospel.
Surrounded by vineyards, the Acueducto facilities are located in the small town of Llorenç del Penedès, in the province of Tarragona (approx 1.5 hrs from Barcelona). It is a space for retreats, seminars and a resting place. The hosts would love to share this space with kiwi tourists, along with their vision and ministry for their work in this part of God’s kingdom.
Schwerin (in the former GDR) is situated in a picture-perfect location among a series of inner-city lakes that reflect the city’s famous Schwerin Castle. Schwerin is by far, the most segregated city in Germany: nowhere do rich and poor live so divided from one another as they do in this city. In Schwerin you can spend time with a multicultural church planting team living in one of the most atheistic regions in the world. The team runs a colourful and dynamic community centre in the poorest neighbourhood of Schwerin (with a cafe, workshop, second hand clothing, and music etc), and in which everyone gets the chance to discover Jesus.
Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks and rich collections of European art. Visit the region and enjoy the hospitality of an American family living in a nearby Spanish village approximately 35 km northeast of the city of Madrid.
.
Expectations...
The host will:
- Provide a warm welcome and comfortable accommodation (either in their home or nearby).
- Share their experiences and knowledge about their work and the local community.
- Help visitors understand the local culture, customs, and beliefs.
- Respect visitors' privacy and personal space.
- Ensure the safety and security of visitors during their stay.
- Allow the guests to join in and observe whatever ministries are happening while they are there.
The guests will:
- Pay your own way and cover all costs incurred by the host
- Be prepared to join in with whatever is organised.
- Plan to include a Sunday in your visit (if possible).
- Understand the hosts will still have to get on with their family life and ministries while visiting - so not available all the time.
- Respect the host's beliefs and culture.
- Follow the host’s guidelines regarding interaction with people attached to ministries and cultural norms.
- Not make any donations to ministries, but to/through ECM.
- Show appreciation for the host's hospitality and generosity.
- Be open-minded and willing to learn about local customs and traditions.
- Follow the host's rules and guidelines while staying with them.
- Respect the privacy and personal space of the host and other guests.
- Be responsible for their own safety and security during their stay.
- Communicate any concerns or issues with the host in a respectful and timely manner.
What ECM NZ expects from the guests:
- Pay a suggested minimum donation of $200.00 ECM NZ to cover the time arranging placements (Donate button below).
- Share your experiences with 1-2 churches/ Christian groups in NZ both before, and after returning to raise awareness of what ECMers are doing in Europe.
