For many it is their first time in a big city so different from life in their villages back home. Often their dreams of economic success and security remain unreachable. Because of the world economic crisis today the unemployment rate among Turks in Berlin is still around 40%.

Society within Society

For decades Turkish migrants in Berlin have established themselves in the city. An entire Turkish Muslim community has been established so that even Turks with little knowledge of German can survive. Muslims in some neighbourhoods dominate the city streets, increasing their control over individuals. For example, should a Turk visit a Christian bookstand and take something, they are likely to be stopped just a few meters away and be spoken to by a Muslim onlooker.

Who Is Reaching Out?

Although Turks have lived more than 40 years in large numbers in Berlin, many churches overlooked them, but there have been some exceptions. Some have prayed for opportunities to reach the Turkish community with the Gospel. Lots of literature has been given away through personal contacts and friendships. Over the years about 50 Turks in Berlin have come to know the Messiah. Some of these believers meet in house fellowships or gather often for Turkish-speaking services. Recently a new group has been established among Turkish Christians from Bulgaria.

Flag of Germany

Map of Germany

Prayer Starters:

• Pray for closer contacts for believers in Berlin and the Turks so that they can learn of the love of God and hear clear testimonies of Turks who have come to Jesus.
• Pray for love, authority, and effective witness of the believers who actually have contact with Turks. Motivated believers are especially needed to reach out to the second and third generation Turkish migrants.

One Cultural difference between Westerners and many Muslims

In the West, young people are free to act as spontaneously as they want, as long as they are within the framework of right and wrong. They can be loud, boisterous and happy as long as they don’t break things or abuse others. The rule in the West is “As long as you don’t hurt someone else or their property, you are generally OK.”

Young people in a Muslim setting are different. Wherever they go, they represent their families and tribes. Young people are not free to act as they want. They must always act honourably so that the honour of their family and tribe is upheld. If they damage someone else’s property, it is bad because it brings shame on their own people, not primarily because it offends the victim. If no one knows who did it, there is no shame, or feeling of guilt. They feel guilt for bringing shame on their own people, but not for offending a third party. ....

From a book by Roland Müller, The Messenger the Message and the Community, Canbooks 2010, p. 148 (The e-book can be purchased online).

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 28 - Turks in Berlin, Germany

Video: Berlin's No Go Areas for non-Muslims (subtitled)

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We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. -John 9:4 (ESV)

Russia is known for its rich history, the perseverance of its people through hardships, and its architectural masterpieces. Solemn paintings of icons, vast steppes, snowy forests, or cups of steaming tea and rosy, borsch soup may come to mind when you think of Russia.

Yet the face of Russia is rapidly changing. Moscow, Russia’s capital, has the largest Muslim population of any European city. Estimates range from 400,000 Muslims to 2-3 million (illegal aliens probably number in the hundreds of thousands).

Moscow's Muslims

Many of Moscow’s Muslims come from the poor, former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Tajiks, Uzbeks, Afghans, Kazakhs, Tatars, and many others are coming in record numbers, looking for work of any kind. They often live together in cramped quarters and squalid conditions, saving as much as they can to send home to their families. They face beating, murder, even bombings and many are modern-day slaves to fearful, resentful and rough employers. Life in Moscow is not easy but it is sometimes far better than the bleak prospects back home.

Ministry Potential

Being away from their home country, familiar traditions, and family and cultural pressure presents new temptations for Central Asian Muslims but also a new openness to hear the truth of God’s Word. “I used to hate Russia and didn’t want to come back,” said a Muslim-background believer (MBB). After seeing the potential for reaching Muslims from his home country, he became excited about the potential for ministry. “Now I feel like Russia is my second homeland,” he says.

Outreach in Moscow

Although the Jesus film, Mary Magdalene DVD and CARS Bible (Central-Asian Russian Scriptures) are well received, there are only small numbers of believers specifically reaching out to Muslims. Since Muslims in Moscow are often immigrants, they are overwhelmed with life in such a big city, lonesome for family, and seeking friendship. It is a good moment to proclaim the Gospel to them.

Flag of Russia

Map of Russia

Prayer Starters:

• Ask God to open the hearts of Muslims in Russia.
• Pray for the translation and printing of quality Christian literature for Russian-speaking Muslims and new believers learning to walk with the Messiah.
• Pray for unity, vision and wisdom for leaders throughout Russia to take the gospel to Muslims in Russia– making disciples of them in such a way that they are encouraged, enabled and equipped to do the same.
• Pray for concrete, practical steps by Russian churches to reach out to Muslims around them.
• Pray for the discipleship of young believers. There are few congregations for those coming to the Messiah, most are Kazakh only.

Listen to the Podcast - DAY 21 - Muslims in Moscow, Russia

Background Information on Russia

Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled 1682-1725), hegemony was extended to the Baltic Sea and the country was renamed the Russian Empire.

During the 19th century, more territorial acquisitions were made in Europe and Asia. Defeat in the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05 contributed to the Revolution of 1905, which resulted in the formation of a parliament and other reforms. Repeated devastating defeats of the Russian army in World War I led to widespread rioting in the major cities of the Russian Empire and to the overthrow in 1917 of the imperial household. The Communists under Vladimir LENIN seized power soon after and formed the USSR. The brutal rule of Iosif STALIN (1928-53) strengthened Communist rule and Russian dominance of the Soviet Union at a cost of tens of millions of lives.

The Soviet economy and society stagnated in the following decades until General Secretary Mikhail GORBACHEV (1985-91) introduced glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in an attempt to modernize Communism, but his initiatives inadvertently released forces that by December 1991 splintered the USSR into Russia and 14 other independent republics. Since then, Russia has shifted its post-Soviet democratic ambitions in favor of a centralized semi-authoritarian state whose legitimacy is buttressed, in part, by carefully managed national elections, former President PUTIN's genuine popularity, and the prudent management of Russia's windfall energy wealth. Russia has severely disabled a Chechen rebel movement, although violence still occurs throughout the North Caucasus.

The Economy of Russia

Russia has undergone significant changes since the collapse of the Soviet Union, moving from a globally-isolated, centrally-planned economy to a more market-based and globally-integrated economy. Although Russia is the worlds largest country in terms of area, its unfavorably location means much of the country lacks proper soils and climates (either too cold or too dry) for agriculture. A severe drought and fires in central Russia further reduced agricultural output. Russia's long-term challenges include a shrinking workforce, a high level of corruption, difficulty in accessing capital for smaller, non-energy companies, and poor infrastructure in need of large investments.

Statistics on Russia

Population: 138,739,892 (July 2011 est.), World Rank #9

Life expectancy at birth: 66.29 years, World Rank #162

Ethnic Groups: Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1%

Religions: Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2%

Languages: Russian (official), many minority languages

Literacy: 99.4%

School Life Expectancy: 14 years

Video: Russia's Muslims Demand More Mosques (4:28)

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However, the real change in relationship between the nearly one million Muslims in the Netherlands and the rest of the population took place about five years ago. The liberal elite in the Netherlands was - until that time - proud of its multicultural and multireligious society. When it was discovered that an important part of the second- and third-generation Muslim migrants criticised these liberal convictions, the sentiments changed. As a result many Muslim youth feel that they are held accountable for what a few do in the name of Islam. Many Muslim youth (particularly among the Turkish population, which is the largest immigrant group) have been loyal to Dutch society for years. Some are even returning to Turkey in disillusionment, but not all have that opportunity.

Gaps in the Netherlands

The large gap between Muslim youth and the Church has not diminished in recent years. While there is certainly a growing awareness of Islam in the Dutch Church, most Dutch Christians are still not sure how to deal with Muslims. But there is a ray of hope. Muslim youth are forced to think about the values of Islam far more than their parents. The parents of Turkish and Moroccan immigrant youth are mainly villagers who followed the traditional Islam of their village imam. In the Netherlands their children are faced with many movements: preachers who want to recruit them for the violent jihad, as well as the mystic and humanistic movements from within Islam. Pressure from society forces them to make their own choices. Many young people create their own Islam through the internet and meetings outside the mosque.

The Challenge for the Netherlands

The challenge for the Church is to show second- and third-generation Muslim youth that there is another way to find their identity: through following Jesus as Saviour and Lord. In a few places churches have found a way to reach Muslim young people. They have discovered that only through much prayer and perseverance can the gap of distrust and prejudices be bridged to get to the heart of these young people. Many Christians in the Netherlands are shocked to discover only recently that Muslims have lived among them for the past 40 years. For many it is still a big step to overcome this shock and be a witness of Jesus Christ with boldness, compassion and wisdom.

Flag of Holland

Netherlands Map

Pray for the Muslims in the Netherlands:

* Pray that Muslim youth in the Netherlands will not be recruited by politically-inspired preachers for violence in the name of Islam.

* Pray that the Holy Spirit will make those Muslim youth who are seeking for answers restless until their hearts find rest in Christ. This is what happened to Augustine, and he - like many Dutch Muslim youth - came from North Africa (Algeria and Morocco).

* Pray that Muslim youth discover that Christians view them differently because they see them as people created by God who cares for them as a Father.

* Pray that Dutch churches will have creativity and perseverance as they do youth work among Muslims.

Background on the Netherlands (World Factbook)

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

Economy of the Netherlands

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 2% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports.

About the Netherlands

Population: 16,847,007 (July 2011 est.) World rank #60

Life Expectancy at Birth: 79.68 years. World rank #35

Ethnic groups: Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Caribbean 0.8%, other 4.8%

Religions: R30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42%

Languages: Dutch (official), Frisian (official), English, German, French - excellent

Literacy: 99%

School life expectancy: 17 years

EuroNews - Europeans- The Netherlands' debate on Islam - Video

An interesting debate about Islam in the Netherlands.

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| · 3.7 - 6% Muslim.

Alesha is a mixed up teenager. She speaks perfect German but her parents speak none. She has to wear a head-scarf but has no idea why. Her unemployed father can't afford to take her on a holiday yet he received money to do the Hajj. She thinks a missionary's one job in life is to turn her away from Islam but she doesn't know anything about 'her' faith, nor has she ever been to a mosque.

Alesha is typical of many youth in Germany. Her Turkish grand father was invited to help rebuild the country after the second world-war. He had difficulty integrating into the society and was neither given language lessons nor encouraged to get any. Today she has few friends in the village and because they are "Muslim", her brothers' tires occasionally gets slashed.

---
Silvia is a mixed up mom. She can't understand the neighbors since they speak a different language. She sees women around her wearing head-scarf's but isn't sure why they do. She baptized her children into a cathedral but her kids will learn about Islam in school. She also knows very little about 'her' faith; it is simply what she was born into and she normally never sets foot in anything remotely Christian.

Silvia is typical of many moms' living in Bavaria, a predominantly Catholic area of Germany. Her grand parents were born there and helped rebuild the county into a thriving economy. She speaks not only "high German" but also a local dialect few Turkish immigrants would try to learn. Although open-minded, Silvia is frustrated at the influence Islam is having on her life and concerned that her culture is being stripped away.

Cultural Clash

According to the German evangelical news agency "IDEA", the Muslim population in Germany is on the rise. So too is the cultural clash. Issues, such as head-scarf's, teaching Islam in public schools and fear of any criticism towards Muslim's has the parliament deep in debate. Most worry any religious laws will restrict freedom of worship, whatever the "faith".

Let's pray for Germany:

* In reality, neither Alesha nor Silvia has heard much about Jesus. Most Christian leaders agree a revival is needed to reach the country. Pray that God will respond accordingly.

* Islam in Germany is a "youth religion," according to the Central Islam Archives Institute, which counts 850,000 Muslims as minors. One in five Muslim adolescents worships regularly. Pray for the youth to find true peace in Christ.

* More and more Muslims in Germany are becoming Christians. Most are Iranians in exile, which left their country after the Islamic revolution of 1979. Iranian converts estimate that each year approximately 60 Muslims are baptized in Germany. Pray that Iranian Christians can reach out to other Muslims in word and deed.

--- Additional Facts ---

Flag of Germany

Map of Germany

The institute believes that more than 100,000 Iranian Shiites have converted to the Christian faith since the Islamic revolution.

Background on Germany

As Europe's largest economy and second most populous nation, Germany remains a key member of the continent's economic, political, and defense organizations. European power struggles immersed Germany in two devastating World Wars in the first half of the 20th century and left the country occupied by the victorious Allied powers of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union in 1945. With the advent of the Cold War, two German states were formed in 1949: the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). The democratic FRG embedded itself in key Western economic and security organizations, the EC, which became the EU, and NATO, while the Communist GDR was on the front line of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact. The decline of the USSR and the end of the Cold War allowed for German unification in 1990. Since then, Germany has expended considerable funds to bring Eastern productivity and wages up to Western standards. In January 1999, Germany and 10 other EU countries introduced a common European exchange currency, the euro.

Economy of Germany

Germany's affluent and technologically powerful economy - the fifth largest in the world in PPP terms - is a leading exporter of machinery, vehicles, chemicals, and household equipment and benefits from a highly skilled labor force. In its annual projection for 2011, the Federal Government expects the upswing to continue, with GDP forecast to grow this year at a real rate of 2.3%.

About Germany

Population: 81,471,834 (July 2011 est.) [Second most populous country in Europe after Russia.] World rank #16

Life Expectancy at Birth: 80.07 years. World rank #27

Ethnic groups: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Religions: Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Languages: German

Literacy: 99%

School life expectancy: 16 years

Berlin in 3D - Video

For some of you high-tech people, this is a fly through demonstration in Google Earth of Berlin in 3D, very interesting.

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Nowhere is this complexity more apparent than in the island's capital of Lefkosa (Nicosia). The skyline of this Mediterranean city speaks for itself - the juxtaposition of the minaret of a mosque and the dome of an Orthodox Church is a reminder of the island's tragic division between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

Recent History of Cyprus

Cyprus has been divided between the Turkish and Greek Cypriots since 1974 when Greece tried to impose political union with Cyprus by force. Turkey responded by invading northern Cyprus. Within three weeks the Turks had occupied most of the northern part of the island. Some 170,000 Greek Cypriots were forced to flee to the south. Approximately 45,000 Turkish Cypriots refugees migrated north, to be joined in later years by some 114,000 Turkish settlers from Anatolia on the Turkish mainland.

In 1983 the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was established under Rauf Denktash, who remains the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community to this day. The TRNC is officially recognised only by Turkey. The southern Cypriot Republic is widely accepted internationally as the legitimate government of Cyprus. Because of its diplomatic isolation the economy of northern Cyprus has suffered badly, resulting in the emigration of 54,000 Turkish Cypriots.

2003 in Cyprus

2003 was a significant year for Cyprus, with the acceptance of the southern Republic into the European Union. The United Nations has also proposed a peace plan for the reunification of the island. In northern Cyprus these events led to unprecedented demonstrations, with Turkish Cypriots taking to the streets by the thousands to demand a peaceful reunification of Cyprus and the acceptance of the TRNC into the EU. For more information on the TRNC, see the website www.trncwashdc.org.

Flag of Cyprus

Map of Cyprus

The Turkish Cypriots are a warm, hospitable people closer in resemblance and culture to their Greek Cypriot neighbours than their Turkish cousins. The Cypriot Muslims are moderate Sunnis of whom only about 10 per cent regularly attend prayer times at local mosques. The highly secularized Turkish Cypriots long to come out of international isolation and into the economic prosperity enjoyed by the south.

Pray for the Muslims in Cyprus:

* Pray that the historic barriers to Christianity will be broken down, and for a spiritual awakening to take place among the Turkish Cypriots that leads them to the only real hope for their future lives.

* Pray for the reconciliation of the Turkish and Greek Cypriots. This is a historic opportunity for the Christian south to embrace the Muslim north in the true spirit of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 5:18).

* Pray for the 20 known Turkish believers in the TRNC, that they will experience growth in numbers and have an impact on families and the community.

* Pray that more missionary labourers may live among the Turkish Cypriots, as there is very little focused outreach to them.

Background on Cyprus (World Factbook)

A former British colony, Cyprus became independent in 1960 following years of resistance to British rule. Tensions between the Greek Cypriot majority and Turkish Cypriot minority came to a head in December 1963, when violence broke out in the capital of Nicosia. Despite the deployment of UN peacekeepers in 1964, sporadic intercommunal violence continued forcing most Turkish Cypriots into enclaves throughout the island.

In 1974, a Greek Government-sponsored attempt to seize control of Cyprus was met by military intervention from Turkey, which soon controlled more than a third of the island. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," but it is recognized only by Turkey.

The latest two-year round of UN-brokered talks - between the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities to reach an agreement to reunite the divided island - ended when the Greek Cypriots rejected the UN settlement plan in an April 2004 referendum. The entire island entered the EU on 1 May 2004, although the EU acquis - the body of common rights and obligations - applies only to the areas under direct Republic of Cyprus control, and is suspended in the areas administered by Turkish Cypriots.

At present, every Cypriot carrying a Cyprus passport has the status of a European citizen; however, EU laws do not apply to north Cyprus. Nicosia continues to oppose EU efforts to establish direct trade and economic links to north Cyprus as a way of encouraging the Turkish Cypriot community to continue to support reunification.

Economy of Cyprus

The area of the Republic of Cyprus under government control has a market economy dominated by the service sector, which accounts for 76% of GDP. Tourism and financial services are the most important sectors; erratic growth rates over the past decade reflect the economy's reliance on tourism, which often fluctuates with political instability in the region and economic conditions in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the economy in the area under government control grows well above the EU average. The Turkish Cypriot economy has roughly 45% of the per capita GDP of the south, and economic growth tends to be volatile, given the north's relative isolation, bloated public sector, reliance on the Turkish lira, and small market size.

About Cyprus

Population: 1,120,489 (July 2011 est.) World rank #158

Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.82. World rank #53

Ethnic groups: Greek 77%, Turkish 18%, other 5%

Religions: Greek Orthodox 78%, Muslim 18%, Maronite, Armenian Apostolic, and other 4%

Languages: Greek, Turkish, English

Literacy: 97.6% -- Male: 98.9%, Female: 96.3%

School life expectancy. 14 years

North Cyprus - Video

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The hardships in Austria

Ali lived in a refugee camp for ten months. There he received visits from Christians, who gave him a Bible. Ali was a Muslim and did not intend to change his religion. He only wanted to find work, save some money and then continue on to Germany. Ali found some unpleasant and unsatisfying work, and sometimes he was unemployed. After three years he came to his physical and emotional limits. Ali tried to go to another country, but when he heard how much he would have to pay for this service, he calculated that he would have to save for months to pay for it. He did not want to live as a refugee any longer.

During 2003, more than 25,000 people asked for asylum in Austria. Most asylum seekers in Austria live in refugee reception camps. Others find places to live and search for work to earn money. More than half of these people are Muslims; they come from about 24 countries. People from all over the world are at home in the middle of Europe.

Friendship in Austria saved Ali

In Austria, disciples of Christ have many opportunities to meet these "strangers" in their own country. In the Bible we find many examples of God getting involved in the lives of refugees (Abraham, Moses, Ruth, David and also Jesus). The Bible tells us to love our neighbour: "The stranger who resides with you ... you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:34).

Flag of Austria

Map of Austria

Eventually, through the friendship of Christians, Ali gave his life to Jesus Christ. He found work in a larger town and moved there. Since then he meets with other Christians for Bible study and prayer. This group is continually growing, and other former Muslims have put their trust in Jesus Christ. God achieved what He had had in mind for Ali.

Pray for the Muslims in Austria:

* God is building His Church among Muslims from many backgrounds in Austria. He calls His disciples to bring in the harvest. The foundation of everything is good personal relationships, so that Muslims may put their trust in Jesus. Hospitality, practical help, listening and prayer are also important. The Austrian government cares for the refugees as far as lodging, food and clothes are concerned. But the refugees also have worries, fears and spiritual questions. When a team of Christians visits a home of refugees with tea, coffee and games, there is much joy, because for most of the refugees they are the first visitors who care for them. Pray for these things.

Background on Austria (World Factbook)

Once the center of power for the large Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was reduced to a small republic after its defeat in World War I. Following annexation by Nazi Germany in 1938 and subsequent occupation by the victorious Allies in 1945, Austria's status remained unclear for a decade. A State Treaty signed in 1955 ended the occupation, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law that same year declared the country's "perpetual neutrality" as a condition for Soviet military withdrawal. Following the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991 and Austria's entry into the European Union in 1995, some Austrians have called into question this neutrality. A prosperous, democratic country, Austria entered the Economic and Monetary Union in 1999. In January 2009, Austria assumed a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Economy of Austria

Austria, with its well-developed market economy and high standard of living, is closely tied to other EU economies, especially Germany's. The Austrian economy also benefits greatly from strong commercial relations, especially in the banking and insurance sectors, with central, eastern, and southeastern Europe. The economy features a large service sector, a sound industrial sector, and a small, but highly developed agricultural sector.

Statistics on Austria

Population: 8,217,280 (July 2011 est.) World rank #92

Life Expectancy at Birth: 79.78 years. World rank #32

Ethnic groups: Austrians 91.1%, former Yugoslavs 4% (includes Croatians, Slovenes, Serbs, and Bosniaks), Turks 1.6%, German 0.9%, other or unspecified 2.4%

Religions: Roman Catholic 73.6%, Protestant 4.7%, Muslim 4.2%, other 3.5%, unspecified 2%, none 12%

Languages: German (official nationwide), Slovene (official in Carinthia), Croatian (official in Burgenland), Hungarian (official in Burgenland)

Literacy: 98%

School life expectancy: 15 years

About Austria - Video

A short documentary about the city of Vienna, Austria.

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Muslims in Belgium

Laura, not her real name, is a young woman who was born into a North African family and grew up in Brussels. Her childhood and adolescence were less than ideal and her view of Islam as practiced in her family and culture was not favourable. She fled her home situation when she reached adulthood and remained relatively free from the family pressures to marry a Muslim boy. A former classmate talked openly of his Christian faith and eventually invited her to a Sunday morning service. In that evangelical assembly she heard vibrant testimony about living faith in Christ Jesus, and was soon invited to study the Bible with one of the women of the church. Within a very few weeks Laura came to the conclusion that she would rather follow a living Messiah than a prophet in his tomb. Her smile reveals a new joy, a new life, and she continues to grow in the knowledge of God and in witness to those around her.

Flag of Belgium

Map of Belgium

There are precious few like Laura, however, who have come to Christ out of the 300,000 members of the Muslim community in Belgium, mostly Moroccans and Turks. Despite the dozen or so full-time workers among Muslims in Belgium, there exists only one or two strong core groups of Muslim-background believers. Though workers are free to witness openly to Muslims in Western Europe, Muslims in Europe tend to be less open than Muslims in their countries of origin.

The Netherlands (Holland)

A similar situation exists in The Netherlands. Dutch Muslims number about 573,000 (3.7% of the population of 15.6 million people). Most Muslims in The Netherlands come from Turkey and Morocco. The vast majority originally immigrated to The Netherlands for economic reasons. There are also Muslims from Suriname (Indian and Javanese), Egypt, India, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Somalia, Ethiopia and Bosnia.

In The Netherlands there are about 300 mosques and prayer centres as well as 30 Islamic grade schools and one Islamic high school. While there is no single institute to train Imams (Muslim leaders), Dutch universities often have Islamic courses. As in Belgium a few Christian groups are seeking to actively reach out to Muslims. Many more Dutch Christians have been mobilized for prayer for Muslims in recent years through efforts such as 30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim World.

Prayer Guide for Belgium and the Netherlands

* Pray that Muslims in The Netherlands and Belgium would understand the difference between real Christianity and the "Christian culture" surrounding them ( 2 Corinthians 4:6).

* Pray that young Muslims, such as Laura, would be presented with an invitation to hear the Gospel.

* Pray that the Christians in Belgium and The Netherlands would become more aware of the Muslims within their own neighborhoods and regions and for an increased number of workers to reach out to them (Matthew 9:37-38).

* Pray for the increasing contacts with Muslims through refugee and prison ministries, English courses and literature distribution.

Background on Belgium (World Factbook)

Belgium became independent from the Netherlands in 1830; it was occupied by Germany during World Wars I and II. It has prospered in the past half century as a modern, technologically advanced European state and member of NATO and the EU. Tensions between the Dutch-speaking Flemings of the north and the French-speaking Walloons of the south have led in recent years to constitutional amendments granting these regions formal recognition and autonomy. As of July 2011, Belgium is the holder of an unenviable world record for not having an elected government for almost 1 1/2 years!

Economy of Belgium

This modern, private-enterprise economy has capitalized on its central geographic location, highly developed transport network, and diversified industrial and commercial base. Industry is concentrated mainly in the populous Flemish area in the north. With few natural resources, Belgium must import substantial quantities of raw materials and export a large volume of manufactures, making its economy unusually dependent on the state of world markets. Roughly three-quarters of its trade is with other EU countries. Public debt is more than 90% of GDP. An ageing population and rising social expenditures are mid- to long-term challenges to public finances.

About Belgium

Population: 10,431,477 (July 2011 est.) World rank #80

Life Expectancy at Birth: 79.51 years. World rank #37

Ethnic groups: Fleming 58%, Walloon 31%, mixed or other 11%

Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%

Languages: Dutch (official) 60%, French (official) 40%, German (official) less than 1%, legally bilingual (Dutch and French)

Literacy: 99%

School life exptectancy: 16 years

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A young Saudi woman who teaches religion was very intrigued by the crosses which she saw on churches in Geneva. She even took several photos of them. When two Christian women started a conversation with her she expressed her perplexity: "Why do people in Europe have the freedom to purchase a Qur'an if they want but in our country it is impossible to buy a Bible. Another young man from Saudi Arabia expressing a different perspective told the Christians: "We live in an open world, if I want a Bible I can find it through the internet."

A group of Christians from an Arabic background has had excellent contacts with the Arab tourists who were walking in the parks and quais beside Lake Geneva. In 2005 during the course of one month they contacted 600 men and women of which 200 heard a detailed explanation of the Gospel. About 30 people indicated that they would like to know much more about Jesus. The last evening of this special summer project several Arabic speaking Christians sang Arabic Christian songs and many of the tourists stopped to listen. After listing to the Christians for a long time an older Syrian man with with a throat cancer allowed the Christians to pray for him.

Swiss Flag

Map of Switzerland

He left them carrying a New Testament.

After the death of King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, who loved to visit Geneva, many of the city's great hotels were concerned that the Arab tourists might go elsewhere. Indeed Geneva is not the only tourist destination in Europe for the Saudis, Qataris and others from the Gulf countries. However even if the number of tourists does decline in the future, the Muslim presence in Geneva will probably continue to be strong. Over 180 different nationalities are present in the city including 35 official representations from Muslim countries (Consulats, etc). There are two mosques and several Islamic institutes along with many North African Muslims and numerous illegal Muslim immigrants from Sub Sahran Africa. Christians in Geneva find themselves before significant opportunities to live among Muslims and to proclaim their faith to them. Several churches in the city have started to make specific efforts to reach the Muslim community.

Prayer guide for Geneva, Switzerland:

* May Christians in Geneva be able to see the opportunities which are available to them to proclaim Christ to the Muslims visiting and living in their city.

* Pray for those Muslims who do convert that God would help them to become real disciples in living Christian communities. Christians need to devote time, energy and much thought to discipling new converts from Muslim backgrounds.

* Pray for the development of ministries in Geneva and many other parts of Europe where there is a significant presence of Muslim tourisms and inhabitants. Native Europeans and Arab Christians all have their place in such ministries.

Background on Switzerland (World Factbook)

The Swiss Confederation was founded in 1291 as a defensive alliance among three cantons. In succeeding years, other localities joined the original three. The Swiss Confederation secured its independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1499. Switzerland's sovereignty and neutrality have long been honored by the major European powers, and the country was not involved in either of the two World Wars. The political and economic integration of Europe over the past half century, as well as Switzerland's role in many UN and international organizations, has strengthened Switzerland's ties with its neighbors. However, the country did not officially become a UN member until 2002. Switzerland remains active in many UN and international organizations, but retains a strong commitment to neutrality.

Economy of Switzerland

Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and stable modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP larger than that of the big Western European economies. The country's largest banks suffered sizable losses in 2008-09, leading its largest bank to accept a government rescue deal in late 2008. Switzerland has also come under increasing pressure from individual neighboring countries.

About Switzerland

Population: 7,639,961 (July 2011 est.) World rank #94

Life Expectancy at Birth: 81.07 years. World rank #15

Ethnic groups: German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Religions: Roman Catholic 41.8%, Protestant 35.3%, Orthodox 1.8%, other Christian 0.4%, Muslim 4.3%, other 1%, unspecified 4.3%, none 11.1%

Languages: German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 20.4%, Italian (official) 6.5%, Serbo-Croatian 1.5%, Albanian 1.3%, Portuguese 1.2%, Spanish 1.1%, English 1%, Romansch 0.5%, other 2.8%

Note: German, French, Italian, and Romansch are all national languages, but only the first three are official languages

Literacy: 99%

School life expectancy: 16 years

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Much of Spain was under Islamic rule for almost seven hundred years. Al-Andalus, was the Arabic name given to those parts of the Iberian Peninsula governed by Muslims, or Moors, up until the fall of the last Islamic stronghold, the city of Granada, in 1492. Muslim Spain or “Al-Andalus” is still seen by some as a good example of how Christians, Jews and Muslims should live together. However, most scholars have demonstrated that this ideal of Al-Andalus is not realistic.

Today’s Spain has around 800,000 Muslims, most of whom are fairly recent Moroccan immigrants. One of the largest mosques in Europe, which was built with financial help from Saudi Arabia, is located in Madrid. Although the Muslim North Africans have now become a significant minority in Spain, few Spanish Christians are actively seeking to proclaim Christ to them. This is also surprisingly true in the two Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla which are actually on the northern Moroccan coast. In those cities almost half the population is Muslim.

Flag of Spain

Map of Spain

Happily there have been large efforts, especially in the port cities of Algeciras and Malaga, to distribute literature, cassettes and DVDs to Muslims travelling to and from Morocco. Unfortunately there are almost no Arab or Berber followers of Jesus who meet regularly for worship and mutual encouragement; some groups have made some attempts to do so but often in unfavourable circumstances. A few North Africans from a Muslim background are now studying in Spanish Bible schools. Their situation is not easy since they are often rejected by family and friends.

Prayer Starters

* Committed Spanish believers are relatively few in number, however, there are increasing opportunities for them to reach out to Muslims living in Spain. Pray for greater wisdom, zeal and mobilisation of Spanish Christians for ministry among Muslims.

* Pray for the distribution of Gospel literature and DVDs in areas where there are Muslims.

* Pray for North African young people who come to study in Spanish Bible schools.

* Pray for the radio and TV programmes being produced in Spain for North Africa.

Background Information on Spain (World Factbook)

Spain's powerful world empire of the 16th and 17th centuries ultimately yielded command of the seas to England. Subsequent failure to embrace the mercantile and industrial revolutions caused the country to fall behind Britain, France, and Germany in economic and political power. Spain remained neutral in World Wars I and II but suffered through a devastating civil war (1936-39). A peaceful transition to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco FRANCO in 1975, and rapid economic modernization (Spain joined the EU in 1986) have given Spain one of the most dynamic economies in Europe and made it a global champion of freedom. Continuing challenges include Basque Fatherland and Liberty (ETA) terrorism, illegal immigration, and slowing economic growth.

Economy of Spain

The Spanish economy boomed from 1986 to 1990 averaging 5% annual growth. After a European-wide recession in the early 1990s, the Spanish economy resumed moderate growth starting in 1994. Growth averaging more than 3% annually during 2003-07 was satisfactory given the background of a faltering European economy. Export commodities include machinery, motor vehicles; foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, medicines, and other consumer goods. The economy is based on agriculture: 3.5%, industry: 29.8% and services: 66.6%.

Statistics on Spain

Population: 46,754,784 (July 2011 est.) World Rank #27

Life Expectancy at Birth: 81.17 years. World Rank #14

Ethnic groups: composite of Mediterranean and Nordic types

Religions: Roman Catholic 94%, other 6%

Languages: Castilian Spanish (official) 74%, Catalan 17%, Galician 7%, Basque 2%, are official regionally

Literacy: 97.9%

School Life Expectancy: 16 years

Video: Islam in Europe - When Muslims Ruled in Europe Part 1/11 [9:39]

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One day, a Muslim woman named Nora insisted that a Christian worker come to her home with the following words: "I am completely disappointed by you. You visit a number of villagers, but never me! You often stopped right underneath our house to talk with different people. Look, I live in that white house over there."

The next day the Christian visited Nora and was amazed by her genuine interest in knowing more about the life of the "prophet" Jesus (as Muslims know Him). Nora received a Turkish New Testament and began to read it regularly. Soon Nora started reading to her family from the New Testament and prayed in the name of Jesus "the prophet". After several months she sensed that there were strange powers coming from the amulet she wore to protect her from illness, and these powers frightened her. A few weeks later she surprisingly lost this amulet. Since then it has become clearer and clearer to her that Jesus is not only a prophet, but the Son of God, the Messiah, whom she can trust in all of her needs and anxieties.

The Millet Turks of Bulgaria

Nora and her family belong to the Millet ethnic group (300,000 Turkish-speaking Gypsies). They are part of about one million mainly Muslim Turkish-speaking people living in Bulgaria (which has a total population of 8.2 million). The non-Millet Turkish speakers are called Osmanlis or Rumelian Turks. Islam is the second largest religion in Bulgaria (12 per cent), after the state religion Eastern Orthodox Christianity (71 per cent).

In the 1990s about 10,000 Millet came to believe in Jesus, but among the Rumelian Turks there are not even 100 Christians and no church. There are tensions between Bulgarians, the Millet and other Turks which are fed every year by various holidays which remind of past power struggles. Therefore it is difficult for evangelical Bulgarians and the Millet to reach Rumelian Turks with the gospel.

Flag of Bulgaria

Map of Bulgaria

Efforts are under way in Bulgaria to proclaim the gospel to the Rumelian Turks and to train the Millet for ministry with the hope of creating Millet and Rumelian churches. However, the majority of those interested in the gospel are Millet. The Rumelian Turks are more integrated into the Islamic society and find it difficult to break away from it.

After 45 years of communism Bulgaria became a democratic republic in 1989. The country has profound economic and social struggles. Half of the population lives in the grip of significant poverty.

Pray for the Muslims in Bulgaria:

* Pray for economic and social improvement, including safer jobs, in Bulgaria.

* Pray for mutual forgiveness and acceptance between the different people groups.

* Pray that the Millet who believe in Jesus grow spiritually, are trained and create house churches (Acts 2:42-47).

* Pray that the Rumelian Turks come to understand that Jesus is more than a prophet; may they give their lives to Him and have courage to be different.

* Pray for the Muslims to be liberated from their superstitious traditions and occult bondages, and become secure in God's mercy and freedom.

* Pray that the word of God will be effectively proclaimed through conversations, literature, music, radio and TV (Acts 4:31).

Background on Bulgaria (World Factbook)

The Bulgars, a Central Asian Turkic tribe, merged with the local Slavic inhabitants in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian state. In succeeding centuries, Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent from the Ottoman Empire in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1990, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Today, reforms and democratization keep Bulgaria on a path toward eventual integration into the EU. The country joined NATO in 2004 and the EU in 2007.

Economy of Bulgaria

Bulgaria, a former communist country that entered the EU on 1 January 2007, has experienced macroeconomic stability and strong growth since a major economic downturn in 1996 led to the fall of the then socialist government. Minerals, including coal, copper, and zinc, play an important role in industry. Corruption in the public administration, a weak judiciary, and the presence of organized crime remain the largest challenges for Bulgaria.

About Bulgaria

Population: 7,093,635 (July 2011 est.) World rank #99

Life Expectancy at Birth: 73.59. World rank #114

Ethnic groups: Bulgarian 83.9%, Turk 9.4%, Roma 4.7%, other 2% (including Macedonian, Armenian, Tatar, Circassian)

Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox 82.6%, Muslim 12.2%, other Christian 1.2%, other 4%

Languages: Bulgarian 84.5%, Turkish 9.6%, Roma 4.1%, other and unspecified 1.8%

Literacy: 98.2% -- Male: 98.7%, Female: 97.7%

School life expectancy: 14 years

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