Summer 2018
Praying at the summit
Earlier this year I had to turn to the dictionary to look up a word I had never heard of...'moribund'. Research had been released that attracted attention because it was highly respected in academic circles. The research, from St Mary's University and the Institut Catholique de Paris, was looking at religious affiliation and practice of 16-29 year olds across 22 European countries. The report made for difficult reading...fast rising percentages of secularism, whole generations of families with no Christian belief whatsoever, and the rapid decline of religious practice. And this was across the geographical spread of Europe. The author of the report, Stephen Bullivant, concluded, "Religion in Europe is moribund".
Moribund, I learned, means 'on the point of death'. Bullivant went on to say that the new default in Europe is "no religion".
What is your response? Two weeks after the research was released, our 4-yearly History Makers Summit was taking place near Barcelona (see report later in the newsletter). Our response was to cry out to God "Stir us afresh. Give us, Lord, a holy dissatisfaction with the way things are. A dissatisfaction that drives us to our knees like your servants of old...where we are found at the altar crying out for the perishing...to be broken before Him."
Within this newsletter you will read of young adults wanting to make their lives count for something, to make a difference in Jesus' Name. And, by God's grace, they are! I trust you will not only be encouraged as you read the testimonies and reports within, but will also be inspired in your own walk with Jesus. I certainly am. In the words of 'The Newsboys', "God's not dead. He's surely alive!"
Moribund, I learned, means 'on the point of death'. Bullivant went on to say that the new default in Europe is "no religion".
What is your response? Two weeks after the research was released, our 4-yearly History Makers Summit was taking place near Barcelona (see report later in the newsletter). Our response was to cry out to God "Stir us afresh. Give us, Lord, a holy dissatisfaction with the way things are. A dissatisfaction that drives us to our knees like your servants of old...where we are found at the altar crying out for the perishing...to be broken before Him."
Within this newsletter you will read of young adults wanting to make their lives count for something, to make a difference in Jesus' Name. And, by God's grace, they are! I trust you will not only be encouraged as you read the testimonies and reports within, but will also be inspired in your own walk with Jesus. I certainly am. In the words of 'The Newsboys', "God's not dead. He's surely alive!"
I read these words from Psalm 27:14 just today, "Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
There is much hope as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Here at K180, we seek to remain faithful to Him and His call no matter what the circumstances may scream at us. He is the Lord! Thank you for your partnership in this ministry of gospel proclamation. Your friendship and support as we labour together, is of huge encouragement to our team.
Many blessings,
Many blessings,
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Europe ablaze with the Gospel...
...has been the God-given vision of K180 since He called the ministry into being. This year we celebrated 10 years since K180 was established as a registered charity, although ministry started in 2001. We want to thank all those who came and supported us on the evening, as well as those who partner with us but were unable to attend the evening itself.
God continues to bless us with opportunities to serve His work across Europe. The pins on the map are just from the last 6 months of ministry, and you can read more about how God has been changing lives in the pages that follow.
All this is made possible by the partnership in the gospel of individuals and churches. We are enormously grateful for this and hope that as you read about what God is doing through the work of K180, you will be encouraged to continue to pray, give and go!
God continues to bless us with opportunities to serve His work across Europe. The pins on the map are just from the last 6 months of ministry, and you can read more about how God has been changing lives in the pages that follow.
All this is made possible by the partnership in the gospel of individuals and churches. We are enormously grateful for this and hope that as you read about what God is doing through the work of K180, you will be encouraged to continue to pray, give and go!
Photos from the 'Graze and Raise' international cuisine themed fundraiser evening. So many generously provided delicious meals from their home nations - it was a truly memorable evening! |
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Euro Street Teams
K180 continues to work with local churches across Europe as they seek to go out onto the streets to proclaim the gospel. Our time with churches involves a mix of training, teaching and practical support on the streets. On these pages you will see a brief report from the team leader and some of the testimonies.
To find out how K180 can help your church's outreach, please contact Gareth at gareth@k180.org
To find out how K180 can help your church's outreach, please contact Gareth at gareth@k180.org
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Northern Ireland
K180 were invited back to the ‘School of Evangelism’ at Crown Jesus Ministries in Belfast to lead a Street Evangelism workshop and outreach. This was optional for students, but many came along and were very encouraged at the openness of people on the streets. On Sunday, we were able to minister, alongside Mitch, at a youth weekend away where nine made responses to Christ.
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“Great day with Crown Jesus, and Gareth Hides and Johnny from K180 learning how to do street preaching. Before: Never do it. After: I think most Christians could do that and people might actually listen.”
Tweet from Lee Eagleson, Church Leader, Centre Church Belfast (who attended the workshop and outreach)
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Hungary
The team partnered again with our friends in Pécs and Kaposvár during April for 4-days of training and street ministry. Training was quickly put into practice on the street and many gospel conversations were had. There is much excitement at what God is doing at this time. Please pray for increased unity among the Church and a more widely shared passion to share Jesus.
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Iceland
Gareth, and Samuel (representing EEI in the UK), went to serve alongside the 'Fire Brigade', a group of evangelists, in Iceland in May. We were able to share the gospel on the streets of Reykjavik - including hosting a mini street party outreach for the royal wedding (complete with Union Jack bunting).
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Czech Republic
We travelled to Bohumín in May, to partner with the local church for training and street outreach. Many young people joined us in towns and parks in gospel conversations, and we shared the gospel at an English Evening held in honour of the royal wedding. A highlight was being invited to share the gospel to a crowd at the ‘Bikers’ Blessing’, an annual event which drew around 250 local people that day.
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Macedonia
We were blessed to return to Stip in Macedonia to work with Oasis Church and Pastor Angel again. We led two well-attended evangelism training sessions and shared the gospel in parks and on the streets, as well as ministering in Sunday services in Stip and Kumanovo. A highlight was on Saturday night downtown by the river, where crowds gathered and gospel conversations followed.
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Ukraine
In June, we returned to Lviv along with two members from other London mission teams. A good number from local churches joined Friday night’s training and Saturday’s outreach, which saw sizeable crowds of people listening to the gospel and testimonies.
After our time on the streets, as we ate lunch together, one woman shared that she had only come to the training on Friday out of a sense of obligation. She hadn’t been sold on the idea of what we were doing but after joining Saturday’s outreach, she felt so encouraged to keep sharing her testimony of Jesus with friends and family. Immediately after she shared, several others around the table nodded in agreement and said that they felt the same way. It was so encouraging to witness such honesty among local believers but even more, to see them empowered and excited to share their testimonies of Jesus! |
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France
A team of 3 travelled down to Bordeaux, France, to connect with OAC evangelist Peter Kennelly and his wife Alison, who serve as missionaries in the city. We thank God for the openness of people to stop and listen to the gospel on the streets, and for the many who took gospels and received prayer.
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Training Young Leaders for Gospel Ministry
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In partnership with the International Leadership Institute (ILI), K180 pioneers the work of History Makers in Europe. This training is sharply focused on younger leaders (18-30) and has as its goal one thing - 'Equipping leaders. Spreading the gospel.'
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Montenegro
An introduction to History Makers was held in Podgorica, Montenegro in early February. This is a country with great need for the gospel. With around 250 known evangelical believers within a population of circa 650,000 people, it is not easy for our brothers and sisters there. However, we found a church expectant of God, believing Him for continued growth in the days to come. We had an excellent time together as 28 believers gathered to 'taste' History Makers. It was an encouraging time with plenty of positive testimony. Please pray as the leaders now consider a weekend retreat, using the History Makers training to grow in their gospel leadership.
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"I thought this would be just another leadership seminar. In fact my wife called me at lunchtime to see if I was coming home. That was my plan. But I said 'No!' In 20 years, I have seen nothing like this." (Jeff, HM Montenegro) |
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Russia
In Russia we run two HM tracks, for hearing and non- hearing participants. The Deaf Church in Russia has adopted HM as their national "Leadership School for the Deaf".
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Armenia
Our very first HM in Armenia launched in June. 27 young leaders from 6 churches across 5 cities gathered in Sevan for a dynamic week.
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"Before, I was not convinced that vision was important, but after the teaching, I realised leadership without vision is like running around the foothills of the mountain." (Edgar, HM Armenia)
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Turkey
The church in Turkey is incredibly small. HM is a strategic tool in helping churches equip their young leaders for effective gospel ministry. In January, 30 young leaders gathered from across Turkey for our third national HM Journey.
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Slovenia
Young leaders from Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia met together in Ljubljana for a weekend of training. The Serbian team are looking to launch HM in their own country in 2019.
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History Makers European Summit, Barcelona 2018
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We had been looking forward to this Summit since the London Summit in 2014. And it did not disappoint! 92 participants from 20 European countries (including faculty and team) met together just outside of Barcelona for this 4-yearly gathering. Designed to review the ministry, celebrate what we have seen God doing, and to envision for the years ahead, it was a fantastic 4 days filled with laughter, tears, prayer, worship, teaching and a heightened expectation of God. With some outstanding input from guest speaker Hélder Favarin (Spain), each one of us left with a renewed passion and determination to make a difference in our day in Jesus' Name.
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"I saw myself so far away from God...and then my friend invited me to this 'Life changing conference...you've got to come!' On Day 2 God totally broke me and gave me the strength to totally surrender...I said, 'We need to have this [History Makers] in Albania...then started the craziest journey...and God reminded me to trust in Him". Ina Yzeiraj (Albania Champion) testifying at the HM European Summit
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Ina leads the History Makers ministry in Albania. She has seen over 40 young leaders trained, and God is using her to raise up a new generation of young leaders ready to totally surrender, and trust in Him for everything. Please pray for her. |
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Trainees
Providing opportunities for coming to London and taking part on short or longer term traineeships is a key aspect of K180 ministry. During the first six months of 2018, we have had three trainees working alongside us. Nils from Germany for ten-days, Johnny from London for ten-months, and Jenn from the south of England for one-year.
We are also currently hosting four trainees for K180's 'KSCHOOL', a six-week summer school of evangelism. We'll bring a full update for you in our next newsletter.
We are also currently hosting four trainees for K180's 'KSCHOOL', a six-week summer school of evangelism. We'll bring a full update for you in our next newsletter.
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We welcomed Nils Tolle from Immanuel Church in Wolfsburg, Germany in June for a ten-day traineeship. Nils was very eager & teachable. By the end of day one, he was sharing his testimony of Jesus on the street, and on day two, also preaching the gospel using illustrated messages. It was a pleasure to have Nils with us; he approached training and ministry with great energy and a keen sense of humour. On his return home, Nils planned to organise six outreaches in Wolfsburg. Eight other believers have since committed to join him in this! Pray for God’s will to be done in Germany.
Nils is also taking part in the EEI Germany training which began in March (see next page).
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Jenn began her traineeship in September 2017, and concludes this August. Jenn is skilful in using a variety of methods to communicate the gospel message effectively, and has recently had the opportunity to preach at a local church alongside Jason. With our KSCHOOL trainees here for the summer, and through a range of short-term overseas mission opportunities, Jenn has also had the opportunity to help lead some training sessions.
More updates on Jenn in the next newsletter... |
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Johnny concluded his ten-month traineeship with us in April. Already a regular member of our Friday night outreach team, Johnny continued to grow in his ability to share his testimony, and the gospel through illustrated messages. His passion, humour, and sound preaching continue to draw people to hear more of Jesus. We are so thankful for Johnny's traineeship, and are eager to see how God leads him on, as he continues to seek out God’s plans for his life.
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Thinking of applying for a traineeship with K180? All training wIth us is tailor-made and will include a variety of opportunites as you work alongside the team and our partners in developing your giftings. These may include, among other things...
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Evangelism training
Church placement Street Evangelism Overseas short-term missions Music and song-writing |
Bible study and teaching
Helping at evangelistic events One-to-one discipleship History Makers leadership training Sketchboard evangelism |
Training Young Evangelists - The EEI Network
One of the most exciting areas of ministry growth has been the training of young evangelists. We passionately believe this is a key strategy for reaching Europe with the gospel. God is raising up those called to proclaim the Good News and our goal is to, in partnership with local churches, run alongside them. 2018 has seen the launch of training in Germany, Russia and Scotland, and at least 110 young evangelists will go through the training across all countries this year.
The programme consists of four separate residential weekends, together with additional days, mentoring and opportunities to participate in major evangelistic initiatives.
The programme consists of four separate residential weekends, together with additional days, mentoring and opportunities to participate in major evangelistic initiatives.
6 countries, 110 young evangelists being trained
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Major Evangelistic Initiative Opportunities...
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One of our commitments to the evangelists in training is to provide opportunities to get involved with major evangelistic initiatives. Two such events this year to date were alongside the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Lisbon, Portugal and Falkirk, Scotland. EEI teams in both places sought to share the gospel on the streets and serve at the Festivals (preaching events), gaining a valuable insight behind the scenes as to how these major evangelistic initiatives are planned and executed. Inspiring for all concerned, especially seeing hundreds of people making first time commitments to follow Christ!
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Lisbon, Portugal
Falkirk, Scotland
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K180 Music
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February saw Gareth's new EP released and an evangelistic concert held, including all four songs from his new EP, 'We Will See'. Trainee Johnny, and former trainee Abi, played alongside Gareth in the function room of a local pub in West London, with OAC evangelist, Dave Mwaniki, providing opening support.
Gareth's EP continues his writing of songs which communicate the gospel message. One song, 'Within a Yard of Hell', was inspired by the CT Studd quote: "Some want to live within the sound of church and chapel bell. I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell." For more information on how K180 could help your church share the gospel through an evangelistic concert, please contact Gareth at gareth@k180.org |
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Further music from Gareth is available for free download (click the images below) including:
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London GO Mission
In April 2017, whilst enjoying a McFlurry after an outreach with the Hungarian team who were with us at the time, I had an idea: what would it look like if we preached the gospel at every place on the London Monopoly Board? Fast forward one year, to April 2018, in partnership with Open Air Campaigners, we saw the vision become a reality. Two teams, Team Top Hat and Team Race Car, headed out each day from our base at a church in Stratford (St. John’s). People at every place (all 26 properties!!) on the Monopoly board heard the gospel over the course of the five-day mission. (Gareth Hides)
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On Friday evening, the teams headed to the smallest road on the Monopoly board: Vine Street. It’s effectively a back alley behind Piccadilly Circus. The team planned to do the outreach just off Vine Street, where it links to Regent Street. As some of the team were going through the alley to see Vine Street and take a picture, though there was no one around, three young French guys, Regis, Felix, and Yohan, walked past and a team member engaged them with one of the Chance/Community Chest gospel flyers. It turned out that Yohan was a Christian, and though the other two weren’t, they were open to hearing the gospel message, and spoke with some of the team for almost an hour. They weren’t ready to make a commitment to Christ but received prayer and took a French Jesus Film DVD each. It’s amazing how God brought people along to hear the gospel on one of the quietest streets of London, at one of the quietest times of day!
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Dates for your diary: 23-27 April 2019 London GO Mission - join us!
Looking Ahead...
The days are increasingly urgent. Society (which means individual lives) is drifting away from its once held Christian moorings. This is happening across Europe. Humanly speaking the future looks bleak. But God is strong and, here at K180, we believe that God is not finished with Europe just yet! An image from Lisbon (see more on the EEI page) is seared on my mind...
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One moment captured in an instant what drives us to proclaim Jesus and call others to follow Him. Our K180 team was in Lisbon, Portugal, partnering with local churches and the BGEA in declaring the Good News. At one of the altar calls, a man in his thirties came forward with tears streaming down his face. As the preacher led those that had come forward in a prayer, he concluded by saying, "God has deleted your sin. You are forgiven". At that moment, this man spontaneously fist pumped the air with sheer joy! What a glorious message of hope we carry!
"Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17) |
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As we press on through this year we remain steadfastly focused on being obedient to His call. We continue to proclaim the gospel, and to train young evangelists and young leaders for gospel ministry. Everything is in partnership with the church, which we affirm is God's 'Plan A'. And His purposes will be fulfilled. What a privilege we all have, to be a part of what God is doing in these days!
How to Partner
We remain thankful to God for those who partner with us in different ways, not least financially. Thank you! We really could not do all that we do without your partnership in this way. In these days that seem to grow only darker, there are many opportunities to declare the Good News that transforms, and to equip and release many for gospel ministry. If you are able, and sense the Lord directing you, would you consider standing with us financially in the days ahead? Every gift makes a difference and enables us to move forward with much purpose.
And if you would like to pray regularly for the K180 ministry, please email Penny at penny@k180.org and we will send you a monthly prayer plan to help you pray specifically.
We are grateful for you. May you know much blessing as you seek to live out your life in Jesus' Name.
And if you would like to pray regularly for the K180 ministry, please email Penny at penny@k180.org and we will send you a monthly prayer plan to help you pray specifically.
We are grateful for you. May you know much blessing as you seek to live out your life in Jesus' Name.
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and the K180 team
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If you would like to partner K180 financially, please click here, or the button below, which will take you to the donate page of our website. Every gift makes a difference and enables us to take the many gospel opportunities before us. Thank you for your interest and support.
Kerygma180 – A Registered Charity: 1123294
A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No 6481900
A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No 6481900
Please note that we have regular email updates from K180 available. These include video testimonies, latest updates, news of evangelistic resources etc. Please click to ‘subscribe’ if you would like to receive these.