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Summer 2021
Recently I was speaking with a Hindu about Christ. It is not the first time we have spoken. She told me that she believes that Jesus is God incarnate, that he died and rose again and, crucially, that Jesus is the only way to salvation. She then asked me, “Can a Hindu choose to follow Christ?” She has always been told that it is not possible. Now she faced the call of Jesus; “Follow me”. I could see that it was an agonising moment for her. To leave all behind and follow Jesus. “I need more time,” she said, wiping the tears away. Please pray for S*.
The battle for souls is fierce. Do you see it day by day? We need to.
The last 6 months have proved fruitful in many ways. We have seen a few precious souls profess faith in Christ and they are now being discipled. We have seen many people trained online and the following pages will hopefully give a feel for the depth and scope of this training. Many countries across Europe and beyond have been touched. Of particular encouragement has been the ongoing multiplication across the globe… 100 leaders trained in Haiti, 157 in Chad, Christian athletes in Gabon, and more... all as a result of one person from each of those countries attending online training. Amazing. And yet, we sense an even greater urgency of the times. Yes, the battle for souls is fierce. And so we press forward, seeking to make the most of every opportunity, keeping an eye on the vision the Lord has given us and, with others, advancing on our knees.
The battle for souls is fierce. Do you see it day by day? We need to.
The last 6 months have proved fruitful in many ways. We have seen a few precious souls profess faith in Christ and they are now being discipled. We have seen many people trained online and the following pages will hopefully give a feel for the depth and scope of this training. Many countries across Europe and beyond have been touched. Of particular encouragement has been the ongoing multiplication across the globe… 100 leaders trained in Haiti, 157 in Chad, Christian athletes in Gabon, and more... all as a result of one person from each of those countries attending online training. Amazing. And yet, we sense an even greater urgency of the times. Yes, the battle for souls is fierce. And so we press forward, seeking to make the most of every opportunity, keeping an eye on the vision the Lord has given us and, with others, advancing on our knees.
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As we press ahead, we have been delighted to welcome Maritza Gonzalez-Mabille to our team. Maritza is providing ministry support for several initiatives and particularly those in French and Spanish-speaking Europe. You can read a little more about Maritza on page 12. We are thankful to the Lord for Maritza, her husband David and their daughter, Morgane. Welcome!
Thank you for standing with us as we seek to be faithful to His call. Toward the end of last year, we released a ‘Testimony Book’ primarily as an encouragement and as a thank you to those who have partnered, and are partnering, with us. If you would like a copy, please email me at office@k180.org and we'll get a copy to you. |
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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.
God continues to bless us with opportunities to serve His work across Europe. The pins on the map show the countries where ministry has taken place in the last 7 months, and the work continues in many more. As much ministry activity has taken place online, geographical boundaries have melted away and we have seen training reaching many French-speaking countries outside Europe and, in some cases, this training is already being multiplied. 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 show the countries where ministry has taken place in the last 7 months, and the work continues in many more. As much ministry activity has taken place online, geographical boundaries have melted away and we have seen training reaching many French-speaking countries outside Europe and, in some cases, this training is already being multiplied. 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!
London GO
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Planning a mission initiative in a pandemic can prove a little challenging! Before the UK government released their roadmap out of lockdown, we were unsure how COVID-19 restrictions would impact upon our 5-day, Monopoly-inspired mission, comprised of sharing the Gospel at every residential property on the Monopoly board, plus the 4 stations. But, praise God, the mission was able to take place quite freely, and we successfully planned out how to deliver the Good News whilst acknowledging and adhering to the COVID-19 guidelines.
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We were also encouraged to have around 30 believers join us to be a part of what God was doing throughout that time. And we were later amazed by the sheer volume of Gospel conversations we had between our two teams (Team Race Car & Team Top Hat) and passersby! Here are just a few testimonies of how God drew men and women to Himself for the purposes of salvation, and His faithfulness to us as a group…
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Team members noted real openness to, and a hunger for, the Gospel from many passersby. One man spoke to a team member saying, “I want to believe there is a heaven and hell. I want to know what will happen with my soul.” 
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A group of Muslims questioned their faith when presented with the Gospel, and some even expressed a longing for genuine connection with God. Others specifically asked to be given Bibles from team members – some who had never heard of the Gospels but were intrigued, and others who required Bibles in Farsi and Turkish. |
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Whilst outside Marylebone Station, team member Scott connected with a girl who was reading a new Bible. He felt prompted to ask her if she understood what she was reading, to which she replied, “No”. Scott was then given a brief opportunity to share the Good News with her until a friend soon picked her up and they left. Although initially disheartened because their conversation was cut short, they later met again as the team gathered in Park Lane, and Scott was able to share more. As Scott observed, “God is most certainly drawing her!"
Click here to find out more about our annual London GO mission or to register your interest for London GO 2022, or contact Gareth Hides at gareth@k180.org
Training Young Leaders for Gospel Ministry
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Throughout the pandemic, the training of young (and some not-so-young!) leaders has continued, and we have been very encouraged. With online training in English, French, Romanian, Spanish and Turkish, there has been a consistent stream of participants from many countries. Of particular encouragement have been the testimonies arising from graduates and notably some who have already started to multiply the training in their setting. Literally from the UK to Switzerland to Cambodia to New Caledonia (in the middle of the Pacific Ocean) - we are seeing lives transformed as the Lord takes this tool known as History Makers and uses it for His glory. Equipping Leaders. Spreading the Gospel.
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FrenchSince last year, four HM online trainings have been organised and more than 150 participants have graduated. Now many of them are organising the training in their own countries: in their local churches or with other Christian organisations.
For instance, in Belgium, Neha and Kevin organised HM in their youth group, and Debora organised the training for her local church. Levelt, from Haiti, organised two HM events open to the whole church where they had testimonies of conversions. Patrice, from Gabon, organised two weekends of online training for Christian Athletes for Christ. Daniel, from Chad, organised the first HM session in his local church where 157 participants were encouraged with the topics. Glenda, from New Caledonia, is planning, with her pastor, to run the training. Sara and her husband, originally from Switzerland and now missionaries in Cambodia, will use the HM material in Khmer. |
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"During the Visionary Leadership session, I was very impacted by the 6 steps to establish concrete and effective goals based on biblical foundations. As I put them into practice, the Spirit led me in prayer through verses to enter into His plans: To create a group of women in my church to read the Word in a dynamic attitude, to learn to know each other better and to pray. I call it Word & Prayer. Two months after I had this vision, I started this group. I was moved by the grace of God. Many people told me that it was very helpful and that they had been waiting for it for some time. Thank you Lord for introducing me to HM.”
(Vérène, Switzerland)
Romania"I serve as a pastor in Sibiu, a church founded 6 years ago. It all started with a History Makers class. Now we reach more than 150 people and serve in the community by running an orphanage. History Makers has a direct implication in the first Methodist church formation in Sibiu (second Methodist church in Romania). From the time we started, we trained with HM materials about 60 persons, some leaders in other denominations. The new HM class will start next week and we will have around 10 students, mostly church planters and people involved in different areas of influence.” |
SpainThe first HM Spanish training started at the beginning of April. More than 30 participants from all over the world log on every week in the evening. At the time of writing, the training has not yet been completed; however, it is clear that the topics covered so far have already blessed the participants enormously.
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Russia
And we have had one ‘in-person’ training in Russia. 40 young leaders gathering, 15 of whom were from the Baptist deaf church from across the country. And plans are now underway to see the training multiplied in St Petersburg and also Crimea.
"I'm 21 years old and I'm deaf. I was baptised last year. Thanks to the course "History Makers ", I realised that I can change the history... I plan to talk to my pastor and offer my help in serving the new converted Christians.” |
"This time has become an inspiration for me in the ministry. The wise teachers did an excellent job teaching us, which was very edifying for me. [My] mission is to spread the Good News to all [my] friends at university, at work, and neighbours. I dream of the revival of youth in Russia and united ministry.” |
Unashamed Course
Is there any more important task than sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Indeed, it is deeper than simply being a ‘task’. It is a commission, a privilege and a responsibility. Every believer is an ambassador for Christ, a witness to Him, bearing this life transforming message to a lost and dying world.
We have the most amazing news and yet we often struggle to share it. Perhaps this is not a surprise. We are in a spiritual battle and the enemy will do all that he can to silence us. But God is strong and His Gospel is powerful.
The ‘Unashamed’ eight-week course was birthed with a clear intention: to equip for day-to-day witness by answering the “But how?” of evangelism. Firmly rooted in Scripture, and with plenty of practical advice and a challenge at the end of each session, this training will sharpen you as an ambassador.
We have the most amazing news and yet we often struggle to share it. Perhaps this is not a surprise. We are in a spiritual battle and the enemy will do all that he can to silence us. But God is strong and His Gospel is powerful.
The ‘Unashamed’ eight-week course was birthed with a clear intention: to equip for day-to-day witness by answering the “But how?” of evangelism. Firmly rooted in Scripture, and with plenty of practical advice and a challenge at the end of each session, this training will sharpen you as an ambassador.
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The eight weeks
1. Authenticity in Our Witness 2. What is the Gospel? 3. The Cross 4. Personal Testimony 5. Gospel Conversations 6. The Holy Spirit and Evangelism 7. Tough Questions 8. Digital Evangelism |
Scott teaching online at the Unashamed Course Armenian
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We ran the first ‘Unashamed Course’ online in the autumn of last year in English. We were encouraged by its reception and, as others heard about the training, we decided to run the course again early this year. We ran a bilingual English and French course (with simultaneous translation) on Tuesday evenings and an Armenian course on Friday evenings.
Two of our UK participants went on to participate in this year's Big 3 mission in May, sharing the Gospel on the street alongside teams in Blackpool and London - look out for more on Big 3 in the next newsletter! |
"I loved the course, I’ve learnt so much! Learning more in-depth about evangelising for Christ and the practical aspects of it. I feel more equipped now to share my faith with others.” “[This training] made me value more spreading the good Word and do it intentionally in any place, anytime. It made me look at the Bible and want to spend more time with the Lord, reading it and praying.” (Fernando, participant - Portugal) |
"This course is awesome! I love that every session is hands-on. The weekly challenges push you to put what you've learned into practise. Thanks to the testimonials shared by the speakers I've gotten to understand what it really means to share my faith in Jesus in everyday life." (Nehalenia, participant - Belgium) “I’ve been so blessed by the course… I’ve really been praying ever since we’ve done the course, ‘Holy Spirit, will you use me?’” |
We have just started the first French-only course (early May) which has included participants from across the Francophone world, not just Europe. We have invited French speakers to teach sessions, alongside K180 team members. Plans are in place for the course to start in Haiti in June and translations of the course materials into Spanish are well on the way, with a church in Spain planning to run their own course soon. We are encouraged how the Lord is multiplying and using this new resource. Our desire is to give the course away freely to churches and ministries who want to equip people in sharing the Gospel with others.
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Why not consider joining us for a future Unashamed course as a participant? Or perhaps your home church could host their own course in the near future (either in-person or online)?
For more information visit our webpages in English and French
Or email gareth@k180.org if you’d like to discuss how this might equip your church family in reaching out to others
For more information visit our webpages in English and French
Or email gareth@k180.org if you’d like to discuss how this might equip your church family in reaching out to others
Unashamed+
Following on from our inspiring session in October with Roger Chilvers on the importance of discipleship in evangelism, we kicked off 2021’s Unashamed+ slate in January with a bang!
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With the intention of continuing to complement the online Unashamed course by helping participants put what they’ve learnt into practice, we were delighted to welcome Andrea Williams from Christian Concern, who spoke on the vital subject of the church remaining salt and light in an increasingly chaotic culture. Andrea spoke with boldness and passion, offering us stirring biblical truths to support us as we continue pointing people to Jesus’ life-transforming Gospel, despite the threat of hostility and the ever-present temptation to compromise on our message, which is faced by all Christians. Sobering, challenging and yet ultimately encouraging, we thank Andrea for taking the time to speak to us, and for the example she sets with her unwavering, inspiring dedication to refusing compromise.
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In April, we were honoured to be joined by ‘Ali’ - a key leader of the underground church who joined us live on Zoom from an undisclosed location in the Middle East.
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Through overseeing a network of 700 to 800 house churches operating underground, across 6 Middle Eastern countries, ‘Ali’ was able and eager to share invaluable testimonies and insights into conducting evangelistic ministry, whilst also suffering under persecution. He frequently reminded us of the ever-present risks of sharing Jesus both there and across the world, but also of the great importance of not losing focus on our call to carry out the Gospel task in the West. We are grateful to ‘Ali’ for generously blessing us with his time, challenges, words of comfort and for the light he shed upon the eye-opening difficulty of life for persecuted Christians around the globe.
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We hope to run Unashamed+ again in the autumn, with information (including dates) coming soon, so please keep an eye on our webpage for more details
EEI UK
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We continue to press forward in the training of young evangelists and those early in their call, despite the current Covid challenges. At the end of March, we hosted the very first online module of EEI UK, looking at “The Evangelist and Communication”. We were joined by guest speakers Mark Ritchie and Todd Alexander, both of whom are EEI alumni. Naturally, the weekend was very different in missing the face-to-face dynamic but seemed to be an encouraging time for all.
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We have also hosted monthly EEI gatherings on Zoom, enabling both current participants and graduates to connect and receive encouraging input from both the leadership team and guest speakers.
As we look forward to September, we plan to have the next module as an in-person residential weekend. Please pray for our EEI UK participants, particularly those who have just started on the course and those who plan to start in September. |
EYE Network
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The wider EEI family have previously gathered together at Behold Europe, in Barcelona back in 2019. One of the initiatives to come out of Behold was a desire for a formal alliance of those who are training evangelists using the EEI format and DNA. This is what the ‘European Young Evangelists Network’ is all about, representing the training of evangelists in six European nations. Stay tuned for the launch of the website as we look ahead to Behold Europe 2022 in Hintersee, Germany (read on for more about this).
"Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2) |
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Introducing MaritzaMaritza joined the K180 team in September 2020 as Ministry Support. Maritza has coordinated HM in Belgium since 2017, now helps to coordinate HM France and Luxembourg, and has developed close ties with other French-speaking countries around the world. She has a master’s degree from the Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels.
Maritza has a passion for languages, teaching and building relationships and she seeks to apply these to God's work in order to serve Him through any opportunity that comes her way. Hence she served in her local church as a translator, administrative support, youth leader, women's leader and has travelled with missionary projects to Africa. Maritza is originally from Ecuador, has lived in Belgium and has now settled in the north of France with her husband and young daughter. |
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Maritza's favourite Bible verse is from Romans 11:36 and she desires to live her life in light of this verse: For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:36) |
New Project
January 1st saw the launch of a new partnership with the London Baptists. The goal of this new project is for K180 to come alongside a church for 12 months to help cultivate an evangelistic culture within the life of that church. Whilst we certainly don’t have all the answers, we do believe that K180 has something to offer. And so, after many months of planning, on 1st January we started a 12-month partnership with Brentford Free Church in West London.
At the heart of our partnership is prayer, street ministry, and discipleship. And, despite the first 3 months being in a context of Covid lockdown, it has been an encouraging start with a group completing the ‘Christian to the Core’ discipleship training (online) and, from Good Friday, a group being on the streets every Saturday morning. And there have been a number of ‘divine appointments’ already…
At the heart of our partnership is prayer, street ministry, and discipleship. And, despite the first 3 months being in a context of Covid lockdown, it has been an encouraging start with a group completing the ‘Christian to the Core’ discipleship training (online) and, from Good Friday, a group being on the streets every Saturday morning. And there have been a number of ‘divine appointments’ already…
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C* is a young father who had that very morning prayed to God. In his words, he has done many bad things, and this was a cry to God. Then a few hours later, one of the Brentford team approached C* to share Christ with him. He wept as he listened to the Good News. |
A* is another young guy who has “no peace in my life” and is so often stressed. All he knew about Jesus was that He was a holy man. What a joy to be able to take time to talk through the Gospel and see this young man’s eyes widen as he took in what was being shared. He was deeply moved, even to the point of giving a hug* to the team member before leaving (*whilst breaking Covid rules, the hug came too quickly for the team member to avoid! :) ) |
Sharing the Gospel in Brentford High Street
Another feature of this partnership is K180 placing an intern with the church for the equivalent of 2 days a week. Team member Scott is fulfilling this role and is particularly, at this time, working alongside the youth as well as leading the street outreach. Thank you for praying for this new initiative.
Street Ministry
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April saw the welcomed and much-anticipated end to the UK’s national lockdown, which enabled us to resume our street ministry in Ealing Broadway, and partner once again with other local street evangelism teams. Whilst conducting our evangelism in a socially distanced manner and observing the "rule of six", we were able to continue initiating Gospel conversations and offering out tracts or Bibles to passersby. We were recently able to reintroduce Gospel proclamation and music to our Friday night outreach in Ealing which has drawn people to the corner. Many passersby have seemed curious about what’s been happening, and others have chosen to stop and listen, resulting in some fruitful conversations and opportunities to offer out literature. We give thanks to God for favour with the authorities, and the blessing of being able to share the Gospel with Covid marshals. Please pray that such favour would continue to be upon us, and that God would use such freedom to draw the lost to those various locations we visit throughout the week, so that they might hear of His goodness.
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In addition to encouragements from Ealing Broadway, we want to give thanks to God for breaking up hard ground in both Leicester Square and Romford as we have recently connected with countless people who are seeking answers relating to questions surrounding suffering and God’s purpose for their lives, following on from a difficult last year.
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We were greatly encouraged to hear that the Romford team (co-led by team member Scott) has also seen an influx of conversations with people from many different countries, thereby bringing a portion of the world to Romford and an opportunity to send the Gospel back with them when they return. Please continue to pray for us asking that God would guide our team in the planning of these various outreaches, protect us spiritually and physically as we share the Good News, and help us to see where He is at work in these areas. Thank you.
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Behold Europe 2022
From 14-17 January 2022, young evangelists from across Europe will be gathering in Hintersee, south of Munich, Germany. This will be the second time we have hosted ‘Behold’ (the first being just south of Barcelona in 2019).
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‘Behold’ is an initiative of the newly-formed EYE Network (European Young Evangelists). It will bring together participants and alumni from the various EEI training groups in different parts of Europe: Spain, Italy, Germany, Iceland, Russia, and the UK for a time of encouragement, equipping and envisioning. With a clear focus on the proclamation of the Gospel, we will explore together the challenges facing us today in Europe, and be inspired and equipped as we strategically work together with a desire to see true Gospel impact in our day. We are delighted to welcome Roger Carswell (UK), Roland Werner (Germany), Hélder Favarin (Spain), Paulina Król (Poland) and Artur Penner (Germany) as our speakers.
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With translation of sessions available in French, German, Italian and Spanish, please join us in praying that this conference will directly result in much fruit across Europe, both in the lives of the evangelists and in people coming to Christ!
Are you aged 18-35 and hear the call to Evangelist? Or do you know someone that is?
Perhaps Behold Europe is for you?
Visit www.beholdeurope.org for more information or to register
Perhaps Behold Europe is for you?
Visit www.beholdeurope.org for more information or to register
Looking Ahead...
We continue to navigate 2021 by doing everything we can to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. He is our Leader, our Commander, our Master. When the world around flounders in knowing what to do, we are grateful that the One through Whom all things were created and all things hold together, is our Guide. We exist to serve His purposes and count it a great privilege to serve Him. And so, yes, we fix our eyes upon Him and seek to plan with the wisdom and direction He gives. I’m sure we don’t always get it right, but I believe we are on the right track!
As this newsletter demonstrates, it has been a fruitful period despite the Covid obstacles. And we have much expectation as we look ahead. The days are urgent and the need is great. As we plan, everything is geared around one thing… reaching the lost. We have a few projects ahead that we trust will be tools useful in the hand of our Master. More details to come. In the meantime, we continue developing the new ventures you have read about within these pages, most notably the Unashamed Course. As for travel and working in-person with our European partners… we continue to explore possibilities for later in the year, holding plans with open hands, and remaining in a state of readiness, seeking to listen to His voice in all things. Lord, give us ears to hear!
As this newsletter demonstrates, it has been a fruitful period despite the Covid obstacles. And we have much expectation as we look ahead. The days are urgent and the need is great. As we plan, everything is geared around one thing… reaching the lost. We have a few projects ahead that we trust will be tools useful in the hand of our Master. More details to come. In the meantime, we continue developing the new ventures you have read about within these pages, most notably the Unashamed Course. As for travel and working in-person with our European partners… we continue to explore possibilities for later in the year, holding plans with open hands, and remaining in a state of readiness, seeking to listen to His voice in all things. Lord, give us ears to hear!
How to Partner
Thank you for standing with us as we seek to be faithful to His call to make Jesus known. We are thankful to all those who are praying, giving and joining us ‘on the ground’ as we exercise ministry. We are thankful for your partnership in this precious, life-giving Gospel. As you pray, give, and go, you are on the front line with us. We are thankful to God for such partnership.
We are looking for more partners to join us as we pursue the vision He has given: Europe ablaze with the Gospel. These past months have only accelerated the work and as we look ahead, the opportunities are myriad. We continue to pray as we seek to add team members to our core team as we try to make the most of every moment, every Gospel opportunity. Resources are needed for this and we look to Him who owns everything. If you would like to know more about how you can support us financially, please see www.k180.org/donate
Running the race with you!
We are looking for more partners to join us as we pursue the vision He has given: Europe ablaze with the Gospel. These past months have only accelerated the work and as we look ahead, the opportunities are myriad. We continue to pray as we seek to add team members to our core team as we try to make the most of every moment, every Gospel opportunity. Resources are needed for this and we look to Him who owns everything. If you would like to know more about how you can support us financially, please see www.k180.org/donate
Running the race with you!
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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.
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A Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No 6481900
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