April 2025

Dear Family and Friends

Apologies, I missed sending out a newsletter last month.  WARNING this one is a bit longer than usual so I can catch you up on the last few months.

Welcome to those of you who are receiving this for the first time!  If you’ve heard me speak for more than a few minutes, then you have heard that one of the many hats I wear and also one of my passions – is being one of the leaders helping to oversee our European university student ministry (ENC) and helping students and the leaders grow in their relationship with God.  I wanted to share with you an article I recently read from a student ministry here in the UK that confirms what we have been seeing throughout Europe:

“If you’ve been anywhere online in the past few months, you’ll have seen news headlines shouting about Gen Z and spirituality. The Times recently claimed - “Gen Z half as likely as their parents to identify as atheists.” These signs are hardly new. We’ve been talking about this for years. What is new, though, is that mainstream media is starting to talk about this too. These are big voices. But they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. This slow awakening runs so much deeper, and I believe we have yet to see how far down it goes. One recent survey says:

•   50% of all students think that the Bible is relevant to today’s world; and

•   33% of non-Christian students would like to read the Bible with a friend.

These findings show the huge opportunity that exists in the current student generation. There is a significant increase in openness. There was also a recent student worldview survey with 76% of students saying they’d go to church if a friend invited them.

For a long time, we have been trying to catch fish that don’t want to be caught. Fish that swim away as soon as they see the boat coming. But now they are swimming in a current that is drawing them in. Some of them are even jumping into the boats of their own accord. We aren’t doing anything new. We have no new fishing techniques, no magic bait to bring the fish to us. We don’t need marketing or attractive ways to generate interest. The spirit of God is enough. The word of God is enough.”

What exciting news! The catch of the century is coming so please pray for me and all those I work with because we need wisdom and hearts and hands that are prepared for this great catch!

At the end of March, I had the privilege of teaching one 2 one mentoring at our new church plant in the south of London.  The main reason for me doing this teaching was to help church members learn how to walk with students who are starting to come to church!

I then headed to Prague, Czech Republic for our Build Conference where people from our churches all over Europe gathered for a time of encouragement and input. 

One the back of our Build Conference we had our ENC (Every Nation Campus) conference where students and student leaders from 21 nations across Europe and a few from Philippines, Africa and America joined for a weekend of fun and input.  We have been so encouraged over the past few years because we have clearly been seeing what you read above.  More and more students are saying yes to Jesus and we are seeing more of a hunger and an increase in attendance every year!  At the end of the conference, we invited students to lunch who felt like God was calling them into ministry possibly after graduation.  Here is a picture of those who came to the lunch!

Here are two pictures also from the conference.  The first one is of the campus leaders I get to work with across Europe and the second is the group picture of all of our students and a few leaders we brought to the conference from London.

And finally, here is a picture of all of those who attended the ENC Conference:

The day after the ENC Conference I headed to Florida for my annual support raising trip.  It was an incredible time meeting up with old and new friends sharing what God has been doing in Europe.  I’ve loved seeing and catching up with people and I’ve also loved meeting new friends!

Last week I flew to Georgia where my family now lives to continue meeting up with old and new friends in person and on Zoom calls.  This time in the states has been filled with God’s incredible blessings of provision and I am believing that I will meet my support raising goals.  It’s also been a very challenging time…I broke my big toe the first week I was in Florida which slowed me down a bit and has put me in a boot for 6 weeks.  I’ve also had to deal with family losses and challenges which has brought about grief and lots of prayer for God’s wisdom in the next while.

None of these things are a surprise to God though!  He is good and I am trusting Him for everything I need in this next season. He is faithful.

Thank you SO MUCH for all your prayers!  I need them!  Thank you also to everyone who has been giving to me financially.  I really couldn’t do what I’m doing here in Europe without you.

Lots of Love

Traci