Transformation from the Inside Out
We are convinced that the transformation of Europe begins with people who encounter God personally, live with Him and allow the Holy Spirit to change them.
This transformation happens from the inside out. As people learn to hear God's voice, trust Him and act with Him, He changes their thinking, values, decisions and the way they treat others.
Through such people, God's work can reach far beyond the individual: into families, relationships, congregations, churches and other areas of society, even into entire regions and nations.
Political programmes or social reforms are not the starting point of our ministry. We trust that God changes people and, through them, their surroundings as well. In this way, His reign can spread and transform Europe from within.
A Prophetic Image for Our Mission
An important image that has shaped the beginnings and direction of Europe for Jesus goes back to a prophetic word spoken over Joachim “Joe” Schmid in 2012 and subsequently confirmed in various ways:
“Joe, I see you as a captain on a large oil tanker. This oil tanker sails to different harbours and delivers oil there. You never need to worry about the amount of oil; it will never run out, the tanks will always be full. You sail to different harbours with the oil tanker and deliver oil there. The harbours and the surrounding areas were dark and corrupted before the oil tanker arrived. As soon as the oil tanker delivers its oil in the harbour, the entire region changes and becomes bright and illuminated, flourishing and full of life. Every harbour the oil tanker visits is changed in this way, from darkness and corruption to light and life.”
What This Image Means to Us
At the centre of this image is the oil. We understand it as a picture of God's presence and the power of the Holy Spirit. The flourishing regions remind us of God's kingdom: Jesus did not merely proclaim God's reign, but made it visible through His actions, both natural and supernatural. Where God is at work, darkness gives way and new life can emerge.
The oil tanker represents a ministry that visits different places and then moves on. We are convinced that God has called us to this and wants to work through the Holy Spirit. That is why we go, trusting that He will meet people and transform them. We cannot bring about this work through our own strength, control it or guarantee particular results. Our task is to prepare people, help them overcome obstacles and make room for God to work.
Just as the oil remains in the harbour and continues to have an effect after the tanker has sailed on, our departure should mark another step in God's ongoing work: people and communities should be strengthened and released to continue walking with God, growing and bearing new fruit.
Our Contribution to This Vision
Our mission can be summed up in four guiding words: Prepare, Reach, Equip and Revive. We want to introduce people to God, prepare them for His work and help them live and act with Him themselves. We can prepare the ground for revival—but only God can give it.
We cannot and should not fulfil this vision alone. God has called other people and ministries too. We need congregations, churches, Christian ministries and leaders who are open to His work, willing to invite us and ready to receive support and be equipped. They should be able to continue working with God themselves and reach other people.
In this way, transformation can spread far beyond our own visits. The vision is greater than Europe for Jesus and does not depend on the lifetime of any particular leader. It is rooted in God's calling and can be carried forward by many people and ministries. We want to contribute our part, trusting that God Himself transforms Europe through His love and power.