Have you ever been to a Christmas market? They are extremely popular in countries like Austria. But while they have “Christ” in their title, they are mainly about shopping, eating, and drinking.

While most people in Austria still need to meet Jesus, God is at work there! Here’s an example of the long-term impact ECM has had there, thanks to the prayers and gifts of people like you.

The first ECM missionary arrived in Austria’s Vorarlberg province way back in 1965. Seven years later the first evangelical church was planted in the town of Dornbirn. Then, for 30 years, it was led by a series of ECM workers from the UK, the Netherlands and Australia. These were people sent, prayed for and funded by people like you.

In 2012 something really exciting happened. The church appointed its first Austrian pastor! Stephan Pohn was someone who had been discipled and trained by that string of ECMers, especially Ian Wooley from Australia.

And today? This church is now Austrian- led and self-sustaining. A thriving team of ECMers strives to train and disciple young Austrians into leadership. The church wants to both plant new churches and strengthen other churches so that they can reach out effectively within their own increasingly secularised and ethnically diverse society.

British ECM worker David James says,

“What an amazing impact ECM has had in this region with six local Austrian Christian leaders building on the foundations laid by ECM missionaries. Thank you – they couldn’t have been here without your support!”

But God isn’t only at work in Austria. ECM has more than 250 workers (increasingly ministering in their own nations) spread across some 25 European countries. Whoever they are, wherever they are from, they are there because of the generous support of people like you. Thank you

Find out more about ECM ministry in Austria