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A
GLIMPSE OF SWEDEN
Located
on Northern Europe's scenic Scandinavian peninsula, the Kingdom
of Sweden is well-known for its strict political neutrality and
liberalism. With its high rate of literacy and low unemployment,
Sweden has for a long time been a world-model for Socialism. Sweden
is the largest of the Scandinavian countries in size and population.
Its population of 9 million people reflects the current trend in
European diversity: one-fifth of Sweden's inhabitants are foreign-born
or the children of non-swedes.
SWEDEN
AND RELIGION
Sweden relinquished its claim of Lutheranism as its State religion
in 2000 and now boasts one of the lowest percentage rates of belief
in God in the western world. Sweden can safely lay claim to being
one of Europe's "least Christian" nations. A poll from
2006 conducted by Dagens Industri revealed Swedes have far more
trust in major Swedish businesses, public television, Swedish universities,
and the central bank than in the Swedish Church. As the older generation
of Swedes passes away, the percentage of reproducing believers decreases.
Only five percent of the population regularly attends church.
WHY
SWEDEN?
"A
whole generation of young people are growing up who have no meaningful
exposure to the gospel." (Patrick Johnson. Operation World.
Zondervan. 2001. p. 607). Most do not have a personal relationship
with God. Many of those that do are hungry for more solid Bible
teaching. BMW's team to Sweden desires to equip people in the faith
through interactive Bible studies and to train leadership in the
local churches. While the team is presently learning the Swedish
language, they are engaged in community activities and sharing their
faith with those that are interested.
BMW'S
TEAM TO SWEDEN
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Joe
and Ursula Morell and their four children live in Stockholm
and focus their ministry in teaching and discipleship. |
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Jake
and Elizabeth Delich and their three children arrived in Sweden
in 2005 to begin ministering with the team. |
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Melissa
Carlson, with World Wide New Testament Baptist Mission, is presently
raising support and plans on working with youth and women. |
But this is
just a beginning. The needs are so incredible in this country that
we are seeking dozens more to help create a church planting movement
in this country. For more information about this new endeavor, contact
Joe Morell.
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