Long before J.N. Andrews packed his belongings and set sail for Europe, a cry had gone up from across the Atlantic. In letters, in conversations, and in prayers, early Adventist believers scattered throughout Europe pleaded with the church in America: “Send someone!”
Their small fellowships felt isolated. Their hope was real but fragile. They needed help—leaders, teachers and missionaries. And in 1874, the Seventh-day Adventist Church responded. They sent J. N. Andrews, their most capable and dedicated worker. Ellen White later reflected that the church “chose their most experienced laborer” to carry the gospel across the sea. He arrived in Switzerland—a land of rugged beauty and deep spiritual need—with the single-minded purpose of planting and expanding the Adventist message in Europe. It was a defining moment in our mission history.

Today, over 150 years later, that moment is echoing again—but this time, the roles have changed.

In dusty towns in North Africa, in remote villages in Southeast Asia, in crowded, unreached megacities across the 10/40 window, the same cry is rising: “Send someone!” Millions live and die having never heard the name of Jesus—not because they rejected Him, but because no one ever came.

Today, from Europe, we are answering.

Adventist Frontier Missions Europe (AFM-Europe) exists for one purpose: to train, equip and send missionaries from Europe to the world’s unreached people groups. We are not here simply to rekindle faith in Europe, though we pray for that, too. We are here because we believe Europe is still called—still needed—in the story God is writing among the nations.

This continent, so long considered post-Christian, still pulses with spiritual hunger beneath the surface. Among its youth, there is a growing restlessness for something more than comfort or success. There is a longing for purpose—a willingness to go, to risk and to serve. AFM-Europe exists to meet that longing with a call: Go where Jesus is not yet known.

We are still small. But the vision is big. And it is growing.

From Germany, Romania, Switzerland, and all of Scandinavia and beyond, young adults are stepping forward. They are not celebrities or spiritual giants. They are ordinary people with extraordinary courage, facing the big unknown.

For each of them, preparing to go also means inviting others to come with them—through prayer, encouragement and support. In Europe, where the culture of missionary fundraising is still growing, this part of the journey can be especially faith-stretching. Yet time and again, God brings together small but committed circles—families, churches and individuals who catch the vision and choose to walk alongside those who are going. It is a quiet miracle each time and a beautiful reminder that mission is never a solo calling.

As these missionaries press forward, they are learning new languages, studying unfamiliar cultures, and preparing to go where Bibles are banned and churches do not exist. Often, they are stepping into places where spiritual hunger hides behind secularism and loneliness. They are following in the footsteps of J. N. Andrews, but in reverse—leaving Europe to carry hope to places darker still.

Their journey is not driven by applause or ambition. It is born of quiet conviction and deep love. Our missionaries leave behind family, friends and familiarity to live among people who have never met a Christian, or at least never met one that cared for them. They have counted the cost. They know it will not be easy. Still, they come before the throne of God, asking to be used.

Today, the movement has come full circle. Once, Europe asked the church to send someone. Now, the world is asking Europe to do the same.

From that same land—quiet, post-Christian, yet quietly stirring—another young missionary kneels in prayer, preparing to go.

The mission has not changed. The harvest is still plentiful. And once again, God is calling His Church to send its best.

Will you help us send them?

Join AFM-Europe in sending hope to the unreached. Your support helps sustain the mission by equipping our office and empowering the missionaries we send.

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