OC’s region of Europe encompasses Europe and the republics of the former Soviet Union in the Caucasus and Central Asia. It is the only region of the world where the population is shrinking. The entire region is home to 419 million people, and by 2030, this number will shrink slightly to 413 million. The demographic drop will be sharpest in Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, the population of Central Asia and other Muslim areas will rise considerably.5 The region includes countries like Germany and Hungary with centuries-old seminaries, as well as countries like Azerbaijan where the first steps toward Christian leadership training are being taken. Throughout the continent, institutions are struggling to find ways to provide training that is accessible and beneficial to the church. OC’s partners are on the forefront of this effort.
EUROPE PARTNER SCHOOL LIST (as of March 2010)
| Europe - Regional Director Highlights |
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Riad Kassis, Middle East/Central Europe RD, says many tend to focus on regions of the world where the Church is experiencing rapid growth. Although his region is not experiencing phenomenal growth, he notes the pressure of Muslim fundamentalism, freedom restrictions and the challenges of post-communist Europe as contributing factors. Riad is encouraged to see the region’s OC partner schools, the "little flock," working in creative ways to meet the needs of the Church and society, such as providing theological education in flexible methods.
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