One Mission, Four Cities: What RevivEErs Are Learning Across Eastern Europe

When people ask me what RevivEE is like, I often struggle to answer. How do you explain living in a foreign country, serving in ministry every day, building deep friendships, navigating cultural differences, and watching God work in ways you never expected—all at the same time?

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview fellow RevivEE participants serving in four different cities across Eastern Europe: Budapest, Bucharest, Zagreb, and Sofia. While each person’s experience was unique, I was struck by how many common themes emerged. Different countries, different cultures, different ministries—yet the same God was teaching all of us similar lessons.

Different Paths, One Calling

The panelists came from all over the United States—Texas, Kansas, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.—and each arrived with their own story. Some had long felt drawn to Eastern Europe. Others were looking to grow in their faith, gain ministry experience, or simply step out of their comfort zone and trust God with a season of uncertainty.

What united them was a willingness to say “yes” to God.

That “yes” led them to cities rich with history and personality. Budapest captivated participants with its stunning architecture and prayer walks along the Danube River. Sofia’s ancient Roman ruins and walkable city center offered daily reminders of the region’s deep history. Zagreb’s slower pace and relational coffee culture challenged American notions of productivity. And Bucharest—with its blend of Soviet-era buildings, beautiful Orthodox churches, and rapidly changing culture—provided a fascinating backdrop for ministry.

Each city was different, but each became home.

Learning to See Success Differently

One of the most common themes I noticed in their stories was the challenge of redefining success.

Many arrived eager to make an impact. They imagined Bible studies, baptisms, and visible ministry fruit. While those things certainly happened, they often came much more slowly than expected.

There were seasons when conversations seemed unproductive. Weeks passed without obvious breakthroughs. Participants wrestled with feelings of inadequacy, wondering if they were doing enough or making a difference (all so relatable from my experience as well).

Yet looking back, many described those difficult periods as the times when God grew them the most.

Instead of measuring success by numbers or outcomes, each began learning to value faithfulness. God wasn’t only interested in what they could accomplish—He was shaping who they were becoming.

The lesson was profound: ministry is not ultimately about performance. It’s about loving people well and trusting God with the results.

The Blessing of Family Far From Home

Perhaps one of the biggest blessings of RevivEE that each individually communited from their RevivEE experience was the unexpected depth of community.

Living abroad comes with sacrifices. Meagan spoke openly about missing weddings, birthdays, family gatherings, and important milestones back home. Chris navigated a long-distance mentoring relationship with his nephew. While Nick wrestled with homesickness and cultural adjustment.

Yet in the midst of those challenges, strangers became family.

Through daily meals, ministry activities, prayer times, and shared experiences, deep bonds were formed—not only within RevivEE teams but also with local disciples and churches.

Being a follower of Jesus in Eastern Europe is not easy. Though highly religious countries, few believe and live as if Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was costly. For this reason, the ones that truly inspire aren’t the RevivEErs who left their lives for ten months, but the local churchers who persevere in a spiritually baren place. These congregations have often weathered economic hardship, political change, cultural challenges, and persecution, yet they continue to faithfully live for God.

And I can attest to this! The churches we individually serve in are not just our jobs, but a multinational family united by faith and purpose.

Small Moments, Eternal Impact

Some of the most encouraging stories from the last ten months involved seemingly ordinary moments:

A conversation on a university campus. An invitation for coffee. A Bible study that almost didn’t happen.

Some shared stories of people who initially showed little interest but later became engaged, began studying the Bible, and eventually chose to follow Christ. Others described local church members stepping into leadership roles or becoming more enthusiastic about evangelism after seeing RevivEE teams’ example.

Again and again, God reminded us that He works through small acts of faithfulness.

Sometimes the most significant moments begin with simply deciding not to walk past someone.

What Eastern Europe Has Taught RevivEErs

Living overseas has provided countless opportunities for growth for each of them.

The panel spoke about learning patience, flexibility, and cross-cultural communication. Many noted how different cultural values challenged their assumptions.

In Zagreb, the emphasis on long coffee conversations taught lessons about slowing down and prioritizing relationships over efficiency. Across all four cities, participants learned to listen more carefully, adapt more readily, and appreciate perspectives different from their own.

These experiences have expanded not only their understanding of the world but also their understanding of themselves.

What I Learned from These Conversations

As I listened to everyone’s stories, one theme stood out above all else: God is working even when we can’t see it.

Whether through a chance conversation on a university campus, a friendship that slowly develops over months, or simply showing up day after day, God seems to delight in using small acts of faithfulness.

I was also reminded how much growth happens in the “wilderness” seasons.

Not the exciting moments we post pictures of. Not the big victories.

The ordinary days. The days when you’re unsure what God is doing. The days when you’re homesick. The days when ministry feels slow.

Those are often the moments when God does some of His deepest work.

Worth It

If you asked any of us whether this year has been worth it, I think the answer would be the same.

Absolutely.

It has stretched us. It has humbled us. It has challenged us in ways we never expected.

But it has also strengthened our faith, deepened our relationships, broadened our perspective, and given us a front-row seat to God’s work across Eastern Europe.

Interviewing my friends reminded me that while we may serve in different cities, we’re all part of the same story. God is building His Kingdom in Budapest, Bucharest, Zagreb, Sofia, and beyond—and somehow He has invited us to participate.

What a privilege that is.

And to all of you who pray for us, encourage us, and support us from home: thank you. Your partnership makes stories like these possible, and I hope hearing them encourages your faith as much as it encouraged mine.