Every weekday, two young college students travel to the European Parliament building in Brussels, Belgium. They aren’t there to attend meetings, sit in on any assemblies, or study European politics. They go there for one reason: to pray.
During a recent visit to the UK and Belgium, Billy and Dawn Marie Ray, regional directors for One Mission Society’s Europe/Middle East region, also stopped by the European Parliament to pray before spending time with young leaders from the church of OMS missionary Oscar Jimenez. Throughout the trip, they saw a growing hunger for God among young people.
In recent years, London has been experiencing what some are calling “The Quiet Revival,” a growing movement of young people turning their attention toward God. The Rays didn't just hear about it; they met young people who are living it. They saw that desire among the two college students who pray daily at Parliament, and also during their time with four young leaders from Oscar’s church.
These young leaders fast once a week, give money to provide food for families in need, pursue community outreach and mentorship, and boldly share their faith with others.
One young leader shared a desire to see the church become more than a building, “We want to make God’s church not just his house, but his home.”
Another young leader shared how God transformed her life. She had been struggling with depression and was addicted to vaping. She decided to fast for a day, seeking God amid her struggle. The next day, she said she no longer had a desire to vape. She described it as a moment of God’s deliverance that awakened in her a deeper hunger for his Word and a desire to see his kingdom come.
Across the halls of the European Parliament to the churches of London, Dawn Marie and Billy witnessed young people choosing prayer, sacrifice, service, and evangelism. God is using this generation to see his kingdom come.
By Olivia Hogsett, OMS Communications
