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Who or what is Next Level Internation (NLI)?
Next Level International is a Christian ministry based out of Bedworth England.
From their beginnings in 1992, NLI's partnerships and influence has increased into Central and Eastern Europe.
Since the birth of NLI, the Leadership Training Department has raised up a new generation of 5,000 leaders in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. In 1998 and 1999, they expanded this training into Moldova, Belarus, and other regions of Eastern Europe.
The first Church Planting School commenced in 1996 in Budapest, Hungary where 16 new congregations are meeting. Four other Church Planting Schools have commenced since them in the Czech Republic, Northern Poland, Southern Poland and Central Poland. At present well over 40 new churches are being planted. There is a strategic plan to have church planting movements erupt in Eastern and Central Europe over the next decade. Their Short-Term Missions team have mobilised between 500 - 800 people into the UK and Eastern Europe each year since 1999. They are looking for this to grow and see a new generation of missionaries rise as a result
Within the next 2 years, NLI will have trained over 5000 leaders, planted 70 churches, and released more than 4000 people into short-term missions. But in a continent of millions of people, there is still an incredible need for more. NLI has a vision to reach every nation in the continent of Europe. Right now there are countries, churches, and leaders crying out for support. There are literally thousands of towns and cities without an evangelical church or real Christian witness. In Poland alone, there are 500 target cities desperately needing churches.
Why did we choose to partner with NLI?
We have know NLI's founder, Ian Green, for over 18 years. Through this personal relationship, first-hand involvement with their short-term missions work in the Czech Republic, and a close up look at their pastor training program in Serbia, we witnessed a powerful, viable, loving organization wholeheartedly seeking to spread the Good News.....and more. We are humbled they would consider us worthy to join the team.
Next Level International exists to empower a new generation of leaders to equip, transform, and expand the Church throughout Europe.
Since the birth of NLI, the Leadership Training Department has raised up a new generation of 5,000 leaders in Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. In 1998 and 1999, they expanded this training into Moldova, Belarus, and other regions of Eastern Europe.
The first Church Planting School commenced in 1996 in Budapest, Hungary where 16 new congregations are meeting. Four other Church Planting Schools have commenced since then in the Czech Republic, Northern Poland, Southern Poland, and Central Poland. At present well over 40 new churches are being planted. There is a strategic plan to have church planting movements erupt in Eastern and Central Europe over the next decade.
Their Short-Term Missions team has mobilized between 500 - 800 people into the UK and Eastern Europe each year since 1999. They are looking for this to grow and see a new generation of missionaries rise as a result.
We will be joining NLI in this quest. Initially we will be working in the international headquarters in Bedworth, England. However, our hearts are open to serve where ever the need exist.
What background experience makes you suitable for this work?
Good question. Mary and I have had a heart for missions workfor over 20 years. We have involved with a number of mission related adventures in Haiti, Guatemala, Peru, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Taiwan, Paraguay, Serbia and Poland. Mary also worked for a mission ministry here in Florida for several years. We have both been involved in co-ordination of short term missions trips, helping raise support, intercessory prayer, personal involvement in local mission activity and more. Additionally Mary has years of experience as a church bookkeeper and great hospitality skills. Paul has been a church elder, administrator and can mispronounce words in about 12 languages.
Where will my money be used?
NLI is a faith-based ministry, translation: we are volunteers, not employees. Your financial involvement will be an investment into the ministry. Prior to our departure we will need to submit a monthly budget to NLI. Once this budget is approved, and once we are actually in Europe, NLI will disburse a set amount to us each month, based on the approved budget. NLI(USA)is a 503(c)3 organization and will supply a receipt for all US donations.
What will you be doing for NLI?
Paul will be the Regional Manager for the Balkan Region. His responsibilities will include providing administrative leadership to the NLI teams within this area. In English, he will be coordinating NLI's activities in the region with those of the partner ministries and churches. This will include Church Planting, Leadership Development, and Short-term Missions. The mix also includes overseeing budgets, logistics, and most of all; maintaining and/or creating relationships.
Mary will be helping with a new facet of NLI, Childrens' Ministry. This is new ground for NLI and Mary will get to help create curriculum, training for pastors, and designing outreaches aimed specifically at kids. Translation: She gets to share the love in her heart with countless kids who may have never heard of Jesus.
Why would anyone in their right mind do such a thing as this???
That would depend on your definition of a "right mind". Many consider things of God as "supernatural"....we have begun to see the same as "spirit normal". When Jesus said "go into the world making diciples..." He meant that for the Apostles, and us. Despite the uncertainty and the need for dependence on God, we have a calm about this new future. Will it be an easy ride? No. But we will never be alone.
Why this part of the world?
The Wall
How many of us watched as the Berlin Wall came down? A symbol of oppression that had stood for almost thirty years was now rubble. How many of us applauded, as millions of people in Eastern and Central Europe were unleashed from Communist control? Few missed the news as the media provided countless images of tear-streaked faces as families were reunited, and the hope of freedom was rekindled. Pundits praised the leaders of so many new nations willing to embrace democracy. What a joyous, historical occasion.
Comfortably numb
Fast forward less than 20 years…to now. Those liberated nations; those “freed” people, now live in the vacuum created by the demise of Communism. Murder, prostitution, drugs, and violence now run rampant in the wake of liberation. These former Communist bloc nations were Godless, now sin has filled the void.
Nations once visited by the first disciples, cities that sent missionaries and sparked spiritual revolutions, are now filled with a lost and dying generation. A generation gorged on capitalism and addicted to every worldly influence. Chaos and uncertainty prevail. Atheistic influences from other cultures are further infecting the people. However, not all is lost
