Why europe?

IT'S SECULARIZED.For centuries Europe was the center of the Christian world where the passionate voices of Luther, Spurgeon, and Wesley, once brought reformation and light. Much has changed and today and there is a smaller percentage of Christians in Europe than any other continent in the world. The church in Asia is growing 43 times faster and the church in Africa 50 times faster than the church in Europe, and less than 1% of Europeans claim Jesus as their Lord. The modern predominant philosophical systems of Europe are Atheism, humanism, and Universalism.

IT'S INFLUENTIAL.The 27 nations of the European Union combine to form the world's largest economy, making Europe extremely influential both economically and politically. 

IT'S CONNECTED. Europe is home to nearly 800 million people, who live in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Stockholm, and Rome. Each of these cities boasts a multi-ethnic population representing over 250 distinct cultures. This means that Europe is connected in an unprecedented way to the rest of the world. Europe's ethnically diverse population of nearly 800 million people produces relational connections with individuals and cultures from all around the world.

WHY AMSTERDAM?

IT'S HISTORIC.The Netherlands is home to nearly 17 million people. Amsterdam, the capitol city of The Netherlands was founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village, and has grown to become the largest city in the Netherlands with a population of nearly one million people. Amsterdam has risen to become one of the most important cities in Europe in which to do business. The Netherlands was one of the founding members of the European Union.

IT'S CULTURAL.There are more pieces of historic art per person in the city of Amsterdam than any other city in the world. The Netherlands was once home to Rembrandt and Vincent Van Gogh, and is home to museums dedicated to both artists as well many other museum collections around the city. 

IT'S DIVERSE.The city of Amsterdam is home to 177 different nationalities, making Amsterdam the most multicultural city in the world.