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At times , it seems almost impossible to reach the 99 percent of Europeans who do not hove a relationship with Jesus. But 500
years ago , the Reformation began a movement that continues to spread today , as ordinary people reach step by step into
their circles of influence to share the gospel.
fhe Gospel Song Continues
In 1415, Czech reformer John Hus was burned at the stake for preaching the gospel in Prague. Hus (which means goose in
Czech) said, “Today you are burning a goose; however, a hundred years from now, you will hear a swan sing, and you will
have to listen to him.”
On October 31 , 1 51 7, Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, and Germany heard a swan sing the
gospel. “So it shall continue, if it please God,” Luther wrote in 1531. The movement spread from Germany to Switzerland,
Austria, England, and beyond — ordinary men and women, transformed by grace, carrying the gospel to more people and
places.
Five hundred years later, Europe is a post-Christian society, but God continues to raise up ordinary swans to sing the gospel
in Germany. Andreas, a building manager for city hall in Duisburg, grew up on the streets and even spent time in jail. But in a
park one day, a man read John 3: 1 6 to him, and
Jesus breathed life into Andreas’ soul.
Now, from the city hall’s tower, he looks out over
his neighborhood of 25,000 people. He boldly
shares the gospel with hundreds of them. Many
have received Christ and are bearing fruit in a
church plant of 50 members. Recently, his church
plant sent him out to plant a second church three
miles down the road. When that new church is
3stablished, Andreas has his sights set on planting
a third church three more miles down the road.
“So it shall continue, if it please God” — ordinary
swans singing the gospel song.
