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Dear Calvary Family,

I mentioned on Sunday that I will be gone for a couple of weeks while I ride a bike for 275 miles from Tower to Tower - The Tower Bridge in London to the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This is to help raise funds and awareness for Greater Europe Mission’s work surrounding the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Greater Europe Mission (GEM) is a key ministry partner of Calvary Church and I serve as the Chairman of the Board of GEM International.  GEM is also where we got our 10:02 Prayer from.

But I know your biggest question is how I will get across the English Channel? No, I won’t swim - even though that sounds potentially fun. No, I won’t ride through the tunnel under the water - that’s only for trains. We thought we’d take those little pedal boats they have at Irvine Park where two of you sit side-by-side and pedal to move forward. But out of concern of ending up in the middle of the Atlantic, we decided to just take the ferry from Dover to Calais. This is the route of the famous Dunkirk story that took place 84 years ago this week. You are likely reading this email on June 6, which is the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, and it will be sobering to ride my bike through the north of France during this time.

Greater Europe Mission has been sending missionaries from North America to Europe since the end of World War 2 and now has over 700 workers from all over the world working to reach Europe and build Christ’s church through multiplying disciples. We pray that the ongoing battle for the souls of people in Europe would be won by sharing God’s love, grace and truth with people far from God. There is a massive opportunity for outreach and the gospel surrounding the Olympics in Paris and we hope to see the funds raised from this ride go to plant many more churches in the region around Paris. You can follow me on Instagram or Facebook - @ericwakeling or follow @gemissionusa to see what’s happening on the ride or go to GEMission.org/Ride.

It was five years ago that we launched a twofold global focus for Calvary's Reach Missions: GOOD NEWS FOR EUROPE - focusing to reach the 98% of people in Europe who need Jesus, and BIBLES FOR EVERYONE - partnering to see God’s Word translated for the 29% of the world who still need the Bible in their native language. There is still much work to be done on both of these fronts. Europe is truly a place in need of the gospel - it is post-Christian and in many ways like an unreached group that is ready for the message of Jesus. Europe is also a critical influence on the rest of the world. The difference we can make in Europe can spread meaningfully to places most Christians could never be able to engage. Find out more and explore what role you can play at CalvaryLife.org/Global.

GEM DISCOVERY DAY AT CALVARY CHURCH
We would love for you to mark your calendars for an exciting opportunity to learn more about missions in Europe and how you can get involved. Watch an invitation to the GEM Discovery Day on Sunday, June 30th from 12:30-5:30 pm (lunch provided). You can learn more and register for free at CalvaryLife.org/GEM. We will also be learning more about reaching Europe with the Good News of Jesus in our Sunday morning service on June 30th.

Finally, speaking of missions, we will have a commissioning of our GO Trip teams this Sunday, June 9th. And, all of this summer's Global Outreach Trips are going to Europe! There is a high school team going to Albania to serve with our sister church Way of Peace in Lushnjë, a young adult trip to Greece to reach out to refugees at a women's ministry center on Lesvos. and a family trip to Portugal to do a VBS outreach alongside our global partners Jonathan and Traci Shoemaker in Lisbon. So let’s be praying for these teams now and as we commission them this Sunday.  Learn more at CalvaryLife.org/GO.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Eric Wakeling