From picturesque cities like Gdansk to lakes and hills, Poland offers much beauty in a cool climate. Poland’s history is as rich and diverse as its people. Considered one of the most religious countries in Europe, it has more Catholics per capita than Italy, Spain, and Ireland. Everyone has heard of Jesus but know nothing of his grace.

With less than .31% evangelical Christians, most Poles have never met an evangelical or Protestant Christian. Typically, they see them as a cult like the Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons.

Currently, Avant has missionaries in Gdansk and Poznan. One of the teams planted an international English-speaking church. This setting provides an opportunity for interns to engage in ministry quickly, but new long-term missionaries are encouraged to go to new cities where people have not yet heard the gospel.

The Polish team has designed an internship to give prospective missionaries to Poland a real snapshot of the life and work of a missionary before they make a long-term commitment. They are looking for people who are willing to take initiative, and who are flexible, teachable, and humble.

Poland has a high missionary attrition rate, because of language difficulties, a colder climate, and unmet expectations. In general, Poles like Americans. The saying “churches are planted in relationships at a time” is really true here. It takes time to develop those relationships in a country where people don’t easily open up.