Hi,
My name is Andrea Gentile, and I am a Christian missionary serving in Italy with Team Expansion. I am reaching out on behalf of the organizers and attendees of the Mid-Winter Rally—a gathering of Christian missionaries, U.S. expats, and other believers living and serving across Europe.
You may not be familiar with the Mid-Winter Rally, but this annual event has been a blessing for many years, offering rest and encouragement to men, women, and children serving in post-Christian Europe.
A Little History
The Mid-Winter Rally traces its origins to the visionary work of Guy Mayfield, a U.S. Air Force Chaplain stationed in Europe in the early 1950s. His efforts led to the establishment of numerous U.S. missionaries serving in Germany, France, Italy, and Belgium, playing a vital role in planting churches and developing leaders in post-World War II Europe. While these missionaries and leaders ministered to both the spiritual and material needs of Europeans and expats, they also longed for fellowship, rest, and unity, which led to the creation of the Mid-Winter Rally.
For many years, the Rally was held in Germany. However, starting in 2009, it became a rotating event hosted by different European nations. Despite experiencing financial ups and downs, the Rally has remained self-funded. Unfortunately, the challenges of recent years—including the COVID-19 pandemic, extended lockdowns, inflation, and rising living costs—have prevented the Rally from hosting in-person events and have discouraged potential participants from registering or contributing financially.
The Reason for This Funding Campaign
With COVID restrictions easing, we’ve resumed organizing the Rallies, but we need help to rebuild the Rally’s financial foundation. Our goal is to create a fund that covers the upfront expenses, which can then be replenished by the contributions of attendees.
Currently, there are approximately $400 in the Rally’s account—an amount that is insufficient to secure the necessary facilities and to alleviate the financial burden on missionary families, many of whom face significant expenses. For this year’s Rally, we expect around 75 participants, including a U.S. speaker for the adult sessions and a team of college students volunteering to lead the children’s activities (these volunteers cover their own expenses). The total cost for a family of four, for 4 nights of lodging, meals, and conference facilities would be €1,200 (not counting travel expenses).
Why We Need Your Help
We are seeking to raise €23,000 to help cover the upfront costs of the Rally. Would you consider supporting this ministry to provide missionaries, expats, and other believers with a much-needed time of rest and encouragement?
How the Funds Will Be Used
A fund of €23,000 will allow us to:
- Secure lodging, meals, and rooms for the Rally by covering initial down payments.
- Offer financial assistance to families who might otherwise be unable to attend due to financial difficulties.
- Cover office expenses and other materials needed for the event.
Your donation will make a significant impact in helping us continue this vital ministry of rest and encouragement for those living and serving in Europe.
Thank you for your consideration and support!
How to Support This Ministry
If you are interested in supporting this ministry you can:
- Contact the Peine Christian Church in Germany at these addresses:
Christ Church Peine
Konsumstr. 4
31228 Peine
Germany
Phone: +49 5171 7903653
Email: info(at)christusgemeinde-pe.de
Website: https://www.christusgemeinde-pe.de/startpage.html
Thank you for prayerfully considering helping the spiritual needs of those who serve in various ways in Europe. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you are a blessing to others.
In Christ
Andrea Gentile and the Mid-Winter Rally organizers