"If Paul had had a bus, he would surely have used it!" says Beth, attending a Bus4Life event in Hungary. "The Bus4Life helped provide a focal point in the local community for people to gather together to hear the gospel." That's the vision behind the red, white, and blue vehicle that partners with central European churches to take the gospel to parks, concerts, conferences, and outdoor festivals. Church volunteers invite people inside to watch videos and shop for books, or to sit at tables outside enjoying free coffee. It's been a great way to involve all ages in outreach.

Participant Matt says, "To hear that this was the first time that the local youth had proclaimed the gospel on the streets of their city was a real encouragement and I definitely got the sense that this was the beginning of something great." Church kids engage other kids through sports, music, and face-painting. Adults perform dramas or deliver a short message for the crowds. Some have offered blood pressure check-ups. It's up to the creativity of each partnering church to come up with the best outreach for their community.

One of the most powerful uses of Bus4Life was after the toxic spill in Hungary. It served as a base for emergency workers and volunteers in the worst affected area. It has since returned to its literary rounds, but the experience has opened new doors of possibility.

In Ireland, another bus ministry also draws crowds. Simply called The Big Red Bus, the double-decker event center hosts visitors at all types of gatherings. The bus is used as everything from a puppet stage to a coffeehouse. Both The Big Red Bus and Bus4Life help churches get outside their walls and reach their surrounding communities.

Ask God to continue protecting and providing for these bus ministries—and consider going on a short-term mission trip to Europe.