Greater Europe Mission (GEM) first started to investigate the use of technology for training pastors in 1999. Partnerships started to develop in 2000, a key one being with Moody Bible Institute (MBI). GEM agreed to work with MBI in the development of its new online program. MBI agreed to give GEM its courses to be implemented in our mission’s context. In 2000, GEM formally started a Distance Learning Department that was later renamed eDOT.
Over the past 10 years, eDOT has worked with hundreds of volunteers and has grown to 13 full-time missionaries devoted to using technology in reaching and discipling both Eastern and Western Europeans and immigrants.
During these years we have:
- Worked in 19 countries in Europe and the former Soviet Union, helping partners use technology to further God’s kingdom in Europe.
- Installed 21 computer centers in Eastern Europe for use- in outreach to their local communities.
- Developed nine online courses and are finishing another six courses. These courses either are already translated or will be translated into six European languages and Russian.
- Successfully helped to launch five distance-learning programs for ministries in Europe and are actively helping three more get off the ground.
- Participated in the development of a new Internet evangelism network based in Europe and helped to start a European-based Christian technology network.
Since the arrival of our new president at GEM in the summer of 2007, we have started increasing our emphasis on helping churches get the resources they need to grow quickly. We have retooled our Facilitator Training course into a more easily adaptable format and have started translating it into Russian. In the spring of 2009, we moved into our new offices in Germany and are excited and looking forward to seeing how the Lord will continue to use us for His kingdom here in Europe.
