Europe's High-Priced Life

Read an article in the Economist that showed the newest report on the world's most expensive cities. Western Europe is the most expensive place in the world to live, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit's latest annual Worldwide Cost of Living survey. Europe is home to eight of the 10 most expensive cities in the world, and 14 of the top 20. Oslo, which remains in the top spot, is 32% more expensive than New York—the benchmark for all comparisons. Paris, Copenhagen and London (Edinburgh 2nd most expensive int he UK) have in the last year overtaken Tokyo and Osaka for the next three positions, and most other major EU cities have risen in the rankings over the previous year. The main reason for this has been the relative strength of the euro and sterling against the US dollar and the Yen, although many of the big European cities experienced lower year on year price rises in the EIU-selected basket of goods. New York is the 26th most expensive city to live, which is by far the most expensive in the US.

I asked one of the missionaries the other day what the dollar was when they had arrived roughly 5 years ago. It was $1.40 to 1 pound sterling. It is now over $2 to 1 pound sterling. That means that $2000 5 years ago was roughly 1428 pound sterling. Today, $2000 is 1000 pound sterling. A 428 pound loss/month is enough to make this the most difficult place to raise support in. (Granted I'm aware of gross currency inflation in other parts of the world. Right now, Zimbabwe's currency has gone up 2000%. People could see bread increase several hundred Zimbabwe dollars in a few hours.) In other words, I'm not complaining, but it's reality.

Not only that, but the most challenging to build a church. Post-Christian societies are such unique mission fields. This is not a "woe to us". It's a thankfulness that the Lord has provided and we have so many of you supporting and trusting in the potential of this ministry.

With great cost comes great reward:)