By Chee hoe Koay
The work of The Navigators in Europe takes many forms, each uniquely contributing to the mission of making disciples. Among these, the pioneering ministry of Stefan and Anita Pals on the Greek island of Samos stands out as a response to the ongoing refugee crisis. Compelled by a deep conviction to serve where the need is great, the couple moved to Greece to start a ministry that integrates discipleship with justice.
Nestled on the doorstep of the European Union, this island has become a landing point for thousands of refugees fleeing war, persecution, and climate crises. Amidst this ongoing humanitarian emergency, Stefan and Anita embody the core values of The Navigators: sharing life, making disciples, and living out the transforming power of the Gospel in the hardest of places.
The Dignity and Value of Every Person
Stefan and Anita moved to Samos with a conviction that discipleship and justice must go hand in hand. They could not stand by idly as refugees arrived at Europe’s borders, often after treacherous journeys across the sea. Partnering with an NGO, they sought to be present among the suffering, extending the love of Christ in practical ways while discipling the volunteers who come to serve.
“We want to help volunteers find Jesus among the poor, to wrestle with the hard questions of pain and brokenness, and to keep following Jesus as lifelong laborers,” Stefan shares. “At the same time, we want to serve and greet refugees in the name of Jesus, telling them: You are loved. You are human. You are seen.”
Love and Grace Expressed in Community
The daily rhythms of their ministry are full of movement and connection. They spend one day a week in the refugee camp, providing hospital rides, distributing clothing, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable women. Beyond that, their home is constantly open—to volunteers who need guidance, to refugees who need encouragement, and to local Greeks with whom they share community.
Their discipleship is deeply relational: walking alongside volunteers, leading Bible studies on suffering and justice, and mentoring those who are struggling to process what they see in the camp. They hold early morning men’s groups, host team nights with shared meals, and provide debriefs for volunteers as they transition out. Through these intentional relationships, they plant seeds of faith that will extend far beyond Samos.
Holding Fast to the Navigators’ Core in the Face of Challenges
Serving within the framework of another NGO brings unique challenges. The structure and priorities of the organization do not always allow for deep discipleship rhythms. Volunteers work five long days a week, and their time on the island is often short—ranging from six weeks to eight months. Finding meaningful spaces for spiritual formation requires patience, flexibility, and a reliance on God’s timing.
Yet, the heart of The Navigators is evident in their work. They share life with those they disciple, creating sustainable rhythms of faith that volunteers can carry with them wherever God leads. They teach people to read Scripture, to pray, and to apply the Gospel in real-world suffering. They model vulnerability and authenticity, engaging with both the joys and struggles of ministry.
One young man Stefan baptized on the island now joins him for weekly online Bible studies, staying connected to his faith journey even after leaving Samos. Stefan encourages him to seek out a Navigator group in Germany, reinforcing the lifelong, everywhere nature of discipleship.
The Transforming Power of the Gospel
For Stefan and Anita, their ministry hinges on one unshakable truth: the Gospel is real and present in the midst of suffering.
“If the truth of Jesus doesn’t apply here—amid exhaustion, loss, and powerlessness—then where does it apply?” Stefan reflects. “But we know He is here. We long to see His transforming power at work: in the hearts of the coast guards, that they may show compassion instead of turning people away; in the hearts of Greek officers, that they may treat refugees with dignity; and in the hearts of volunteers, that they may embrace Jesus and be changed by Him.”
This is just a glimpse of the work of Navigators in Europe—not just in established ministries, but in new frontiers where faith is tested and revealed. On the edges of the continent, in places where hope seems scarce, discipleship is thriving. Through relationships, presence, and the faithful love of Christ, the light of the Gospel is shining in the darkest corners of our world.
