Why go to Europe?

So, of course I'm excited to see Europe. I do hope to have the ability to go see some things while I live in Poznan. (Although I have no idea what my schedule will be like.  If travel isn't possible, so be it.) But other than the potential benefits for me, why go to Europe? What are the real reasons I'm so excited for this opportunity? Wouldn't Africa or India or South America be more appropriate?

Here's the thing, Europe is not very Christian these days.  After centuries of living steeped in Christianity most Europeans are totally skeptical, which may be understandable considering the many evil uses of Christ's name and Christian language. By and large, Europeans don't think it's possible for an intelligent person to really believe in orthodox Christianity.

By one estimate, Europe has less than 2% active believers, and Poland has less than 0.5%. See European Believers Report  As the GEM website states, "To many peoples of Europe, to be religious is to go to church for baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Those who have heard of Christianity view it as a thing of the past, and they may associate it with a ruling political system.  They’ve experienced a caricature of Christianity that holds no validity."

Many people in Europe have the mindset that they are "spiritual but not religious".  And the thing that strikes me is how incredibly easy it must be for Satan to use that viewpoint to lie to people, keeping them trapped. I see Europe as a dark place, with the potential for much spiritual deception.

So, I think Europe will be a challenging place to be a full-time missionary.  And I think God has a lot of personal growth in store for me. I am looking so forward to seeing what God will do when I show up, prepared and armed for battle. But knowing the victory is His.