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Gene & Melissa Harter

Southwestern Germany |

Our Story

Discovering our calling to serve as missionaries in Germany was an unexpected journey for our family. Initially, Europe wasn't even on our radar as a potential mission field. However, as we listened and explored, we realized the urgent need for Christian outreach in Europe, where Christianity has seen a rapid decline.

After having spent years in the aviation industry as an engineer, we embarked on this new chapter of our lives. Since August 2013, we've been dedicated to serving communities throughout Europe, embracing the challenges and joys of spreading the message of faith, hope and love.

Where We Work

Gene and Melissa play integral roles within GEM, allowing them to have influence throughout Europe. Gene serves as the Director of GEM Teams, a group of 12 missionaries strategically positioned in Europe to reach people across the continent. Through GEM Teams, they lead initiatives aimed at growing local ministries by organizing and leading short-term mission teams. Additionally, Gene provides leadership to three other leaders over groups that are part of Europe-wide Ministries, each dedicated to serving continent-wide with unique skills and methods.

Melissa serves as the co-Director of Onboarding and Field Integration for GEM, focusing on empowering new GEM workers as they embark on their mission journey. In this crucial role, Melissa is instrumental in developing comprehensive support systems to ensure that newcomers thrive during their transition to the mission field. By standardizing procedures and sharing best practices, she ensures that regardless of their country of arrival, new workers receive the necessary guidance and resources to build a strong foundation for ministry that leads to fruitfulness and longevity.