German Christian YouTuber bicycles across Europe in search of unity among believers

A German Christian content creator has completed a yearlong journey through 12 European countries by e-bike to explore and promote unity among believers from diverse backgrounds, according to an interview with the evangelical publication Medienmagazin Pro.

Carola Mehltretter, founder of the YouTube channel Rooted as One, launched the initiative with the belief that Christians are called to unity—even across deep theological, cultural, and denominational differences. “How can we be one if we don’t know that much about each other?” she writes on her website. “This is hopefully where I can contribute something with my YouTube channel.”

Her journey, which began in March 2023 and concluded in March 2024, took her through Germany, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Spain, and Portugal. Traveling solo on an e-bike, she relied on the hospitality of local churches and families, documenting stories of faith, community, and shared belief.

“I just set out, asked the questions I had myself, and took others along on this journey of discovery,” Mehltretter told Pro. “Even though I was already involved in ecumenical projects, I noticed how little we often know about each other.”

Throughout the trip, she filmed and published biweekly videos, carrying only essential clothing, her laptop, and camera equipment. Stops were often arranged at the last minute, requiring flexibility and openness—from both her and her hosts. She described it as deeply enriching to join families in their everyday lives, attend local churches, and conduct interviews with longtime members and church leaders.

Her experiences varied by region. In Sweden, she said, relationships formed more slowly, while in Ireland, a few contacts quickly blossomed into a large support network. Despite differences in culture, worship style, and theology, she said one thing remained constant: “Jesus was always at the center.”

“Whether it was Surf Church in Portugal, Céilí in Scotland, or a quiet village church in Denmark, the love for Jesus was tangible everywhere,” she said.

One of her most challenging moments came in rural England, where her e-bike battery was nearly depleted and a flat tire threatened to leave her stranded on a steep hill. “I prayed, ‘God, please send help—now would be a good time,’” she recalled. Moments later, a woman walking her dog appeared and drove Mehltretter and her bike to the nearest repair shop, squeezing everything into a small car. “That was a moment when I realized: I can’t do everything alone, but God sends the right help at the right time.”

Mehltretter said the journey greatly deepened her faith. “Cycling was physically and mentally exhausting, but again and again I learned that God provides—not always how I expected, but always enough.”

The name of her channel, Rooted as One, reflects both her spiritual vision and biblical inspiration. “‘Rooted’ symbolizes the spiritual connection among Christians,” she said. “In the Bible, trees often represent deep roots in God. At the same time, ‘to root for someone’ means to encourage them—and that’s what my project is about.”

Mehltretter has continued her project beyond the initial bike trip. While no longer traveling full-time by e-bike, she now explores Christian communities beyond Europe, using her platform to share stories and build digital bridges across denominational lines. She shares content regularly on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok under the handle @rootedasoneofficial.

“My vision is to raise awareness that all Christians are part of a global community that belongs together,” she writes. “We don’t have to agree on everything, but we can respect each other and stand together.”

Her experiences have also been captured in a book, One Year, Ten Countries, and the Challenge of My Life, which offers behind-the-scenes reflections not shown in her videos. The book includes QR codes linking readers to specific episodes.

For Mehltretter, the journey is far from over. “I don’t measure success in numbers anymore,” she told Pro, “but in whether it touches people and honors God. If that happens, I’ll keep going.”