Our experience so far in Greece is difficult to put into words because words can’t adequately convey what the Lord has revealed. The people we’ve met are so brave but in need and the stories we’ve heard have been heartbreaking. But God is at work here and is using his workers and believers to reach and teach the refugees.
Most of the countries these people come from are closed to the gospel. These people have left their homes for fear of their lives and desire to give their children a better life. It has been so amazing to see how God has made a way to reach these people, here in this city. Their countries may be “closed” but the gospel is being shared and some are accepting Him as their Savior! There are more than 1 mil refugees in Greece, on their way to W Europe. The center we’re serving baptized 60-70 new believers last year. 12 of them are now part of a small church in Europe.
As you can see, God is moving and doing a mighty work here! I wish I could put into words all that we’ve seen and heard.
Please pray for the refugees–for open hearts, to know Christ, and for safety in this city.
Please pray for the center–for protection spiritually and physically, funds for sustainability
Please pray for the workers here–strength and encouragement in their hard work, wisdom as they work with these people
groups, and safety in this city and their work.
Today was another great day! The morning began with about half of the team working one-on-one with some women who are interested in improving their English. This was the first meeting for this group of women and 8 showed up! It was a sweet time of learning and fellowship. The rest of the team were hard at work sorting clothes to be distributed. Hours and hours have been put into this effort this week, and huge progress has been made in that room. Next we’ll get to bring in the clothes we brought to distribute!
Afterward, we had a sharing time with the leaders and were asked to lift up their need for wisdom as they deal with so many complicated situations. On the way to the prayerwalk, we picked up some lunch and ate at a beautiful park. We then broke into three groups and lifted up different project areas of the center: children, families, and meals and staff.
Before the evening programming, we prepared 60 food bags, sorted and prepared more clothing, and bundled tea bag packs for the food bags. Those teaching prepared for their lessons. Lazy can not be used to describe this team! They are so generous with their energy and time.
The building is absolutely filled with life and energy on every level of the building…wish you all could experience it!
Requests for tomorrow:
One reason we are extra excited about our time tomorrow is that we will actually get to spend time with women we have already met. Please pray that we can deepen our relationships with these women and that we will get more and more questions on why we have come and more and more opportunities to share why we love them. We will be doing crafts with them, host a lunch for them, and then have a tea and Bible study with them. Please pray that God is preparing their hearts and mind to receive the message from God’s Word.
After that, we will get to see a few more sites in the area.
Thank you so much for praying for us…this is an amazing place…they have such a special window of opportunity with these people. There are more conversions in this city from a particular rel. than any other place in the world.
When we get home, please make an effort to talk in person with the team member(s) you know…there is so much information that you need to know that we are unable to post on the internet. Just know that God is at work in the place and you are a part of it!
Here are some pictures: