(pic of red light district above)
As most of you prepare for a day of fun in the sun, eating too much, and spending time with family; we are headed on a train to Northern Greece (Volos to be exact) for a week of Mercy Ministry, children's festivals, and kid's camps. We are all extremely excited about this new adventure (i.e. getting out of the big city of Athens for awhile). No more metro, long bus rides, sweaty people, steaming weather, etc etc. Not saying that we have hated being in Athens.....it is somewhat our home.....but it is always good to get away for awhile (step out of routine a little bit). Alot has happened since the last time either one of us has blogged, so I am going to use this opportunity to share what has happened this last week so prayers and praises can be lifted up.
Ron and Deborah left this morning.....a very sad day. The weeks flew by so fast that it is almost scary to admit that they are actually gone. Wow, there aren't enough words to describe how amazing the two of them have been. Ron was here for two weeks by himself after Brian and Lorrie had left. He brought such an incredible aspect to our team. His focus was on growing us through group de-briefs, bible study (Corinthians), and intercession with the Lord (something we needed more than anything). He is such an amazing listener with a gift for relationships. Every second he had was spent with a different person.....trying to get to know he/she better. It was easy to see his sincerity and his heart for mentoring. Whether the words that came out of our mouths were joyful or grumbling, he always had a way to point everything back to the cross. When Deborah arrived it was like a new Ron had joined us. It was amazing to see how well they complemented eachother and how Deborah brought out this "Ron" that we had never met before. The first night she arrived (fresh from cross-country travel), she quickly hopped on our beds and started digging deep (so precious). She has this generosity and sincerity about her that exudes every part of her being. The way she loves Ron and quickly loved us speaks wonders about how incredible this woman is. I thank the both of them for challenging our thoughts, shaping our hearts, and pushing us to strive for the crown with endurance. As Ron said yesterday during our de-briefing time, "This summer is like running a Marathon, we are at about 16 miles right now and to sprint would be useless, pace yourselves so that you can be steadfast in doing the Lord's work." Such an amazing couple and an inspiration to all of us to pursue the Lord in every aspect of our lives.
"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."
I Corinthians 10:31-33.
Nea Zoi this week was a very humbling experience. The group was large so I knew that most of us girls would be put on the praying team (which I have grown to love). Our worship time before everyone hits the streets is such a precious time. We sing songs (both in Greek and English), and to hear both languages singing the same words is something one cannot describe. It was Deborah's first time at Nea Zoi so she was able to go out on the streets with one of the teams. Austen, Ron, and Thomas also joined the street teams as men are such a vital role in this Ministry. On that note, there are some major prayer requests involving this ministry. Without male volunteers, Nea Zoi would not exist (because a one or two males are required per outreach team). Nea Zoi struggles with this aspect of the ministry because many Greek men feel that this is a women's ministry; therefore, involving all women. Because the men don't physically visit the brothels and minister to these women, it is hard for them to realize that what they are doing is vital. Many times outreaches have been cancelled because men were not present to go out on the streets. Pray that the Lord would bother these men and tug at their hearts to be apart of this ministry. I have witnessed that safety is a top priority to many Christians and mostly to myself (whether Greek or American) when serving the Lord. What is safer??.......children's ministry or Nea Zoi??..........helping hands or Nea Zoi?? I am reading John Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life" and he says that "Clean noses and quality family time is not life". He goes on to say that no one will ever want to say to the Lord of the universe five minutes after death that they spent every night playing games and watching clean TV with my family because I loved them so much. Maybe a little over the top (maybe not), but the Lord calls us to take risks: whether that is saying no to children's ministry and spending that time in the red light district of Athens who knows!!
"For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Phillipians 1:21.
Another prayer request for Nea Zoi is the Nigerian ministry. As I have said before, these women work on the streets illegally and not in the confounds of a brothel. To reach them is dangerous for them (because we are associated with the police). We (the prayer team) walked to the location of the Nigerian Ministry to pray about the ministry in that location. It is so overwhelming for Nea Zoi because these women seem "unreachable". They seem to take advantage of the Nea Zoi outreach teams (because they can) by just asking for food and drink (which is something the teams always carry around with them). Many don't have the desire to have conversations with the teams or to seek help. So, in saying that, this part of the Ministry needs an intense amount of prayer. Pray for encouragement for the team, for wisdom in how to reach these women, and for men volunteers for this area of the ministry (because more men or needed as it is a little more sketchy).
Well, I was just informed that we are leaving in an hour for Volos instead of two hours (that sums up the Greek culture for you) so I am sorry I had to cut this short. When we return next weekend I am sure I will have more than enough to share about our time in Volos and the new ministries that we were involved in. Once again thanks for sharing in this experience with me. Thanks also for your prayers as we continue on this adventure. Continue to pray for unity on our team as we are "mentorless" for the last leg of our journey. Pray for wisdom as we make decisions on our own and continued safety while we do the Lord's work!!
Happy Independence Day (Eat some good food for me),
Caroline Weatherly
No comments:
Post a Comment