Update

Okay, so I'm not doing so well with this whole updating the blog thing. A blog is a great idea and a great way to stay up to date, if it's updated. I know. I'm sorry. However, I'm not going to make any resolutions because we all know how those "I'm going to get in shape" New Years resolutions work out every year. Just know that it is my heart's desire to keep you updated and informed on our ministry here in Greece. And so with that, I will do my best.

Alright, so briefly, what has happened over the last 3 months?

• The riots have subsided. What are the results? Great question. I think I'll just leave it at that.
• Toward the end of December we (Hellenic Ministries) put on a Christmas Love Meal for refugees and homeless Greeks. There were two meals served; at 1:00pm and at 7:00pm. I was in language class during the first one but made it for the second. Both meals were packed!
• Our Monday night meals have been very full lately. We fill up our space 1 1/2 times, serving 300 - 350 refugees. Currently, most of the guys coming are from Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Palestine and we have some families from Afghanistan.
• I have completed my 3rd language course and start my 4th this Monday.
• On Wednesdays we are currently offering 60 guys showers and laundry. We have begun serving hot tea and bread with Merenda or jam to the refugees that come for the showers. We also play ping-pong and will soon put out other games for them to play and enjoy themselves. Please pray for translators. We need French and Arabic translators. We would like to have a time of discussion with these guys on a spiritual level. That requires a willing person who can and will translate. Please pray for Hussein, Youssef, and Omar. These guys are from Morocco and Algeria and speak English pretty well. Pray for us to develop good relationships with these guys. Pray that their eyes will be opened to the transforming power of God's love. Pray that they will be willing to work with us in reaching people from their countries and religion.
• On Saturday nights, Dino and I meet with young people from the church. We have a Bible study for the first 30-45 minutes and then some kind of activity: basketball, dinner, visiting people in the hospital, etc. We have great discussion and good times together. This group desires to know God and understand His Word on a deeper level. It is a great encouragement for them to have this time with other Christians their age. Two from this group have confessed their faith in Christ and been baptized since our meetings have started. Praise God!

I better stop here. Thank you for all your prayers and support.

Pictures of the Christmas Love Meal:

Here Bruce is displaying the Christmas gift given to the guys: a sleeping bag, wool socks, gloves and a stocking cap. Many sleep on the streets or abandoned building with no water or electricity. The women were given a bag of food with which they could make a Christmas meal for their families. If you're wondering, the women did not receive the sleeping bags and such because they are mostly with their families staying in shelters provided for families.

This is Alex Macris and myself enjoying some time together before we serve the evening meal. Alex heads up the maritime ministry with HM.