Happy New Year from Greece!
Our work with refugees is all about transition. Every one of our friends is in transit: always between here and there, between what was and what will be, between “who I was” and “who I will be.”
That’s why we’ve worked to create enduring relationships with and among our friends. One way we’re doing this is to gather friends who’ve resettled in other part of Europe for “reunions.”
Although it’s the middle of winter here in Greece, we’re still joyfully reflecting on last summer’s reunions and busy thinking and planning for next summer.
We are excited to share Mehdi’s story and his vision for ministry to fellow refugees in Athens. We also want to update you on our spring travels and connections we made with like-minded ministries in England and France.
The refugee situation in Athens and Greece has been changing, and the number of refugees arriving on the Greek islands has increased dramatically. Recently we had the opportunity to visit an island where many refugees first enter Greece. We have also been exploring exciting new ministry opportunities and connections, and we visited the Greek Christian Artists conference.
Picture Greece in summer, and most likely you’ll think of going to the beach. But for anyone who hasn’t learned how to swim, or who has experienced trauma associated with water, the sea isn’t a cool relief, but a deep unknown, too reflective of the uncontrollable dangers of life. With the encouraging words, “You can do it! I’m here, I won’t leave you. We can do it!” the teenage girls were overcoming their fears.
War was a constant reality in Zack’s growing up years, as his village lay on the front lines. As he and his brother struggle to find their way in Greece, I can’t imagine the vast chasm between the different worlds where Zack has grown up. How is he supposed to reconcile these conflicting experiences and messages that speak into his life, and find his identity in this confusing world?
As 2022 unfolds, we are dizzied by all that has been going on here since we last updated you. We want to bring you along on the journey we are on as we seek to join God’s work of holistic transformation in the refugee community of Athens, especially in the lives of teenage refugees.
More than a month has passed since Afghanistan fell to the Taliban. As the initial shock and media attention fades, we want to invite you to join us in continuing prayer for this country.
What do a Dutch-American, an Iranian, a Hazara-Afghan and a Pashtun-Afghan all have in common?
What a crazy time we’re living in, isn’t it?
All over the world our plans have been turned upside down, life has been disrupted, and each new week brings diverse new challenges.
Together with you, we were able to come alongside our refugee community during this vulnerable time. Here’s how…
This holiday season, we were excited to share our celebrations with some of our refugee friends; sharing both cultural traditions and the timeless truth of Emmanuel, God with us, in the form of Jesus being born as a baby. Some of our friends, however, spent Christmas behind bars.
One night, Somaye had a dream. Filled with excitement, she shared what she saw with her husband, and together they set out on a search for answers…
Last month we were privileged to witness three different miracles! This update focuses on Matt’s release from prison, the birth of baby Samuel and Nadia’s husband’s return.
As always, so much has happened since our last newsletter. We had time for a lot of extra ministry activities over the summer. Here are some highlights, especially from the summer camps where we saw God work in exciting ways…
We are excited to share about our experience of Greek Easter and the story of a brother of ours who volunteers with us regularly.
It’s March already, but nonetheless, Happy New Year from Athens! We are excited to update you on all that has been going on and that God is doing here. So much has happened, it's hard to know where to start. Back in December, we hosted Christmas parties for refugees. We have also had the privilege to get to know Amir and Lucy, a special Afghan family.
Warm greetings from Athens, Greece! We are excited to send our first newsletter from our new home. We are thankful for all God's provision and the ways we are getting plugged in to the ministry here, and hope you enjoy this glimpse of what our life is like.
Two weeks ago we arrived back in the Netherlands, the land of coffee, tea, and clogs. This is our last stop on our way to Athens, Greece. Here's a little about the last month in the U.S. and our plans to move to Athens next month...
This summer we have some exciting training opportunities that we’d like to share about which are helping to prepare us for the refugee ministry. We’re also getting closer to our departure date for going to Greece, and have just a few weeks left to meet with all of you.
Friday is the ‘tea house’ day where Helping Hands is open to everyone: refugees from all countries, Greeks and longer-term immigrants come through the doors. It’s a hectic day, and the room is a buzz with people everywhere. A line forms at the kitchen for tea and clusters of people gather around the tables. Warm tea is sipped over a game of chess and the chatter of old and new acquaintances coming together fills the room.
The doors of the Helping Hands center open to families already waiting at the door. “Salaam,” we greet them, and give them bags to fill with clothes while the meal is being prepared. Soon, the whole place is filled with the bustle of people and the scraping sound of hangars being pushed back and forth on the racks.
