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…
