Reinforcements

Hey friends,

I know it's been a while since I've posted an update.  I last wrote before returning to the States for a few days to see my brother graduate and commission, and since then I have been busy with the team of interns from my home church in VA, Dwelling Place.

Mihaniona Homegroup

It has been great having this team of four here who have come to add fuel to fire as part of their year-end short-term mission trip.  We first travelled once again to the island of Thasos, where we have continued to strengthen our relationship with the body of Christ there.

Me and Nikola

My friend Nikola, who moved there a little over a month ago, is now working full-time with a group of Russian artisan/construction workers.  It's a much better environment for him than the Pizzeria and he has the opportunity to master masonry skills, giving him the potential for entrepreneurship in the future.  He typically works 12-14 hour days; however, it rained one morning while we were there and he texted me saying, "My God arange the rain for today" (no work!).  Needless to say, he was really encouraged by seeing everyone from Thessaloniki again.  It was great to see him enduring and persevering both in work and faith.  I'm really proud of him.

The team of interns collaborated with a team of Swedish Bible students who were on mission in Thasos with the church there.  They performed the famous Lifehouse Everything Skit together one night on the boardwalk.  Alex, one of the interns, shared his testimony and Tommie shared a short, sweet, and simple, gospel message.  Two 12-year old girls that we talked to afterward prayed to accept Jesus.  They sincerely said, "We want that."

Swedish & USA Mission Teams performing Lifehouse Everything Skit

Fresh fruit for all the kids

 Last Tuesday we had the opportunity to travel to the local Roma (Gypsy) village once again.  It can be challenging with the language barrier at times; however, I truly believe our presence and our prayers change the atmosphere of that place.  The kids may not always do what I say, but they will certainly imitate what I do.  The way that our team interacts with each other and the way we emphasize fairness, respect, sharing, and kindness in our interaction with them in games, lessons, and provision, speak loudly to them.

Next Tuesday the team will bring the shoes donated and supplied from the States and additional financial donations will go towards meeting the childrens' most immediate needs.  I'm looking forward to seeing their smiling faces.  Photos to come!

 

Worship and Lesson in the Gypsy village church

Since then, we have been back in Thessaloniki pressing the university campus almost every day with our coffee outreach, maximizing our manpower, and fellowshipping with many of the young people we have developed a relationship with so far.  Tonight we go for an outreach locally at the waterfront in Peraia.  Tomorrow we will target the same area with an open-air drama and an illustration of the gospel through our friend Eva's sketchboard.

Thank you for praying for us.  Continue to pray that God will continue to draw all men unto Himself.  Pray that God would pour out His Spirit on this nation.  Pray for the salvation of our unbelieving friends.  Pray that young believers would grow into mature sons and daughters of God.

I will be returning to the States on June 2nd.  Prayers concerning the next step for me are much appreciated.  I hope to have the opportunity to visit with you in person when I return!

May grace and love abound,

Ben

'He and All His Household'

Hey friends,

God continues to move and demonstrate his faithfulness to answer our prayers here in Greece.

A couple weeks ago, I spent a few days on the island of Thasos, helping my Serbian friend look for a job.  I found out last week that he secured work at a pizzeria/cafe/bar restaurant on the island.  This is a huge victory for everyone, especially Nikola, and a major answer to prayer.  Thank you, Jesus!  Initially, the owner was only going to pay him 35 Euros per day for 12 hours of work, which is very little and hardly enough to survive on.  However, we prayed and believed that God would increase his pay and He has!  The owner agreed to pay him 25+ Euros for only a few hours of work in the evening.  This frees Nikola's morning to do part-time painting, construction, handyman work with a crew of guys, one of whom is a brother in the church.  Thank you, Jesus!

He is also in good fellowship with the church of Dimitris Peledis and our Swedish missionary friends, with whom we continue to grow closer.  While I was there, we all believed that Nikola wasn't there just for work.  That's just a part of the package.  Nikola is really there for that island.  God continues to work alongside him, giving him great grace to love those around him.  He encourages everyone with his giftings and testimony.  God is so good.

Continue to pray for Nikola that he would be protected by the power of God; that he would grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that God would supply him with ample provision for every need.

An entire family of six recently got saved - Acts 16:34 style!  A man that Tommie and Gunilla have maintained a friendship with for some years (who was even miraculously healed several years ago) had been experiencing the darker side of the supernatural.  From what I understand, the father invited Tommie to his home and together with their family, they asked questions, conversed, and sincerely wanted to become Christians.  They told Tommie, "That's why you're here."  So, we have been thanking God for their salvation and continue to pray for wisdom and opportunities to come alongside them in their walk with the Lord.

I will be returning to the States on Wednesday, May 11 to see my brother graduate from VMI and commission into the US Air Force - go Chaz!  I will return with a team of four interns from Dwelling Place for their short-term mission trip on Monday, May 16 and then head back to the States June 2nd.

Pray that we would be made of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.  Pray that the team's time here would be powerful, effective, and full of good fruit.

I'm looking forward to seeing family and being back in the States for a few days; as well as, the privilege of joining the DP team on their journey to and from Thessaloniki.

See you soon.  May great grace be upon you all!  Love,

Ben