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Methodists at Summer Olympics
by Michael and Maria Long, FMWM missionaries to
Greece
Four mission teams with a total 30 persons have already left. More teams
are coming for the Olympics in a few weeks. We want to give thanks for
the many great things that have already happened this summer and request
an increase in prayer support for ministry that is to come.
For the Olympics, our mission team will be responsible for overseeing
ministry activity at one central Athens square (or plateea as we say in
Greek.) The square is called Koumourdourou. We have been granted permission
to distribute water. The booth is called a "cool spot" -- much
needed in hot Athens. The bottles of water are distributed with coupons
for New Testaments. Someone interested in the Living Water that quenches
thirst eternally may receive the source: God's Word. Permission has been
granted by the city of Athens on the condition that no literature or tracts
will be distributed -- just face painting and balloon sculpturing. The
good thing is that the square is very big and teams will easily meet people
far beyond the "cool spot" and tell them about living faith.
For the Olympics, the Lord has called five summer missionary units: one
VISA worker, two work teams and two evangelism teams. We have been greatly
blessed by each individual and group and have had a wonderful time partnering
together. We are looking forward to the arrival of the Wabash, IN, and
the United Kingdom teams. Together we will reach out and share in the
heart of Athens with mime, song, clowning, magic, drama and spoken word.
We are praying for a harvest of souls and relationships.
Keep us in your prayers especially from August 13-29. We are praying for:
safety from accidents and terrorism; Holy Spirit direction, guidance and
protection for evangelism; our Father to provide for literature, water
bottles and transportation; joy, strength, and grace in reaching the masses
and individuals; fruit in new missionaries, new leaders and new believers.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, interest and
prayers.
Mike, Maria, Gina, Christi and Kali Long
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