Greece Team #6

Reflecting upon the week the two biggest things I have learned are: 1) God is at work in this city through various ministries who operate in unique ways to reach diverse groups (anarchist, refugees, and students) and 2) the roads in Athens are very narrow and filled with a lot of parked cars!  Today we worked on behalf of Kalamos Camp; a local evangelical camp for children that has been around for decades. We aided the city in broadening a busy street that was overrun with bamboo and weeds, cleaning up the area to make it look more beautiful and easier to drive through. We had George, a  future pastor here,  who helped us translate for the day. He mentioned how amazing it was that the local government would allow an evangelical organization to help with city cleanup. Which brings back the first thing I’ve learned; God is at work in this city.

Every day in Athens has been different. Typically you would think that mission trips consist of big projects such as helping build a house or running vacation Bible school for a community, and they sometimes do. This trip was unique in the sense that sometimes it didn’t quite feel as “glamorous” or “typical” as you would imagine a mission trip to look like. We aided in cleaning, moving heavy dusty items up some questionable stairs, and connecting with some locals through a game night. Being available to serve what the local churches said they needed rather than what we thought they would need makes all the difference. Various faith filled stories were shared that left us feeling inspired and humbled.

Overall, this trip has truly encouraged our hearts. Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is come alongside other ministries to serve, encourage, and pray for them in what they express are their needs.  The local churches were different in who and how they served, but they shared the same theme of connection being vital to sharing the gospel. They are loving the people in their communities and so must we, that is how lives will be changed through Christ.

- Rebecca