I’ve been humbled and overwhelmed with the amount of you who’ve reached out to me regarding my latest post on social media (for those of you who missed it – here it is.) regarding going to Greece.
I will be going to Lesvos, Greece from January 17-February 1 with the group that i’m in The Fellowship program with here at Adventures in Missions. The 12 of us will be working, daily, 12-hour shifts on the beaches welcoming in rafts of refugees, unloading, working in supply tents and caring for children so parents can rest.
Many of these Syrians have been saving up for months and even years (they need a good amount to pay-off the smugglers) to make this journey over. They’ve snuck out of their country, most on foot, and have made it through Turkey to the coast. They’ve waited to board a raft and make the trek to Greece. While it’s only a few miles across the sea, the journey across is treacherous and many don’t make it across. Many of those who do are near-death due to hypothermia or even starvation.
So many of you have asked…How can you help?
FIRST – please watch this 2 minute video to help paint a mental picture. It’s powerful. This is where we’ll be. https://vimeo.com/144857118
Next, there are plenty of ways you can help:
1. Finances for our group (12 of us) going
The cost for our group’s trip is nearly $18,000, and we have very limited time left to raise. Please consider helping financially by making a tax deductible donation here. Even $10 helps! http://give.adventures.org/campaign.asp?campaignID=1072
2. Gently used clothing/winter wear
It’s getting COLD in Lesvos now, and most refugees come over sopping wet with hypothermia. Do you have any winter stuff you or your family is no longer using? They’re in need especially of: universal clothing like sweat pants or fleeces. Underwear and socks. Winter gear – hats, scarves, mittens. Send it to me or get it to my parents and my team will bring it over!! Message me for addresses.
3. Chocolates for current volunteers (yes, this is serious!:)
This has been recommended for the volunteers who are over there, as a rare and exciting pick-me-up! Message me for my address.
4. Can openers (manual)
The food tent is lacking in this area. The volunteers would love if we brought over a few good can openers. Message me for my address.
5. Cards or notes of encouragement for the current volunteers
Many of the American volunteers have been in Lesvos for weeks, even months. Some have even quit jobs to do this. They’ve been working 6 days/week, 12-15 hour shifts, welcoming 1500+ refugees/day in the cold & wet, witnessing TOUGH stuff – refugees’ death due to frostbite, capsized rafts, split up families, etc. Message me for my address.
6. Prayers!
– For the volunteers currently over there: their stamina, safety, health, and hearts protected from all they’re witnessing.
– For the refugees: for their health, safety, futures and spirits.
– For our group: that our hearts are prepared, our finances come in, and for our safety
– PRAISE! To God for providing us this opportunity and equipping us to go.
**If you don’t have time for any of this – venmo or paypal me ([email protected]) and I can purchase what you’d like or make the donation for you.
Thank you, in advance, for being a partner in this journey of helping the refugees in Greece! I’m so grateful for your partnership and support in this adventure.
