So this is the blog where I tell you how incredible our ministry is this month and where I tell you how God is working in all of us together as a squad this month. That’s true, it has been a great week so far in Lezhe, Albania. God is working in us individually and as a squad. But, God has different plans for our squad. More on that in a moment.
First, on our current ministry. We are working in Lezhe, Albania at LightForce International. The site serves as a kids camp during the summer and has a fully functioning farm. The founder, George, is a firm believer in sustainable missions. Currently the farm sustains the Albanian site of LightForce, with hopes for it to support it’s Ugandan and Indian sites soon. We’ve been assisting George with feeding the animals, weeding the vegetable garden (they grow lettuce, tomato, onions, kiwi, and peppers), and general improvements and repairs to the farm. We work 8-5 every day on the farm. It’s hard, but good work. We’ve been incredibly blessed during our time here.
But, God has different plans for us this month. Our squad has been called in to assist Euro Relief and Samaritan’s Purse on the island of Lesvos, Greece immediately. They are working around the clock to welcome the refugees arriving from Syria. It’s difficult to put into words how I feel right now. In my two months so far on the race, God has constantly awed me with the places and people he takes me to. In this situation, I am once again in awe that he sees fit to honor me with this task. I could not feel more unprepared for what I’m about to head into but I’m incredibly humbled that I get to be a part of history. I have very little expectations walking into Greece, other than knowing that I will need to depend heavily on God for my strength during this time. For a better idea of what we’ll be doing, take a look at this video from Samaritan’s Purse.
This situation brings about so many prayer requests. For the prayer warriors here, I ask that you lift our squad up in prayer for the following:
- Safe travels: We leave tonight on a bus to Athens, Greece. The bus ride is 12 hours, we have a layover, then get on a 12 hour ferry ride to Lesvos.
- Strength: We don’t know all that we’ll be doing in Greece, but we will be working around the clock in 12 hour shifts. The work will be physically, emotionally, and mentally straining for all of us. Please be praying that our strength and hope is found in God. During this time, it’s important for us to keep our emotions in check. Our goal is to help the refugees, and that’s difficult to do in a ball of tears.
- Wisdom: Be praying for maturity, wisdom, and discernment for our whole squad. This is a difficult situation that we’re walking into working with hopeless people who’s lives have been upended.
- Opportunity: As humanitarian workers, we can’t share about Jesus. We can however, tell them our story if we’re asked. Be praying that God is working in these people even now. Our desire is to show, not tell the hope and love of Jesus through our actions.
- Safety: The people we will be working with our currently fleeing extremists of their own religion. Be praying for safety as they flee.
Thank you for all of your prayers, comments, and financial support. It’s because of YOU that I get to do this. I am endlessly grateful for that. I will keep you updated on our work in Greece.
