Morley Update 2010 #50

Everyone,
I picked up a nasty cold from my grandkids and the last week has consisted of moving from the bed to the couch and back again. I still feel pretty bad today but am going to go down to my sister's for a change of scenery. Kent and the kids and grandkids are going to a first night celebration in Boston. I started on antibiotics today so please pray that they kick in soon. My bag finally arrived this morning only 12 days late. I am glad though because I really don't enjoy clothes shopping and wasn't looking forward to replacing things.

Some of you may have heard about the bomb that went off in Athens. It was in the neighborhood where a couple team mates live but thank goodness no one was hurt. The team is scattered at the moment with many people away for the holidays and the ARC closed until January 3rd.

We will leave MA on January 4th and fly to CA to spend a week with Kent's dad. We will drive to OR via San Francisco to apply for our visa. Please continue to pray for a miracle that our FBI background check will arrive in time. For those of you in the Elmira area we plan to speak at both Sunday School and Church and Elmira Church of Christ on Jan. 16th. and would love to have you join us. Sunday School starts at 9:30 and church at 10:45.

I haven't got any other news so will just wish you a Happy New Year.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #48

Everyone,

Two more sleeps and then we head for the States! We are mostly packed and ready to go. Kent is at work with men's ministry today and I am finishing up the last details, cleaning house and doing laundry. Getting ready to be gone for three months takes some doing. We both work tomorrow and are giving out 200-300 sack lunches so it will be a busy day. We fly from here early Sunday morning (for those of you in America it will be late Saturday night your time). Please pray for us as we go through the Airports that there will not be a problem because of our expired paperwork.

We finished out the week with our last two Christmas parties. I was not sad to take off my Elf costume for at least another year! One family gave us the best Christmas present ever. "A" and his wife both speak English and have two boys. They are a nice family and everyone on the team enjoys talking with them. At one of the Christmas parties they told Nader that they are ready to accept Jesus but they would like to do it "officially" on Christmas Day. They said this is an important decision and they always want to be able to remember when they made it and what better time than on Jesus' birthday. They are going to come to a team gathering at Scott and Vicki McCracken house on Christmas day to make their confession of faith and to have the team pray with them. We are sorry to miss being there for this but will be rejoicing with the angels on that day!

Please pray for the team here over the next weeks. As you may have seen on the news last week there were many strikes and even some rioting on Wednesday. Tuesday we start for the ARC in our car so we could give a team mate a ride since there was no public transportation that day. After fighting traffic for two hours and only getting to the first metro stop which is 10 minutes from our house, Brett told us to turn around and go home because traffic was even worse downtown. The few team mates that could get to the ARC served tea to a small number of refugees and closed early. On Wednesday there was limited public transportation and we took the bike in for a team meeting. On our way home many streets were roped off and we met groups of policemen marching down the street in riot gear. That night on the news there were pictures of rioting in that area. Thursday there was a total transportation strike again so we had to cancel women's showers. We will be open today and tomorrow but there are strikes scheduled for every day next week. The ARC is always closed the week between Christmas and New Years but may have to close early if the team and refugees can't get there.

Please pray for us as we say goodbye to our refugee friends tomorrow. Many are planning to try and leave and we may not see them again. "M" (the 18 year old girl who speaks English so well) and her family did not show up for the Christmas Party although they had tickets. I do not know if they are still here or not. If they are I hope they will come in on Saturday so I can say goodbye. Pray for the refugees as the cold weather has set in for a month or two. Many are still sleeping outside and even those with shelter often do not have any form of heat. Pray for the Greek government and the Greek people who are facing their own financial crisis and then have the refugee crisis as well. Pray for justice and mercy. Pray for those who have heard the message of Christmas, that they will consider it and want to know more. Pray for us as we begin the re-application for our resident permit. Especially please pray that our FBI background check will come in time to go to San Francisco as planned. Pray for us as we will be traveling to five different states during our time there. We will see many of your during that time but if not know that we are so thankful for your faithful support. We love you all - have a wonderful holiday.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #47

Everyone,

We have finished three of our Christmas parties and have two more to go - one tonight and one tomorrow night. The first party was the children's party last week. Then Monday night and Tuesday night we had two parties for Farsi speaking families. We met at 2:00 on Monday afternoon and started filling bags of gifts. We had different bags for babies, toddlers, girls, boys, teen girls, teen boys, men and women. We set up assembly lines and packed over 500 bags in 2 hours. These were stashed in the baby room to be handed out at each of the four parties. When we finished that we set up the room, moving tables and chairs and trying to configure things in a way that everyone had a view of the stage. We then covered the tables with colorful clothes and bright napkins, placing a lantern with a tea candle burning in the middle of each. The result was that our large room was transformed into a beautiful, festive and welcoming place.

We opened our doors at 5:30 and and waited for the 150 ticketed guests to arrive. The first night we didn't have quite that many because the buses were not running due to demonstrations. When many of the refugees families arrived they were tired because they had walked all the way. One lady told me they weren't going to come but her little girls cried so they made the trek. I think by the time they went home they all agreed it was worth the effort.

As they arrived we greeted them with "Christmas Moborak" and invited them to find a place at one of the tables. Table hosts welcomed their guests and filled out a sheet to be sent to the gift room so a bag of presents could be packed for their table. While we were waiting for everyone to arrive we escorted families in groups back to our photo room where we took a family portrait that they will receive next week. I had fun making the backdrop for this (see attached photo).

When our guests had all arrived we started the program. The Helping Hands Team sang three Christmas carols - O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World and Silent night. We have some good voices on the team and some people (like me) who just make a joyful noise. Both nights even though the songs were in English I saw women with tears in their eyes and we were roundly applauded when we finished.

Then it was time for the puppet show. (see attached picture) As I shared in my last update we told the story of Christmas but related it to them as refugees. We talked about long journeys, not having a place to stay and leaving your country for another because it was no longer safe for you to stay. I wasn't sure how the adults would respond to this but I saw many, many heads nodding as well as a few tears. After the puppet show we had Nader speak the first night and one of the leaders from our church spoke the second night and Nader translated.

When we finished the program we served the food - chicken, rice, salad and dessert. The first night our team did all the cooking and serving. The second night the church Kent and I attend, Νεα Ζοη (New Life), brought the food, did the decorations on the tables, served and cleaned up - what a blessing!! While the food was being served I hurried into the other room and changed into my Elf Costume. I sneaked out into the main room and went around to the tables passing out candy and greeting the kids. Afterward many of the children came to get their picture taken with me as did most of the teen age boys.

Once dinner was over it was time for gifts. Thanks to the generosity of churches, schools and individuals as well as many toys donated by Matell each person received a nice bag of gifts. There was much excitement even on the part of the adults as this is the first Christmas gift many of them have ever received. Once the gifts had been opened, hugs were given and pictures were taken, we said "Hadafis" (goodbye) and they all trooped happily homeward. When our guests were gone, tables were cleared, floors were swept and mopped and dishes were done. After the first party, I wasn't sure I could walk up our steps by the time we got home but we didn't have to be back the next day until 4:00 so I had a chance to rest up. The second party was much easier because the church was there to do most of the work and we got to enjoy our guests. Tonight we are on our own again with another Farsi party, this one for single men and any families who couldn't be accommodated for our first two parties. Tomorrow we will have a party for Greek and Arabic speakers. This will be a bit smaller with maybe 100 people and another church will be helping out with that one.

This was week of goodbyes as well. We are losing our three beloved interns who have been with us for the last three months. They have worked hard and endeared themselves to the team and the refugees. There have been many tears shed as children and women bid farewell to these young women who have poured themselves into their lives if only for a season. We also said goodbye to our short term team from Glad Tidings Church in Omaha. They were here for two weeks and a real blessing to us. We were sorry to see them go. Quite a few people on the team are going to be away over the holidays and several including us will be on furlough. Pray for the team left here as they minister with less hands to share the load. Pray for the last two parties and for our next week at work as we finish up and get ready to be away for three months. We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and hope to be able to connect with many of you when we are home. At the same time it is very hard to leave this work and these people we love.

Our prayer for you is that in the midst of the bustle of the holidays, you will have time to reflect on the true gift of Christmas. As God reached down to us with the gift of love and peace and hope, so we must reach out to those around us and share that gift with them. We love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #46

Everyone,

This Wednesday we held the first of our Christmas parties. It was a party for children ages 7-12. This is the first time we have done a party where the parents left their children with us and came back to pick them up. Many of these families are fairly new so it was a real measure of trust that they were willing to do this. We had around 40 kids. They were divided into 4 teams. Each team took a turn at one of our four stations. There was a craft table - where they made a picture of the nativity with great stickers brought by our short term team - Thanks Glad Tidings!. There was a cookie table where they frosted and decorated cookies. There was a "Knock Down the Snowman" game and there was a Toy Village where they got to pick out three toys to take home (these were donated by Mattel).

When the kids arrived - I greeted them in my Elf costume - see attached picture. We started the day singing a song with lively action called Jump Into the Light. The kids loved it but I must say by the time we sang it through a couple of times this Elf was a little tired out. It was fun helping to lead kids in singing again though - it reminded me of all the musicals and VBS programs we did in Elmira! After the singing they went around to the different stations and then we gathered them again to hear the Christmas story in a puppet show. We talked about how Mary and Joseph had to walk a long way to go to Bethlehem and how tired they must have been. We asked the children if they remembered what it was like to walk and walk and to be tired - many of the children answered "Bali" (yes). We then told how Mary and Joseph couldn't find a place to stay and had to stay in a barn with no bed. We asked the kids if some of them had to sleep outside because they didn't have a house or a bed. "Bali". We talked about how the bad king wanted to kill all the little boys so Mary and Joseph and Jesus had to go live in another country until the bad king died. We ended with: Jesus knows what it is like to leave your home, to travel a long way, to not have a house, and to live in another country because your own country is not safe. He loves you very much. Christmas time is a time to remember when Jesus came down from heaven as a baby. My own heart was touched as I looked down into those little faces - some of them not so clean. I can see those serious big brown eyes looking up at me as they thought about Jesus not even having his own bed and how they know what that feels like. I have heard it said before that "Jesus was a refugee" but seeing this for the first time through a child's eyes brought it home to me in a very real way.

It was a good day and one I know the kids will remember. Please pray for the families who live in such hard circumstances. Also pray for this next week as we will be having 4 Christmas parties with about 150 people each time. This will be the first time many of these people have a chance to hear the Christmas story and it will be a wonderful night of music, puppets, food and a small gift for each person attending.

Last week I wrote to you about "S" and young man from Afghanistan who accepted Christ. I asked you to pray because there were several other young men who were interested. Thank you for praying. This last week one of those young men "G" surrendered his life to the Lord. Here is "G's" story told by our team mate Brett Sanner.

“G” left Afghanistan in order to pursue an education. It’s widely known that women in Afghanistan were denied educational opportunities under the Taliban. In certain regions, however, even men (especially men from certain minority ethnic groups, like “G”) were denied much beyond an elementary education. “G” was not satisfied with this. He dreamed of learning English and French, the “languages of education” as “G” put it. This hunger to learn led “G” to flee Afghanistan for Pakistan, and then India before eventually turning westward to Europe.

“G” first heard about Jesus in India. Since then, God’s Spirit has continued to pursue him. Now, roughly nine years later, “G” is ready to follow Jesus. As an Afghan, “G” faces almost certain rejection from family and friends. So what can compel such risk? Love. Legalism and moralism cannot provide the courage to risk. “G” says that understanding the love of God, however, compels him to risk everything. Jesus on the cross paints the picture clearly: God is love. It is this love that has wooed “G” for nearly a decade, and now it is this love to which “G” surrenders his life. Jesus lords over us in love. “G” gets it, and now has given his life to it.

Please pray for “G”. He asks specifically for boldness in living and sharing his faith. Pray for God’s love to be all the more evident to “G” as the persecution and rejection of the world begins. Also, “G” still has a great passion for learning; I know that he would appreciate greatly if you would pray that God would provide an opportunity for formal education.

Thank you again for your love and support for us and for the refugees we serve. Thank you for upholding us in prayer as we finish out the couple of hectic weeks before we return to the states. Our prayer for you is that during this wonderful time of year you have moments of peace and a chance to remember what we are truly celebrating. We love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #45

Everyone,

Time is flying by and we will be flying back to the States before you know it. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday. We had our Thanksgiving dinner with the team on Monday because it is our day off. We gathered at the Dirrim's home. We had to cook three turkeys because the largest one I could find was a little over 8 pounds and I had to go to two stores to find that! There were babies, kids and lots of women bumping into each other in the kitchen. There was laughter, loads of food and a man doing the dishes! (Thanks Kenn) I am always blessed when we gather as a team. Even though my family is far away, God has given me a wonderful family here.

It was a good week. Recently we went from having men's showers to having a meal and gospel outreach for single men. It was a hard decision but we were giving 60 men a shower and 40 more were turned away. We decided that by opening for a meal we could serve 120 and at least do something for more people. It has been a good thing for the men on our team because instead of just running people through the shower they get a chance to sit down and talk with the refugee men. "S" is an Afghan young man I wrote about in a previous update. Kent has spent time with him as have some others on the team. He has been very sad and frustrated with being stuck here but has been coming to the ARC and had taken a bible and other literature with him to read while he is in the park since he doesn't have a house. Last week he sent a text message to Nader our Iranian team mate saying "I have become a Christian and am ready for baptism". Nader told him to come in the next Friday so they could talk. On Friday Kent and Nader and some of the other men spent time talking and praying with him. He told them "In Islam I felt like there was a path to God and I started down the path but then I was just going in a circle. I was praying and trying to follow Islam but I wasn't getting any closer to God. Now I have joy in my heart because I feel very close to God". This is a man who called Kent crying a few weeks ago because he was so depressed about his situation! "S" also said "I think it is like if I want to go to America. I can try and try but I cannot get across the ocean by myself. I need an airplane to carry me over the ocean. Jesus is like the airplane that carries us to God when we can't get there by ourselves." Please pray for "S" and for several other young men who are very interested.

On Wednesday we decorated the ARC for Christmas. We put up 10 Christmas trees, hung stars from the ceiling, draped a huge garland across the front of the room and put up lights. I know the kids will be excited when they come in and see it. We will have our first Christmas party next Wednesday. It is a kids party and I have been working on puppets (see attached picture). As you can see by their faces all the puppets are very excited about being in the show! :} I am also making a costume for myself. I will wait until the day of the party to take a picture of that because I don't want to ruin the surprise but let's just say I will look VERY festive.

Tomorrow we welcome a short term team from Nebraska. They will be here for 11 days and help out with several of our Christmas parties.

I have a couple of prayer requests. One is that we would stay healthy through these next weeks and get all the things accomplished that we need to do before we leave. Pray that God will bring to our minds any things that we need to gather for our paperwork or take care of here before going. We are particularly concerned about our FBI background check. We need to have new fingerprints taken for that and have tried everything to get them taken here but cannot. We will have them taken as soon as we arrive in the states but that will only be about 2 1/2 weeks before we need the results and the Christmas and New Year's holidays fall in that two weeks. They say it can take up to 12 weeks to get the report back and that would be a big problem for us. Last time we got them back in only a couple of weeks so please be praying that they will come quickly.

I thought about listing all the things I am thankful for during this season but decided it would take too long. If I HAD made a list YOU would be on it. We are VERY thankful for all of you who support us with prayer, notes of encouragement and financially. We look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #44

Everyone,

I find I am feeling a little stressed. We leave for the states in only a month and there is a lot happening before then. We are having 4 large Christmas parties at the ARC plus one smaller children's party. I need to have a puppet show ready for the children's party and our church is sponsoring one of the large Christmas parties so I am helping to facilitate that. We have a short term team coming in one week. Short Term Teams are a big help but I need to coordinate airport transportation, settling them at the hotel, orientation plus making sure they know how to navigate around the city, use money etc. In addition I am gathering papers and sending off for needed documentation to apply for our residence permits again. I need to make sure we have all our ducks in a row so that when we hit the states we can get the process started quickly. I am also trying to figure out a speaking schedule for when we are home and make sure we have all the pictures and materials we need for presentations. I need to pre-purchase medications, arrange to have our rent and other bills paid, plants watered and all the other little details that need to happen in order to be gone for three months. To top all this off I started having some trouble with my eyes and had to go to the ophthalmologist. I was seeing long black strands and clumpy black dots as well as flashes of light. Turns out I have a vitreous separation, which is not dangerous once it separates but can cause problems during the process. I need to put a gel and some drops in my eyes twice a day for the next 20 days and then see the doctor again. Are you feeling sorry for me yet? I can hear my friend and team mate Ilir say "Do you want some cheese with that whine?"

Being on the mission field is interesting. Sometimes you feel like this is the best job in the world and sometimes you think of your old life and wonder "what were we thinking?" Sometimes that can happen on the same day with the same set of events. Wednesday is a good example. We started with a team meeting and then set up for a shoe give away. We received a donation of several hundred short, rubber, fur lined boots for kids in all sizes. My job at the beginning of the day was to escort families up the stairs, determine the child's size by having them stand on a chart on the floor, take them to the appropriate table and help them try on their shoes. When they finished I was to take them to a table to sign up for the children's party and escort them back downstairs. Depending on my outlook, I could tell about trying to get shoes on dirty, sweaty, stinky little feet with no socks, I could tell of a child insisting on a pair that was too big or a parent trying to get me to give them a pair that were too small for their preteen son because we didn't have any that fit. I could tell of standing in line at the Christmas party sign up while a mother argued that her small child should be allowed to come even though the invitation clearly said "7 to 12 years old only". I could tell of walking up and down the stairs until I was limping and finally trading jobs with someone just to sit down for a few minutes. I could tell how when Kent and I left on the bike there were demonstrations downtown and we had to go the long way around even though it had started to rain. I could tell how by the time I got home I was wet from the rain and from getting splashed by dirty water thrown up by a bus. I could tell how Kent built a fire because I was freezing but I still had to fix dinner before I could finally sit down and warm up. I COULD tell it that way.

Or I could tell about the kids. So many of them wearing flip flops or dirty ratty tennis shoes and no socks even though it is beginning to get cold out. I could tell about how excited they were to pick out which color of shoes they wanted and how they smiled when they slipped their feet into the warm fur lined boots. I could tell how many of them said "Thank you" in English. Or I could tell you about the parents. I could tell you how they looked on fondly as their kids tried to decide if they wanted red, black or blue and how I thought that it's probably been a long time since they were offered a choice about anything. I could tell how they knelt down and felt the toes to see if the shoe fit and how I remembered my own mom doing the same thing. I could tell about their grateful thanks and how they walked out holding the hand of a child who skipped along happily in their snug new shoes. I could tell how thankful I was after work not to have to ride the bus and how even though it rained, we rode along the sea. I could tell how my best friend and partner in life and ministry often reached back to pat me on the leg as if to say "I'm glad we are in this together". I could tell how when we got home I was grateful for my home, my fireplace and food to cook. I could tell how we finished the evening toasting our feet by the fire and doing a crossword puzzle together.

Wherever you are living your life you have a choice. You can look at things with gratefulness or with discontentment. Pray that we never forget how much God has done for us and all the blessings He has given us. Pray that God will give us a heart to love and care and to reach out to those less fortunate, for they are all around us. Thank you for all you do for us. We love you all and look forward to seeing you before too long.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #43

Everyone,

Well I missed another week - my brother and sister-in-law were here and we went out of town on the weekend.

It was an eventful week before they came. Kent and I due to our lack of Greek - our own fault - misread our residence permit and thought the expiration date was October 26th which instead was the issue date and it was retroactive to the date we applied for it which was September 17. We were a couple days late (we thought) but weren't worried too much and thought we might have to pay a 50 euro fine. Instead when we got there we were told that our residence permit was finished and there was nothing our local authority could do about it. He told us to go to the Ministry of Interior and they would tell us what to do. We arrived there just after they opened. They were handing out number 20 and the man told us they would only take about the first 5. He said if we wanted to get in we would need to come at 5am and get in line. Kent got up the next morning and was first in line at 4:30am. When they opened at 10am they told us to fill out some forms and they would take us at 11:30. At around noon they let us in and we went through submitting all the papers we had originally submitted to apply for a residence permit. At the end of the time we paid them 300euros and the man said something in Greek that we couldn't understand. We asked for a translator who came and told us that our application would not be looked at by the committee for at least a year and then might be denied. Until then we could not travel etc. He said "You would be much better off going back to the USA and starting the process over." We asked why that wouldn't take just as long. He explained that the application we just made was for illegals who were appealing their case, so we were lumped in with all the refugees etc. If we went back to the USA we would be starting legally which would be the same process as when we came two years ago. We could only do that by stopping the process we had just started (we talked them into giving our 300 euros back). This means we have to go back to San Francisco and reapply plus jump through all the hoops like physicals, lung Xrays etc. A real pain but doable. One problem is that we are now in the country illegally but there is nothing we can do about it. Since we are already illegal we decided with our team leader that we would stay until the Christmas Break and then head back to the US to start the process. Please pray for us as we go to the airport because if they notice our expired papers they could fine us around a thousand euros each which amounts to 3000 dollars. On top of that it will be more expensive to travel this time of year than if we had waited. We were due to have a furlough anyway since we have been here over 2 years and a normal furlough is 3 months. We had decided to go in late January and only take two months since we had taken two trips home due to Kent's moms health and subsequent death. Now we will need to take our full three months in order to have enough time to do the paperwork and still get around to all our supporting churches. We will be in the Northwest from January 15th to February 28th. We will be traveling throughout Oregon and Washington much of the time speaking at our supporting churches. When we know our schedule we will pass it along to you so that you can catch us when we are in your area.

The whole situation with our papers has been a bit stressful and I found myself fretting about it. Then I was reminded of the people we work with. We are here illegally because we made a mistake in our paperwork. They are here illegally because they fled horrific conditions in their own country. During the time we are here illegally, we have a comfortable home. While they are here illegally, they are sleeping in the park or sharing a small room with other families. When we try to leave the country in December the police may notice that our papers are expired. If this happens they will fine us 3000 euros and we will go on back to our country where we will stay comfortably with family and friends. When they try to leave the country the police may notice they don't have the right papers and they will go to jail. After jail they will be told to leave the country. If they went home their very lives would be at stake, if they stay, they are in danger of being picked up and jailed again. My problems seem very small in the face of the seemingly insurmountable problems my refugee friends face every day. Pray for them.

At times the reality of what these people face every day threatens to overwhelm us. Scott was talking with a young man the other day who was crying and saying that he just didn't know what to do anymore. His family in Afghanistan won't speak to him, his uncle who is here will have nothing to do with him (this is due to some family issues). He feels alone and hopeless. Scott asked him if he could pray with him and as Scott prayed he began to weep with this young man. The next day when he saw him the young man came up to Scott and hugged him and said "Thank you". Scott said "Please don't thank me - I didn't do anything." The young man said "You cried with me, no one has ever done that before." Sometimes what we can do for people is so little but we love them and we are their friends and somehow in the midst of a very dark place that is enough.

Kent received a call from a young man named "S" late last night. "S" is in his late teens or early 20s. He left Afghanistan because their family cannot survive on the amount his father makes farming so he left hoping he could somehow make a better life and be able to help his family. Instead he is living in the park and sees no hope of moving on. When he called last night he was saying "I am very sad. Today I cried for Afghanistan. What should I do?" Kent told him to come to the ARC tomorrow and they would talk. Kent is planning to see if he can find a place for him to stay if we can help out with rent but this is not a long term solution. He wants to work and to make something of his life. Kent will also talk with him about going to Greek classes or other things he might do to give himself positive steps toward change. He speaks English and has been attending a seekers bible class. Pray for "S" and for Kent and he tries to discern how to help him. Unfortunately "S" is only one in hundreds or thousands who have the same story. Cry for Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the African countries where there is war and famine and suffering beyond what we can imagine.

I recently saw a quote which said:
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and
injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.

Thank you for being willing to do something. Thank you for praying, thank you for giving, thank you for caring - we love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}



Morley Update 2010 #42

Everyone,

After a few VERY hectic weeks, Kent and I had some much needed down time. As you know we have had several people stay with us on vision trips, welcomed 3 interns, had a short term team come, I was away at a women's conference - where I got to share about the ministry, and we have been very busy with the flood of new refugees coming in. We realized that we had only taken 3 or 4 of our available 14 vacation days this year so we took two days off this week just to spend time together and catch up. Tuesday we drove to the north eastern coast and just poked around in the area - driving up little gravel roads to see where they led etc. It was a beautiful day and very warm - I had worn a tank top with a short sleeved blouse like a jacket, I was soon too hot and just went with the tank top. There were quite a few people swimming in the sea and we said if we had brought our snorkel gear we would have tried it. I think Kent would have wimped out pretty quickly though - he's not a big fan of swimming unless it is very warm. Wednesday and Thursday (which was a holiday) we spent at home doing little fix it projects and cleaning and sorting some areas of the house that had become piled with things that only gather dust. This might not sound restful but it was and we had a good couple of days.

The women's conference was a good experience. There were about 200 women there and I think my presentation was well received. One woman came up that night and asked how she could begin supporting Helping Hands (the ministry - not us) monthly. A couple other people mentioned that they would like me to come speak at their church so we will see what develops. I enjoy speaking and have missed getting a chance to do that. I was reminded once again that I need to get serious about improving my Greek.

While I was gone - Kent had "G" over to the house for the evening. We are so happy to see him becoming more and more of his old self again. Kent said that he offered to buy souvlaki pitas (grilled chunks of meat with other good things wrapped in pita bread) but George said he would not be able to eat it because of his mouth. There was some left over pasta in the fridge so Kent heated that up. He said George could only take tiny, tiny bites and it took him a LONG time to finish. Kent offered him other things later but he said no, he was full. No wonder he is so thin. Please pray that his jaw will get better and that Kent can continue to share with him.

I have seen my new young friend "M" a couple of times now. We usually play a game together and talk. I was disappointed last Tuesday because after we had been open a couple of hours with tea we announced that we were going to have Nader talk about Jesus to anyone who was interested. "M" wanted to stay but the man who is sharing their house said they needed to go. Pray that I will get a chance to share with her.

We are trying something new. On Tuesdays we will have a Farsi Outreach and meal for families. We will give out tickets to all families and divide them into two consecutive Tuesdays. We will serve a meal and then when people are done eating we will announce that we are going to have Nader share about Jesus and those who want to listen may stay and those who don't want to listen may go. We did this with just tea last Tuesday - out of around 150 people 60 adults and about 30 children stayed. We will do the same thing on Fridays for single men. Please pray for us as we continue to make adjustments in the way we do things in order to accommodate as many people as possible.

Thank you once again for your prayers, notes of encouragement and financial support. We could not do this without you.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

morley update 2010 #41

Everyone -

Sorry this is late once again but I have spent the last two day when I wasn't at the ARC working on a presentation for the Women's Conference I will be at next week. I will leave on Tuesday and return on Saturday. (Which means I most likely will not send an update next week). I have a chance to share for 15 minutes about the work here in Athens and will be at a table later on to answer questions - providing I can understand the questions since it is a conference for Greek Evangelical Women.

Our week this week began in a very joyous manner. We had the privilege of attending the baptism of our good friend Dr. "J" from Pakistan. He gave his testimony before his baptism. He told how the Taliban burned his house, put a death warrant out on him and threatened his family and forced them into hiding. Then he stood tall and said clearly, "In the name of Jesus I hereby forgive these men for the atrocities they have committed against me and my family." It was a powerful and moving moment. Please pray that somehow his wife and two small children will be able to get out of Pakistan and the family can be reunited.

It has been very crowded at the ARC lately. New Afghan families are pouring into Greece. We are seeing many new people most of whom are sleeping in the parks since they have just arrived and don't know anyone or have money to find a place off the streets. We have had such big crowds on Tuesdays that we have had to stop serving food for the time being until we can find a way to ticket people and control the crowds that push their way through the gates threatening to trample children in the push to get in. Please pray with us that we will once again find a way to share what we have with as many people as possible while still providing for the safety of our staff and the refugees we serve.

I met a very nice new family. The daughter "M" speaks excellent English. They have been here for two months. There is "M" who is 18, her two younger sisters 12 and 15 and her mother. They left Afghanistan because her father is dead and they were under the authority of her uncle. She said she loves school but was forced to stop going because her uncle did not believe girls should be out of the house after the age of 12. She said she and her sisters were like prisoners in their home, never allowed to leave except to walk around the yard. She said it was only a matter of time until her uncle forced her to marry because men will pay handsomely to marry a beautiful young girl and she was getting old at 18 to still be unmarried. Her mother took her and her sisters and left. They walked to Turkey and then over the mountains into Greece. "M" said that her uncle is very influential and if they went home they would certainly be killed. I told her to tell her mother (who does not speak English) for me that I respected and honored her for being willing to leave her life and to make the dangerous journey with her daughters. Her mother said "I suffered from my father, my husband and my brother-in-law, I do not want this for my girls". Her mother is only 42 but looks much older due to the hard life she has had. "M" and her family share a 12x12 room with 3 families totaling 20 people. Each family pays 200 euros a month. For 600 euros those same three families could rent a nice 3 bedroom apartment but because they don't have papers they are forced to pay slum lords ridiculous prices just to be off the streets.

Kent's friend "G" was at the ARC today. He is looking very good although very thin. He is talking well again and seems much more his old self. He has moved from the abandoned shell of a building up in the hills and is living with another man near the center of Athens. Thanks to those of you who prayed for him. We are SO glad to see him doing better. Kent plans to have him and a few other guys over for a movie night while I am gone next week.

Well it's late - hopefully I will get back on a better schedule soon and be more regular with my updates. Thank you all for being such an encouragement to us. God is definitely at work here and we are so glad to be a part of it.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2101 #40

Everyone,

Here are a few "snapshots" from the last couple of weeks.

We are having a fun day for the kids. We have set up chairs like a movie theater, made popcorn and koolaide and cued up Kung Fu Panda to show. It is 80 some degrees and I am dressed in a flannel tiger suit (to look like Tigress in the film) and practicing my kicks and kung fu moves. My son-in-law Dave who is a martial arts instructor would have been a better choice but he is not here and besides Tigress is a girl ;} When the kids and parents start coming in I greet each one with few "moves" and then hold out my hand. Despite that fact that my suit is homemade and a little hokey (okay maybe a LOT hokey - see attached pictures) the kids love it and all want to shake my hand - some eagerly and some shyly. During the movie whenever Tigress is on, the kids turn around and point at me as I sit with one little girl on my lap who is sleepily sucking her thumb and petting me. By the time the day is over I have sweated off my whiskers and my legs ache from being on my feet all day, but the kids all want to give me a hug as they leave AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Monday is our day off but this Monday we spent all day shopping for several upcoming events. We met Roberta a short term team member from Alpine Chapel to shop for a Grocery Give Away that they funded. Roberta, Kent and I each took a cart and began to load bags of rice, beans, macaroni, and sugar into them. We also bought lentils, canned milk, oil, laundry soap and shampoo. To get enough for 50 families we knew it would take two loads in our little Polo. We checked out with the first round and went down to load it into our car. We had overestimated how much our car would hold. We soon filled the back storage, the backseat and even put some on the roof. That meant Roberta and I needed to sit together in the small bucket seat in front. We squeezed in sitting on our sides in order to give Kent enough room to shift. By the time we got to our house our legs were numb and we still had to unload and go back for more. Today as we gave each family a cart fill with groceries, mothers kissed us, kids hugged us and fathers thanked us with tears in their eyes AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Many of the refugees coming in these days have coughs, colds and fevers so the team is beginning the usual round of people being sick. I had been fighting a sore throat for a few days and kept telling myself I didn't have time to get sick. I didn't feel too good Monday night but got up Tuesday and thought I didn't feel too bad. I was cooking for our Farsi outreach that day so Kent and I left the house at 8am on the bike and headed in to the ARC. We got out two of our giant pots (each holds enough soup for about 80-90 servings). We put water on to boil and Kent started browning hamburger while I chopped parsley. The Alpine Chapel team arrived and helped chop onions and carrots. We added those and some spices, bullion, tomatoes, tomato sauce and cheese to the hamburger and put a third huge pot of tortellini on to boil. Once this cooked we added it to the sauce mixture. Since it was the first time I had made this particular soup for 175 I kept tasting and adjusting spices and adding more tomato sauce and water to stretch it. When it was finally done we sat down with the team to have prayer before opening the doors. As I sat there I realized that I was no longer fighting the cold but my glands were aching and I needed to go home. I trudged up to the metro and sat in the wind waiting for a bus to take me home to my bed at the same time praying that there would be enough soup for the big crowd we expected. When Kent got home he said there was plenty of soup for everyone with enough left over for lunch at women's showers AND IT'S WORTH IT.

My house is filled with people. Everywhere you look people are talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. There are toys scattered all over the living room floor and the remains of grilled hamburgers for forty people on the table. It's team fellowship and we have shared our highs and lows with each other and prayed for one another in small groups. We've eaten, and talked and played with kids. When the last people have gone "A" washes up the plates that won't fit in the dishwasher, "D" vacuums, Kent and I put away food, rearrange the furniture and put away the toys. In relatively short order my house looks somewhat normal and we all sit down to rest. After being sick the day before I am very tired but I think about the incredible people God has blessed us with as team mates AND IT'S WORTH IT.


Kent and I both at times miss our family and friends back home. Sometimes we get frustrated with things that take longer than we'd like or with traffic or struggling with language. Sometime we even get frustrated with refugees who yell at us if they don't get what they want or don't show up for a class or demand more time than we have to give. Sometimes we realize that we are no longer youngsters anymore and we are tired. But then a child smiles, a mother gives us a grateful hug, a young man wants to talk about Jesus or as is happening on Sunday a refugee friend is baptized into Christ AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Thank you for supporting us. I know sometimes you give sacrificially or take time out of a busy schedule to pray for us. We want you to know that we appreciate it so much AND IT'S WORTH IT.


Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #39

Everyone -
One of my goals for this year was not to miss a single week in getting out an update. Last week put an end to that goal. It was a busy time with having a future team mate stay with us for a week and getting the three young women who came for 3 months settled into their apartment. Then it was off to team retreat. Our fall retreat is a working retreat so it was made up of many meetings but we still found time to play together as a team. It was good to be out of the city and to catch up with teammates who are staying at home with kids.

I wanted to give you a couple of snapshots from the last couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks ago an Afghan family came in and sat down with my teammates Suzie and Christy. The mother and father were each carrying a child in their arms and there was another one running around at their feet. The oldest child is 7 but looks about 3 in size. He and the youngest child, who is 2, were both born with brain problems. Neither can sit up or even hold their heads up. The middle child who is 5 was born deaf and cannot speak. The couple asked Suzie if we had a stroller we could give them. She explained that strollers, especially double strollers, are very expensive here and we didn't have any to give. Then Christy got the idea to ask our friend "Z" about the double stroller we had given her. She has twin girls but they are 2 1/2 now and walk everywhere. "Z" agreed to bring her stroller in that day and give it to this family. The next week at our Farsi outreach and meal I saw the Afghan couple come in. Both the oldest and the youngest children were lying peacefully in the stroller while the middle child went happily off to play in the baby room. What a blessing to see"Z", who has so little, willing to give back to another less fortunate. What a joy to be able to lighten this couple's burden in even this small way.

Last Saturday I looked over and saw Kent sitting in a circle with about 6 younger men. They spent most of the day sitting and talking. Afterward Kent said they all are interested in learning English and are very open to spiritual things. Today he is going to have an English class for them before men's showers. Pray that they will come and that along with English they will come to know Jesus.

Tuesday I was in the children's room. Carolyn told the story of the prodigal son with her husband Ebi there to interpret. The kids were very engaged and when she told of the Father welcoming the son home and having a party they all clapped their hands and cheered. When the story was finished Carolyn showed them a cross with ribbons attached that we were making for a craft. She talked to them about Jesus dying on the cross and then asked if anyone knew what happened next. One little girl about 9 raised her hand and spoke for quite some time in Farsi. Afterward Ebi said she had it exactly right. This is a newer family and their children were very sweet. When we passed out the craft the girl asked if they each got one or if there was only one per family. She was very excited that they would each get their own. Afterward I got busy with serving the meal and didn't get a chance to find out who the parents of these children were. Please pray that they return and we can get to know them.

Yesterday Kent went out to find his friend "G". When he got to the abandoned building where "G" is staying, "G" was just getting ready to go out. There are several other men living there now so he did not want to have Kent come in. Kent took him downtown on the motor bike and they spent a couple of hours having a drink and something to eat and talking. Kent said "G" is doing much better and says he will come back to the ARC and would like to come back to dinner at our house. He does not want Kent to come to the place he lives any more because of the other men. Please pray that we can keep in contact with him and that he will come and see us.

Please keep praying for our two refugee women's bible studies. Attendance has been very good and the women are full of questions. Pray that they continue to learn and accept Jesus fully.

Yesterday a couple who is looking at the possibility to come and work with us came to stay with us for 12 days. They were working in Afghanistan when "A", who is Afghan/American, was filmed (without his knowledge) baptizing some university students and it came out on television. The government made several arrests and "A" and his wife "D" fled for their lives leaving all but a few personal possessions behind. They cannot go back to Afghanistan and looking to where God might want to use them now. Please pray for them in being able to process all that has happened to them and that they will clearly hear God speak about their next step.

As always we thank you, our larger team, for being a part of this ministry here. We are seeing many new families and are excited about the possibilities God is opening up. We miss all of you and our life in America but we are so glad we are here and are convinced that God has brought us to this place. We love you all.


Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #38

Everyone -

For anyone who might have noticed this update is late but I am trying to figure out when I write my updates with the new schedule. Tuesday used to be a personal ministry day for women and that is when I wrote. Now our Farsi outreach is that day. Friday is now personal ministry day for women but today I have to go to our storage facility and help sort toys. I will try to do better next week but most likely will be sending out the updates on Friday/Saturday.

We have had our first week with the new schedule and are still tweaking it a bit. Our work week is now Tuesday through Saturday with Sunday church and Monday off.

Tuesdays we do a Farsi outreach. We meet at the ARC early to prepare food and open our doors at 12:00.The doors stay open for 1/2 hour or until we reach 120 people which ever comes first. At 12:30 we start our program. This includes singing christian songs in Farsi, sometimes drama or puppets, and preaching by Nader (our Iranian team mate) in Farsi. We may also at times use other speakers with Nader translating. After the program we serve a meal and and have a seekers class for those interested in hearing more. Right now we are attempting to closed and cleaned up by 3:00 in order to be ready for a refugee women's bible study at 3:30. There have been about 12-15 women coming to this study led by different women on the team with Sahar (an Iranian friend) translating.

Wednesday is team day. We have meetings in the morning 2 days a month, training one day a month, and prayer day one day a month. Two evening a month we have Team Fellowship. We also do give away days like clothing, sleeping bags, school supplies etc in the afternoons on some days.

Thursday is women showers. We take about 10 families. This means 10 women and about 25-30 kids. They spend the day at the ARC taking turns in the shower, sharing a meal, and doing activities. This is a personal ministry day for men. (personal ministry days are for meeting individually with refugees, preparing lessons, writing to supporters, studying language etc.)

Friday is Men's Showers. Women have personal ministry this day.

Saturday is Tea House. We arrive early to prepare and open the door at 12:00 we serve tea and have a children's activity room and a baby room. We close at 4:00.

It has been very busy lately. We are seeing many new families. Often they are living in the parks because they have not yet found shelter. It has been personally busy for me because we have a young woman staying with us for 11 days who is here on a Vision Trip. (to see if she wants to apply to come full time). This week we also welcomed three other young women who will be here for 3 months serving with us. Kent and I spent the day Thursday getting them settled in their apartment. One of these women, Jessie Lipp is from one of our our supporting churches. Thanks New Hope for helping to send her!

I realize this letter is long on information and a bit short on personal stories but let me just tell you about last Saturday at the ARC. Before tea house we prayed for the "Harvest" we prayed that God would show us "Low Hanging Fruit" ready to be picked. Here is an excerpt from my team mate Brett's blog on one of the things that happened that day.

Within ten minutes of our doors opening, a young Afghan man began speaking to me in Farsi. I don’t speak Farsi, but understood two words: Jesus Christ. At the same time, he was opening his hands as if to make a book. I called over my teammate Susie (whose Farsi skills far surpass my own), and the three of us walked together to where we had some Bibles and tracts on display. Susie translated for us as this young Afghan (“M”) asked about following Jesus: “Do you have an injil (New Testament)?” “Do you believe it is possible for someone to change religions?” “Do you have classes about the Bible?” The harvest is plentiful! Later in the afternoon, “M” returned with three friends who also took New Testaments and asked when we would be having a Bible class. Please pray for “M” and his three friends. Our communication was limited, and I don’t know their hearts… but I do know that the harvest is the Lord’s!

As we drove home that afternoon we began to talk about our day. The more we talked the more we realized that almost everyone on the team had a spiritual discussion with someone that day. Please continue to pray with us for the Harvest. God is at work in Athens and you are a part of that. Thank you



Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #37

Everyone,

Here are a few recent "snapshots" from Greece.

1) Kent found his friend "G". As you may remember "G" was one of the first group of Kurdish guys that Kent had in his English class. Of the three regulars "G" was the one he connected with the most and the one who made the most progress in English. "G" was bright and funny and Kent really enjoyed their times together. Suddenly "G" dropped out of sight. We assumed he was in Jail because we felt sure he would have called us if he was leaving. Kent tried to find him but failed. Finally we found out that he had indeed been in jail for three months and while there he was very badly beaten by some other men in the jail. The police put people who don't have the right papers in with hardened criminals. These men kicked him in the face until they did major damage to his mouth and jaw. He spent some time in the hospital and when Kent finally found him he was out of the hospital but in a lot of pain. We found a retired doctor friend from church to go back to the doctor with him but they said that his jaw was as good as it was going to get and that he just needed to exercises it more. "G" doesn't have a phone so Kent had no way to contact him and once again could not find him for a time. Then one day this summer we saw "G" on the street. He was not doing well. He looked very unkept and seemed to have trouble putting words together. He said he needed to go because he had to be somewhere so we told him to call us when he could. Once again he dropped out of sight. Recently another of the original three Kurdish guys "H" arrived back in town. He had been living at one of the camps in Lavrio about and hour from here. He managed to find "G" but told Kent he was in a bad way. He wouldn't talk to "H" and told him just to go away and leave him alone. "H" agreed to take Kent to where "G" was staying so they went together. Kent said they went back up in the hills on the bike and then walked down through the brush to a small square cement building that had been abandoned. "G" was there and was not happy with "H" that he had brought Kent. He let them in however and Kent said he has a bed, a small fireplace and he thought maybe a small bathroom but there is no electricity or running water. "G's" jaw is still not right and he can't eat very well. Kent said he seemed more himself as far as being alert but he basically just stays in this building all the time and won't go out. "H" has tried to get him to come with him to different places and he says no. It is heartbreaking to see him so depressed and beaten down. Kent and "H" will go again and try to get him to come out. Kent asked him about food but he said he was fine - "H" thinks otherwise. I will make some things that are soft and easy to chew to send with Kent the next time he goes but he doesn't have a way to refrigerate anything so it has to be things that won't spoil. I don't think he would accept groceries but I think if Kent told him I made them for him he would take them. Please pray for "G" and for Kent and "H" to know how to help him. "H" has become a Christian and Kent has been spending more time with him recently. It is hard for young men to keep any sense of self worth when they can't find work and live in fear of the police.

2) It is Saturday and tea house day at the ARC. There aren't many refugees there this particular day. Maybe it is because it is Ramadan and they are not eating or drinking or maybe it is because we changed the day from Monday to Saturday. Time will tell. In the afternoon three of the refugee women who have become good friends are there and there is a new woman who is there for the first time. She has only been in Greece two weeks and is living in the park with her husband and 8 year old son. She was asking questions about where to get food and how she could maybe wash clothes etc. We talked with her a while, told her what we could offer and then introduced her to the other women and told them her situation. They quickly began telling her which days there were different places to get food or clothes or medical help etc. I think one of the things we do well is to help refugees connect with one another and begin to have that sense of community which is so important in their culture.

3) Our friend "Z1" and her husband and three children found an abandoned house some time ago and have worked hard cleaning it up, painting some of the rooms and making a home for themselves. They even have water and electricity. We went to visit one day and "Z1" cooked us a meal and proudly served us in her dining room (the house even had old furniture). Recently however "Z1's" husband told some men they could stay for the night because they had no where to go. Now 6 men have moved into their home and are using it as a base for illegal activity. "Z1's" husband told them to leave and they said "No, why should we leave, you leave". "Z1" and her husband can't call the police because if the police came they might all end up in jail or they would likely all end up in the street. "Z1" is frightened at what the men would do if they tried to force them to leave. Such is the precarious life of a refugee in Greece. Please pray for this family - "Z1" is on of the regulars at two of the women's bible studies and a dear friend.

4) At tea house on Saturday someone had brought in a giant teddy bear and it was sitting in a chair. Later in the day I looked up and instead of one of the children playing with it, a young man in his early 20s had his arms wrapped around it and was using it for a pillow on the table. He wasn't sleeping, just resting and watching the Jesus film. Everyone needs someone to hug!

We have a busy schedule for the next few months. I am overseeing short term teams and individuals. On Saturday (9/11)we have a young woman coming on a vision trip to look at joining the ministry here. She will stay with us and will be here until 9/22. We have three young women coming 9/15-16 to stay for 3 months so I have been working on their schedule and Kent and I will spend a day preparing the apartment where they are going to stay (rearranging some furniture and bringing in an extra bed). We will also pick them up at the airport and spend a day helping get them settled and I will do their orientation. We have a working retreat with marathon meetings from 9/23-27. On 9/30 another couple is coming for a vision trip and will also stay with us. They will leave 10/11. 10/1 we have a short term team coming in from the Chicago area so I will help get them settled etc. They leave 10/10. The next week some friends from Oregon will be around and will likely stay with us at least a couple of nights. 10/19-23 I will be gone to a conference for Greek women in Northern Greece. I will get a chance to speak for a few minutes about our ministry and be around to answer questions. Pray for my Greek language skills - it will be good practice for me! Once I get back we will have a couple of weeks and then my brother and sister-in law are coming for a visit - which I am very excited about! Once they leave we have a team coming in from Nebraska and then we move into Christmas parties. I think I will schedule collapsing sometime after Christmas! Actually Kent and I both enjoy having people around and being busy so I am looking forward to it.

We think of you all often and miss being able to spend time in person with you. We appreciate all the notes of encouragement and the prayers that go up on our behalf, as well as the financial support. Thank you for being part of our team. We love you all.


Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Ministry Update 2010 #36

Everyone,

I have several meetings today so wanted to get this out before I forgot. I just want to give you a few "snapshots" from the week.

Thursday we had our last beach day of the year. We have been doing them weekly since the beginning of summer. It is quite an undertaking to bring everything you need for a day at the beach for yourselves and 15-20 extra people. We take bags of swimwear, towels, beach toys, blankets and beach mats, umbrellas, water and lunch. Some of the team meets our refugee guests at the metro, provides tickets and then rides out with them. Those of us with cars bring the beach gear, set up the umbrellas, lay out the mats etc. We meet at the beach and spend about 4-5 hours swimming, playing and eating. I think everyone on the team was glad this was our last time for the year. But here is the snapshot: 5 mothers out in the waves - all wearing their clothes and head coverings. "G" is married to a man who is ill and can't work. They and their children are living in the park again because they were kicked out of the abandoned building they were living in. "Z2" is a single mom who's teenage son got into some trouble and is in jail. She also has a little girl and recently became a Christian. "Z1" has three children. She and her husband recently found a place to live that is nicer than what most refugees can find. Her husband works hard but there is little paid employment to be found and they struggle just to keep food on the table. "F" has two little girls and has been in Greece for several years. Up until recently her husband had been able to find enough work to support them but lately things have become so tight that he is sending her and the two little girls back to Algeria without him. She is very sad about this. "A" has five children two of them quite small. Her husband is a drug addict and abusive. Every one of these women are people we have come to love. To watch them playing with their children, laughing and splashing as they attempt to swim, and forgetting at least for the moment their hard lives is PRICELESS.

Another snapshot from beach day is of Mustava who is three. He has on a little swim ring and is laying back in the water near the shore waiting for the waves. Every time one comes it washes over him and every time he comes up laughing.

I have told you about our friend Dr. Joseph and how he has been waiting almost two years for asylum while his wife and two small children live in hiding for fear of their lives in Pakistan. As you can well imagine there are times when he is almost overwhelmed with sadness. Last Sunday we were in the car with him on our way to church. The back door of our car opens from the outside but will not open from the inside so you have to roll down the window and reach the handle outside to get out. We were making a stop and he said "This car will let you in but not let you out." Kent said "That is because it is a Greek car and you are a refugee. You can get in but you can't get out." Dr. J thought this was hysterical and laughed and laughed. The rest of the day he would say things like - "Oh this is a Greek road everywhere you want to turn you are blocked" and then he would laugh again. He came home with us for lunch and later that afternoon Kent went down to take him back to his place on the motorbike. The motorbike has a cover on it and Kent said when he saw it he started to laugh again and said "I see you have a Muslim bike - it wears a burka".

A week ago Sunday, Dr. J told us that Sahar had phoned to let him know they were going to be baptizing an Iranian new believer after church and invited him to come. He asked if we would take him and of course we were happy to. We met at the beach and stood in a small circle singing a few songs in Farsi. Then after a prayer Sahar and her pastor waded out into the sea with the woman being baptized. People swimming and sunbathing stopped to watch as she was buried with Christ and raised to walk in a new life! This was especially meaningful to Dr. J as he is going to be baptized soon. He decided he wanted to wait until Scott McCracken was back and could attend.

Yesterday was our day off and we decided about noon to run down to the sea and go snorkeling for a while. We called Dr. J and asked if he would like to go. He said yes so we picked him up and headed off. I asked if he had ever snorkeled before and he said no and asked rather nervously if there would be any sharks. I assured him there weren't any and that we would be in shallow water anyway. When we got there he put and his snorkel and mask but at first was thrashing about and swallowed quite a bit of water. I went over to him and said "Just lay out in the water, don't even try to move." After he mastered that I taught him how to stroke along with his hands and he was soon doing much better. I stayed by his side for a while and at one point he wanted to stand up. We were in water about up to our chest and there were quite a few waves so it was hard to stand. We were holding on to each other and laughing when Kent said "Hey there is a pretty interesting fish over here." Dr. J said "Hold on to him and we'll be over in a minute!" I love to see him laugh.

Well it is time for my meeting so I will close. I hope these glimpses into life here will bless you as they bless us and the refugees we serve. We love you all.


Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

Morley Update 2010 #35

Everyone,

It was a big day Saturday. We reopened the ARC for the first time in two months. We saw many familiar faces - some of whom we hadn't seen during this time some of whom we have seen at other events or the park. We also had new faces. Several new families were there and quite a few new single men. Already the changes in the ARC are making a difference. I told you about the new turkish toilet (hole in floor with places for your feet on both sides - we also call it a "sqatty potty") in the ladies rest room. We still have a western toilet but are keeping that stall locked and it is for staff use only. The women on the team were very excited to know we had a place to go to the toilet that was clean and no one had been standing on the seat. I was feeling a bit guilty though because it seemed like we were keeping the best toilet for ourselves and making the refugees use the other. I was showing my friend "Z" around and when she saw the turkish toilet she clapped her hands and said "Finally". I realized that to them this was the "nice" toilet and the other was just something they had been putting up with. No more guilt.

We only served tea on Saturday but already the kitchen made a big difference. Instead of standing bending over a sink for hours washing cups we just threw them in the dishwasher. This will mean we need less people in the kitchen freeing up more people to be spending time with refugees. I know it will be such a help when we serve food. I used to stand for a couple of hours by the door of the kitchen rinsing greasy spaghetti plates in a dishpan before they went into the kitchen to be washed. This meant going out on the back balcony to empty my pan and then running back and forth into the kitchen to refill it when it got too greasy. It meant carrying stacks of dripping plates through the kitchen where people were working to the sink. All those plates (about 120) then had to be hand washed, double rinsed - once in bleach water, and hand dried. Now they will be stacked on our rolling cart and wheeled into the kitchen. They will be scraped into the under the counter garbage can and rinsed in the sink. After that they will run through the dishwasher and come out ready to be put away in the cupboard.

I asked for prayer for our friend Doctor "S" who has taken the name "Joseph". His wife and children have been in hiding in Pakistan under threats of death from the Taliban. They were caught in the floods and he had not been in contact with them. He was able to talk with his wife this week and they are safe. Joseph said he knows it is because God protected them and he wanted to thank everyone who prayed for them. Please continue to pray that his family will be able to leave Pakistan and join him.

Please also pray for "G" Kent's kurdish friend who was beaten so severely while he was in jail. Kent had not been able to find him but recently heard that he is living near the hills of Athens. He is hoping to go to see him this week. He is very concerned because when a mutual friend found him he refused to let him in and seemed in a very bad way. "G" has always been such a great guy that it is very hard to hear of him being in such a state. Please pray that he will see Kent and that we can know how to help him.

Please also pray for the many refugees who are once again living in the parks. Many of them had been living in abandoned buildings but recently the police have been making sweeps through these areas and arresting people or just sending them out. They have no where to go so they end up with their families in the parks. New families continue to arrive and they squeeze into already overcrowded apartments just to be off the streets.

Along with all the new families, we are also missing many faces - some of them people whom we have come to love. During the months of July and August many refugees leave during the rush of tourists. Often we don't even get a chance to say goodbye. This is the nature of refugee ministry and we rejoice in those who have gone on and taken a faith in Jesus Christ with them. "C" and her husband "A" along with their two small children became Christians here and we watched "C" blossom from a shy, sad and fearful woman into a confident, laughing woman who openly shared her faith with others. They moved on to Italy and hope to move on from there. For others it may be only seeds of faith that we hope will be watered and tended by someone else along the Refugee Highway. "T" and her mother and sisters had become a good friends but were just beginning to open their hearts to ask questions about Jesus. They have moved on to Germany.

We will miss these people and carry them in our hearts but we turn our attention to the new families as well. Our goal is that when people come through our doors they will find not only food for their bellies but food for their souls. Jesus said "I am the bread of life". When they get a drink of cold water or hot tea we hope they will also find what their hearts are thirsting for. Jesus said "I am the living water". When we give them clean clothes or laundry soap or a shower, we hope they will look to the one who can truly make them clean. "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin". And as we help them on their way down the Refugee Highway we point them to the one who said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life".

Thank you for being a part of this. We love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

ARC Remodel

Click here to view these pictures larger

Morley Update 2010 #34

Everyone,
We spent the rest of the week doing clean up after the construction. It was a HOT, DUSTY, EXHAUSTING job. We hope to be open for our first tea house this Saturday. At the left of this entry under Archives you will see a heading "ARC Remodel" if you click on that it will take you to an albumn of pictures of some of the newly redone areas. Click where it says "view in a larger size" then click "view albumn". If you look to the left of each picture as it comes up there is a heading telling you what you are looking at. Pictures can't do it justice - it is AWESOME!
Myrna and Kent

Morley Update 2010 #33

Everyone,

It has been an interesting summer. As you know because the ARC has been closed for renovations we have been doing ministry "outside the box" for the last two months. It has been good and has allowed us to try new things and be more creative. On the other hand it has been hard because the schedule changes from week to week and sometimes from day to day making it hard to plan ahead. I know I am looking forward to have a more "normal" schedule soon.

Today the team had our team meeting at the ARC for the first time since mid June. The contractors are finished except for a few little things and now the clean up begins. If I had one word to describe today it would be DUST. There is a thick layer of dust covering almost every inch of the ARC. Walls must be washed. Hundreds of chairs must be washed. Cupboards must be washed. Appliances and counter tops have to be washed. Every piece of clothing in the clothing room needs to be shaken out and rehung. When I walked in the door at home today I went to the shower before even sitting down. My hair and clothes were covered with dust and I had dirty trails down my face where the sweat ran down through the dust. We will spend the rest of the week cleaning and putting things away and hope to be open for tea house by the end of next week.

Once everything is cleaned I know we will all be basking in the new things that will make our lives easier. We have a completely new kitchen with everything you could want. It has a dishwasher and a big sink for washing pots. No more standing endlessly washing hundreds of plastic cups or greasy plates. No more back breaking work of washing the pots with a hose out on the balcony. Not only do we have a new stove top but we have an oven and two deep fryers. We have under the counter refrigerators and stainless steel work areas. It is AMAZING.

Our women's bathroom has all the women on the team rejoicing. It was hard to use the bathroom during the day because someone was always in it and when you did get in you had to clean the toilet before you could sit down. This was because since refugees are used to Turkish Toilets (which are a hole in the floor you stand over) they stood and balanced themselves on the seat of the toilet which of course made for quite a mess. Our new bathroom has two stalls with doors. One with a Turkish Toilet for refugees and one with a Western Toilet and a lock on the door for staff. Since both stalls have doors people can go in and out to use the sink even if someone is using the toilet.

The men's bathroom was also renovated with new tile and a new configuration for the showers as well as a second sink. This should make shower days go a little more smoothly.

We have a new office with cubby holes for our things and a cupboard for hanging coats and storing purses and backpacks. It has two work stations plus a table in the middle for meetings.

The walls throughout the ARC have been patched and repainted and some leakage and other structural issues have been taken care of. I know our refugee friends will be as excited as we are to see their home away from home looking so clean and nice. We have been storing everything in the kid's activity room which didn't need repainting thanks to the Central Christian team that came two years ago!

We had a little scare today but thank goodness nothing serious. I was working in the bathroom when I heard a crash in the kitchen. I didn't hear anything afterward so thought someone had dropped something. In a minute or two a team mate stuck her head in and said "Did you know Morley (Kent) just fell in the kitchen?" I said, "Is he hurt?" and she said "I don't know he's still laying on the floor." I rushed in and found him laying on his back on the floor with Kenn (our resident EMT) beside him. As soon as I walked in they said "He didn't hit his head, his back is okay - he landed on his tailbone." Kent lay there for a minute or two more and then they helped him to his feet. He said he thought he was okay and we all went back to work. We finished the tasks we were on and then Kent said he thought we should go home as his tailbone was pretty sore. Of course we had to make a stop at a friend's house and load up a a carload of things to take to another friends new house since we had said we would help him move that day. Fortunately he had some other people to help too so we just had to drop off one carload. After some Ibuprofen Kent said his tailbone is feeling some better and he is asleep in the recliner but we will see how he does tomorrow.

It seems like this letter is too long already but I wanted to tell you about two other blessings in our personal lives. We have not had air conditioning for the two years we have lived here but a local store was having a great sale where if you bought one on sale you could get a second one for half price. We bought two and we now have air conditioning in our living room and bedroom. The temperatures have often been in the high 90s low 100s and staying in the 90s around the clock so neither of us were getting good sleep. The last few nights have been wonderful! Another big blessing is a new (to us) motor scooter. Last fall we began to think that a motor scooter would make a big difference in our lives as Kent does a lot of running back and forth down town to meet with guys etc. Kent's cousin Linda and her husband Jim generously donated enough money for us to get a bike. Since then we have been praying about it and asking the Lord to bring just the right bike for just the right price. Recently we found out that a lady we had a connection with through Helping Hands was wanting to sell her bike. It was just what we wanted and only had 2000 kilometers on it. It was also in our price range. We made the deal and already it has been great to have. Kent will start having more meetings with team mates as well as refugee friends with his new pastoral duties so I know it will make a big difference. It will also be a big help when there are strikes because I can ride with him downtown rather than having to stay home on days we can't drive the car downtown. We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends who care about us and make it possible for us not only to be here but who help make our lives easier by their generosity. Thank you so much for all you do for us. We love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}

morley update 2010 #32

Everyone,

We had a great mini vacation away. As you know we took Tuesday and Wednesday off last week giving us a 4 day weekend - we work on Saturday so our weekend is Sunday, Monday. We went to the island of Kythnos with two women on the team who have become our adopted "daughters" here. Kythnos is very dry and rocky - not the paradise with white sands and long beaches of some of the islands. We chose it because it is close (about 2 hours by ferry), off the beaten path and because of the rocky coastline which we thought would be good for snorkeling. We were right. We rented an two bedroom with kitchen and deck overlooking the sea. With four of us sharing the cost and because we could do our own cooking it was pretty reasonable. The view was beautiful, the sea was clear and the snorkeling was great. We saw a lot of new interesting sea creatures and dove down for some nice shells. One day Kent and I spent 8 hours in the water with only a couple of short breaks. It was a restful and renewing time but by the end of Wednesday we were all water logged and ready to head home.

Our first day home - we had a family beach day. Somehow that sea didn't hold the allure that it does sometimes but we had a fun day swimming with our refugee friends. We invited a couple of newer families and this time two of the husbands came. Kent knew one of them from English class so was able to make conversation. The women were all eager to learn to swim so I did a lot of holding their heads out of the water while they tried to paddle.

Friday and Saturday I spent most of the day on the computer organizing some short term team material and getting a calendar made up. Stacie, the woman who was doing this before me has been a big help and spent some time showing me how to set up a calendar online as well as some other "techie" stuff. For the next week or two I will be spending quite a bit of my time learning different aspects of this job and updating some information we have etc.

Kent spent Friday having Bible Study with our friend Dr. "S" who has taken the name "Joseph". Since publicly expressing his faith in Jesus at church he felt it was best to take a new name for the protection of his family back in Pakistan. Please pray for "Joseph" and his family. He has been out of contact with them for about a week now as they are in the area of Pakistan affected by the major flooding. Please pray that his family is safe and that he will hear from them soon. Also continue to pray for his wife and two small children to be able to leave Pakistan and join him here or wherever God may take him.

Saturday while I was home doing computer work, Kent went to the park for an outreach there. The team just shows up at one of the parks where refugees gather. We put down blankets to sit on and have crafts for the children and a chance to visit with some of the women and men. Often families will invite team members to their homes afterward so this is a chance to deepen relationships.

The renovations on the ARC are coming along and we anticipate being able to begin cleanup maybe even next week. Everything (even things in the cupboards) has a layer of dust on it so it will all need to be wiped down and put away again. We hope to get this done in three days and be back to having ministry in the ARC the following week.

We will continue to do a modified schedule until September because August is a very slow month here. The city of Athens is almost empty as Greeks all go for a holiday to the islands. Many refugees attempt to leave amid the flood of vacationers so our number dwindle considerably. This year it is also the month of Ramadan which is a time when Muslim seek through prayer and fasting to purify themselves and attain a higher spiritual level. From the middle of August to the middle of September most Muslims will fast from Sunrise to Sunset each day. We try to take in to account that many of the refugees will not be eating or drinking during the day for this month and to plan our events accordingly. If we serve food we provide containers so it can be taken home and eaten after sunset. By being respectful of this time we open the door for conversations about spiritual things.

Thank you once again for your faithful prayers and support. I am attaching a couple of picture from our trip to Kythnos, one with Tasha and Christy with us on the balcony and one looking down from the balcony at one of the place we snorkeled. We love you all.


Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@juno.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com

To Support:
Online go to: www.iteams.org/give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks ;}