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 ;}
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
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 ;}
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 ;}
Friday, October 8, 2010
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 ;}
Friday, October 1, 2010
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 ;}
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 ;}
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