Everyone,
It has been a busy, busy few weeks and it promises to continue to be that way for the near future. As you know we had our Easter outreaches this last month, culminating in our kids party on Wednesday. Of course I had to come up with a costume since it is now a tradition for me to humiliate myself at every kids party. This time I came as a giant chicken. I would include a picture but the photographer for the day has not made them available yet so I will try to include one next week. I led a kids song called Jump Jump Jump into the Light Light Light which has vigorous actions and seems to repeat endlessly. I have to say I was "poultry in motion" as I jumped, wiggled my tail feathers and did jazz hands for the big finish.
In addition to playing chicken, I wrote and narrated an Easter puppet show. It was the story of how the women came to the tomb and found it open. We had made tomb, with a black curtain over the doorway. When we pulled the curtain back there was an angel inside who told the women to go and tell the others that Jesus is alive. One women went but Mary stayed behind unable to believe that Jesus wasn't dead. Of course you know the story of how she sees a man she thinks is the gardener and asks him if he knows where they have taken Jesus' body. He answer is one word. "Mary", her name. As I told this part I looked out at 45 little dark eyed faces looking up at me, intent on every word. The room was quiet as I told them that just like Jesus knew Mary's name, He knows their name and He loves them very much.
After the puppet show the kids divided up into four groups and took turns going around to four stations. The stations were: cookie decorating, crafts, games and the story room where Nader told the story of Jesus through "Resurrection Eggs" - plastic eggs each containing a picture of the next part of the story. At the end of the day we asked what the kids learned and one little girl stood up and gave the story of Jesus in great detail, starting with the triumphal entry and ending with the resurrection.
Thursday Kent had some meetings and I stayed home to get my house back in order after having company for 3 1/2 weeks. I cleaned, did laundry, remade the beds and shopped the laiki. Today was more of the same. We have new guests coming in tomorrow for a few days and a short term team arriving on Monday - they will stay at a hotel.
Kent went in to Men's Farsi Outreach and Meal today. He met with a refugee man he has been talking with quite a big lately and said he met a couple of new men from Iran who spoke a little English. They both said they would come in to tea house tomorrow to talk with him again.
We have been surprised that our numbers have stayed high - all our outreaches were full. Usually this time of year we see fewer people because many try to leave during the holiday rush of Greeks going to the islands. Although quite a few are trying to leave we are seeing a lot of new faces so we will see how the next few weeks go. There is always the tension between being glad that we can do something for more people and feeling like we don't have time to really spend time with everyone when we are so full.
Thank you for standing side by side with us as we continue to be about our Father's business in Greece. We couldn't do it 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 ;}
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #9
Everyone,
Easter is upon us and we have the joy of getting to have family here to experience Easter in Greece. There is nothing quite like it. Scripture says that Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This takes on a whole new meaning in Greece. A few days before Easter the streets will be lined with butchered lambs. It is traditional to roast a whole lamb on a spit over a fire in your front yard on Easter Day. As I see this somewhat disturbing sight I think what it must have been like to live in Old Testament days when each family sacrificed a lamb at Passover. I am so thankful that Jesus made that sacrifice once for all.
For us the Easter celebration will start on Saturday evening. We gather with team mates, friends and family in our home for dinner and to spend the evening together. At 11:00pm we walk down to the orthodox church a few blocks away. Each of us carries an unlit candle or Lambada. The first part of the service is mostly chanting by the priests, but about 11:45 the lights in the church go off and the priest brings out the "holy fire" flown in from Jerusalem. Once the fire is brought out, the priests begin to tell the Easter Story over the loudspeakers and everyone moves outside. Just before midnight there are several loud booms like a cannon and it feels like power is coming down from heaven. At exactly midnight the church bells begin to ring wildly and there is a huge display of fireworks. The holy fire is passed from candle to candle until the whole platia is filled with flickering light. "Christos Anesti!" (Christ is risen) is on everyone's lips and the answer comes back, "Alithos Anesti!" (Truly he is risen). After the fireworks are over and kisses and greetings are exchanged, the candle light that flowed from the church into the courtyard now flows into the city as people wend their way home still carrying their lighted candles. It's such a beautiful picture of Jesus coming into our lives and how we take Him with us out into our world.
At about 12:30am we get to bed for a few hours of sleep but get up by 4:30am. At 5:00 we drive downtown and park near the Acropolis. In the early morning darkness we begin the climb up the cobblestone path on the side of Philapappou hill. The path winds through the olive trees and we hear the birds making sleepy little chirps as they begin to waken to the dawn. I think to myself that this is how the women must have felt going to the tomb on that first Easter morning. As we draw near the top of the hill we break out into an opening where there are others gathered, waiting in the half light. Then seated on cold stone benches we hear songs, scriptures and prayers offered up in many different languages. As the day breaks the sun rises in front of us from behind the Acropolis and Easter Day is here.
We take coffee and home made muffins along and when the service is over we find a place to enjoy the view and share this little breakfast with friends. We then go to an English speaking service in the downtown area where we get to hear our friend and team mate Kate lead in worship and bless us with her wonderful voice. We don't go to our own church because most Greeks go to their villages for Easter so the Greek churches in Athens will be almost empty. After church we come home where we will share another meal with family and friends. We don't roast a lamb but will most likely fire up the grill and eat outdoors. After lunch we often take a nap in the sun and just spend a quiet day.
I hope that whatever your Easter traditions, you have time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and on the wonder of the resurrection. I hope you will take the light of His love into your world and share it with others that you meet. Christos Anesti - have a wonderful Easter. 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 ;}
Easter is upon us and we have the joy of getting to have family here to experience Easter in Greece. There is nothing quite like it. Scripture says that Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world. This takes on a whole new meaning in Greece. A few days before Easter the streets will be lined with butchered lambs. It is traditional to roast a whole lamb on a spit over a fire in your front yard on Easter Day. As I see this somewhat disturbing sight I think what it must have been like to live in Old Testament days when each family sacrificed a lamb at Passover. I am so thankful that Jesus made that sacrifice once for all.
For us the Easter celebration will start on Saturday evening. We gather with team mates, friends and family in our home for dinner and to spend the evening together. At 11:00pm we walk down to the orthodox church a few blocks away. Each of us carries an unlit candle or Lambada. The first part of the service is mostly chanting by the priests, but about 11:45 the lights in the church go off and the priest brings out the "holy fire" flown in from Jerusalem. Once the fire is brought out, the priests begin to tell the Easter Story over the loudspeakers and everyone moves outside. Just before midnight there are several loud booms like a cannon and it feels like power is coming down from heaven. At exactly midnight the church bells begin to ring wildly and there is a huge display of fireworks. The holy fire is passed from candle to candle until the whole platia is filled with flickering light. "Christos Anesti!" (Christ is risen) is on everyone's lips and the answer comes back, "Alithos Anesti!" (Truly he is risen). After the fireworks are over and kisses and greetings are exchanged, the candle light that flowed from the church into the courtyard now flows into the city as people wend their way home still carrying their lighted candles. It's such a beautiful picture of Jesus coming into our lives and how we take Him with us out into our world.
At about 12:30am we get to bed for a few hours of sleep but get up by 4:30am. At 5:00 we drive downtown and park near the Acropolis. In the early morning darkness we begin the climb up the cobblestone path on the side of Philapappou hill. The path winds through the olive trees and we hear the birds making sleepy little chirps as they begin to waken to the dawn. I think to myself that this is how the women must have felt going to the tomb on that first Easter morning. As we draw near the top of the hill we break out into an opening where there are others gathered, waiting in the half light. Then seated on cold stone benches we hear songs, scriptures and prayers offered up in many different languages. As the day breaks the sun rises in front of us from behind the Acropolis and Easter Day is here.
We take coffee and home made muffins along and when the service is over we find a place to enjoy the view and share this little breakfast with friends. We then go to an English speaking service in the downtown area where we get to hear our friend and team mate Kate lead in worship and bless us with her wonderful voice. We don't go to our own church because most Greeks go to their villages for Easter so the Greek churches in Athens will be almost empty. After church we come home where we will share another meal with family and friends. We don't roast a lamb but will most likely fire up the grill and eat outdoors. After lunch we often take a nap in the sun and just spend a quiet day.
I hope that whatever your Easter traditions, you have time to reflect on the sacrifice Jesus made and on the wonder of the resurrection. I hope you will take the light of His love into your world and share it with others that you meet. Christos Anesti - have a wonderful Easter. 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 ;}
Friday, April 15, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #8
Everyone,
Life is never dull! Since we have my sister-in-law and niece here we decided to take Sunday and Monday (our day off) and take a trip to Corinth and Nafplio, a quaint town on the sea with wonderful castle ruins to explore. We left at about 9:00 and drove to Corinth stopping at the Corinth Canal where we were fortunate to see a ship go through the canal as well as watch some brave souls bungee jump from the bridge. Yikes! We then drove to ancient Corinth. Since Agra Corinth (the fort atop the hill above the city) closes at 3:00 we decided to drive up there first and then return to explore the site at Ancient Corinth. Since it was about noon we stopped in the parking lot of Ancient Corinth to get a few snacks and drinks out of the back of the car. I jumped out grabbed the snacks and got back in the front. I cut up some apples and cheese, poured drinks and then jumped out to put the drink bottles back in the cooler. As I was getting back in the car, Kent said, "Before you sit down, where are the keys?" Thinking I must have left them in the lock I went to check. No keys. I checked my pockets. No Keys. I checked around in the back. No keys. I looked in the front and on the ground. No keys. Kent checked his pockets. No keys. We began taking things out of the back and looking through them. No keys. Finally the trunk was empty. No keys. We went through every bag and box and pocket and jacket even going so far as to take out the spare tire. No keys. Kent crawled under the car to see if he could locate a hide a key we had placed there about a year earlier. No hide a key. We checked in the bushes, we took everything out of the trunk AGAIN, we emptied every open bag. No keys. All this had taken about an hour and a half. We called our landlord and had him go look and see if we had an extra key in our apartment. No key. We called our insurance agent and then triple A. There was no one available to even tow us on a Sunday. We looked into renting a car - none available. Since it had now been 2 hours, Tammy and Barb decided to go in and tour the site at Corinth while Kent and I tried to figure out what to do. Kent crawled under the car AGAIN. We looked in the back AGAIN and this time noticed a small flap where the door closes down. This flap opens into a space between the hard plastic liner of the trunk and the outside of the car. We felt down inside, even pulling the liner back as much as we could. No keys. After an hour Tammy and Barb came back. We decided to take everything out of the trunk one last time even though we knew it was most likely a futile attempt. When everything was out Kent reached his hand up from the well for the spare tire and into that liner. "I think I can feel something!" My hand was smaller so I reached in and sure enough there were the keys! There was much rejoicing in the camp!! It was now 3:30 so we drove up to Agra Corinth to look at the view and then went on our way to Nafplio filled with thankfulness and joy.
Since we are coming up on Easter we decided to have several special Easter Outreaches, three for Farsi families on Tuesdays and one for Farsi Men on Friday. We had our first Family Outreach this Tuesday. We welcomed the families in and had them sit down in chairs facing a stage in the middle. The children sat on a mat directly in front of the stage. When we closed the doors, Nader welcomed the families and then the Morley Family (me, Kent, Barb and Tammy) put on a puppet show. It was the story of Caterpillar and his two friends, Spider and Ladybug. Everyday they met in the meadow to play games and spend time together. One day Caterpillar told them he was going away. They wanted to know where he was going and if they could come too but he told them there were some things you must do alone. The next day when they came to the meadow Caterpillar was no where to be seen. They looked everywhere and finally a friendly butterfly told them that Caterpillar was inside the big cocoon. They were very sad. They still came to the Meadow but it wasn't the same without Caterpillar. One day after they went home, the cocoon began to shake and out came Caterpillar, who had changed to a butterfly. He flew away. When ladybug and spider found the empty cocoon they were very upset and thought someone had taken Caterpillar. They see the friendly butterfly again and she tells them that caterpillar flew away on his own. They can't believe it. Caterpillars can't fly. As they sit wondering about this, Caterpillar, who is now a butterfly flies up. They don't recognize him and ask if he knows where their friend Caterpillar is. He laughs and tells them it's him. They think everything will be the same again but butterfly tells them that he must fly away and they won't see them anymore but that some day he will come back and then they can all be together again. After the show I (with Nader translating) explain why this is very much like the REAL Easter story. Then the kids are dismissed to make a craft and Nader speaks to the adults. As an Easter gift we offer anyone who wants one, a copy of the Jesus film on DVD in Farsi. After a prayer, we serve a nice chicken dinner with a special treat of Tsoureki which is a sweet bread baked around a red egg that is the traditional Easter treat in Greece. It is a great day of visiting with our refugee friends and of sharing with them the truth of the Resurrection. (See pictures of the puppet show attached).
Wednesday was prayer day. Tammy and Barb used the day to visit the Acropolis Museum and do some sight seeing. I finally gave in to a cold and sore throat that I had been fighting and stayed home napping in the sun. Kent went to prayer day which was outside on a hill overlooking the city. He came home with a sunburned nose.
Wednesday evening we met with others of the team and a pastor from the 2nd evangelical church for a baptism. We had intended to baptize 4 refugees but as often happens things changed. One of the young men who was to be baptized got a chance to move on to another country and left the day before. Pray for "H" that we can connect him with Christians where ever he settles. The couple who were to be baptized got confused about the date and he took a job on an island for a few days so they will be baptized later. The other young man "G" was there. We sang a few worship songs in Farsi as we stood on the beach. "G" gave his testimony and then Nader, Pastor George and "G" waded out into the COLD sea where "G" was "buried with Christ and raised to walk in a new life". Praise the Lord!
Thursday Kent had several individual meeting with team mates and did some studying for some teaching he is doing at the upcoming team retreat. Barb, Tammy and I went in to the ARC for women's showers. We visited, played games and had lunch. After lunch Barb and I did the dishes and we headed home. Today Kent is at the Men's Easter Outreach, Tammy is sightseeing and Barb and I are doing laundry and hoping it doesn't rain on our clothes. We continue to stay busy, reasonably healthy and very happy. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and faithful support. We love 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, April 7, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #7
Everyone,
My parents have been married for 60 years today. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Kent and I are coming up on 38 years in a couple months. In looking back over the years there were good times, bad times, prosperous times, lean times, busy times,and slow times. There was laughter and there were tears but always there was love. In working with refugee women who have for the most part been married off at a young age to a man they didn't (and many times still don't) love, I am so blessed to have walked through life with a godly man that I love and who treats me with love and respect. Recently Tasha gave some pampers to a woman who began to cry in gratefulness because it meant that when she went home her husband would not hit her for not having any. We have many women who are eagerly studying the bible and who are very close to making a decision. However, it is hard for them to believe in a God who loves them and will never leave them since for the most part they have never experienced a relationship like that. Pray for these women, pray that God will protect them and release them from the fear and mistrust that fills their minds and hearts.
It has been a busy and happy week. On Saturday we picked up our sister-in-law Barbara and niece Tammy at the airport. They will be here until after Easter. Sunday we took them to church and then visited the Acropolis and walked around downtown. That night we bought gyros at a local shop and brought them home to eat on our balcony. Monday we drove along the sea stopping to take pictures and ended with a Taverna dinner along the shore.
Tuesday was family meal day and we were very busy - we ran short of food. Luckily we had enough for all the refugees but most of the staff had spaghetti sauce (no pasta) and an orange for lunch. Barb and I worked in the kids room. I sat at a table with three adorable little girls who tried to teach me my colors in Farsi. This cause much hilarity as I tried to pronounce the guttural sounds they make so easily. Barb played a game of tic-tac-toe in which they both used Xes and everyone won! After we cleaned up we had a planning meeting for a kids Easter outreach and then Barb and Tammy and I headed home. Kent stayed because he and Scott are teaching a new believers class on Tuesday nights. We will be baptizing 4 new believers next Wednesday.
Wednesday was a day of meetings and then team Fellowship. We met with the other two International Teams ministries in Athens. Nea Zoi (new life) who work with prostitutes and Sahar who works with Farsi speakers. It was a full and noisy house but it is always good to be together.
Thursday Kent left for a retreat with the new believers. Barb and Tammy and I shopped the laiki and then I made the two new puppets for our Easter outreach. That evening we sat and watched a movie while we cut out the pieces for 40 bunnies (each bunny had 8 pieces). We watched Message in a Bottle so there may be some tear drops on the bunny pieces! Today we will practice the puppet show and get ready for our first presentation next Tuesday since we will be going out of town on Sunday and Monday.
As Barb and I were in the kitchen together the other day I thought how nice it is to have family here. I love just being with them but beyond that I love showing them what we do and introducing them to the people we love. I wish I could do that for each one of you. Thank you so much for your faithful support. 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 ;}
My parents have been married for 60 years today. Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! Kent and I are coming up on 38 years in a couple months. In looking back over the years there were good times, bad times, prosperous times, lean times, busy times,and slow times. There was laughter and there were tears but always there was love. In working with refugee women who have for the most part been married off at a young age to a man they didn't (and many times still don't) love, I am so blessed to have walked through life with a godly man that I love and who treats me with love and respect. Recently Tasha gave some pampers to a woman who began to cry in gratefulness because it meant that when she went home her husband would not hit her for not having any. We have many women who are eagerly studying the bible and who are very close to making a decision. However, it is hard for them to believe in a God who loves them and will never leave them since for the most part they have never experienced a relationship like that. Pray for these women, pray that God will protect them and release them from the fear and mistrust that fills their minds and hearts.
It has been a busy and happy week. On Saturday we picked up our sister-in-law Barbara and niece Tammy at the airport. They will be here until after Easter. Sunday we took them to church and then visited the Acropolis and walked around downtown. That night we bought gyros at a local shop and brought them home to eat on our balcony. Monday we drove along the sea stopping to take pictures and ended with a Taverna dinner along the shore.
Tuesday was family meal day and we were very busy - we ran short of food. Luckily we had enough for all the refugees but most of the staff had spaghetti sauce (no pasta) and an orange for lunch. Barb and I worked in the kids room. I sat at a table with three adorable little girls who tried to teach me my colors in Farsi. This cause much hilarity as I tried to pronounce the guttural sounds they make so easily. Barb played a game of tic-tac-toe in which they both used Xes and everyone won! After we cleaned up we had a planning meeting for a kids Easter outreach and then Barb and Tammy and I headed home. Kent stayed because he and Scott are teaching a new believers class on Tuesday nights. We will be baptizing 4 new believers next Wednesday.
Wednesday was a day of meetings and then team Fellowship. We met with the other two International Teams ministries in Athens. Nea Zoi (new life) who work with prostitutes and Sahar who works with Farsi speakers. It was a full and noisy house but it is always good to be together.
Thursday Kent left for a retreat with the new believers. Barb and Tammy and I shopped the laiki and then I made the two new puppets for our Easter outreach. That evening we sat and watched a movie while we cut out the pieces for 40 bunnies (each bunny had 8 pieces). We watched Message in a Bottle so there may be some tear drops on the bunny pieces! Today we will practice the puppet show and get ready for our first presentation next Tuesday since we will be going out of town on Sunday and Monday.
As Barb and I were in the kitchen together the other day I thought how nice it is to have family here. I love just being with them but beyond that I love showing them what we do and introducing them to the people we love. I wish I could do that for each one of you. Thank you so much for your faithful support. 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 ;}
Friday, April 1, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #6
Everyone,
I am still figuring out my schedule and getting back into a routine as we settle in after being gone. I have continued to struggle with sleeplessness and finally have taken melatonin the last few nights and have slept better. Saturday was a happy day for me as I saw many of my refugee friends and was able to catch up with them and give them the little gifts I brought from America. It was a day of big hugs and lots of smiles. It has not been as easy for Kent. Two of the young men he has been closest to have moved on. "H" one of his first Kurdish English students has gone back to Kurdistan. "H" is now a Christian and has asked us to help him find a church in Kurdistan. We hope to connect him with our friends Sam and Fran as soon as they get back to Kurdistan following their trip to the states for Sam's surgery. "H" has called Kent a few times since we have been home but since his English is limited and Kent's Kurdish is non-existent they can't communicate too well over the phone. "S" another young man that Kent spent quite a bit of time talking to has also moved on to another European country. He to is now a Christian and we pray that he will find other Christians wherever he ends up. Kent friend "G" has not been in yet and has no phone so please pray with us that he will come to the ARC soon.
On Sunday we had a joyous reunion with Dr. Joseph as we picked him up and took him to church. After church we went with him to some friend's house for lunch and catching up. As you know things are hard for Dr. Joseph and he is often depressed and sad. Often in the evening the phone will ring and I know it is him because Kent is saying "I know, I'm so sorry. I wish I could do something to help....." Wednesday night the phone rang and it was Dr. Joseph. Kent side of the conversation was "You did? Really! That's great! I'm so glad. What good news". When he got off of the phone he told me that Dr. Joseph had been able to talk to his wife for a long time that night. He has not told her he is a Christian or anything about that for fear she would be very angry and maybe even divorce him. This night however he said to Kent, "I didn't really mean to but I told my wife that I had been learning more about Jesus. I told her about you and Myrna and Scott and Vicki. I said I had been going to church and it was wonderful and I was a different man". He said his wife replied "I'm glad. This is good." This is a BIG relief to him and a weight off his shoulders. Please pray now that his wife will soon be able to join him and experience the joy of knowing Jesus for herself.
Monday we took the motorbike and went for a 3 hour ride up in the mountains and along the coast with our friends Donna and Themis. We came back to their house (a little saddle sore) and noshed on bread and Tsatsiki while we grilled some chicken and made Persian rice and a greek salad. Good friends, Good food, Good Fellowship.
Tuesday was family meal day and once again it was a special time for catching up with refugee friends. Wednesday was prayer day and afterward we had a clothing give away. There were lots of clothes and MANY women and children. The room was in chaos with kids running around, women chattering, babies crying and music playing. In the midst of all this I looked over and Kent was standing to the side rocking a baby to sleep. I pointed this out to Christy and said "In case you ever wondered why I loved Kent, look over there." She looked and said, "Aaah" then she added "and by the way - I've never wondered." She said later the refugee women were talking about Kent and what a good man he was. So many of them are in abusive or loveless relationships and he is a good example to them of what a Christian man is like.
Yesterday we had 8 people for dinner. Rick Knox who is with IT US is visiting and it was good to see him again. There were also three men from France. Thierry is the president of IT France and was here looking into some possibilities for short term teams. With him were Allan and Brad, two other American missionaries to France, Tasha and Christy joined us as well. It is always good to gather with others who have a heart for missions and dream together.
Today I have been happily preparing bedrooms for our sister-in-law Barb and niece Tammy. They will be arriving tomorrow and staying for almost a month. We are very excited and look forward to sharing our work with them and taking them to some of our favorite places in Greece.
Thank you all once again for your faithfulness to the Lord and to us. We could not do this without you and you are never far from our thoughts.
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 ;}
I am still figuring out my schedule and getting back into a routine as we settle in after being gone. I have continued to struggle with sleeplessness and finally have taken melatonin the last few nights and have slept better. Saturday was a happy day for me as I saw many of my refugee friends and was able to catch up with them and give them the little gifts I brought from America. It was a day of big hugs and lots of smiles. It has not been as easy for Kent. Two of the young men he has been closest to have moved on. "H" one of his first Kurdish English students has gone back to Kurdistan. "H" is now a Christian and has asked us to help him find a church in Kurdistan. We hope to connect him with our friends Sam and Fran as soon as they get back to Kurdistan following their trip to the states for Sam's surgery. "H" has called Kent a few times since we have been home but since his English is limited and Kent's Kurdish is non-existent they can't communicate too well over the phone. "S" another young man that Kent spent quite a bit of time talking to has also moved on to another European country. He to is now a Christian and we pray that he will find other Christians wherever he ends up. Kent friend "G" has not been in yet and has no phone so please pray with us that he will come to the ARC soon.
On Sunday we had a joyous reunion with Dr. Joseph as we picked him up and took him to church. After church we went with him to some friend's house for lunch and catching up. As you know things are hard for Dr. Joseph and he is often depressed and sad. Often in the evening the phone will ring and I know it is him because Kent is saying "I know, I'm so sorry. I wish I could do something to help....." Wednesday night the phone rang and it was Dr. Joseph. Kent side of the conversation was "You did? Really! That's great! I'm so glad. What good news". When he got off of the phone he told me that Dr. Joseph had been able to talk to his wife for a long time that night. He has not told her he is a Christian or anything about that for fear she would be very angry and maybe even divorce him. This night however he said to Kent, "I didn't really mean to but I told my wife that I had been learning more about Jesus. I told her about you and Myrna and Scott and Vicki. I said I had been going to church and it was wonderful and I was a different man". He said his wife replied "I'm glad. This is good." This is a BIG relief to him and a weight off his shoulders. Please pray now that his wife will soon be able to join him and experience the joy of knowing Jesus for herself.
Monday we took the motorbike and went for a 3 hour ride up in the mountains and along the coast with our friends Donna and Themis. We came back to their house (a little saddle sore) and noshed on bread and Tsatsiki while we grilled some chicken and made Persian rice and a greek salad. Good friends, Good food, Good Fellowship.
Tuesday was family meal day and once again it was a special time for catching up with refugee friends. Wednesday was prayer day and afterward we had a clothing give away. There were lots of clothes and MANY women and children. The room was in chaos with kids running around, women chattering, babies crying and music playing. In the midst of all this I looked over and Kent was standing to the side rocking a baby to sleep. I pointed this out to Christy and said "In case you ever wondered why I loved Kent, look over there." She looked and said, "Aaah" then she added "and by the way - I've never wondered." She said later the refugee women were talking about Kent and what a good man he was. So many of them are in abusive or loveless relationships and he is a good example to them of what a Christian man is like.
Yesterday we had 8 people for dinner. Rick Knox who is with IT US is visiting and it was good to see him again. There were also three men from France. Thierry is the president of IT France and was here looking into some possibilities for short term teams. With him were Allan and Brad, two other American missionaries to France, Tasha and Christy joined us as well. It is always good to gather with others who have a heart for missions and dream together.
Today I have been happily preparing bedrooms for our sister-in-law Barb and niece Tammy. They will be arriving tomorrow and staying for almost a month. We are very excited and look forward to sharing our work with them and taking them to some of our favorite places in Greece.
Thank you all once again for your faithfulness to the Lord and to us. We could not do this without you and you are never far from our thoughts.
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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