Everyone,
The definition for despair is: 1)To lose all hope 2) To be overcome by a sense of futility or defeat." In one of my favorite movies Anne of Green Gables, Anne asks Marilda "Can't you imagine what is it like to be in the 'depths of despair'" and Marilda answers "No I cannot - to despair is to turn your back on God". More and more we are seeing refugees who are "living lives of quiet desperation" (Henry David Thoreau). A few days ago at our family meal and outreach, I sat with a family who have two children. Their son is one of my favorites - a very sweet boy, who likes to tease me about my poor Farsi. After dinner the mom was standing outside on the balcony with her son and daughter. She was looking down to the street as the traffic went by. Susie stepped out to speak with her. She told Susie that if she didn't have two children to care for she would jump in front of one of the buses as they went by. I had no idea. A life of quiet desperation.
"A" a woman with five children to care for gets up early each day to take her older children to school and then goes to work cleaning apartment buildings for little pay. She struggles every day to keep her children fed and to have a place to sleep. Often her Heroin addicted husband comes home at two or three in the morning and he wakes her up to cook food for him in the middle of the night. He is sometimes abusive and she is afraid. A life of quiet desperation.
"A" a journalist who wrote a book on human and women's rights, has a death warrant on his head. He fled his country and has not seen his wife and children in two years. As he sat on our couch recently, he began to weep when I asked about them. A life of quiet desperation.
Many young Afghan men left their homes after being denied an education because they were the wrong ethnic group. They spend their days living in the park, walking around from place to place to get food. They feel they are wasting their lives and there is no end in sight. Lives of quiet desperation.
Families that are separated as one parent takes some of the children and goes to another country hoping for asylum and to be able to send for the rest of the family. An almost blind grandmother caring for her grand daughter whose parents have moved on and no longer want her. A child left to live with relatives or friends or even worse, on their own, as parents break up the family in hopes of moving on. Lives of quiet desperation.
More and more often we hear refugees talk of suicide - they go on day after day seeing no end to the hopelessness. They can't work, they can't leave, they can't go to school and they can see no way that they will ever have a better life. Their religion offers them no hope. In Islam you can never know if you have done enough to please God so you must keep on trying and trying with no assurance of salvation. We do what we can to ease their way - we give out groceries, we give out clothes, we listen to them, cry with them, pray for them. In the end there is little we can do to change their circumstances. But we can offer hope. Hebrews 6:18-19 says "God did this so that...we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." In a world where nothing is secure we need an anchor. Recently "G", a young Afghan man who was recently baptized and lives on the streets, was offered a place at a camp about an hour away. He would have had a place to sleep and much more security than he has now living in the park. "G" turned down the offer because he wanted to be near to Helping Hands where he studies the Bible and where he has other believers to support him. "G" has been threatened by his family and others for his faith but he stands strong. He has made the move from despair to hope. Pray for "G" and for the other new believers. Pray for the seekers who are coming to study the Word regularly in the seekers class. Pray for those who are in despair that they can find hope. Pray for us as we seek to minister to these people we love. Thank you for being a part of this ministry through your prayers, encouragement and financial 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 :)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Morley Update 2011 #29
Everyone,
We just dropped our friends Oskar and Ruth Anne off at the airport. It was a whirlwind visit of ministry, sightseeing, travel, snorkeling and LOTS of visiting over meals of wonderful Greek food.
They arrived on Wednesday, August 31st. We dropped their bags at home and after a light lunch drove into town to orient them and keep them awake. We climbed Philapappou Hill overlooking the Acropolis and watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. Thursday we shopped the Laiki and then drove down the Coast to Sounio stopping to swim and take pictures along the way.
Friday Oskar went to work with Kent for Men's Meal and Gospel Outreach. Oskar shared his testimony and then Kent preached with Nader translating. Afterwards a man came up to talk with them but spoke very little English. He asked Kent if he spoke German, a language we rarely hear. Kent said "I don't, but he does" pointing to Oskar. Oskar was able to visit with this man and hear his story something that couldn't have happened had he not been there. I love it when God makes "divine appointments" like these!
Saturday we all went in to work for Tea House. Ruth Anne helped me in the kids room. She was sitting and coloring with some of the kids and soon had them in gales of laughter as they told her the colors in Farsi and she attempted to repeat them. Later in the day I was able to introduce Ruth Anne to "A", a woman with 5 children and an addict husband who has become a friend. At Ramadan we had asked a few friends to pray specifically for certain refugees and Ruth Anne had been praying for "A". How special for them to meet and for Ruth Anne to share with "A" that she had been praying for her. "A" smiled her sweet smile and thanked Ruth Anne sincerely. I love being able to tell refugees that there are people (Christians) in America who pray for them regularly - they are always amazed and grateful. Kent and Oskar spent time visiting and spending time with the men.
After tea house we all went to the beach to baptize 4 new brothers in Christ. One of the men "S" is a special friend of Kent's and has been in our home for dinner. How sweet to be able to share this special time with Oskar and Ruth Anne as well.
Sunday morning Kent took Oskar and Ruth Anne to see the Acropolis while I finished packing for our vacation. When they got back we packed the car and left around noon to make the 5 hour drive to Meteora high in the Mountains to see the monasteries. It is one of our favorite spots in Greece. Tuesday we left Meteora and drove another 4 hours to the western side of the Peloponnese. There we caught a Ferry to the island of Zakythos where we spent a few days relaxing, snorkeling, shopping and of course enjoying the food at some of the local Tavernas.
We left Zakythos on Friday morning and drove to Ancient Olympia where they first games were held. After exploring the ruins we drove through the mountains stopping to explore one of the quaint mountain villages along the way. We arrived in Nafplio at 6pm where we dropped Ruth Anne and Oskar off for a couple of nights on their own. Kent and I planned to drive a ways, find a place on the beach and put in another good day of snorkeling. We decided to drive about an hour over the mountain to Methana where we had never been before. Somehow we got lost and after winding around driving along the side of the mountains on a horrible dirt, gravel and small boulder covered road we finally were about in tears. We had come to yet another fork in the road and had no idea which way to go. We spotted an old couple (who of course spoke no English) standing out in their yard. We drove up and asked if this was the way to Poros - the only place near where we wanted to be that we knew the name of. They enthusiastically replied "Nai, nai, efthia - kato kato kato. Then dexia, efthia - h Thalassa - kato kato kato." (Yes, yes, straight ahead - down down down. Not right, straight ahead the sea down down down" The the lady said "Kalo dromo" which literally means "good road". We thought "Great there must be a better road ahead" - WRONG! After another wrong turn that wound UP UP UP - not DOWN DOWN DOWN - we found ourselves at a dead end at a construction site. We later learned that Kalo Dromo is a Greek saying meaning "have a good trip". When we finally reached Methana at around 9:30pm we found to our dismay that the name Methana comes from the word for "methane" because of the sulfur springs which make the whole town smell like rotten eggs. We were so tired we just took the first hotel we came to and went to bed. The next morning when we got up and came down to breakfast we wondered if we had wandered in to a nursing home by mistake. The room was filled with very old women (who all came for the sulfur baths). Of course there was the odd smell and after a barely warm cup of pretty nasty coffee and a boiled egg with lunch meat and cheese for breakfast, we were about ready to pack it up and head back. We decided to stay and headed off to see if we could find some snorkeling. We had a lovely day with several good spots where we saw lots of fish so really enjoyed ourselves. Just before we were got back to the hotel we stopped to walk around a picturesque little church. Kent decided to take a picture of the two of us using the timer on the camera. He set up the shot and as he was hurrying to get in place he stepped wrong and twisted the ankle he injured the week before. He hobbled back to the car and as soon as we got to our room he took some advil and elevated his foot which was beginning to swell again. My legs were also quite swollen after being in the car so much so I put my feet up as well. After resting an hour or so Kent put on his elastic leg brace and we limped down to dinner, fitting in rather well with the other old and infirm people staying there.
The next morning we drove back to Nafplio to pick up Oskar and Ruth Anne (this time the trip only took us and hour and a half on paved roads). We drove Ancient Corinth and spent several hours exploring and walking in the steps of the Apostle Paul. We stopped at the Corinth Canal and then made our way home. The next day we took the day to do 6 loads of laundry and dry them on the line. Kent ran errands and did the Grocery Shopping with Oskar and Ruth Anne while I swept and mopped the floors and balconies and generally got us ready for the week.
Tuesday we all went in to work again for Family Meal and Gospel Outreach. When we arrived the guys carried up boxes of clothes to be sorted and once again Ruth Anne and I worked in the kids room. Oskar did dish duty after the meal and then while some of the others were cleaning up, Ruth Anne and I helped pack school supplies in bags to give away the next day. That night we went out to dinner with the McCrackens and Sirinidis and wandered along the wharf looking at the boats and enjoying the warm night air. Wednesday we had a school give away and family day in the park. Since it was Oskar and Ruth Anne's last day and there was plenty of help Brett told us to take the day off again. We planned to go to town with them but after a painful night with little sleep and swollen legs I realized I needed to spend a day resting. Kent had some work to do to get ready for the retreat so we sent Oskar and Ruth Anne off on the metro alone to go to the Acropolis Museum and shop the Plaka District. I slept on and off all day and Kent worked at his desk. By evening I was feeling better and we had a nice dinner on the balcony.
We loved having our friends here and getting to share this work and this country we have come to love with someone from "home". It was nice to be away for a few days but we are ready to get back into the swing of work again.
I do need to share one other bit of information with you. This week we received word from one of our larger supporting churches that they would no longer be able to continue supporting us. They have been faithful supporters for three years and we have grown to love this congregation but they have had some financial difficulties and have decided to focus exclusively on a mission they have been involved with in Africa for many years. Since they were providing 500 dollars a month of our support this is a financial blow but we are confident that the Lord has called us here and that he will provide for our needs. Will you pray with us about this matter and also consider if God would be asking you to join our financial support team. There are instructions on how to give at the bottom of this letter. Thanks to all of you who already faithfully support us both financially in and prayer. We are so thankful for our extended team who uphold us and enable us to be a part of what God is doing here in Athens. 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 :)
We just dropped our friends Oskar and Ruth Anne off at the airport. It was a whirlwind visit of ministry, sightseeing, travel, snorkeling and LOTS of visiting over meals of wonderful Greek food.
They arrived on Wednesday, August 31st. We dropped their bags at home and after a light lunch drove into town to orient them and keep them awake. We climbed Philapappou Hill overlooking the Acropolis and watched the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. Thursday we shopped the Laiki and then drove down the Coast to Sounio stopping to swim and take pictures along the way.
Friday Oskar went to work with Kent for Men's Meal and Gospel Outreach. Oskar shared his testimony and then Kent preached with Nader translating. Afterwards a man came up to talk with them but spoke very little English. He asked Kent if he spoke German, a language we rarely hear. Kent said "I don't, but he does" pointing to Oskar. Oskar was able to visit with this man and hear his story something that couldn't have happened had he not been there. I love it when God makes "divine appointments" like these!
Saturday we all went in to work for Tea House. Ruth Anne helped me in the kids room. She was sitting and coloring with some of the kids and soon had them in gales of laughter as they told her the colors in Farsi and she attempted to repeat them. Later in the day I was able to introduce Ruth Anne to "A", a woman with 5 children and an addict husband who has become a friend. At Ramadan we had asked a few friends to pray specifically for certain refugees and Ruth Anne had been praying for "A". How special for them to meet and for Ruth Anne to share with "A" that she had been praying for her. "A" smiled her sweet smile and thanked Ruth Anne sincerely. I love being able to tell refugees that there are people (Christians) in America who pray for them regularly - they are always amazed and grateful. Kent and Oskar spent time visiting and spending time with the men.
After tea house we all went to the beach to baptize 4 new brothers in Christ. One of the men "S" is a special friend of Kent's and has been in our home for dinner. How sweet to be able to share this special time with Oskar and Ruth Anne as well.
Sunday morning Kent took Oskar and Ruth Anne to see the Acropolis while I finished packing for our vacation. When they got back we packed the car and left around noon to make the 5 hour drive to Meteora high in the Mountains to see the monasteries. It is one of our favorite spots in Greece. Tuesday we left Meteora and drove another 4 hours to the western side of the Peloponnese. There we caught a Ferry to the island of Zakythos where we spent a few days relaxing, snorkeling, shopping and of course enjoying the food at some of the local Tavernas.
We left Zakythos on Friday morning and drove to Ancient Olympia where they first games were held. After exploring the ruins we drove through the mountains stopping to explore one of the quaint mountain villages along the way. We arrived in Nafplio at 6pm where we dropped Ruth Anne and Oskar off for a couple of nights on their own. Kent and I planned to drive a ways, find a place on the beach and put in another good day of snorkeling. We decided to drive about an hour over the mountain to Methana where we had never been before. Somehow we got lost and after winding around driving along the side of the mountains on a horrible dirt, gravel and small boulder covered road we finally were about in tears. We had come to yet another fork in the road and had no idea which way to go. We spotted an old couple (who of course spoke no English) standing out in their yard. We drove up and asked if this was the way to Poros - the only place near where we wanted to be that we knew the name of. They enthusiastically replied "Nai, nai, efthia - kato kato kato. Then dexia, efthia - h Thalassa - kato kato kato." (Yes, yes, straight ahead - down down down. Not right, straight ahead the sea down down down" The the lady said "Kalo dromo" which literally means "good road". We thought "Great there must be a better road ahead" - WRONG! After another wrong turn that wound UP UP UP - not DOWN DOWN DOWN - we found ourselves at a dead end at a construction site. We later learned that Kalo Dromo is a Greek saying meaning "have a good trip". When we finally reached Methana at around 9:30pm we found to our dismay that the name Methana comes from the word for "methane" because of the sulfur springs which make the whole town smell like rotten eggs. We were so tired we just took the first hotel we came to and went to bed. The next morning when we got up and came down to breakfast we wondered if we had wandered in to a nursing home by mistake. The room was filled with very old women (who all came for the sulfur baths). Of course there was the odd smell and after a barely warm cup of pretty nasty coffee and a boiled egg with lunch meat and cheese for breakfast, we were about ready to pack it up and head back. We decided to stay and headed off to see if we could find some snorkeling. We had a lovely day with several good spots where we saw lots of fish so really enjoyed ourselves. Just before we were got back to the hotel we stopped to walk around a picturesque little church. Kent decided to take a picture of the two of us using the timer on the camera. He set up the shot and as he was hurrying to get in place he stepped wrong and twisted the ankle he injured the week before. He hobbled back to the car and as soon as we got to our room he took some advil and elevated his foot which was beginning to swell again. My legs were also quite swollen after being in the car so much so I put my feet up as well. After resting an hour or so Kent put on his elastic leg brace and we limped down to dinner, fitting in rather well with the other old and infirm people staying there.
The next morning we drove back to Nafplio to pick up Oskar and Ruth Anne (this time the trip only took us and hour and a half on paved roads). We drove Ancient Corinth and spent several hours exploring and walking in the steps of the Apostle Paul. We stopped at the Corinth Canal and then made our way home. The next day we took the day to do 6 loads of laundry and dry them on the line. Kent ran errands and did the Grocery Shopping with Oskar and Ruth Anne while I swept and mopped the floors and balconies and generally got us ready for the week.
Tuesday we all went in to work again for Family Meal and Gospel Outreach. When we arrived the guys carried up boxes of clothes to be sorted and once again Ruth Anne and I worked in the kids room. Oskar did dish duty after the meal and then while some of the others were cleaning up, Ruth Anne and I helped pack school supplies in bags to give away the next day. That night we went out to dinner with the McCrackens and Sirinidis and wandered along the wharf looking at the boats and enjoying the warm night air. Wednesday we had a school give away and family day in the park. Since it was Oskar and Ruth Anne's last day and there was plenty of help Brett told us to take the day off again. We planned to go to town with them but after a painful night with little sleep and swollen legs I realized I needed to spend a day resting. Kent had some work to do to get ready for the retreat so we sent Oskar and Ruth Anne off on the metro alone to go to the Acropolis Museum and shop the Plaka District. I slept on and off all day and Kent worked at his desk. By evening I was feeling better and we had a nice dinner on the balcony.
We loved having our friends here and getting to share this work and this country we have come to love with someone from "home". It was nice to be away for a few days but we are ready to get back into the swing of work again.
I do need to share one other bit of information with you. This week we received word from one of our larger supporting churches that they would no longer be able to continue supporting us. They have been faithful supporters for three years and we have grown to love this congregation but they have had some financial difficulties and have decided to focus exclusively on a mission they have been involved with in Africa for many years. Since they were providing 500 dollars a month of our support this is a financial blow but we are confident that the Lord has called us here and that he will provide for our needs. Will you pray with us about this matter and also consider if God would be asking you to join our financial support team. There are instructions on how to give at the bottom of this letter. Thanks to all of you who already faithfully support us both financially in and prayer. We are so thankful for our extended team who uphold us and enable us to be a part of what God is doing here in Athens. 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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