Morley Update 2012 #22

Everyone,

Sunday is Father's Day and I have been blessed to have some wonderful Dads in my life. My dad took us fishing and spent his whole time unsnarling lines and retying hooks. He worked hard to provide a good life for us. He is now the primary care giver for my mom and instead of running a business has become proficient at cooking and making their yard into a beautiful oasis. My father-in-law Charles welcomed me into the Morley clan and he and Kent tried to turn me into a farm girl. I can remember him standing on the porch laughing as I drove the tractor for the first time screaming in fear. He, like my dad, is a terrific gardener and when they lived on our place in Oregon with us we always had an abundance of produce. He now lives in CA where he still maintains a beautiful flower garden and is active in his community. Kent was a wonderful dad. He was always up for anything the kids wanted to do from jumping off the roof onto the trampoline, to playing "kick the can" in the dark. He was an example for his kids and they all not only love him but respect him as a man of integrity. My son-in-law Dave works hard so that Allison can be a "stay at home" mom. On his time off he takes the kids on outings, plays games or hikes in the woods with them. They just bought a farm house in the country and I see many happy days ahead. Our nephews have followed the examples set by their dads - Seth dressing as Darth Vader for Isaiah's Birthday party or painting Ivy's fingernails. Jeff taking his kids fishing and going to their sports events. Dean running with his sons and coaching their teams. Eddie raising two lovely young women, Mark with his harem of three beautiful little girls, and Erik and Aaron both welcoming sons this year. I am blessed with the earthly dads in my life.

But I am also blessed with a Heavenly Father. I don't know whether you had a loving dad or a neglectful one. I DO know that no matter how wonderful an earthly father is they are human and will fail at times. But God loves us perfectly. He longs to have a close relationship with each one of His children and there is always room in His family for new adopted "kids". Many of the refugees we work with have not experienced the love of a father. Often their father's were harsh or cruel. Others have fathers they love but they are far away or have even been killed - sometimes in front of their children.

Kent always seems to be surrounded by young men. On Tuesday I came out of the kids room to find him in the middle of a circle of about 6 guys all in their early 20s. They were all talking and laughing. I know many of these young men look to him as a father figure but he is always pointing them toward their Heavenly Father.

One of these young men "J" told Kent his heart breaking story. When he was 8 years old the Taliban asked him if his father had a gun. Not knowing that this was illegal "J" told them that "yes, he did". The Taliban came to his house and asked his father if he had a gun. He said "no" so they searched the house. When the gun was found the Taliban killed his father, his mother and his little sister in front of him. They then patted him on the head, gave him some sweets and told him he was a good boy for telling. At 8 years old he was on his own. He went to Iran where he worked sewing pockets on shirts but there was a taxi driver who took most of his money, threatening to send him back to Afghanistan if he did not give it to him. Eventually "J" found his way to Greece. He thinks he is 20 years old but is not sure. For these last 15 years he has carried a heavy load of guilt for what happened to his family believing himself to be responsible for their deaths. Kent talked to him about Jesus and shared how He can carry our burdens and give us peace and forgiveness. This week "J" was one of 5 men who were baptized at our men's camp. Praise the Lord!

Our men's camp went very well and we are now in the middle of our family camp. Pray for safety as the camp is on the sea and there are many small children. Pray for open hearts and ears to hear as the Word is shared in adult discussion groups and kids programs. Pray for the staff that they will have the energy and patience to endure the over 100 degree heat we are having while working VERY long days. Most of all pray that through our example and the things they learn these people will see that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and wants to be a part of their lives. Thanks to all who contributed to make these camps possible - because of you lives have been changed.

As always I want to close by thanking you for being a part of our team. We often share with others at how blessed we are to have such a wonderful support base, financially and in prayer. You truly are making a difference in the kingdom and we thank you for allowing us to be your hands and feet here in Greece. We love you all.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us
Or Send to:
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411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
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