Morley Update 2013 #5

Everyone,

Life has continued to be very busy and full. After our very full week with the retreat last week and our Helping Hands General Meeting on Saturday, I was looking forward to a day at home (I usually am home on Thurs and Fri). Sunday we went to church taking our friend Dr. Joseph. On the way there we decided to stop and get some Pakistani food for lunch on the way home. When we got to church we discovered that they had a bunch of clothes for us to take to the ARC so after the service we packed our car full with barely room for Dr. Joseph in the back seat. We headed downtown to drop the clothes off at the ARC. As is often the case these days there was a demonstration near the ARC and they had several streets blocked off. We drove around and around taking different routes only to find ourselves blocked just when we were almost there. Finally when had just decided to take the clothes to our other storage facility we stumbled upon an open street and managed to drive to the ARC. Of course someone was parked across the entrance to the stoa so we had to park down the street a ways. That meant carrying everything up the street, into the stoa and into our storage room downstairs. When we finished we decided that since we had a parking place and weren't sure of another one we would walk to a new Pakistani restaurant that Dr. Joseph knew. We hiked up the hill and over several street only to discover that the restaurant had moved or was closed. So we hiked back down again to eat at a restaurant almost back to the car. It was 4 o'clock by the time we got home. I did another load of laundry and hung it in the living room by the fire.

On Monday, our day off we really needed to clean house, finish the laundry and do a little grocery shopping since I had not been home to do these things. We got everything done but it wasn't a particularly restful day. Tuesday it was back to work at the ARC again. The weather had been a bit warmer the last couple of days so instead of my long johns and wool sweater I wore my heavy cotton sweater with my long johns underneath. This was a mistake. I was cold from the moment I walked into the ARC. We had a smaller group than we sometimes have and I guess maybe it was because we were all tired but it seemed to be a very hectic day. I found myself getting frustrated with little things. We often have 25-30 in the kid's room for the story and craft. Tuesday we had 33 but it seemed like 50. The kids were more rowdy and less cooperative than usual. My coworkers and I were exhausted by the time we sent them out the door. I was "finisher" for the day - meaning I was responsible to see that everything got cleaned up, put away, turned off etc. In the midst of all the running around I misplaced my keys and by the time I found them I had a bit of a meltdown. Kent gathered me up and took me home.

Wednesday was a clothing give away and prayer day - Kent needed to leave very early because there was a transportation strike and because he needed to pick up clothes from our other storage facility he couldn't take the bike. He also had a meeting after the prayer day so I knew it would be late before he finished. I decided to stay home and just rest. I had several short term team emails hanging over my head that I hadn't had time to deal with so I spent a couple of hours in the morning getting caught up on that. In the afternoon I sat out on the balcony in the sun because it was much warmer outside than inside. I was glad I stayed home because Kent didn't get in until 6:30. Poor guy - he left early, got home late and went immediately to the computer for a skype call with some of the leadership at IT - he finally got to eat a bowl of soup at about 8:00.

Today is Laiki day and I am thankful that it is sunny out. I am also thankful the the laiki has moved to the end of my street so I don't have far to go. I am thankful that I had a day to regroup and feel much better. I am thankful that today I think we will get a new toilet seat - ours has a crack in it and has become a bit of a butt pincher. Most of all I am thankful for you our extended team. I am thankful that I can be honest with you and share my heart. I am thankful that I know you are praying for us and upholding us. I am thankful for your faithfulness to us and to God in your financial support. I am thankful to be in this place, at this time, doing this work. It could not happen without you. Thank you.

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

Morley Update 2013 #4

Everyone -

This is a day later than usual for 2 reasons - one our internet server was down for a day and two we were at an overnight event with a group of refugees. It has been a VERY busy week for us. On Friday night, we hosted our Community Group which consists of refugee believers who meet together twice a month. Scott McCracken and Kent and I meet with the group once a month and Kenn Dirrim and Frank Gonzoles meet with them the other time. We were missing a couple of regulars but it was still 11 people for dinner. We spend some time telling good things and bad things that are happening in our lives. Different people also bring something to share - a scripture, song, video clip or whatever. We finish the evening with a short bible study and prayer.

This week "M", who comes with her husband "V" and daughter shared. They have been living in very hard circumstances and "M" was due with a baby at any time. "V" is an excellent translator and is a big help to us and to other ministries. Recently one of those other ministries offered him a small amount of pay plus the rent for an apartment in exchange for a commitment to translate for them on a regular basis. They got a two bedroom apartment but had no furniture or appliances etc. "M" said she found herself worrying because the baby was due and she didn't have anything but she said God gave her the scripture in Matthew about not worrying and she felt at peace. On Sunday we told "V" we would help move some furniture from Helping Hands storage unit into their house. When we went to get the key we found that Hellenic Ministries (the ones providing the apartment) had found furniture for the whole house so there was everything they needed with the exception of a crib and a stove. Guess what? On top of our car was a crib that had been at the ARC and in the storage unit was a stove in perfect condition. We got the crib set up that day and moved the stove in on the next. Kent and I used some of the money that we hold out from our income every month for ministry and bought enough groceries to stock their pantry as well. A group of women got together and planned a shower for the baby on Monday but instead "M" went to the hospital and delivered a healthy baby girl. They will be moving into their new apartment this weekend. God is Good!

On Saturday we had a couple of guys who have been visiting our ministry over for dinner. We always enjoy sharing about the work with new people and had a great time. These men will be bringing groups to Athens fairly regularly and we look forward to having them volunteer with us when they do.

After our full weekend we had family meal day on Tuesday and team meeting on Wednesday. Much of our meeting was spent planning and gathering thing for an overnight event that we had on Thursday and Friday. There is a Christian Group in Athens that runs a facility called Bethel House. Part of it is an retirement home and part is a retreat center. They have offered to host events for us and this is our second time using them. It is wonderful because they provide a bus to pick up the refugees downtown and bring them out to the center. They provide all meals (plus a snack) as well as the facility for our use. For this event we invited 7 single men and their 11 children to come. These men are all in the country alone with their children while their wives and sometime other children are in another country trying to get asylum. In many case their children are small and they are struggling with how to take care of them, do laundry, cook and just survive in a place where they can't find work and are living very rough. We wanted this to be a time where we could give them a bit of a break and also a chance to ask questions and talk about Jesus and the bible.

We got to the center about 12 noon on Thursday. We got people settled in their rooms and then played outside on the cement soccer court until lunch. After lunch we had a rest time of an hour and then the women on our team took the kids while the men on our team had a Bible study and question and answer time with the men. The kids played with play doh, sang songs in Farsi, had a bible story in Farsi and colored pictures. Late that afternoon we had a game time with the fathers and children together. It was a time of fun and lots of laughter and they played musical chairs, did crazy relays races and played a hilarious game with lots of animal sounds. After dinner we showed a Farsi movie and then the women went up to bed while the men stayed on the same floor as the refugee men and kids. Kent said things went on very late there and kids were still awake when he went to bed at 11:30.

Today after breakfast we had a session with the men where we talked to them about parenting and gave them a chance to ask questions about practical household things. Since we had warm water and showers available the women decided to give some of the smaller kids a much needed bath. For most of the kids it wasn't a problem but there was one little guy (about 3) who had been scratching constantly. We asked his dad for clean clothes and told him we wanted to give him a bath and put lotion on him to soothe whatever was irritating him. The dad agreed and brought us the clothes and went down to the men's meeting. Donna started to take him into the bathroom but he resisted so she picked him up - it reminded me of trying to bathe a cat. He was kicking and screaming and when we finally peeled his hands off the door frame it took Donna and Lisa both to get him bathed and into clean clothes. We put the lotion on him and it was amazing to watch him playing quietly and happily without the constant scratching.

At the end of our time together we sent each family home with some toys that Matel had donated to us and a bag with some nutritional foods like canned milk, dried fruits and nuts and some fresh oranges. The men were all so grateful for everything and we hope that this little break will be a help to them as they continue on in very difficult circumstances. It was a rewarding but exhausting two days.

One last bit of news. There is a refugee woman who speaks a little English that I am close to. Just a couple of days ago she whispered to Tasha - "I'm a believer now but don't tell anyone". She also told "Z" who told her "you are not alone there are other women who are believers as well". The next day this woman was at a women's meeting at another ministry and stood up and told everyone "I am a Christian now and I want everyone to know it and to hear it from me". Praise the Lord for her boldness! Our prayer is that this will give other women who are believers the courage to share their faith as well.

Well I am tired and this is long enough. Thank you so much for your part in providing for "M" and "V" and their family and for the men who got a couple days respite from their difficult lives. We could not do what we do if we did not have you as part of our team. Rejoice with us for those that have come to belief and pray for those that are seeking. 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: www.iteams.org/us
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #3

Everyone,

Last Friday when I woke up it had been raining. The house was a little cold so Kent built a fire before he left for Men's Meal and Gospel Outreach at the ARC. I sat near the fire, which seemed a little smokier than usual, working on some paperwork and catching up on emails etc. As I poked up the fire a bit to try and get it to stop smoking I was reminded of a character in the allegory Mountains of Spices. Her name is Mrs. Dismal Forebodings and she huddles inside all day next to her smoky little fire never venturing out for fear some catastrophe might befall her. Later in the day I had to go out to walk to the store and pharmacy so I got my little cart and headed out. I was a bit surprised to find it was a lovely day out. Walking along with the sun shining down on me I soon warmed up and the whole world looked brighter. I was reminded again of Mrs. Dismal Foreboding and how after she put on the "garment of praise" given to her by the Shepherd she was later transformed into Mrs. Thanksgiving. How often do we huddle by our little smokey fires fueled by our fears, worries and discontentment when just by beginning to praise the Lord for the good things in our lives our whole outlook can change. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Last Saturday was Kent's 60th birthday. When he left to go to the ARC in the morning he said he wasn't feeling very well. Kent is NOT a complainer so if he even mentions that he is not feeling well I assume he is getting sick. Sure enough he called in the middle of the day to say that he was coming home because he was feeling worse. He came home and spent the rest of his birthday in bed feeling shivery and having an upset stomach. He said "I guess when you hit 60 you just fall apart!" Luckily I planned his party for the day after his birthday and on Sunday night about 30 friends gathered to play silly games, eat cake and celebrate with us. Kent has used his first 60 years well - being a wonderful husband, father and leader in the church back home and now on the field. Though I believe he is now officially "over the hill" I look forward to spending many more birthdays together and seeing how God will work through him and in him in these next years.

After getting sick last Tuesday from being overly chilled at the unheated ARC I came prepared this Tuesday. I wore my long johns and a wool sweater. I thought I might have over compensated but I was just comfortable all day. I think of our many refugee friends living in buildings with no heat at all and don't know how they do it. A couple of weeks ago I shared with you about a little boy who came up with some profound spiritual truth in the kids room. This week I have another story. We were teaching on creation and Donna was talking about how God SPOKE and things were created. So God's WORD is very powerful. When we read God's Word it can change us. She then asked "Why is it good to read God's Word?" A little guy in the front raised his hand and said "It's good to read it because you give us chocolates if we do." I love the honesty! I thought about this later and wondered "Do I read the Word just for the 'chocolates'?" Do I pick out the things I like in the Bible and discard the things I don't? Am I happy to listen to the blessings but reject the instruction? God wants to use his Word to CHANGE me not just to please me.

Tuesday morning as we met as a team for prayer and job assignments. Kallie mentioned that "M" and her husband "V" would be having their baby soon. This is a Christian refugee couple who are a great help to us. "V" is an excellent translator and a leader among the believers. Kallie said that they were saying they didn't have much for the baby - they have one other child but she is about 10 years old. Kallie said "Don't worry we will help." So at the meeting she said "I would like for the women to get together and give "M" a shower before the baby comes. Could we all meet at my house on Monday?" We all agreed. Later in the day "G" the young man who helps out in the kids room and who's English is improving daily said to me. "What were the women talking about doing for "M"?" I smiled and said "Give her a shower." He looked puzzled and then said "I THOUGHT that is what you said but I thought I must have heard wrong." I laughed and explained to him the we would "shower" her with gifts. Oh the funny things that come up when you are trying to learn a language! At one of the Christmas parties I sat down next to a pastor who speaks Greek and some English. I though I would use my Greek so I said "Eisai korismenos?" thinking I was asking if he were tired. He looked at me rather strangely so I said in English "Are you tired?" He laughed and said "Oh kourasmenos"... you asked me if I was divorced! Ah well, I tried!

I have a request - Kent and I got Iphones last year and since the older phones are less money we got the iphone 3gs. Recently we wanted to add facetime to our phones so that we could talk with our kids when we are out and about. Because of the time change it is hard to be home when we know they are free. However we found that the facetime app is not available for the 3gs only the 4gs and newer. SO if you upgraded your phone this year to the iphone 5 and have a 4gs that you would be willing to sell for a very reasonable price could you let us know. We will be coming to the states in mid April so would most likely just have you mail it to our daughter's home in MA which will be our first stop. We can have a friend who manages our US checking account mail you a check for the price and shipping. Let us know.

Thank you as always for your prayers and support - we have a busy week ahead and cannot do it without you! 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: www.iteams.org/us
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley 2013 #2

Everyone,

We are now a full week into the New Year. We finished up our Christmas break and went back to work. The weather has gone from sunny and warm to snow and back to sun again. We enjoyed our Christmas decorations but packed them away for another year. After a month of indulging in Christmas sweets and constant festive meals we are back to eating sensibly again (most of the time). It's time to get on with life.

Tuesday was our first day back at work and it was bitterly cold. It snowed on and off all day. There was no heat in the ARC and I stood by the open front door shivering in my heavy sweater and gloves and greeting people as they came in. It was good to be back and see familiar faces and be greeted by hugs, kisses and squeals of delight from the kids. There was no heat in the ARC (it is controlled by the owner of the building) so though we welcomed people in it was still very cold. I was glad we were serving hot bean soup that day. It was filling and helped to warm people up. We have small heating units in the kids and baby room but with the constant opening of the door to let people in and out it only took the edge off the cold. We had 30 kids that day which meant we had 6 small tables surrounded by kids with just room for us to squeeze between them. We told the story of creation again and talked to the kids about what it means to be made in God's image. God is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness......all the things we were created to be. We also talked with the kids about stewardship of the earth and how man was told to take care of the earth. After the lesson the kids colored a book on creation that one of our short term teams (thanks Glad Tidings) brought to us. We encouraged the kids to take it home and tell the story to their parents, siblings and friends. Several of them brought their book to show me and practice the story when they finished.

By the time the day had ended I was not feeling well - I think I just got overly chilled. I felt feverish and could not stop shivering. When we got home I got in the bed with my hair dryer (I run it under the covers to warm me up) and stayed there for two hours while Kent built a fire and tried to get the living room warm. We don't use the heat in our house because it is too expensive so we just use our fireplace. After the fire was going good Kent heated my fleece pajamas up and I came out by the fire. I only lasted a couple of hours and started shivering again so went to bed for the night.

Yesterday the weather was much better but we still had a fire all day to take the chill off. We had team meeting and team fellowship at our house. During the team meeting we looked at how things were going with Michales and his group of kids. You may remember I asked you to pray for him and his "band of urchins". These kids have at least one parent here but are allowed to roam the streets all day and have been a problem for us and many ministries. We all agreed that the time Michales is spending with the kids has been well spent. The girls have now integrated into the regular classroom and are doing very well. This gives Michales a chance to work with the boys who are older and really need a male role model. Everyone on the team agreed that we needed to continue with whatever was necessary to keep this program going. Thank you for praying for these kids - it is making a difference.

It was nice to have most of the team together again for Team Fellowship last night. Several are still gone on furlough but we enjoyed the food and fellowship as we gathered as a group once again. As always I am so thankful to have a home that accommodates the whole team and other groups that we host.

Today is sunny and I sat on the balcony to do my Bible study this morning soaking up the warmth. We enjoyed our break but are glad to be back in a routine and "about our Father's business" again. Thank you all for your love and support over the last year and we continue to look forward to what God has for all of us in 2013. 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: www.iteams.org/us
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2913 #1

Everyone,

Happy 2013. We rang in the new year at our friends, the Cami's home with a game night. After toasting the new year we watched the fireworks in the distance from the balcony. It was a nice evening. On New Years day we joined the McCrackens for a game marathon. We started at 1pm and played until 10pm with a break for dinner. It was a fun day full of laughter - we are especially cherishing these times because as most of you know the McCrackens will be leaving Athens to move back to the states this summer so we will say goodbye to them in April when we leave for the states and they will be gone when we return in October. Fortunately for us they are moving to the Portland Oregon area which is only a couple hours from our home base.

We have enjoyed our time off alternating days of getting together with friends or other activities with days of just staying at home doing crossword puzzles, playing games on the balcony or watching movies. It has been a rather lazy but much needed time of rest.

Last Sunday Kent (along with a woman in our church who has a beautiful voice) sang a special. It is the first time he has been able to do this since we have been here. They sang Silent Night in English and Greek. Afterwards Kent shared for the communion thought using the idea that Jesus was born in a stable - a dirty, dark, cold and altogether unworthy place. He compared this to the fact the Jesus is born in our hearts which are also dirty, dark, cold and unworthy places. As is often the case God used the physical to give us a picture of what happens spiritually. I pray that Jesus was born anew in your hearts this season and that you are looking forward to what God has in store for 2013.

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: www.iteams.org/us
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 :)