Morley Update 2013 #22

Everyone -

We had a great trip to WY. It was wonderful to once again connect with long time friends - it is amazing to think that we have all been friends for over 40 years. We lived near each other and spent time together when we were young marrieds and starting to have families but then scattered to different areas. The ties have remained strong however and though we don't see each other often we seem to be able to pick up the threads of our friendship easily. As we sat around the table or the living room, there were sweet times of laughter (some of it uncontrollable) as we reminisced and told stories. There were also tears as we went deeper and shared struggles and heartaches both past and ongoing. We had discussions on deep topics like marriage and healing, as well as things like whether bacon should be turned when cooking it in the oven, and the proper rules to Aggravation and Quarkle. Kent was in heaven as he operated different pieces of large machinery around the place and I reveled in the green grass and the quiet garden nestled next to a little stream that seemed to beckon to me from my window.

On Sunday we were blessed to share with our newest supporting church, Morning Star Baptist Church in Alpine, WY. We spoke at the morning service and then afterwards many of the congregation gathered at our friend Jim and Linda's house for a BBQ. We got a chance to visit with individuals and Kent joined in the afternoon volleyball game. That evening several people from the missions committee as well as others who were interested in learning more gathered again in Jim and Linda's living room for a more in depth presentation and a question and answer time. It was a day well spent. We have said to all of our churches that we do not want to be just a "name on the wall". We don't want people to say "Morleys? Oh yeah, I think they are missionaries - see here is their name on our missionary board on the back wall of the church." We want them to say "Morleys? They are working in Greece - let me tell you what God is doing there - just last week ....."

Our team mate Kenn sent an update about some of the men who were baptized at the recent camp. Kenn and a couple of guys from other ministries met with them to see how they were doing - he shared their testimonies which each began with:
"In the name of Jesus Christ I do not regret my decision". Even writing this brings tears to my eyes. I am always amazed and humbled that these people whose lives have been SO difficult and whose lives often become MORE difficult in many ways after they accept Jesus can say "I do NOT regret my decision". Here are a few excerpts from their testimonies: "Many who supported me before have cut me off. A cousin in Iran has stopped speaking to me.......I am encouraged when I am with you guys. Life is more difficult" "I had to move from the place I lived. I didn't have a place to live, only the park. I prayed and the next day I had a place to live with somebody." "I want to share my faith with my family. Pray for me, they might cut off their relations with me" There were several others but all had experienced some sort of shunning from others because of their decision. Please pray for these men and pray for our ministry and the other ministries involved in the camp (Hellenic Ministries and Oasis) as we join together to try and disciple these men and provide a support system for them.

We leave today for Portland and back to the rounds of doctor appointments. Please pray that we find some answers and not just more questions. The work in Greece continues and God is moving. God is also moving in our lives as we spend time here in the states. Thank you for your continual prayer and 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@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: 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 :)

Morley Update 2013 #21

Everyone,



We leave this evening for WY. We have had a good week in WA visiting with "old" or perhaps I should say "long time" friends and making new ones. We have been staying with our good friends Don and Margaret Kennedy who we have been close to since our high school days when they were first the youth pastors at Kent's church and then mine. In fact it was through them that Kent and I first met. We have had three small group meetings as well as a couple of personal meetings with supporters while we were here. It is always good to share about what God is doing in Athens. He is always at work but lately He seems to have been particularly busy or at least we are seeing the results very clearly. (In my letter to supporters I could give more detail but in this public place I need to limit what I say so that I allow the people involved to share their faith when and with whom they are comfortable - thank you for understanding.)



We got a note from a friend this week that another dear woman friend of ours is being baptized. The women are still very afraid of the other refugee women finding out about their decision to be baptized because of the shunning that will result so when they want to let the team know that they are going to be baptized and invite them to attend they (use a code phrase). One of our team mates said she wasn't in the loop about this so when someone asked her if she wanted to come to a (code phrase) she said she would see if she had time. When she found out what was really happening she was thrilled and of course attended with joy.



We also got word that a friend who is in our community group who has been a believer for some time was baptized. (I have removed details about this young man so as to not endanger him) God is giving these people courage to step out even when it could be uncomfortable or even dangerous for them. Please continue to hold them up in prayer.



It has been good to have a week away from doctor's and tests, please keep praying with us that we will have some answers before we return to Greece. As always thank you so much for joining with us and with the Lord in this amazing work. 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 select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: 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 :)