Exalted Among the Nations

Morley Update 2012 #4

2012-01-26T00:04:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

These last two week have been frustrating to say the least. The organization we work with changed our insurance this year. This is the third company we have been with since we started. While we are SO thankful to have insurance but when we make a change there are always some bumps in the road getting started. My medications for my arthritis are VERY expensive (around 2000 dollars a month). Because of this we always meet my deductible the first month. I am fortunate to have a card from the makers of Enbrel - my most expensive medicine that will cover anything my insurance doesn't up to 4000 dollars. The only catch it that they will only pay on medicine purchased inside the USA. For the last three years we have happened to be in the states at the start of the year so I have bought my medicine there and my deductible was covered. This year although my doctor advised me not to fly for 6 months after my Deep Vein Thrombosis, Kent and I decided that since my legs are better than they have been for years, it would be worth me making a trip to the states to purchase my medicine. Two weeks ago I tried to order my medication and have them sent to our daughters house in MA since that is the closest place I can fly. When the pharmacy tried to run my card they were informed that my coverage had been terminated and I didn't have prescription coverage. I called Cigna and explained what I was trying to do - order my Enbrel in the USA at one of their in network pharmacies so that my secondary insurance would cover my deductible. I won't bore you with all the details but 8 phone calls (most of which lasted an hour with me on hold for almost the entire time) and over a week later they finally got my information entered correctly into their computer. Only then did they inform me that if I was going to order Enbrel (I am supposed to be automatically covered for any existing condition) they needed a note from my doctor explaining why this was a medical necessity. Of course because of the time zones, the only time I can talk to them it is the middle of the night here so it took me two days to get the letter from my doctor here and receive approval. I finally called the pharmacy again and they said it went through fine but Cigna paid it and did not apply any to my deductible. Since it was Saturday, I could not get anyone at Cigna that I had been dealing with so I went ahead and purchased my ticket to MA feeling it was safe to assume this was just another glitch. When I called on Monday I was informed that my coverage was such that medication ordered in the states were just paid at 80% and didn't apply to the deductible. I looked online at my benefits and it showed a list of things I was covered for, one of which was prescriptions at 80%. Underneath it said "payment after deductibles have been met". I mentioned this and they said that they couldn't get everything on the website and I should have read my manual - which I didn't receive. I was told I could appeal this and ask that it be applied to my deductible so I did. I was hopeful that it would be approved since I had such a mess even trying to get my coverage started and since I felt I had been given misinformation about my coverage. After two more days of waiting, I received a notice that my appeal had been denied. This means that not only do we have to pay our 2500 deductible but that I have a non refundable ticket to fly to MA. Much as I look forward to seeing my grandkids this is not the time I would have chosen to take a vacation. All this left me feeling helpless at the hands of people who could just as easily (and at no cost to themselves) granted my request but who chose for whatever reason to say no.

Why am I telling you all this? Maybe just to vent - but more so because this is just a TASTE of what my refugee friends face every day. They make an appeal to be granted a red card, or asylum, or family reunification papers and then are left helpless at the hands of people who can make a decision based on nothing more than their mood at the time. In my situation there is money at stake - in theirs, their very lives and the lives of their families are at stake. "G" one of the young men who has become a Christian and is a great help to us in our children's program is going once again to spend the night outside the door of the place where they grant red cards. There are so many people who need help that unless you are there hours ahead of time you have no chance of being seen. Even if you DO get in, it is entirely at the discretion of the person you see whether they react favorably and give you a red card (which allows you to live and work legally while you are in process for asylum) or whether they deny it, which puts you in jeopardy of being thrown in jail if you are caught without one. Once you get a red card you must renew it every six months by this same process.

Dr. Joseph after two years of waiting for asylum is now continuing to wait for the reunification of family papers to go through. While he waits his wife and children must continue to live in hiding and fear for their lives.

"H" one of Kent's friends who has papers disappeared for a while. We thought maybe he had left because he has papers so we did not think he would be thrown in jail. He showed up a few weeks ago and said he lost his papers and was thrown in jail. He said he told them he has papers but apparently there is no way for them to check on this or they just didn't care.

In my situation with my insurance, I was left at the end feeling like I was just a number to them. No one really cared about me or my situation. That is how so many refugees feel all the time. One man I know owned his own car dealership and mechanic shop in his home country. His business was burned and the family fled. They have been here now for several years and everyday he goes early to stand in the square to find work. He used to find something fairly often but with the economic situation now he says there is nothing. "How can I take care of my wife and 4 children, if I cannot work?" he said recently as we sat together at one of our meals. We meet many people who were professionals and respected in their own countries before everything they had was swept away and they were reduced to being a number, one of the masses of unwanted people who are just trying to survive.

At Helping Hands we try to see people not numbers but it's not always possible. When we have no more tickets, or no more food, or no more room we can sometimes get tired of the constant pleas we hear for things they need and things they want. It's been VERY busy at the ARC lately especially on Saturdays. Last Saturday we had 70 kids in the kids room and the baby room and big room were packed. Sometimes people think that missionaries are supposed to be more caring, loving and giving than "regular" Christians. But we are human and sometimes after a long day we just want people to go away and leave us alone. Pray for us. Pray that even when we have to say "No" we will look at the person and not just see them as another number. Pray that we can find creative ways to say "Yes" when possible. Pray that in the midst of Chaos we can see that one child or that one mother or that one young man and listen to them. Pray that we will find the balance between hardening our hearts and feeling overwhelmed by the needs around us. We are so thankful to have a place where we can welcome people. A place here we can invite them to sit down and share a meal with us or where we can sit with them and hear their stories. It means so much to be able to have some of these people into our home and to count them as friends. We know that could not happen without you and your support financially and in prayer. Thank you for allowing us to represent you here on the field. 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://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 :)

Ministry Update 2012 #3

2012-01-19T01:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

I actually had something in mind for my update but then popped on to Facebook for a minute and saw something I really wanted to share. This update was posted by a friend and supporter Casey Martin:
"So I'm sitting on the couch with my son jacob (he's three) and he says to me "maybe you can get a blanket so you're not cold anymore". I was instantly filled with fatherly pride that my son at such a young age would consider the needs of others without any prompting. So I said to him "that's very nice would you like to go get one for me". He smiled and said "yeah I will". Then he looked down at the toys he was busy playing with on the couch and then looked around the room. He appeared to be searching for someone to delegate the task to. His eyes went first to his sister..then to his mom..then he looked back at me and then back down at his toys again before saying "um..maybe you can get it yourself ".

This was such a perfect picture of how we sometimes look at the problems in this world whether they are around the block or around the globe. We say "There are people in this world who lack the basic necessities of life". God says "Why don't you do something to help?" We look down at our "toys" and then we look around us. Surely God didn't mean us personally - there must be someone else who can do it. Maybe it's the government's job. Or maybe it's the job of someone who has more resources than we do. Aren't there people who are "called' to do this sort of thing? We really wish these people would be taken care of but.....we shake our head sadly over their plight and go back to our toys.

I don't write these things to make anyone feel guilty and I know that many of you ARE reaching out in tangible ways to help those who are less fortunate but I think it never hurts to be reminded that it is not enough to FEEL compassion for people but we need to be open to taking action in whatever way we can. James talks about faith without works and says in James 2:15-16 "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" in James 1:27 it says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world". Sometimes we think being "polluted by the world" is watching the wrong movie, dressing the wrong way or not going to church. But maybe being polluted by the world means buying into to the idea that we deserve what we have and in fact if truth were known we probably deserve more. I know that most of us have worked hard to achieve the standard of living we enjoy and there is nothing wrong with that. I am also aware that there are people who want to be handed that same lifestyle without working. However many people in the world have had no opportunity to achieve this or maybe have achieved it and then watched it be swept away by evil men.

We meet these people every day. Men who stand in the square day after day hoping to be hired on to a job so they can provide for their families. Mothers trying to take care of their children while living in abandoned buildings. Young men and women who have been denied an education and desperately want to learn. Families living on the streets because it was too dangerous for them to stay in their own country. We do what we can. We try to provide food, clothes and the little necessities like shampoo and toothpaste. We do laundry and provide showers. We sit with them, we listen to them, we cry with them and we laugh with them. We teach them. We teach them English or Greek or we show them how to fill out the papers for the doctor or the police. But most importantly we teach them about Jesus. We teach them about Jesus not just in the classes we have or the sermons we preach but we teach them about Jesus by doing all the things I mentioned above. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor". Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give". Jesus said, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.......I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Thank you so much for joining us in ministering to "the least of these". We are so grateful to have a team of people who love not just in word but in deed. Because of you we were able to do more than just SAY "be warmed and fed" during these last couple of weeks. We were able to give out sleeping bags and blankets - we were able to offer meals and hot tea, we were able to give out grocery packs and we were able to show the love of Jesus in tangible ways. We know we could not do this job without you - thank you for giving, thank you for praying and thank you for caring. 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2012 #2

2012-01-12T06:55:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

This morning I had what we call an "IM" with our team leader Brett. IM stands for Individual Meeting and it is something we try to do bi-monthly for each member of the team. It's a time to check in with leadership and talk about how we are doing. We talk about goals, things to celebrate and things to work through. Most of the team meets with Kent as team pastor but Kent and I each meet with Brett. Brett and I had scheduled this meeting for December and then things got a little crazy and we put it off until now. It was a very different meeting than it would have been a month ago. I had been planning to talk to Brett about changing my status to "volunteer' just because I was not being able to keep up with things at home and still be at work due to the amount of pain I was in. I'm sure it would have been a meeting of tears and sharing my frustrations. Instead it was a joyous meeting with me sharing plans I have for hospitality in addition to my regular work schedule. I am enjoying work, enjoying life and feeling positive about my role here again. I know my husband would say some of the same things - we are excited about ministry and having energy left over to do things just for fun. Even things that would normally annoy us are not so bad when our lives don't revolve around how I am feeling. As you know we have been through some team changes recently - some welcomed and some endured and we are most likely not done yet. Continue to pray for God's Direction and Will. We know that this is His ministry. He is in control and our trust is in Him.

Saturday at tea house we had a large team of volunteers come in so I was able to sit with the women instead of being in the kids room. I talked for quite a while with "Z" who has the two older boys and 5 year old twin girls. Recently they discovered that Narges one of the twins has a hole in her heart. It has been there since birth and should have been discovered and dealt with earlier. She is still small enough now that they are planning to go in through her groin and put something in there that will close up the hole. It is not an uncommon surgery but as you can imagine "Z" is worried. The other issue is that at this point it looks like they will charge her 1000 euros for the surgery. Please pray for "Z" that she will turn to Jesus during this - she is very close to accepting. Also pray that Narges does not get sick in the meantime and that the surgery can be scheduled soon and that the cost will be covered.

Another big news item for us is that our friend "A" (for my family - she is the one who made your Christmas gifts) has been accepted to immigrate legally to Germany where her son is currently living. We are SO happy for her to be able to go without worry of being caught and sent back and to have a place to go. Life has been VERY hard for her here but through it all she has kept her sweet spirit. She is truly one of my favorite people and I find as I am writing this that the tears are starting to flow as I think about her going away. There are so many bittersweet moments in this ministry. We are thankful that she will have a chance at a better life. We are thankful that her son is a Christian so she will not stop hearing about Jesus but our hearts ache with the thought of not being a part of her and her sweet children's lives. Pray for her as she goes. Pray for her husband who is a heroin addict and not a kind man. Pray that her son will be a strong witness to her and her husband. Pray for us because it hurts to say goodbye and the temptation is to close ourselves off from loving new people because of the fact that we will likely have to say goodbye to them as well.

We continue to have our seekers class after Saturday tea house and we have 20 or more people. It is mostly men but last week there were 3 women. I enjoy seeing the refugee believers answering questions for the seekers and having a chance to share their faith. I also enjoy being a part of a bible study again. Every week I realize again how much I have missed teaching. I am SO thankful for Aziz translating so that we can share freely without the barrier of language. I am hoping to begin a once a month women's day in my home and want to especially invite seekers who may be too shy or afraid to ask questions in a bigger group. Pray that we will know which women to invite and how to share with them. Continue to pray for the Saturday seekers class as well as the community small group for believers that Kent and I are involved with on Friday nights.

Kent is planning to begin to start teaching English again. Aziz has quite a few interested and wanted Kent to take the advanced class. It will most likely be two mornings a week before our regular schedule. This is always a great time for developing relationships as well as teaching English.

As always time flies by - today is Kent's birthday and two days before our youngest child turned 30. It has been an amazing and wonderful journey with God and I am so happy to be doing it with the man I love. I'm thankful God still has things for us to do and we feel honored to be your hands reaching out to refugees here in Athens. Thank you for all you do for us. 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2012 #1

2012-01-05T00:09:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

Happy New Year to everyone - whether the last year brought you joy or pain or a combination of both we trust you are looking ahead with anticipation of what God has in store for the year 2012. My health has continued to improve and I take joy every day in little things. Yesterday afternoon Kent and I went to the Grocery Store. When we came out to the car I began helping him load the bags in the back and it occurred to me that for at least the last 6 months or more, if we went shopping I was in so much pain by the time we got back to the car that I just wanted to get sat down and go home. After work on Tuesday Kent went to get a hair cut and I walked up the street to wander around while I waited for him. My usual routine had been to sit at the ARC with my feet up praying he would be done soon. I walked to the laiki last week and realized that for the first time in ages I was enjoying looking at things and not just limping along. Thank you again for all the prayers on my behalf. I worked a full day on Tuesday and as I said went for a walk afterward. Wednesday my knees were a little sore so I am trying to find the balance between overdoing and pushing myself a bit in order to get stronger after months of relative inactivity.

Because I am feeling better we have been having more people into our home again. Friday night we had two young Iranian men. One of them speaks quite good English and of course Farsi. The other speaks quite good Greek and Farsi. Kent and I of course speak English and a bit of Greek with only a few words of Farsi. This made for an interesting evening. We could speak English and one guy would translate into Farsi or we could speak Greek and the other guy would translate into Farsi or they could speak Farsi to each other and then translate into English. We had some good discussion though. One of the guys is very interested in hearing more about Jesus and wants to get together with Kent to look at some scripture together. Before dinner Kent prayed and then after dinner we played a game for a while. When they got ready to leave the one young man asked Kent if he would pray again which of course he did gladly.

It was great to be back at work again on Tuesday and get some very big hugs from my refugee friends. Despite being closed for the week before we had a full house - feeding about 140 refugees. Afterward quite a few stayed to hear the message although many of the women had to go because there was a meeting at the school where their children attend. Tasha shared about a refugee woman "S" who she has been talking to. "S" had told Tasha that her sister in law had a dream that she was falling into a dark hole and that someone reached down to help her and it was Jesus and then she saw a light. Tasha talked to her about how the Bible talks about Jesus being the Light and she asked "S" if she had a Bible. "S" said that she used to have one but her brother took it away and forbid her to read it any more. On Tuesday "S" came in and said to Tasha "I think I can take a Bible now" Tasha asked her "Why?" and she said "Now my brother had a dream about Jesus and the Light". Tasha got her a Bible and again showed her the passages about Jesus being the Light. "S" marked them in her Bible and took it home. Pray for "S" and for others who are in such darkness that they too can begin to move into the Light.

We are so thankful for the team here and for the many gifts and talents they bring to the work. Recently since Themis is no longer our head chef, Susie's husband Youssef has stepped forward to do the cooking for meal days. We are also very thankful for our Greek team mates Michalis and Ritsa and I would ask you to be in prayer for them. They are struggling financially because Greeks do not have the concept of monthly support and with the added stress of the financial crisis their support is below what they need to live on. We would hate to lose them because they bring much to the team. They both are great in the kitchen and with kids as well as the men and women. Because they are Greek they head up our local volunteers which is invaluable in getting Greeks involved and comfortable in coming. Michalis is especially good at networking with other Greek organizations and recently because of this, a group called Doctors of the World gave us quite a quantity of dry food stuff to hand out. Ritsa and Michalis are also both good at helping the team and refugees navigate the system here for paperwork, medical help, housing or whatever. Please pray that their support would come in so that they can continue to work without the constant stress of worrying about how they will pay their bills.

We are also very thankful for you our wonderful team of supporters. Your financial gifts have allowed us to continue to be a part of what God is doing here in Athens. Your prayers and encouragement have lifted our spirits, brought healing to our bodies and kept us sane. We could not do it without you and appreciate you more than you will ever know. We look forward together to what God will do in us and through us in 2012.

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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #41

2011-12-29T00:12:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

I can't believe this is my last update for the year 2011. It hardly seems possible that we have been living in Greece for 3 1/2 years now. As I look back over this year there have been highs and lows, good times and bad, joys and sorrows but through it all God is in control and we are privileged to be a part the His work here in Athens.

Throughout the year we welcomed 5 individuals and 5 teams who came to help anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. We also has several visits from people with International Teams who came throughout the year. As usual we had the privilege of hosting several of these people in our home. I continue to be thankful for the home God has given us with ample room to host guests, hold team events and have refugees in for dinner or small gatherings.

2011 brought some changes to our long term team. We added Michalis and Ritsa a Greek couple who have been a real blessing as Greek speakers both in welcoming Greek volunteers and helping staff and refugees to navigate the Greek system. Donna and Aziz joined us in September - Aziz is orignally from Afghanistan and Donna is American. The fact that they both speak Dari has been a HUGE help to us, even though it sometimes puts a big load on them. We also had Heather and Chris Shepherd here for the summer and eagerly await their return to join the team full time next year. There were some losses as well, Susan Phearson is back in the states enjoying life and waiting to see what the Lord has in store for her next. Themis Sirinidis has moved out of the mainstream work at the ARC and is working full time with 2nd Evangelical Church as they minister to refugees, immigrants and homeless Greeks in their area. Scott McCracken is spending less time working directly at the ARC and is focusing more on teaching/training both at the ARC and in other contexts. Nader left Athens is in Canada pursuing asylum papers there. Change is never easy but it seems to be a part of this ministry and we are learning that with change comes opportunity.

There have been changes in the refugee population also. People we built relationships with and were close to have moved on. Kent's friend "H" is back living in Kurdistan. He became a Christian here and is now a part of a church back in his home country. Two women we were close to "N" and "Z#1" have moved on to other countries taking their daughters with them and leaving their sons and husbands behind to follow if and when the women get asylum papers. We constantly see new faces and often miss seeing friends who have moved on without even the chance to say goodbye. Our dear friend Dr. Joseph received his asylum papers and is awaiting the paperwork for his wife and children to join him. He has taken several trips to other European countries to check out the possibilities for immigration.

We baptized 11 new believers this year and there are several others who have expressed their faith in Jesus. Four of these men now meet with Kent, I and Scott McCracken weekly for a community group time of sharing and bible study. We also started the Saturday seekers class with Scott, Kent and I. Aziz is doing the translating for this class since Nader is no longer with us. Some of the believers are beginning to step out in ministry as well. "G" is translating for the kids story on Farsi Family Outreach days and "A" was our MC for the Christmas parties.

I continue to enjoy working with kids and was blessed to do several puppet shows this year. We did two different ones at Easter, and another for Christmas. At Easter I continued the tradition of dressing up for the kids parties in a new costume. For this one I was a Spring Chicken and helped lead the singing and must admit I was "Poultry in Motion". I was in the hospital or confined to home during the Christmas parties this year but Christy told me that one of the boys said "It's not Christmas without Myrna dressed up as an ELF."

Kent continues to find young men to connect with. Often they speak English and he can have good conversations with them. He really enjoys this but it is hard because younger men without families often are able to move on more quickly to another country so just as he feels he is really making a connection they often disappear. Sometimes he is able to still have contact with them but often they just don't come around any more. Kent also accepted a bigger role in team leadership this year. He and Brett became co-leaders with Kent in charge of pastoral care and team life and Brett heading up the day to day operations and vision casting. The plan was for the Greek Board of Helping Hands to hire a new day to day director in September/October and have him in place at the beginning of the year at which time Brett was planning to step down. However, due to concern for funding with the economic situation in Greece and a lack of a clear direction from the Lord, the Board has decided to postpone this step for at least a year. Brett has agreed to stay on at this point and we are grateful for his leadership and the enthusiasm and direction he brings to the team.

My health was a bit of a struggle for much of the year culminating in my week long hospital stay at the first of December and the weeks of pain following my return home. I am thrilled to report however that I am finally feeling better than I have in MANY months. I am able to up and around with little pain and have been going out for walks in order to get my strength back after a time of not being able to do much. I am SO thankful for the little things like being able to put my socks on or get up from a chair without pain. Thank you all so much for your prayers in this area.

Because I am feeling so much better this has been a busy week - we have had someone in to dinner almost every day, either team mates or refugee friends. Yesterday we went with a couple of team mates on a hike around the Old Palace grounds outside of Athens. It was great to get out of the city and into the fresh air. We will reopen the ARC on January 3rd and I plan to go back to work that day. I hope you all had a blessed Christmas and we look forward with you to see what God will do in the year 2012. 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #40

2011-12-22T01:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

JOY TO THE WORLD! Thanks to all of you who have been holding me up in prayer with my arthritis. Last week continued to be quite a trial. My days looked like this - at 2am I would awake in terrible pain and would barely be able to walk to the kitchen to take some ibuprofen. Then about 6:30am I would wake up hurting so bad that I could not stay in bed. My neck was very stiff and it was very hard to even get my feet over the edge of the bed. Getting dressed was agony - trying to struggle into those elastic stockings that go from toe to hip was difficult, I could barely bend my knees enough to get them over my toe and my wrist hurt when I tried to pull them on. I remember one morning just bursting into tears and feeling like I could just not take it anymore. Once I was up I would slowly and painfully walk to the kitchen past my husband who knew better than to ask how I was feeling. I would take my medications and struggle to get sat down with my feet up. If I forgot my glasses or something else I would ask Kent to get them for me because I could barely stand the thought of getting up. After a few hours I could function but I could not walk without pain and getting up and down (even though Kent has raised both of our couches) was always an ordeal. On Tuesday I went to the doctor for my appointment. The Ultra Sound of my calf showed that the thrombosis had cleared however the doctor doing the test (who is the same doctor I saw while in the hospital) said "Your knees are bad. The baker's cysts behind them are bigger and you have been bleeding into them again. There is also a LOT of fluid around your knee cap in the front." I told him I knew. When I saw the rhuematologist I told him how bad things had been. He checked me and said "We need to change your medicine. We decided for a start to leave me on the Enbrel but to add another pill of cortizone - I was already taking one in the morning - at night. He also decided to up my methotrexate which I don't take until tomorrow. I saw the other doctor who said that I still needed to be on the blood thinners for a couple more months and that I should keep wearing the stockings. I went home not feeling very hopeful.

That night I took the cortizone pill and went to bed. I woke up at 5:30 and thought "Hmm my neck is not feeling too bad. I realized my knees were not hurting much either. I decided since I was awake to get up and call my Mom since it would be evening in Oregon. I threw my legs over the edge of the bed and stood up and walked to the bathroom - very little pain. I then got dressed with no trouble and walked to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee and take my pills - again almost no pain. I got sat down in my chair and put my feet up "Oh no, I forgot the phone" Not a problem - I'll just hop up and get it and sit back down. By this time I was practically feeling giddy with the joy of it. When Kent walked sleepily out of the bedroom an hour later I jumped to me feet and did a little jig saying "It's a Christmas Miracle!!". He looked at me like I had lost my mind. I said "Look - I am walking no pain". He couldn't believe it. We both went to our computers and worked for a while, instead of me saying "Honey, could you get me some more coffee?" I got up to get myself some and poured him another cup as well. When he went to leave I got up to kiss him goodbye and he said "Well this is just a real nice development. I went the whole day feeling good and took nothing for pain. This morning I awoke feeling even better than yesterday. I am "walking and leaping and praising God" - okay maybe not leaping but I think I could if I wanted to. Thank you all for praying and for standing with us during this time. It will be a Merry Christmas at our house this year!

Last Friday night we had our community group of believers over for dinner. I cooked Persian food for them. I made a dish that they serve for special occasions called Zereshk Polow - a rice dish with saffron and barberries. It is quite a process to make this dish. You soak the rice for several hours. Then you rinse it and boil it for a few minutes and rinse it again. You take a bit of the rice and mix it with some oil and yogurt as well as a little saffron water. You put this in the bottom of the pan and pile the other rice in a pyramid on top of it. You poke some holes in the pyramid with the handle of your wooden spoon and pour more oil over it. Your wrap the lid in a kitchen towel so no steam can escape and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes. This forms the tadig which is the crusty bottom that is a special treat and served on a separate platter. You then turn the heat as low as possible and let it continue to steam for at least another hour. When the rice is ready your take the zereshk (barberries) and fry them for a minute or two in a little oil and sugar. You mix half the rice with some saffron you have steeped in hot water which make it a lovely yellow color. Mix the barberries with this. On a platter put a layer of plain rice and then a layer of the yellow rice studded with red berries on top. It is a beautiful dish and the men were very excited when they saw it - one said "I have not had this since I left Iran". I also made chicken and vegetables cooked with saffron, tumeric, paprika and other spices. Cucumber and tomato salad and Arabic bread rounded out our meal. I set the table with my Christmas dishes and we had a lovely evening. The men left with us saying "Cristmas Mobarak" and them wishing us "Merry Christmas" as well.

We will have the week off next week but hope to have some more people into our home now that I am feeling better. Thank you again for being part of our lives and this ministry. We love you all and wish for you a wonderful and blessed Christmas.

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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #39

2011-12-14T23:09:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

How are you? I'm fine. Ti kanie? Kala. Khoubee? Khoubam. Como estas? Bien. In every language a typical greeting is "how are you?" and the accepted answer is "I'm fine." But what if you are NOT fine? Is the person REALLY asking or are they just being polite? I often act as greeter when I am at the ARC. This means standing at the door and saying "Salam" to people as they come in. Often, especially if I know the person I add Khoubee? (You okay?) to which they answer Khoubam (I'm okay). Now granted my Farsi is very limited so even if they wanted to tell me more I would have a hard time understanding. But do I really WANT to know? Do I WANT to know they they slept in the park on the cold concrete last night? Do I WANT to know that their husband came home high and beat them because they did not have food to fix for him? Do I WANT to know that they are thinking about their family who are in danger every day and they have no way to help them? Do I WANT to know........or would I rather they just said "fine" and went on their way. I know it easier. I know that sometime I think my heart cannot hold another sad story. I know that most likely I can't help them so I would rather not ask. But I also know that feeling someone cares, someone listens, someone shares your pain can make it easier to bear even if nothing changes. So I ask, I cry, I hug and I pray. Is there anyone in your life who just needs someone to ask "how are you?" and really WANT to know?

I've been thinking about this because it has been a tough week for me and for Kent. My arthritis is the worst it has been in a very long time. I often wake up at night in such pain that I can barely get out of bed to take some pain medication. In the mornings my knees hurt, my neck hurts, my wrist hurts and on and on. I can function better during the day but feel very discouraged and frankly find myself complaining to my husband a LOT. I went to a team meeting yesterday and people would say "how are you". At first I responded with my usual "I'm good" because that's what you answer but I realized I was not telling the truth. When you have a chronic problem it is hard to know what to do. You know that saying "I'm fine" makes people more comfortable and you also know that everyone does not want to hear about your troubles every time you meet. Sometimes I think I just need to have a "don't ask, don't tell" policy but if we never share our pain with others then how can they pray? How can they know that maybe we could understand THEIR pain because we've experienced it ourselves? How can we truly share in each others lives if we only stay at the surface "I'm fine" stage? SO I'm asking for prayer. Please pray that when I see the doctors again next week that the rheumatologist will have some ideas. Pray that the pain will lessen and that I can handle it better. Pray for Kent - it is not easy to live with someone who hurts. Is there pain in your life that would be easier to bear if there were someone to share it? Don't let pride or shame or a "nobody need to hear my troubles" attitude keep you from finding that person who will listen and care and especially pray for you. Thank you for being that person for us.

I realize this is not your typical cheery Christmas letter so let me add a couple of quick snapshots from the Christmas parties last week. A team mate was talking to a newer family who are living in the park and they were saying that they didn't have even basic hygiene items. My friend smiled and told them to wait until the evening was over and she would talk to them then. When the gifts were handed out the women received shampoo, soap and lotion along with their scarf, gloves and new testament. The men received a hat, gloves and new testament as well as a razor and shaving cream. This family was so delighted and grateful.

Something we did different this year for our Christmas meal is to have a refugee friend cook the rice. Afghans and Iranians are rice connoisseurs, The know good rice from bad rice. They have a special way of cooking it which is quite a process but makes each grain fluffy, tender and flavorful. When one woman tasted her food, she said with tears in her eyes "I am so happy, I have not had Afghan rice since I came to Greece six months ago. Thank you." Another women told a friend goodbye and said, "I am full now, but tomorrow I will be hungry again. I have new clothes, but they will wear out. However, I will remember your kindness forever."

Thank you so much for showing the love of Christ to these dear people and for lightening their burden just a little. 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #38

2011-12-08T00:19:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

For those of you who have not heard, I missed getting out my update last week because I was in the hospital for 8 days. I had been having trouble with my right knee and for about it a week it was VERY swollen. I had finally called the doctor on a Wednesday but the rheumatologist could not see me until the following Tuesday. I decided to just keep my foot up for a few days but on Friday developed a pain in my calf which I knew could be a sign of a blood clot. I called the doctor back to see if I could get in earlier and she told me to go to the hospital to be checked out. I did indeed have Deep Vein Thrombosis and was put in the hospital on complete bed rest for 8 days. They began giving me blood thinners, plus massive doses of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs for my knee. The doctor felt that the swelling caused the circulation to slow in my lower leg which in turn caused the clot. Long story short I was in the hospital for 8 days, then I came home with some restrictions. I will be on blood thinners from 3-6 months. The first month, I must wear long (toe to hip) compression stockings at all times, I must not sit for longer than 5 minutes with my feet down, I must not stand in one place for longer than 5 minutes, I can't ride on the motorcycle. All this adds up to me being off work for a month even though I am able to be up and about and doing things at home. The other day I was doing something at the kitchen counter and I was shifting back and forth from foot to foot so I would not be standing still. Kent said "I keep thinking you must need to go to the bathroom!" In the course of doing all the other testing in the hospital the doctors also discovered that I have gall stones. This was not a surprise to me as I had been having some symptoms. Once I am off the blood thinners they will need to do surgery to remove these but it is an overnight stay in the hospital with only a week of recovery so should be no big deal.

Amazingly the ministry has managed to go on even in my absence. The week I was in the hospital Kent was also sick with a cold/flu that we have been really passing around. He spent several days at home sleeping and feeling lousy. In between he took care of me, built a puppet set and went to work when he could. This week we started our Christmas parties. There have been 3 so far and we still have two to go. We have a short term team here from Glad Tidings Church in Omaha. They are doing the puppet show since I am not able to be there. Sunday they came to our house and I did their orientation and we practiced. They did a great job and Kent said it has been well received at the parties. We are again doing the story of the man who does not believe in Christmas because he can't understand why God who is so big and great would come as a baby. While his wife is away he looks outside and sees two little birds shivering in the cold. He wants to bring them into his shed in order to save them from the cold. He calls to them but the don't listen, he goes outside to try and get them to go in the shed but they are afraid and fly up to the roof. The man is discouraged and thinks "If only I could be a bird for just a minute, I could tell the birds about the shed. They wouldn't be afraid of another bird". Just then the church bells ring and it occurs to him that that is what God did. He tried to speak to his people in may ways but finally he became a man and walked among us. This is a concept that is very hard for Muslims to understand and so it is an effective message.

Thank you to all of you who gave in order to make these parties possible. They are special times with good food, fun, family photos and most importantly another chance to share the message of Jesus. It is not to late to give - anything above the amount used for the Christmas parties will be designated for sleeping bags to be given away to those sleeping outside during these cold winter days. Designate your gifts to Helping Hands Athens - Christmas. For how to give see below.
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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 #37 2011

2011-11-24T02:36:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

Several people have written and commented that in the midst of being thankful I sounded discouraged last week. First of all let me reassure you that I am fine. I have NO regrets about coming here and still feel honored to be a part of what God is doing in Athens. That said it is true that the last couple weeks were not the easiest weeks I've had here. For one thing as you know I had been sick and still am struggling a bit to get over this cold/flu. Quite a few of our team mates have had it too and it just seems to hang on for quite a while. I don't feel terribly sick but just don't feel 100% either. I am much better than I was. I have also been having quite a bit of trouble with my arthritis. It seems to have centered on my right knee which is more swollen than usual and painful to walk on. It is frustrating because so much of what we do is dependent on walking. Kent had to go in early yesterday morning for a meeting so I stayed home from team prayer and the clothing give away just because I wasn't sure I could handle the walk to the ARC from the Metro. It was very difficult for me to get on to the bike yesterday also as I have trouble bending that knee. I would appreciate your prayers.

The second reason last week was hard was because of some changes on the team. Two members of our team will no longer be involved in the day to day activities of the ARC. They will be concentrating on developing other areas of ministry in Athens. While we will still be connected it will be a change not to see them at work every day. The bigger and more difficult change was our Iranian team mate Nader. Unbeknownst to the team or leadership Nader flew to Canada and applied for asylum there. This of course leaves a BIG gap in ministry as well as the personal loss of not working with our friend or even getting to say goodbye. Nader needs prayer as we do not know what the outcome of his case will be and what will happen if he is denied. Thankfully the Lord has provided our new team mates Aziz and Donna who speak Dari (which is very close to Farsi) and he is also raising up another young Afghan man "G" who is helping to teach the children in Dari and helping with translation for our community group. Please continue to pray for the team as we make adjustments to cover some areas of ministry and especially pray for Aziz and Donna as much of the load falls on them while they are still getting settled in Greece and are relatively new on the team.

Okay enough with the difficult stuff. On a positive note we had an American style Thanksgiving dinner for the team at our house on Monday. There we 26 of us for dinner. I cooked one turkey and a team mate cooked another. The ovens in Greece are quite small - so I barely got a 14 pound turkey in mine. We were thankful to only need to cook two turkeys. In Greece you have to go to several stores even to find a turkey and then the largest you can find are about 3.5 kilos which is almost 8 pounds. This year we have an intern here who has a connection at the American embassy and he was able to get us an 11 pound and a 14 pound turkey. He also got cranberry sauce which is almost impossible to find. While I made turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and rolls the rest of the team all brought their favorites. We had SO much food. Everyone took home leftovers and I have my freezer stocked with leftover turkey and mashed potatoes. Yesterday I cooked the turkey carcass and also added containers of turkey soup stock to my freezer.

Last Friday we had our community group of Farsi believers at our house for dinner again. We so enjoy being a part of this group of men. Once again I was convicted at how easy my life was and is. During dinner Scott asked each of us to share a bit about our brothers and sisters as a getting to know you question. One young man said "My brothers and sisters are in Pakistan and it is very dangerous. I'm sorry I cannot say more or I will cry." Later as we were praying for each other we prayed for his family and he broke down and began weeping almost uncontrollably. I can't imagine what a burden these men carry but it was good to see his brothers in Christ gather around him, cry with him and pray for him.

We continue to gear up for our Christmas Parties happening the first week of December. One of my jobs as I was at home yesterday was to fix some coloring books that tell the Christmas story in Farsi that we are going to put in the kids bags along with a small packet of markers. We were very excited to get these done and a wonderful printing company that does a lot for us printed them and stapled them together. The only problem is that we neglected to tell them that Farsi books are bound on the right and open on the left so the staples were on the wrong side. I told Wendy, our children's director that I would take them home and remove the staples and restaple them. I had not taken into account that these had been stapled by a machine and therefore the staples were very heavy duty and did not come out easily. They also left quite a hole when removed. I did 5 of them (20 staples), looked at the 195 (780 staples) that were left and thought - not going to happen. I then got the brilliant idea that we could just cut them off on the stapled side and restaple them on the other side. I brought home the big paper cutter from work and tried it - success. Still a big job but doable. I finished 60 in the morning and did the rest in the afternoon. My next project is to build the set for the Christmas puppet show so Kent and I need to scout the dumpsters for some large pieces of cardboard.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with food, family and friends. In the midst of thanking God for all our MANY blessings, let's remember that there are many in this world who are not so blessed. Thank you for sharing with some of these people and for your prayers. We are so thankful to be part of a larger team that includes you. It's not too late to help with Christmas parties and sleeping bags. Here is an except from our team leader Brett's recent blog: "We've already handed out 100 sleeping bags, and are making plans to give another 100 bags in the next few weeks. Nearly twenty of these sleeping bags went to a group of Afghan and Iranian refugees sleeping on the roof of an abandoned theater near one of the main parks in Athens. They slept in groups of two or three, embracing to stay warm, covering themselves with whatever they could find that might help keep the cold out (blankets, cardboard, stray fabrics, newspapers). In the name of Jesus, these sleeping bags were tangible witnesses of God's love; a needed reminder that God has not forgotten these young men." If you would like to donate toward our Christmas parties or more sleeping bags you can still give. Gifts should be designated HELPING HANDS -CHRISTMAS IN ATHENS and sent to: International Teams 411 W. River Rd. Elgin, IL 60123 or give online at https://wwws.iteams.org/us/give be sure and designate this for Helping Hands - Christmas in Athens.

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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 #36 2011

2011-11-18T00:05:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

Sorry this is a day late. It has been a difficult week for the team here. We have had several hard issues with refugee friends (drugs, children, spiritual struggles) as well as some changes on the team. I will fill you in a bit at a later date but for now just hold us up in prayer.

On a different note, it is Thanksgiving week and here are a few things I am thankful for.

1) I am Thankful for a wonderful family back home and wish I could be with them over the holidays.

2) I am Thankful for a wonderful "family" here and the fact that we will have our own Thanksgiving feast with 22 guests in our home on Monday.

3) I am Thankful for you my friends and for the prayers and financial support you so faithfully give.

4) I am Thankful that God called us to be a part of a ministry that is bearing fruit and changing lives.

5) I am Thankful for my lovely home and this time of year especially for my fireplace which gives Kent and I a place to get warm.

6) I am Thankful for my church here and how they are reaching out to refugees by sponsoring one of our Christmas parties, collecting clothes, and making cookies for another ministry.

7) I am Thankful for the wonder of the internet which allows me to stay in touch with friends and family with a few keystrokes.

8) I am Thankful for people who donate things like yogurt so we can give the kids a nutritious snack and for the smiles of the kids who call it "ice cream".

9 ) I am Thankful for my wonderful husband who treats me with respect and love and has patience with my aches and pains.

10) I am Thankful that I found the Lord at a young age and grew up in a country where I could follow Him openly and without fear. I am Thankful for a mom and dad who brought me up to love God and who gave me a happy childhood. I am thankful that my husband can say the same thing.

I could go on writing forever about the blessings God has given to me, but I will stop here. We love you all and wish for you a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter and thankfulness.

I am reposting the information about our Christmas parties here in case you missed it the first time or wanted to give and forgot: This Christmas we will be giving 5 Christmas parties for 120 refugees each time. That's 600 refugees who will get a special meal, see a puppet show and hear a message about Christmas. That's 600 refugees that will receive as a gift practical items as well as some small toys for the kids. That's 600 refugees who will take the book of John printed in their language home with them that night. That's 600 refugees who will know that someone cares and that they are not forgotten. Would you be willing to help us give these things to our refugee friends? Our parties will be happening the first week of December so although Christmas seems far away we need your donations as soon as possible. Gifts should be designated HELPING HANDS -CHRISTMAS IN ATHENS and sent to: International Teams 411 W. River Rd. Elgin, IL 60123 or give online at https://wwws.iteams.org/us/give be sure and designate this for Helping Hands - Christmas in Athens.

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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #35

2011-11-09T21:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

I am sorry I missed my last update but I was felled by a bug which has swept through our team. On Monday I came down with a cold/flu which completely zapped my energy. Because my immune system is compromised I don't fight things off very well and one thing sometimes leads to another. This particular bug triggered my Meniere's disease in a big way. For those of you who are not familiar with Meniere's, it is an inner ear disorder that affects your balance. I take several Dramamine every day as a maintenance dose. When it flares up I can be anything from a little off balance to having everything spin wildly around me. This last week on the day I usually write my updates everything was spinning. Even the five Dramamine I took didn't seem to stop it.

As I lay on the couch thinking about all the work I should be doing and trying not to move my head, I wondered if there was a lesson in all of this. I thought about the verse which says "Consider the lilies of the field, and how they grow; they do not TOIL nor do they SPIN"..... Now while this seemed pretty funny (at least under the influence of the drugs) there didn't seem to be a lot there, so I lay my head back and watched as my world continued to revolve slowly making me a bit nauseous. Sometimes when I feel like this, if I lay flat on my back and concentrate on staring at one spot on the ceiling I can make the spinning stop. I tried it and it worked. There IS a lesson in this.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 says "16 Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we FIX OUR EYES not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

When my Meniere's flares up what I SEE is everything spinning. That is not really what is happening but that is what I SEE. When I FIX MY EYES on that spot on the ceiling. I force myself to SEE what is REAL not what is TEMPORARY. Sometimes in this ministry it is easy to look at all the problems spinning around us. People need food, clothes or housing. People are abused, depressed or angry. We can look at the finances, how much food we have in the cupboards, or the economic and political turmoil in Greece. When we focus on these things it sometimes seems like our world is spinning out of control. But all these things are TEMPORARY.

Look back at verse 17. Really...look back at it :) Now granted it seems to me that although MY troubles are "light and momentary" many of the things my refugee friends have been through are MUCH MUCH heavier. It is still true, however, that these troubles are achieving an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Just ask "G" a young afghan man and former Muslim who is now a Christian. He has faced persecution and hardship for much of his life. Even now, he struggles to find housing and work. His family is angry about his faith. Life is not easy. However, since "G"s baptism a few months ago I have really seen a change in him. He is helping out in ministry and even taught the children's Bible story in Farsi the last two weeks. The other day when he came in, I said as usual "How are you?" He said "I am happy." I said "Are you?" and he said "Yes, I think I get happier every day". Circumstances change, material things are temporary, people come and go, but the one constant, the one thing we can FIX OUR EYES ON is Jesus. He never changes, He is eternal and He will never leave us.

********

I want to switch gears now and talk about Christmas. I know, I know it's not even Thanksgiving yet, but before you know it you will be wracking your brains trying to decide what to get for the people on your list. For me it was trying to figure out something that they didn't know they wanted because, let's face it for most people on my list, if I could afford it and they wanted it, they already had it. I have a GREAT idea. What about a sleeping bag? Or maybe shampoo, shaving cream and a razor. What about some warm socks or a scarf and gloves? These are all things we will be providing for refugees this Christmas. Don't you think Uncle Harry would rather give a sleeping bag to a guy sleeping in the park than have another Christmas Tie? Instead of another decorative owl saying "whoooooo loves you" to add to her collection, I'm sure Aunt Mable would be happy to give a scarf and gloves to a mother struggling to feed her children. This Christmas we will be giving 5 Christmas parties for 120 refugees each time. That's 600 refugees who will get a special meal, see a puppet show and hear a message about Christmas. That's 600 refugees that will receive as a gift practical items as well as some small toys for the kids. That's 600 refugees who will take the book of John printed in their language home with them that night. That's 600 refugees who will know that someone cares and that they are not forgotten. Would you be willing to help us give these things to our refugee friends? Our parties will be happening the first week of December so although Christmas seems far away we need your donations as soon as possible. Gifts should be designated HELPING HANDS -CHRISTMAS IN ATHENS and sent to: International Teams 411 W. River Rd. Elgin, IL 60123 or give online at https://wwws.iteams.org/us/give be sure and designate this for Helping Hands - Christmas in Athens.

As always thank you for partnering with us in what God is doing 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 join our Support Team:
Online go to: https://www.iteams.org/us/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 2011 #34

2011-10-27T01:13:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

Strike One......Strike Two....... Strike Thee.......Strike Four? In Greece there doesn't seem to be any end to the strikes. People are still upset about the austerity measures and the shaky economy of Greece. Several of you have written to ask how this is affecting us.

Garbage Strike: City workers are still digging us out after a 3 week strike by garbage collectors. I recently read that there were 120,000 tons of garbage rotting on the streets of Athens. Sidewalks were covered and it had even begun to spread into the streets. A walk to the grocery store became a smelly obstacle course and coming inside was a breath of fresh air! The strike ended this week but it will take another couple of weeks to clean up the piles. Even when the piles are gone we will be left with pieces of trash that have migrated out of the piles and now line the streets. My team mate, Donna, recently compared this to the trash we let build up in our lives. We toss our anger, unforgiveness, selfishness, impure thoughts etc. into the trash bin where it seems to be contained. But if we never hit the "empty trash" button, if we never allow God to remove this sin from our lives, we suddenly are faced with a rotten stinking pile that spills out on everyone. " Little hurts pile up into resentments if not forgiven quickly. Hurtful actions become lifelong habits if not confessed and forgiveness quickly sought." Let's keep a close eye on our trash bins and made sure to empty them regularly.

Transportation Strikes: For the last month and a half (usually once or twice a week) we have been having transportation strikes. With no buses or metro for the day, this means that anyone in the suburbs who wants to go into the city must drive. As you can imagine the streets become quickly clogged making travel almost impossible. On strike days those team mates who live close enough, walk - sometime an hour each way. Those of us who live farther out must drive. People with cars load up as many team mates as they can and leave early in the morning to avoid the rush. Kent and I are fortunate to have the motor bike which allows us to bypass the traffic jams for the most part. Refugees who come to the center on these days must walk as well and the fact that our numbers have stayed consistently high tell us that coming to the ARC is important to them.

Rioting and Protests: As you have likely seen on the news there are many demonstrations and rallies protesting the taxes, the privatization of government run businesses etc. Greeks are volatile people and there are fringe groups that take advantage of this to incite rioting. We usually know in advance when and where these demonstrations will be held and it is fairly easy for us to avoid these areas. Please don't worry about our safety but pray for the safety of our refugee friends who sometimes live closer to the center and thus have no way to escape the violence.

The Greek Economy: The shaky economic situation will continue to affect our work. Much of the day to day operating expenses for Helping Hands has been provided by our Greek brothers and sisters. As many of them struggle financially that means we may have to tighten our already snug budget. Several generous supporters have fallen on hard times. The printing company that printed our newsletters for free has gone out of business, others have lost businesses or even gone bankrupt. We recently found out that the government will not be giving us the surplus food we have received in the last few years (huge shipments of pasta and feta cheese). All this may sound a little bleak but God is not bound by the constraints of a tight budget or a shaky economy. Where He leads, He will provide.

The World Economy: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19 Our financial portfolio may be a little thin but we are investing in ways that have a much bigger dividend. Last Friday, my living room was filled with women as I hosted a lunch for 5 refugee women and their kids as well as 7 of my team mates. We sat around the table eating, laughing and sharing our lives. Later Donna gave her testimony in Dari. The women listened attentively nodding their heads. When Donna was finished the women shared some of their stories and asked questions. God was at work and all the women asked to take a copy of the Psalm that Donna had read home with them. These are the investments that have eternal value. Kent and I are always aware that we would not be here if it wasn't for the investment of finances and prayers that you, our larger team, are making. We know it isn't always easy but the treasures you are storing up can be measured in the lives and on the faces of the people we serve. On Friday, at one point in the afternoon, I looked over at one of my refugee friends who is a single mom with a difficult life. She was sitting on the couch with her head leaned back, holding the hand of my team mate Christy. She was listening to the Scripture being read in Farsi and had such a look of peace and contentment on her face that tears came to my eyes and I thought THIS is worth everything. Thank you making moments like this possible. 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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #33

2011-10-20T00:28:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

The word “word”. Right now I am typing this in Microsoft Word. We say things like “May I have a word with you?”, but in reality we usually mean “I’m going to talk your leg off”. Or maybe that’s just me. You’ve heard of “a man with a thousand faces”? Well, I am probably a woman with a thousand words. My husband once said jokingly “there are people who can talk on any subject – Myrna doesn’t even NEED a subject!” But that is in English…

My Farsi skills are limited to single words. Many of them are pretty useless such as “zamburr” which means Bumblebee. But there are some words that I use. I can say things like “la bas seshambe” or Clothes - Wednesday. When we are eating together I use “hooshmaze” (delicious) and words like “ab” and “noon” (water and bread). In the kids room, I know the words for “coloring, craft, glue and sit down”.

On Tuesdays I often begin the day working as a greeter. I like this job because I only need a few words. For Persian people greetings are very important. If you are having a conversation with someone and a new person joins, you must immediately stop what you are doing and greet that person or it is considered very rude. So I stand near the door and as people enter I welcome them. If it is a man I place my hand on my chest, nod and say “Salaam”. If it is a woman, I say “Salaam” and receive a handshake or the traditional three kisses. The kids usually run up for a hug if they are regulars or hide behind their mothers if they are new.

This Tuesday as I was greeting, a woman came in who has been here for about a month. I gave her little girl a small pack of color crayons the first day they came and so we are friends. I said “Salaam”. She didn’t really respond so I said, “Khoobee” (How are you?). At the sound of that word her face crumpled and she burst into tears. I pulled her into my arms murmuring “Chi?” (What?) She finally got out a few words and through her sobs I caught the word “Baba” or father. I then knew that her husband was missing. She is the second woman in three days to come in crying because her husband is gone. The first woman’s husband is in jail – for expired papers. This woman’s husband went out to make a phone call and never came back. Without a man these women and their children are left without protection or support. They come to us because in a dark city we are sometimes the only ray of hope they have found. The only word I knew to say was “Babakshid” (I’m sorry) and it didn’t seem like enough. But then I remembered another word.

The gospel of John tells us in Chapter 1 that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. If Jesus is the Word then what was He saying? As I hugged her I realized Jesus was whispering “You’re not alone”.

Could it be that maybe, just maybe God didn’t need MY words in order to speak? As I thought about it, I looked back over the last few weeks.

When a woman showed me her cracked and bleeding lips and I gave her a packet of antibiotic ointment – God was saying “I care”.

When a child, who lives in an abusive home, came and climbed onto my lap and I cuddled them in my arms – God was saying “You’re safe”.

When a group of refugee men came to dinner and I set the table with my best dishes and lit candles – God was saying “You’re special”.

When a child brought me the craft they'd just made and I gave them a hug and hung it on the bulletin board – God was saying “Well done”.

On the wall in my dining room, I have a scripture which says, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations”. God doesn’t need me to speak. I can hold someone’s hand, give them a hug or wipe away their tears. God’s message of Love will come through loud and clear.

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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #32

2011-10-13T00:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Peter is walking on the water. Suddenly he becomes aware of the wind and the waves around him and begins to sink. And then a hand reached out.

A woman named Dorcas lies on her bed. She is dead and the poor she has helped are grieving. And then a hand reached out.

His whole life had been spent in darkness. Never able to see the sun or the faces of those he loved. And then a hand reached out.

My teammate Tasha shared a couple of stories recently. Last Saturday a teammate, Brett, and I sat with an Afghan woman and her husband in our office at the refugee center. As we were talking she lifted up her pant leg and showed me the entry and exit wound of a bullet hole. Her husband then had Brett feel a bullet hole in his leg. While the woman told us their story, the husband cried. One night the Taliban came in and shot her and then shot her husband twice. They fled to Iran where they made a decent living for themselves. Their lives were threatened once again by extremist in Iran so they took their children and headed west. The boat that was taking them went down in the sea and they lost everything. Luckily for them another boat was near and pulled them out of the water or they would have lost their lives too. They were sent to Athens by the police. They are living on the streets, only have the clothes they are wearing, and do not have food. And then a hand reached out. We gave them some tickets to come to our Tuesday feeding, and for the first time I saw the woman smile. They said thank you numerous times, and I saw a glimpse of hope. Somebody loves them.

This Saturday the refugee center was overrun with new refugee families. Every room was overflowing with people. Throughout the day I had ventured in and out of the office, each time noticing a couple of women sitting on chairs waiting for something. After a couple hours I went up to them and asked what they were doing. The older woman started crying saying she really needed help. I took her in the office so we could talk. She told me her son came to Greece four years ago trying to make a way for the family to come for a better life. She lost contact with him sixteen months ago and assumed he was dead. Two months ago she got a call from him. All he could say was he had been in prison for fourteen months and needed help. She sold things to get money, arranged for a smuggler, and arrived in Greece one week ago. She said, “I just got here. I don’t know the language, the city, or what to do next. All I want is to find my son. Everyone I talked to told me to come to you. Can you help me?” And then a hand reached out. A Greek team mate of mine contacted a friend who is now looking for her son. She thanked us through her tears and hope was born.

It WAS a very chaotic day at the ARC on Saturday. We had over 50 kids in the children's room and the main room was packed. At one point during the day I walked through the big room on my way to get more chairs. There were people everywhere. It was noisy and it seemed impossible that anyone could even have a conversation in the midst of it. Then I saw it. There in the corner Kent sat with two young Afghan men. They were sitting close together with their heads bowed praying. One of the men had come in wanting to find someone who could tell him more about Jesus. And then a hand reached out.

More and more we are seeing people come into the ARC overwhelmed by their circumstances. They are feeling hopeless and alone. And then a hand reached out.... to hold a baby, offer a cup of tea, give a hug, offer clothes, or soothe a fevered brow. And then a hand reached out..... to give a Bible, say a prayer or lead someone to Jesus. We are called Helping Hands for a reason. Here on earth we are to be the hands of Jesus reaching out to show his love to the nations. Look around - does Jesus want to use YOUR hands to reach out to someone? Who will He touch through you? Thank you for being a part of this team and for allowing us to be here reaching out. 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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #31

2011-10-06T00:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

COLOR. Color is a big part of our lives. It can create an atmosphere that is soothing or exciting. It can cheer us up or darken our mood. Women "have their colors done" in other words determine which colors look best on them. We add red peppers to our vegetable dip to "give it a touch of color". You can often tell a person's personality by what colors they like. My mother-in-law was very quiet and feminine and she loved pastels, whereas I .... well you wouldn't be surprised to know that I love bright, some might even say "loud", colors!

I recently saw the story of Noah in a different light. Noah was in a sense a refugee. His world was destroyed by the flood and only he and his family were left. When God wanted to reassure Noah of His love and faithfulness, he created the rainbow - the full spectrum of color. Color is something that plays a big part in the children's program where I am currently spending most of my time. Recently we had a short term team repaint the children's room. Once the background color was done two of my talented teammates painted the walls with colorful animals and an amazing tree. As you walk past the kids room the bright colors invite you in. Welcome.

As the kids arrive on Saturday we greet them with "Salam, Nakashee?" Hello, color? It they want one we give them a fun coloring sheet - the girls especially like Disney princesses while the boys are partial to Spider Man. For the kids that come regularly this is routine, but we recently had two new families come in. The first family had two or maybe three little girls. When we asked "Nakashee?" they nodded eagerly. One of the little girls was so happy when she saw the big box of crayons she could hardly contain herself. She would color a minute and then wriggle in her seat with excitement as she selected a new color. The other family also had two girls. They came in a bit later but the older girl was especially excited to color a picture. She was only about half done when her mother came in to tell her they needed to go. She protested but her mother was insistent. She then tried to take some color crayons with her but we had to tell her "No, these need to stay here." The tears rolled down her face as her mother led her from the room. Once she was outside where the other kids couldn't see I called her back. I reached into the cupboard and pulled out a small pack of 8 crayons that we keep for just such occasions. As I handed them to her, her face lit up with a big smile and she clapped her hands before happily leaving with her mother. Joy.

We have a newer boy of about 10 years of age that has been coming. He is autistic and at first he was very disruptive. We discovered however that he loves to color. Now he will come in with the other kids and sit attentively through the Bible story. He enjoys doing the craft but he really loves it when he gets finished and receives the coloring page. He will sit happily coloring until his mom comes to get him. Today when she came in he pointed out his craft hanging on the board so she could see what a good job he had done. Peace.

The kids are always proud to hang their pictures and craft projects on the board since they don't have a place to keep them at home. As they bring them for us to hang we have the opportunity to praise them for doing a good job and give them a hug. Love.

I always color with the kids because it give me a chance to interact with them without much language. I am learning my colors in Farsi - Abi or blue is an easy one. However the word for red is Kharmez - which start with the letter I like to call "flem". The trick is to get enough of a flemmy sound so that you are not saying a normal "K" sound but not so much that you sound like you are hacking up a hairball! The kids get a good laugh out of my efforts which is all that really matters. Fun.

Often when we are coloring the moms will come in to sit with their kids. At first they will suggest colors to their child, soon they will be "helping" and often they will finish the picture themselves. I offer them a picture but they are shy about accepting one for themselves and would rather "help" their kids. In a life that is often dark, drab and devoid of color, they enjoy a chance to do something artistic. Beauty.

Another way we bring color into the kids lives are with the crafts we make each week. Last week we made lanterns out of brightly colored construction paper and crepe paper strips. The kids really liked it and were excited when Wendy, our children's coordinator hung them on a string along the ceiling. Of course their favorite part was when she lost hold of the string at one point and they all came sliding down! Whenever we do a craft I am always amazed at how the kids put their own individual stamp on it. Some of the kids want their's to look like the example and get frustrated if they can't duplicate it exactly. Others love to add extra decorations or even turn the craft into something else. One little boy wanted to put a bottom on his lantern so he could use it like a basket. Creativity.

I am so glad that God made a world full of color and beauty and I hope that as we bring a little of that color into these kids lives that they will feel God's love for them. The next time you see a rainbow or a box of crayons think about how blessed you are say a prayer for those who are less fortunate. Thanks to all of you who make it possible for us to have the materials to work with these kids and for being a part of our greater team. 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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #30

2011-09-29T01:11:00.001-07:00

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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #29

2011-09-15T04:28:00.001-07:00

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 :)

Morley Update 2011 #28

2011-08-31T22:32:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Time marches on. Saturday was a busy day at the ARC. I have become a bit of a fixture in the kids room but I enjoy it. Our craft that day was making little kites - not ones that flew just a 1/4 sheet of construction paper that they decorated and added a ribbon tail. They have the option of taking them with them or hanging them on the bulletin boards in the room. Most kids want to hang theirs. They don't really have a place at home (if they have a home) to keep things like this. It always amazes me how creative these kids are and how even though they are all making the same thing they come out so different.

After we closed the kids room I went into the big room to sit down for the 1/2 hour until we closed. I wasn't feeling very chatty (I know that is a shock to most of you!) and I didn't see any of the women I know that speak English so I just sat down at a table by myself. Tasha was visiting in Farsi with three newer women and she said "Do you want to join us? I can translate". Frankly I thought "not really, but okay" and went over to sit down with them. I went through the usual Farsi phrases that I know "Es me chiay" what is your name etc. By that time we were getting ready to close and they announced in Farsi about the Seekers class we have after tea house that Kent and I are a part of. The women asked Tasha "Is it for women too?" Tasha said "Yes" (no women have been coming except me). They said to Tasha "Are you going?" Tasha said "No but Myrna is?" They said to me "Are you going?" I said "Yes, I will take you". So these three women joined us for our class. I believe God arranged for me to sit down with them and meet them just for this purpose.

We were looking forward on Monday to some dear friends from Oregon (Oskar and Ruth Anne Bucher) joining us for a couple of weeks. Saturday night we found out they had changed their tickets because of hurricane Irene. There was no way they could fly through New Jersey as planned so they would not be coming until Wednesday. I was SO disappointed. Kent and I have both been looking forward to them coming to see and help in the work and also to take a week of vacation and spend some time traveling around Greece with them. Since we had an unexpected free weekend we got some things done around the house and also took time to do a little garbage picking since we are helping some new team mates furnish their new apartment. That day we were able to take them a bookcase with built in desk, a new ceiling fan, a small table and some other shelving. We had already helped them haul home a side board as well bring a whole carload of things from Ikea.

Tuesday Kent preached at the Farsi Outreach. I stayed out in the main room to hear him preach instead of working in the kids room that day. He had picture of a gate with a big chain and a single wilting rose stuck in the chain. He talked about the Gate representing being able to move on to a better life. The rose is how many of the refugees feel - like they are withering away as they wait for the gate to open. But the gate is not the only thing holding the rose - there is also the chain. Kent talked about the chain being fear. Fear of not being good enough to please God and earn my way to heaven and fear of what other religious people will think. Two very real fears that Islam has no answer for. We can't be good enough to please God and we can't earn our way to heaven - but fortunately we don't have to. Jesus was good enough and Jesus paid our way. The fear of what other religious people will think is something that will not go away but the Bible says (my paraphrase) Don't fear men - all they can do is kill you - God is the one who decides where you will spend eternity. Afterwards during the meal Kent said that one of the men came up to him and said he would like to talk with him more some time and asked what days Kent would be there.

After the meal on Tuesday I noticed there were quite a few kids who had wandered back in the kids room so I decided to go in and sit down with them. I had fun coloring with some of the older girls and then one of "Zs" little twin girls who are three came in. She said "Mooona" (my name as she can't say her "r" sound). I said "Nakashee" Color? she said yes so I gave her a sheet she wanted me to help so we started coloring together. She was jabbering on in Farsi and I was say "Uh huh" and "Yes" occasionally.
Pretty soon she said something else in Farsi and I wasn't really paying attention she stopped coloring and looked up at me and said in English "Yes, yes?" I said "yes" she went back to coloring and chattering in Farsi.

We were all feeling a little sad on Tuesday - we found out that one of our closest women friends Z #1 had left and was in Sweden with her two girls. She had gone ahead to try and get asylum and bring her husband and young son later. We knew she had been talking of going but this was very abrupt (it almost always is) and we were all reeling a bit in surprise. This is one of the parts of this ministry that is SO difficult. You pour yourself into someone and come to love them so much and then they are gone. Pray for this family. Pray that they will be able to be together again soon. And pray that God will bring other Christians into their lives. Z #1 is one of the women who was regularly studying the bible and was moving closer to acceptance. Also pray for us as we miss our friend - it is always a bit of a temptation to draw back and not become too close to someone new because of the fear of the pain of losing them too.

On Wednesday we took a vacation day instead of going to a team building day so we could pick up Oskar and Ruth Anne from the airport. We brought them home and had some muffins and fruit on the front balcony. Ruth Anne slathered on some sunscreen and we drove downtown where we saw the changing of the guard at the Parliament building. Then we climbed Philapappou hill next to the Acropolis. You get some great views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens from the top. It was quite hot so we didn't stay long at the top but hiked back down and stopped at the first available little store to buy bottles of water. We got home about 4:00 and Ruth Anne and Oskar took a short nap and then unpacked and got settled in while I fixed dinner. We had a traditional Greek Taverna meal - kabob, souvlaki, tsatsiki, Xoriatiko psomi, and Xoriatiki Salada. (ground meat molded and grilled on a skewer, chunks of turkey breast, red pepper and onion grilled on a skewer, village bread, yogurt-cucumber- garlic sauce, and Greek salad with feta cheese. We visited over dinner until after 8:00 and then after visiting a bit more and cleaning up Oskar and Ruth Anne were ready for bed by about 9:15. They seemed to have slept well and just got up a bit ago - it is 8am. We will take another vacation day today and show them around a bit - going to the Laiki and driving down the coast. I am attaching a picture of us on top of Philapappou. I may not get a letter out next week as we will be traveling about Greece but know that you are always close to our hearts. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #27

2011-08-25T00:33:00.000-07:00

Everybody,

Language is something that is always an issue for us in this ministry. Whether it's our on going struggle to learn Greek - as Kent and I are doing or trying to learn Farsi as are some of our team mates- it's never far from our minds. It may be a small frustration such as not being able to understand the announcements at church because the translator isn't in place yet - or the much bigger frustration of wanting to share your faith or have more than a surface level conversation with someone. For those on the team who are blessed with language there is the burden of always being the one who has to translate the "hard" subjects or just being constantly interrupted by people during the day who need something, or have a complaint or want you to translate a paper or .......

We have been blessed to add two Dari/Farsi speakers to our team recently as well as some Greeks. Donna and Aziz are here for a few weeks getting settled in their apartment before heading back to the states to finish getting their visa and planning to join us full time at the end of September. Aziz is Afghan and Donna is American but speaks Dari. I was in the children's room on Tuesday and it was Donna's first time telling the story. She did an excellent job with lots of expression and the kids were very focused. In fact when one child started to talk in the middle of the story, the others shushed him. We were blessed this week to have another Darhi speaker visiting as well. She was also in the kids room and between she and Donna, they were able to field some questions from the kids after the Bible Story. We had about 40 kids so the room was pretty full. As we were settling them into chairs suddenly a fight broke out between two of the boys who are about 10 years old. It took several of us to pull them apart as they were trying to punch and kick each other. We separated them and were so thankful that Cindy (the visitor) and Donna (the new team member) could speak to each of them in their own language and calm them down. They are both nice boys and not ones to fight but "N" has had a few more issues lately. His mother has taken his two sisters and gone ahead to Germany where she is hoping to get settled and then send for the father and the two boys. "N" and his brother were there that day without their father and I am sure that they are not getting much supervision these days as their father tries to work and take care of them. The other boy is one of my favorites and we often tease back and forth with his little English and my little Farsi. He was crying and very upset over the whole incident. After Donna talked to him and got him settled at a table with his craft I went over and gave him a hug and kiss. Later in the day he came up to me just to smile and show me he was okay. My heart goes out to these kids who live in such stressful circumstances. There is such instability in their lives. Some of the older ones have asked some good questions about Jesus and my hope and prayer is that He can become the one constant in their lives.

After lunch as I sat playing with one of the toddlers, one of the older girls came over and tapped me on the shoulder. She motioned for me to come and said "mother". Her mom is the woman I have been trying to have conversations with the last few weeks but we have about run the full gamut of her English and my Farsi. As I sat trying to talk with her and another woman, I noticed Cindy sitting off to the side. I pointed her out to my friend and said that she spoke Dari. A little later Cindy came over so I asked her to sit down. I had her ask "N" some questions about where she was living and practical matters and then I led the conversation to spiritual things by asking if "N" was fasting because she was praying or only because she was supposed to as
a Muslim. She answered through Cindy that you had to do certain things like fast once a year and wear the head covering because it says it in the Koran. I asked her if God would not love her unless she did these things. She said "no He won't love me because it is sin". I talked about the difference of doing things from love or from fear and then Cindy launched out on her own. They talked for some time. At one point "N" said to Cindy "Translate for Myrna" but I could get the gist of what they were saying and said to just go ahead. Kent and I have said before that this is something we like to do and part of what we feel our role is here. We get to know someone and take it as far as our limited language will allow and then introduce our friend to someone who can speak freely with them. At the end of the
conversation the women told Cindy that they both had the Ingil (the gospels) at home and would try reading it. Hopefully I can have someone else who speaks their language help me to talk more with them and answer any questions they might have.

Michales and Ritsa who are helping Kent and I with our Greek and Kiki our secretary have added a new dimension to the team because of THEIR language skills. We need Greek speakers to deal with our suppliers (food, paper goods etc.), the government and just the everyday activities of running a center for refugees in Athens. It is also necessary for keeping the lines of communication open with the Greek churches and local volunteers. Recently at the baptism of 4 men everything was translated back and forth into Farsi, English and Greek so that everyone attending could understand. Michales and Ritsa are also a great help with the kids because many of them are in Greek school and can speak Greek now so they can translate for their parents. Please continue to pray for Michales and Ritsa's support. With all the economic woes in Greece it is hard to get people to commit to monthly support especially since this is a new concept for many Greeks. They are generous with one time gifts but haven't always grasped the need for consistent support. Pray that God will raise up the right people to be a part of their financial team.

Our friend and team mate Nader, who for a long time had carried the load of being the only fluent Farsi speaker on the team is in need of prayer. His wife Ella is away in the Philippians and will not be back until December. She went to help with her adult children but things have not been going well. Her son has had medical problems and her daughter who has a small child is having her own difficulties. Ella as a mom wants to make everything all right but that is not always possible. Nader, beside having his work here has had the added pressure of trying to be a support and help long distance and also the financial pressure of medical bills etc. Added that has been his involvement in trying to help a friend's daughter who is going through a crisis here and Nader is feeling pretty burnt out. Please hold him, Ella and her children up in your prayers.

Continue to pray for us as we work on our Greek and on our team mates who are studying Greek or Farsi. Also pray that we will find ways to communicate that go beyond language. Pray for those on our team that DO have language skills that God would give them an extra measure of Grace and Patience as they carry a bigger load at times. Pray that our refugee friends will see God's love through us and that even with our limited voices HIS Voice would be heard. Thank you SO much for continuing to support us with your prayers, finances and notes of encouragement. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #26

2011-08-18T00:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

The weeks keep speeding by. I can't believe it is Thursday again already. Last week as you may remember we had a different schedule due to the fact that most of our team was in Switzerland at an IT conference. On Friday Kent met with our new Team Mate, Aziz and a refugee man, "A" that Kent wanted to interview in order to write down his story. They spent a couple of hours at it but have quite a bit to do yet. After they finished Kent took "A" and another friend "S" to the sea. It is a beautiful drive down the coast to a little church that sits out on a point overlooking the sea. There is a beach covered with small rocks of marble in many colors. The water is shallow for quite a ways so it is a good place to take new swimmers. Neither of the men knew how to swim but had a great time splashing around in the cool water on a hot day. That evening Kent brought them back to our house for dinner and Donna and Aziz joined us. We sat and visited in a mix of Farsi and English and the men really enjoyed the food and the time to relax. "S" is a Christian and lives at Doctors of the World, a local charity. "A" is sleeping in the park. He is a journalist whose life is threatened by his anti-Islamic writings. He has not seen his wife or small son in two years.

We took the day off on Saturday. We picked up a former intern "Ants" and his wife at the airport and brought them to our house for lunch before dropping them off at the Sirinidis home. The rest of the day we just relaxed - Kent has been fighting a nasty cough although he doesn't seem to have any other symptoms. Both Brett and Nader have had the same thing so we know it is just a bug. Sunday since our church would be pretty empty due to the Greek holiday we decided to stay home and take another rest day. We went out for a bit and snorkeled at a local beach but the rest of the day we just lounged around and read.. Monday, our day off we played two man aggravation (Kennedy rules- I won 3 out of 5 games) and once again I just lounged around while Kent took his bike up the mountain a ways and went for a short hike. It seemed like we had been running on fumes lately and it was good to have a few days of "doing nothing".

Tuesday I awoke to the unmistakable symptoms of a urinary tract infection. I keep antibiotics on hand so started them and went in to work. I was in charge of the kids room that day and felt I needed to be there. I was pretty miserable but luckily during the month of Ramadan we are having our gospel presentation first and then the meal so we did the kids room at the beginning of the day instead of the end. Once I finished there I headed home since I knew Kent would be there late due to a meeting after the outreach. Since it is a holiday week I waited an hour for the bus and was exhausted by the time I got home. I laid around and took a nap. The next day was team meeting day and then a team fellowship in the evening at our house. I woke up feeling a bit better but knew I would have a limited amount of energy that day so I opted to stay home and get ready for the team fellowship so I could rest a bit in the afternoon again. As usual there were close to 30 of us for dinner and we had a good time worshiping together and then dividing into groups of three to share and pray for each other. These fellowship times are very sweet and we are so thankful for the wonderful group of people with whom we serve.

I don't have a lot of other news and as I read over this the words "nap" and "lounge" seem rather prominent but I guess that's okay. The weather has continued to be fairly hot - in the high 80s to mid 90s but the last couple of days it has been very windy. I can't keep my side window open or it creates such a cross breeze that it blows the papers off the desk and the flowers off the top of my entertainment center. I hope this update finds you and yours well. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #25

2011-08-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

In our Saturday class a week ago we were talking about the story of the Samaritan Woman in John 4. Jesus tells her He can give her living water that will quench her thirst forever. Then He reveals to her that He knows her deepest secrets. What is her first response? Let's have a discussion on where we should worship. Many times we see this with our Muslim friends. They would rather debate whether a woman should wear a scarf, which way you should face to pray and and whether you should eat pork than talk about themselves and their personal relationship with God. Hmmmmm does this sound familiar to anyone else? God wants to talk to me about being critical or how I use my time and I would rather talk to Him about my friend's problems or worse just talk to my friend and leave God out entirely. When God reveals our true self it is often uncomfortable so we shy away. The Samaritan Woman tried to change the subject but Jesus brought her back to the truth "I who speak to you am He" (the Messiah). At that point forgetting her pride she ran to tell the others about Jesus and this sinful woman became an evangelist. God wants to transform us whether we are a Muslim needing to find Jesus or a Christian still struggling with areas of sin in our life. The first step is agreeing with God that there is a problem. Then like the woman who left her water jug behind and went to tell the others, we need to be willing to leave the sin behind and maybe even share with someone else what God is doing in our life. Notice that the woman wasn't sure of things when she went to tell the others. "Could this be the Messiah?" The people asked Jesus to stay with them and together they sat under his teaching. At the end of that time they said "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world". Do you have a group of friends that are learning and growing together? Pray for this group of men who meet together on Saturdays. As we read the book of John together and answer their questions, pray that they will say "Now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world".

We are in the midst of Ramadan a time when Muslims fast from all food and drink, even water, from sun up to sun down. The purpose of this is supposed to be a time to seek God and many do. Pray for those who are sincerely praying and seeking. For many Muslims however the letter of the law is the important thing, not the spirit. The problem with legalism is there is always a loophole. Many Muslims will just change Day for Night. They will sleep all day and then rise at Sun Down to begin feasting and engaging in their normal activities. In many Muslim countries the shops are closed all day and open all night. Instead of depriving themselves of food as a reminder to seek God many Muslims gain weight during Ramadan due to the feasting. We like rules and legalism because then we know exactly where the line is and we often walk as close to it as possible. Legalism also give us a handy measuring stick to judge our brothers and make ourselves feel righteous. But when we follow the spirit of the law as Jesus points our in Matthew 5 it is much more demanding. I can no longer say "I gave my 10% to God, now the rest is mine" but we must be aware that everything we have is His. We can no longer pat ourselves on the back for "observing the Sabbath" (which to many of us means giving God 2 hours on Sunday morning) but we must think about how we are using our time every day. When we are under Grace we have freedom and yet we are constrained by love for God and for our neighbor. May we all walk in the spirit as we seek to follow Him.

Most of our team is in Switzerland for an International Teams conference. Kent and I decided not to g,o primarily because of the cost. Since we were on furlough at the beginning of the year our traveling money was somewhat depleted. Since the ARC is closed this week we had the option of finding work to do or using up vacation days. On Tuesday we went and served with a sister ministry here in Greece, the Oasis. Many of the same people we see at Helping Hands came to attend an English class and receive a meal and small bag of groceries. Any that wanted to stay could then hear a gospel message. As I greeted people, it was an encouragement to see how happy they were to see me somewhere other than the ARC. I got many warm hugs and kisses from women and kids alike. Yesterday we took a vacation day and finished a project we were working on for a friend. Today we are going to spend the bulk of the day studying our Greek and tomorrow Kent will take some refugee friends to the beach and then bring them home here for dinner.

I realize as I read back over this that the first part may seem a bit "preachy" but these are things that I have been wrestling with in my own life and I hope they can be an encouragement to you. We love you all and think of you often.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #24

2011-08-04T00:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

We had a nice day yesterday - instead of an outreach the team had the day to do something on their own with refugee friends. This is special because often with our busy schedule we see masses of people but it is hard to fit in time with individuals. Dr. Joseph has not been able to attend church with us the last month so although we have talked with him on the phone we had not seen him in some time. Yesterday Kent had a morning meeting about the seekers bible study and then he picked up Dr. Joseph and brought him to the house. We headed to the beach and took him snorkeling at a new place we have found that is only about 10 minutes from the house. We snorkeled for an hour but the sea began to get rough and since Dr. Joseph is not a strong swimmer we got out to sit on the beach. Suddenly a thunder shower moved in and we ran to the car. We came back to our house, rinsed off the salt and sat down for a late lunch. I made Dr. Joseph's favorite - chicken with Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce. When Kent went to take him home, Dr. Joseph said, "I feel so relaxed and refreshed. Thank you so much." I love doing this for people who's lives are often so filled with stress.

Tuesday I spent quite a while talking with a lady ("N") that I met last Saturday. She speaks a LITTLE English so we were able to establish on Saturday that she
has a daughter and granddaughter in Holland and several children here. Like everyone else they want to move on. Tuesday she came up to sit by me and brought a book with her. It was a little Farsi/English book - very old with no cover. Unfortunately for me it was the phrase in English, then the phonetic sounds in Farsi script and then the word written in Farsi. We had fun looking at the phrases and teaching each other how to say them. Saturday when she was in her lower lip was swollen and cracked. I carry antibiotic ointment in my purse all the time because I am always seeing people with sores, children with infected blisters etc. I squirted some on a piece of foil, wrapped it up and gave it to her, telling her to put some on a few times a day. She was very happy on Tuesday to show me that her mouth was almost completely healed. (Thanks Mom for teaching me about Neosporin!) After we'd been talking a while a man came over to say something to her. He looked pretty rough and when he left I said "Is your husband?" indicating my ring finger. She nodded and then acted out taking drugs. I said "I'm sorry". Many of these women are married to men who are drug addicts and often abusive.

"A", a good friend with five children, told Tasha this week that her husband, who is a heroin addict, was using heavily right now and coming home very abusive. On top of that another woman (who's husband is "A"s husband's cousin) left this week with her two smallest daughters leaving behind her oldest who is about 5 or 6. She left her with her husband who spends his time getting high with "A"s husband so this means that "A" has another child to care for. She said to Tasha - I can barely feed my own children and now I have one more. Kent and I decided to use some of our "special ministry" money that we set aside each month to buy some groceries for her. We hiked up to the super market and bought rice, pasta, lentils, tuna, sugar, oil, salt and tomato sauce. We gave her the groceries telling her that we wish we could change her circumstances but that we loved her and wanted to help in a small way. She was very grateful. Brett told her that if she felt unsafe to call one of us and we would come and get her and the children immediately. We prayed for her and she told us a few days later that her husband had not even been around. Thank you for providing the funds that make it possible for us to do these kinds of things- you are truly acting out Matthew 25:35, 40 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat,......whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."

Tomorrow will be a day of rejoicing in Greece as well as in heaven. Five men who have been meeting regularly for bible study with our team mate Ilir, and who attended the seekers retreat Kent went to recently, are going to be baptized in the sea. Several of these men will be moving on right away so pray that they will meet Christians who can continue to disciple them and that they will be lights going out into other dark corners of the world.

Remember our many Muslim friends this month as they seek God in a special way during Ramadan. If you missed the link last week on how to pray daily here it is again.
http://www.xodigo.com/30days/2011_30Days_uk_version.pdf

Thank you SO much for partnering with us in this 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@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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #23

2011-07-28T01:01:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Oh happy day! On Tuesday morning Dr. Joseph (our Pakistani friend) received the news that he had been granted political asylum in Greece after two years of waiting. This means he can now begin the process of bringing his family to Greece to join him. Thank you all for praying and upholding him during this wait which at times has been almost overwhelming - yet through it all he has maintained his faith in God. Please continue to pray that he will soon be reunited with his wife and children.

At our Tuesday family meal and Farsi Gospel outreach Nader had a chance to talk with an Afghan man and his wife after the message. The man told him that they had first heard the news of Jesus in Turkey but hadn't been ready to make a decision to follow Him at that time. He said after being here for some time and hearing more teaching he and his wife had both made the decision that they wanted to accept Jesus. He asked how they could get into the classes and be baptized. Nader asked the wife if this was also her desire and not just something her husband decided. She said yes. Often when people make a decision for the Lord they are afraid at first for the other refugees to know for fear they will be ostracized or even abused. Nader asked this man whether they were comfortable with other people knowing. The man's answer was "Do you want me to shout it right now?" Praise the Lord for their faith! Please pray for them as they enter the classes and prepare for baptism. We have two other men who are in the classes at this time so we will likely be having a baptism in the next few weeks.

Yesterday we had our prayer day so spent 3 hours in sharing, praying and meditating on Gods word and on a poem by Watchmen Nee. It talks about not wanting recognition or reward but that Jesus is our reward. It is at the bottom of this post if you would like to read it.

After prayer day we had a clothing give away. The tables in the room were filled with clothes as well as some toys and household items. Many refugees came and found needed clothing as well as some fun items. One of the women found a VERY large pair of pants which she and another friend modeled for us. As usual Kent found a baby to play with and his giggles (the baby's not Kent's) could be heard throughout the room. (photo)

As August is approaching our team is looking at ways we can reach out during Ramadan which is for 30 days starting August 1st. This is a time when Muslims feel that the gates of hell are barred and the windows of heaven are open. Many will fast from sun up until sun down everyday as they pray and seek God. Would you commit to joining us in prayer that God WOULD speak to them at this time and for those that are truly seeking they would find the truth. Our team is joining together on Saturday mornings for an hour of prayer from 9-10am during the month of August. Some of us have also committed to 30 minutes of prayer every evening as well. There is a website with material you can use to help you pray. It gives a prayer update every day for the Muslim world during Ramadan. The site is www.arabworldmedia.org. Click on the "The Fast of Ramadan" link to see it.

Thank you so much for joining us in what God is doing in Athens.

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 ;}

By: Watchman Nee

Let me love and not be respected; Let me serve and not be rewarded;
Let me labor and not be remembered; Let me suffer and not be regarded.

‘Tis the pouring, not the drinking; ‘Tis the breaking, not the keeping.
A life suff’ring to seek others blessing. A life loving and true comfort giving.

Not accepting pity and concern. Not accepting, solace and applause;
Even lonely, even forgotten, Even wordless, even forsaken.
Tears and blood, my price for the righteous crown shall be; Losing all, my cost for a faithful pilgrim’s life.

‘Twas the life, O Lord, that You chose to live. In those days when on earth You walked,
Gladly suff’ring all injuries and loss, so that all might draw near and repose.

I cannot see how much farther I shall go; Still I press on knowing there is no return.

Let me follow Your pattern so perfect and true, Bearing ingratitude without complaint.

In this time of trial, O my Lord, I pray that you’d wipe all my hidden tears away;

Let me learn, O Lord, You are my reward, Let me be others’ blessing all my days.

Morley Update 2011 #22

2011-07-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

I can't believe it is time for an update again. It seems like the weeks go by so fast! Our last intern left EARLY yesterday morning. Kent took her to the airport at 2:30am. He made the mistake of having some coffee so he could make the drive. When he got home he could not get back to sleep. Wednesdays are meeting days so he had a leadership meeting from 8:30-9:30, team meeting from 10-12:30, and committee meeting from 1-2. By that time he was pretty droopy. He came home and took a nap before team fellowship in the evening.

The short term team from Canada is still here. They have been a real blessing. Their team leader, Pastor Zia is Iranian and is a great guy who has helped with translation, teaching preaching and yesterday stripping the paint from the children's room in preparation to repaint. Three years ago the short term team from Central Christian painted it but it was definitely showing a LOT of wear and tear. Last night at team fellowship Pastor Zia and his wife Mahri shared their story. He started by saying, "I want to share our story with you because we are the fruit of people like you - so be encouraged that what you are doing is making a difference."

He told of his childhood in a Muslim family. His father decided at 4years of age to put him under the local Mullah to train to be a priest. By the time he was 6 he could recite the Koran and his father often "showed him off" by having him recite for
friends. Soon he became the person who called people to prayer throughout the day. One day as he went to call out, he said he could not speak and he heard an audible voice telling him to come to Him. He did not know who this was but decided he could not longer work at the Mosque. Every day his father beat him and dragged to to the Mosque but when they got to the door he would let him go and he would run back home and go off to school. Finally because things were so bad at his home his mother sent him to live with his uncle where things were not much better.

He loved school and desperately wanted a higher education. One day the Minister of
Education came to his school for a tour. He pushed his way through the crowd, knelt down at her feet and began to polish her shoes. She asked him what he wanted and he told her he wanted an education. She granted him a scholarship to finish school and go on to university. He was happy for the first time and by the time he was 16 he was in university. However, as time went by and he was exposed to many new ideologies such as communism he began to believe that there was no hope and even considered ending his life. On that very day he met a man who was a Christian. This man patiently answered question after question about the difference between Christianity and Islam. One day he said, "Do you have any more questions?" Zia answered "No" The man said, "Then can you think of any reason not to believe in Jesus" Zia said he thought about it and then said, "No". "Then you believe and want to be a Christian?" Zia answered "okay" though he really didn't understand what
that meant. He said the man took him to a church and sprinkled water on him and said "Now you are no longer a Muslim now you are Christian." Because this man did not have the skills or inclination for discipling him, Zia said the only change in his life was that he suddenly felt free to do anything he wanted with no restrictions and he began to live that way.

About that time he met his wife Mahri. He told us that her father was the person who
really modeled Christ for him and taught him what it was to love God and love family.
"Everything I know about loving and serving people I learned from this man. Not from what he said but from how he lived his life." He and Mahri were married finally they had the life he always wanted. They had two young children, a beautiful home, and a staff of servants, everything they could want. The came the regime change in Iran and suddenly their dream life became a nightmare. One day the police came to their home and said they were looking for the man who lived there that was a Christian. Zia's brother was home so he told them he was that man. They put him in prison for 8
months. Then one day they called all his family to the prison saying they were going to release him. Instead he was tortured and executed in front of his family. Even his grave was demolished so they had nowhere even to grieve. The police began to follow them everywhere. One day they seized their house and all their assets. Giving them only a suitcase with some clothes, they sent them out of the country.

They arrived in Turkey with nothing, no home, no money,and no language. But God was
going before them even then. As they were walking down a road an old lady began to shout at them and through sign language they told her they needed a house and food. She took them to her home and they were given a room about 12x12 where they could stay. It was mind boggling that in such short time they had gone from living in a mansion with servants catering to their every need need, to staying in this room with the children sleeping on one old iron bed, Mahri on the other and Zia on the floor. They sometimes went without food for days at a time just to give their children one small meal a day. One day at Christmas time, Zia suggested to Mahri that they go to a church. Even though they could not understand the language, maybe the songs would lift their spirits. Their landlady directed them to a church where there were other refugees, some of them Iranian. They were very happy about this because they were hoping that these people would perhaps translate some of what was being said. The pastor got up before preaching and one of the Iranians told Zia they were asking if someone would translate from Turkish into Farsi. No one volunteered and Zia said he once more heard a voice saying "You go and translate". He thought, "this can't be right! I don't know Turkish." He heard the voice again "You go and translate, I will speak through you". Finally he found himself walking forward and saying "I will translate". The pastor began to preach and the words flowed from Zia's mouth as he perfectly translated from Turkish into Farsi. That night the pastor asked him if he would like to work for the church doing translation and they would pay him a small monthly stipend. Zia agreed. On the way home he wondered if he could also read Turkish so he spent a penny, money they could ill afford to buy a Turkish newspaper. His wife said, "How could you spend this money on a paper you can't even read". Zia picked up the paper and began to read perfectly. To this day he still speaks, reads and writes Turkish! After a time of translating the pastor asked him if he would be willing to start a Farsi fellowship and it was the first of several now in Turkey.

I won't tell the rest of their story and how they came to live in Canada, but God has
shown Himself faithful to them even when times were very hard. Zia said "When we
had everything in Iran, I didn't care about God but He always cared about me and was
drawing me to himself. My father decided when I was four years old that I would be a
priest. Little did he know that his prophecy would be fulfilled." 1 Peter 2:9
reads: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Praise God that he called Zia and Mehri and that they continue to tell what God has done for them. Praise God that He is using us and you, our extended team, to continue to call people into his light. Praise God that He is using people who came to faith in Athens to spread the light even in some very dark corners of the earth. Thank you for partnering with us and with God - 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #21

2011-07-14T00:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

When I was young I got a magazine called Girl's Life. It had a column called "Was My Face Red" which were short stories of embarrassing moments in girls lives. If there was a magazine called "Missionary Life" and it had a column like that I would have an entry. This week we welcomed a wonderful short term team from Canada. It is a large team - one man and 9 sweet, Christian ladies most of whom are middle aged. Because of the size of the team we had not been able to book them in our usual hotel but there was a hotel listed in our older prefield manual that we hadn't used in a few years. Rhoda, the mobilizer for Canada, checked their website and it looked nice. It wasn't in the best neighborhood being only about three blocks from the ARC so Kent and I did a drive by one day after work. It seemed okay so we booked it. The team arrived on Monday at 5:30pm. We picked them up at the airport and drove straight to the ARC to unload the 25 checked bags they brought with them and put away all the donated items. It was hot, and we were all exhausted by the time we finished at almost 8:30pm. I asked if they wanted to get something to eat or just go to the hotel and they said just go to the hotel. We drove the cars over with all the luggage and unloaded them on the sidewalk. The majority of the group was walking over with a team mate but they got a bit lost so we stood there a while waiting. I said to Kent "This neighborhood looks a bit more sketchy at night than during the day." I spoke to the team leader's wife and told her not to have the women go out alone in the evening. Finally the group walking found us and we took them into the hotel. Their reservations were confirmed and things looked nice enough so we left them. The next morning they came to the ARC early so I could do their orientation. We went through about an hour of information and as we were finishing, I said "How was the hotel? Did you sleep alright? Were the beds hard?" There were a few glances, snickers and remarks like "Instead of telling us not to go out alone she should have said 'Don't stand on a corner, keep moving'". Then pastor Zia said, "Well we were going to wait until later to tell you this, but the hotel where we are staying seems to be a "working girl" hotel. Apparently there has been a change of ownership since we used to book teams there and I had booked these lovely Christian ladies in a hotel for prostitutes! I called Kenn my team mate who is co-hosting this team and he said "How bad was it?" My answer was "Whips were mentioned". Scott McCracken and I went out immediately and found them another hotel and as soon as work was over we got them moved. Fortunately they are being very good sports about it and see it as an "adventure" to tell about when they go home. Of course the Helping Hands team here will continue to tease me forever and some have even taken to calling me "Madam Myrna!" I think my dreams of being a respected travel agent are over!

Kent left yesterday for an overnight men's retreat. Before we came here I think I could count on one hand the times in our 35 years of marriage (at that time) that we had been apart for even a night. In the last three years I've used up the other hand and started on my toes. I have to admit, I don't like being alone at night. In fact if truth be told I am afraid of the dark and must sleep with a light on when Kent is gone. Kent knows my fears so when he kissed me goodbye he said "Don't let the boogeyman in" and then, being Kent, he added "and don't let any men boogie in"! I love this guy! We have had quite a few men who are seekers or new believers coming to our Saturday class. We had been thinking it would be nice to get them away for an overnight retreat. We decided this would be a good time since the short term team leader is a pastor who is a former refugee from Iran so of course speaks fluent Farsi and is a great guy. Their team donated enough money to fund a retreat so Kent, Scott, Shep and Pastor Zia took 16 refugee men for an overnight stay at a Christian sports facility in our area. They will have three teaching sessions as well as time to play and just get to know one another better.

While the men were gone the women took some refugee women and kids to the beach for a day. These are always special days because it is so nice for them to get out of the city. Because I had spent Monday (our day off) helping Kent shop for food for the Men's retreat and then picking up the team at the airport and unpacking all the bags that was a long busy day. Then because I had to be in early for orientations on Tuesday, stayed after to help the ladies debone and take the skin off a big batch of chicken for sandwiches the next day and then get them moved to their new hotel, it was another long day. I got up early Wednesday and spent an hour and a half shredding the chicken for the sandwiches. After I realized how long it was going to take I sat on my couch with my big metal bowl on my lap and did it there. I then mixed up a big batch of tsatsiki and mixed it with the shredded chicken. Since it was my huge metal bowl full it took lots of adding more salt, more vinegar, some dill etc until it tasted right. Christy and Tasha came over and with Lauren (the intern staying here right now) we formed an assembly line. I took a piece of Arabic flat bread and spread the chicken mixture down it. The Tasha and Christy added cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. These were then passed off to Lauren who rolled them up like a burrito and wrapped them in foil. We did 53 sandwiches and packed them in coolers. By then I realized that my head was aching and I had overdone it the last few days. I sent the girls off to the beach knowing there was plenty of help with the short term team of 9 women plus our staff and I sat down on my couch which smelled vaguely like chicken and fell asleep. I woke up two hours later.

The heat has finally set in here in Greece and makes everything more of an effort. Pray for our refugee friends who live in the parks and don't have ready access to fresh water for drinking or bathing. During the hot weather many Greeks leave the city to go to the islands until September. As I have said before many refugees will try to make their way to other countries hoping to be invisible in the crush of tourists and Greeks traveling at this time. Pray for their safety and pray for us that we use the time we have with them to share the hope that we have in Jesus. For many there is little hope in any other form as they desperately seek a place of peace and safety and a better life for themselves and their families.
Thank you for caring, thank you for sharing and thank you for praying. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #20

2011-07-07T01:01:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

Hello and Goodbye. Two words that aptly describe our ministry. Here are some recent ones:

Five and a half weeks ago we welcomed into our home an intern from Moody Bible Institute named Emily Mueller. She was a joy to have and quickly stepped into ministry. She was willing to lend a hand wherever needed and always had a cheerful attitude. On her personal ministry day she started an English class for some of the young women. It evolved into two English classes, one with the young women taught by Emily and another intern Lauren and a second class for the younger brothers and sisters who tagged along taught by Heather. Tuesday was Emily's last day at the ARC and she had to say goodbye to these girls who have grown to love her. Wednesday the team got to say goodbye to Emily at a team fellowship and this morning at 3am I hugged her goodbye as she left to go to the airport for her flight home.

A few weeks ago I saw a new young woman who smiled at me so I said "salaam" which is the Farsi "hello". She replied "hello" in English. I sat down to talk with her and though her English is limited we became fast friends. Her name is "T" and she is here with her parents and two sisters and a brother. Another brother is in another country and one brother is missing and they don't know if he is alive. He worked for the Americans in Afghanistan and that is why they had to flee. Tuesday I sat down to talk with "T" and she said "I don't know how to tell you - my heart is very "hot"." I questioned her and what she meant is her heart was heavy. She misses her home - they are living in the park here, she misses her friends and her school. We had been talking about Jesus and I told her that Jesus loves her and that He is with her even in the hard times. She said she has been reading a Farsi Bible at home and wants to learn more. She said "You are like my mother - I like you...no I LOVE you". I asked if she would be in on Saturday so we could talk more. She said she didn't know as they are trying to leave and get to another country so we shall see - maybe this is another "goodbye" for me.

Kent's friend "O" left and Kent has not heard from him again - goodbye. Our friend "G" who we told goodbye in December fully expecting to see him when we returned has not shown up yet and we have no way to reach him. Kent's friend "H" who became a Christian here left late last year to go back to Kurdistan another goodbye. However, "H" calls occasionally and he is now in regular contact with a friend or ours who is a missionary in Kurdistan. Recently Kent received a note on Face book from a refugee friend from Sudan who we had in our home on a couple of occasions but who we said goodbye to over a year ago - hello again.

Our team mate Nader had the wonderful experience this week of saying hello to his brother from Iran who he has not seen in 16 years. His brother and uncle will be visiting until the 23rd of July. Nader wants to share with them about Jesus - pray that they will be open.

A few weeks ago I mentioned "N" and her family in my letter (update #15). She and her husband and their four children 2 boys and 2 girls lived in the park for some time and then were living in a building with no electricity and little water. They had tried to leave but after quite a traumatic experience had returned. About a week ago "N" took the two girls and tried again. They made it to I believe Germany and are in a camp waiting for their papers to process. Unlike the camps in Greece they have a little home there and receive food and care. Her husband hopes to join her with the two boys if she is granted asylum. We see many family that have to separate in order to get out of the country and it is sometimes many months or years before they are reunited. A big goodbye.

I wrote of a young man "H" who is a new believer and was feeling pretty hopeless about his chances for a better life. He had a blow this week when he learned of his father's death in Iran. "H' did not get to say goodbye and his grief is overwhelming him at the moment. Please pray for him, for peace, for comfort and for trust in his relationship with Jesus.

We know many people who plan to try to leave in the next couple of months. If they make it there will be some hard goodbyes. If they don't make it there will be some sad hellos because although we are don't want to lose our friends we know that there is not much chance of a good life for them here. The constant ebb and flow of people through our lives is sometimes difficult but God is using this flow to spread his kingdom as people come to faith in Greece and then take that faith with them when they leave. Thank you for partnering with us in so many ways in this ministry. There have been many hellos and goodbyes between us as well. I was looking at pictures of my kids and grandkids this morning and feeling a bit homesick. We miss you and think of you often.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #19

2011-06-30T04:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Giving. I've been thinking about this quite a bit lately. There was a spirited exchange recently on Facebook over giving a homeless man in McDonalds a dollar. Several people felt you should always give, several felt you can't give to everyone so it was all right to choose to give somewhere else. Then people started sharing ways that they give - donating their old sleeping bags to the homeless etc. And I thought about the verses I recently read again. Luke 21:1-4 "And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.'" I was thinking about how Kent and I have a "special fund" - some money we set aside from our income each month to use for special needs for refugees that are outside of what we normally do. Some of the things we have used it for was to buy a refigerator for a single refugee mom with 4 children and to help pay the electricity for another refugee family so they would not have their heat turned off. We bought a small cookstove for another friend and paid for some medicine for another. I'm glad we are able to do these things. We picked the amount to put into the fund by cutting a bit here and a bit there. It might mean we don't eat out too often or buy some of the little extras but it is definitely out of our surplus. We live in a nice home, pay our bills on time and have plenty to eat. In contrast I watch how the refugees share with one another. Mothers who have very little for their own children will divide the bread they have and give to the other children around them. "E" a lady who has been here a long time and would be considered more your typical "bag lady" comes in and she almost always reaches into her bag to give small bits of food and even sometimes a few coins to families with small children. People who have walked across the street to get the free meal handed out in the park share with others who didn't go down. If I am sitting nearby they always offer to share with me as well before they start eating. I am humbled in the face of such sacrificial giving. I pat myself on the back because I got new shoes so I donated my old ones. It never occurs to me to wear my old shoes and buy a pair of new ones to donate. I think this will always be a tension in my life, especially when I am faced daily with those in need, while I have been given much. Pray that we will be sensitive to God's leading in when and how to give. Thank you to those of you who give to us in order that we can in turn give to others.

Many people have been seeing on the news lately pictures of the rioting in the center of Athens. It has been pretty bad the last couple of days because the government is signing into effect the next austerity measures so that Greece can get the next installment of money to stay solvent. People are angry over losing jobs and taking cuts. Many people who have been supporting the work here are now finding themselves in deep financial trouble some even going bankrupt. Most of the people protesting just want to be heard but there is a violent element that seizes this opportunity to riot. Yesterday Kent was riding the motor bike in to a leadership meeting. He had our team mate Christy on behind. They got caught in traffic and suddenly were in the middle of a protest that turned into people shouting and throwing things at the police. The police retailiated by setting off the tear gas cannon just accross the street from where Kent and Christy were. Christy had her wind visor down but Kent had his up and just had his sunglasses on. They got hit by the gas and Kent just had to stop in the middle of traffic for a minute until he could open one eye enough to steer to the side of the road and wash his eyes out. In retrospect they should have know better than to ride through that part of town on a day when there were protests but hindsight is always better than forsight and definitely better than sight with tear gas in your eyes! For the most part we are not affected too much by the riots since we usually know ahead of time when and where protests will be held and can avoid those areas. The transportation strikes are more of an issue. There was a two day bus strike which meant that we had to cancel a beach day we had planned for refugees because we had no way to get them to the beach. After today things should settle down because the voting will be over until the next installment of the loan is due. Please pray for your Greek brothers and sisters as the problems are far from over. Also pray for refugees. As the economic situation worsens there is an increasing racial tension sometimes spilling over into violence against refugees. There are no easy answers for the problems facing this country and for the many refugees who have come here thinking they will find safety and a better life.

We continue to minister to a full crowd at the ARC. We have a waiting list of over 60 names to get tickets for one of our Tuesday meals. In August many refugees will try to leave hoping to be unnoticed among the crowds of tourists and Greeks going on holiday. That usually translates into smaller numbers at the ARC but new people seem to be coming in as fast as people leave. Our Saturday Bible class after tea house has grown. We started the first week with 5 men and Scott, Nader, Kent and I. This week there were 20 men and 1 woman as well as the four of us. We are reading the book of John and allowing them to ask questions. After two hours of questions and answers Scott said we were finished for the day. Many protested that they still had questions but we told them to feel free to ask at another time or save them for the following week. It is wonderful to see the mix of believers and seekers studying together. Pray for Nader as he translates and for the rest of us as we try to lead the discussion. It is good to see that many times answers come from other Persian believers rather than them waiting for one of us to answer.

Thanks to all of you who hold us up in prayer. Kent has been very busy recently as our team leader is still in the US following the death of his father in law. Kent has been standing in the gap doing his job and Brett's until they will return on the 11th of July. I have still been having some health issues - I was home on the couch Tuesday with pain in my back, one knee is also acting up quite a bit so I have been kind of grumpy and limping around. I am so thankful for my understanding husband. We love all of you and think of you often. Thanks to those of you who keep in touch either by email or via facebook - it makes us feel so much more connected.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #18

2011-06-23T01:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Last night was a night of celebration. My house was filled with team members (21 of us)for a team fellowship. We spend an hour sharing the ways we had seen God work at the two summer camps we participated in.

Kenn shared that at the men's camp during one of the discussion times a man raised his hand and said "You are all beating around the bush asking all kinds of questions but my question is: What do I need to do to follow Jesus?"

Tasha told of a family who came to family camp. This is a large family and frankly kindof trouble makers. True to form they were at the center of arguments and disagreements at the camp and they were disruptive in the discussion groups. The last day there was a change. They began to ask questions that were well thought out and seemed sincere. One of them spoke for the whole family and apologized for things they had done that had been disruptive or hurtful. Their whole demeanor underwent a change. Please pray for this family that they continue down this path.

This same family has a son who was in the children's program. He is not a bad boy but he has been constantly told by his family that he is a mistake and not wanted. Because of this he acts out and can be very hard to control. The children's leaders said that when they knew he would be at camp they were somewhat dismayed and wondered how it would go. However, God had a plan. We have a intern with us right now who told us when she came that she really wasn't too comfortable with children and would rather not serve in that area. Guess who's heart God filled with love for this little boy? Nicola took him on as her special friend. Like a plant that's been left in the sun too long, this little boy was so thirsty for love. Nicola gently watered his little soul. She sat with him, gave him loving touches and chased him and brought him giggling back when he ran away She was Jesus to this little child and she showed him how precious and loved he really is.

My team mate Susie lead the singing at camp where they sang worship songs in Farsi. She said one day she saw a woman rocking her baby and singing one of the songs as a lullaby. Another team mate told how the men at family camp didn't join in during the singing(maybe it was not considered manly) but that during one of the kids songs which is fun and filled with actions, she noticed one man really following along. At one point he was so caught up in it that he started to raise his hands like the kids were doing and then caught himself and quickly put them back down and looked around to see if anyone noticed.

At the end of camp several refugees shared their stories and quite a few people indicated that they wanted to learn more about Jesus. Our Saturday Bible class after tea house is growing. Last week at least one new family who had been at camp was there and several new men have joined as well. Pray with us that God will open eyes to His truth.

Our interns, Emily and Lauren shared about an English class they have started for young women. The first week several younger brothers and sisters came along so they gave them coloring pages to do during the class. This week Heather (who will be joining our team full time next year) went along. She intended to just play with the children but they said no they wanted a class too. So instead of coloring she began teaching them the alphabet and numbers. She said she was amazed that after an hour they were still engaged and wanting to learn. As always these classes are as much about developing relationships as they are about teaching English.

Along with the joys we shared some sorrows too. Shep (Heather's fiancee who will also be joining the team next year following their marriage) is doing a Bible Study and spending time with "H" a young Afghan man who recently became a Christian. He said that "H" is very discouraged right now and sees no way out of his circumstances. He has no work and cannot go to school. He has tried to leave the country several times but has always been caught and sent back. He is losing hope of a better life. This is the situation for so many here - no homes, no jobs, no education for the children. Please continue to pray for the many people caught in this quagmire of disappointment and discouragement. Sometimes it seems like we can do so little to help.

I have been asking you to pray for our team leader and his family following his father-in-laws recent stroke. Brett and Kristin are home in the US right now and were able to say goodbye before Kristin's father went home to be with the Lord earlier this week. Please pray for the family as they deal with their loss and have a memorial service this Friday.

Our dear partners in this work, I want to close with Hebrews 13:20-21 "May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant, brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen"

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #17

2011-06-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Several people have asked about the recent rioting in Greece. Greeks are very unhappy right now about the austerity measures and demonstrations happen weekly sometimes daily. Often these demonstrations can get out of hand as happened on Wednesday. We usually know in advance when something like this is planned and avoid the downtown area. We had planned a prayer day for Wednesday but since the demonstrations coincided with our time decided not to meet downtown. Since there were also some transportation strikes that day we did something a little different than our usual corporate prayer day. I was in charge of prayer day this month and I made up a prayer guide for everyone to do on their own. It required an hour to two hours to complete and I asked everyone to be committed to spending that time. It was a blessing for me and for several others on the team in several ways. It seems like everyone right now is feeling a bit stressed and overextended. This week almost all the women on the team are at family camp so we are short handed. Several people have other issues that add to the stress. Our team leader and his wife have gone back to the USA for a month because Kristin's father is not expected to recover from the stroke he had recently. Please uphold them in prayer. Kent
is the team leader while Brett is gone and we were in the midst of finishing up our resident permit papers (praise the Lord we got it done today!) plus we have had quite a few people in and out of the house with two interns staying with us and a short term team here. Ilir and Kate (Ilir is also on the leadership team) are in the process of moving and all the stress and time that goes along with that. Michalis and Ritsa are trying to finish a remodel on their house plus they are attending a mission conference this week and still raising their support. Nader's wife Ella is in the Philippines to help her children for a while and Nader came down with food poisoning and was very ill over the weekend. Scott and Vic are trying to get some official paperwork done so they can hopefully register Ellie in a special school and on and on. As you can see this team is running of fumes right now so we are very grateful for your prayers that uphold us. I can't speak for the rest of the team but it was VERY good for me to spend some quiet time with the Lord on Wednesday morning.

I mentioned that Kent was serving as team leader during Brett's absence. There has been a change in leadership and for the time being Brett and Kent are co-leaders. Brett is continuing to handle the day to day ministry side of things and Kent is in charge of team life and serves as the team pastor. Our Greek board of Helping Hands is actively seeking a new director to handle the day to day side of things and when this happens Brett will step out of leadership and Kent will become the International Teams Team Leader . For the moment little has changed because Kent was already fulfilling this role of team pastor. We will take the rest step by step as the Lord provides and would ask you to be praying with us that the right director will be found at the right time.

Kent had a good week at camp. He deepened relationships with a couple guys he already knew and formed some new ones. He is continuing to help teach the new believers class on Tuesday nights and the seekers/believers class on Saturday afternoons.

I realize that this letter is a bit long on prayer needs and short on exciting stories but sometimes that is what ministry is all about. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Galatians 6:9 Thank you for being our partners in this work, we truly could not 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #16

2011-06-09T00:14:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

It seems that my life lately has consisted of trips to the airport (three in the last week and a half) and doing orientations. We have another team coming in tomorrow so it's back to the airport. I feel like my brain is very full with trying to remember everyone's details and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. (The cracks are getting wider every day!)

Saturday after tea house we started the discussion group for new believers and seekers. We are going through the book of John. Scott, Kent and Nader are leading, I am sitting in. Last week it was 7 men and me. We expect several more to join that didn't make it that day. After we were finished a man came in and said to Nader "Oh, I came for the class about Jesus". Nader had never seen him before and asked how he knew about it. He said some friends told him about it. Nader gave him a ticket to come to the men's Farsi Speaking Outreach for Friday and told him what time to come for class the next week. He asked the man if he wanted a Farsi Bible and the man happily accepted. God is at work. By the time we cleaned up and left we didn't get home until 8pm which made for a long day.

Sunday we got home from church and Kent packed his things and left for a week at Men's camp. I have spoken with him a couple of time and it is going well. Two of the men in the seekers class (one of whom Kent meets with regularly for English) are there and he has met a couple of other men he enjoys. This is a great chance to get men out of the city for relationship building and relaxation plus they are involved in discussion groups about the bible. Kent said there were about 40 refugee men there.

Tuesday we got our third intern, Lauren, also a Moody student. She is staying with us as well and Emily has been a big help showing her around the neighborhood and how to ride the bus and metro. They have both jumped right in to ministry and are starting an English class for young women on Friday. They are also both interested in doing some wordless drama so we are going to work on that some this next week or

Wednesday was Kent and my 38th anniversary. I believe this is the first one we haven't celebrated together. However our celebrations are usually pretty low key - for our 20th we had chili dogs at 7-11. I think we will try to spend the day together on Monday. It seems like we have just been passing each other in the hall lately with so many people coming and going and such a hectic schedule.

Please pray for us that we don't get so caught up in the "busyness" that we forget to be about our Father's "business".

I wanted to tell you about one other thing. International Teams has release a new CD called Songs for the Oppressed. If you would like to buy either a CD or download you can use the link here and $5 of the purchase price will go into Kent and my ministry account. https://wwws.iteams.org/songs?ap_id=US1425 Enjoy.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #15

2011-06-02T01:27:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

I am not feeling very creative today and have a VERY busy few weeks ahead so this will be short and hopefully sweet. Saturday I worked in the kids room. I am finding that I am picking up more and more Farsi words which is a big help. Late in the day when most of the kids had gone "N" and her children came in. They are a nice family with 2 boys and 2 girls and speak pretty good English. You may remember I wrote about their youngest who is about 5. She was hit by a car and broke her leg quite severely. At the hospital they put her in a cast from foot to hip and after a couple of days sent her "home". They were living in the park with nowhere to lay her comfortably or to elevate her leg. They would bring her in to the ARC in a small umbrella stroller which did not give her any support. Amazingly her leg has healed completely and it is a joy to see her running and jumping like any child. On this day "N" had been across the street to get food. At 3pm and 6pm there is a group that passes out packaged hot food in the park across from us. When they first started it was a near riot with people pushing and shoving and fighting to get in the gate. Now they have a system that looks a bit like pictures you see of herding cattle into chutes in the wild west. They have ropes set up and the mass of people are herded through and as the path narrows they are handed their sack of food and moved along. It actually works well but there is no place for them to sit and eat or rest. Since we are open from 12-4 many people leave at 3 to get food and come back upstairs to eat it. Today the food was a dish of rice and cabbage. It didn't look bad but it didn't look particularly good either. "N's" boy who is about 10 shoveled his in quickly making sure to get every grain of rice. He asked for more but his mom told him no. The oldest girl tasted hers and obviously didn't like it very well but picked out the cabbage and ate the rest. The youngest girl took a few bites and then as 5 years old will do was more interested in running around. She would run off and then back to her mother who would shove a bite in her mouth and then off she would go again - amazingly she finished most of her dish. "N" ate the cabbage left from her older daughte'sr bowl and saved the other packages to take home. She said "it is very hard, this food is not good (she meant nutritious). My older son is hungry all the time. We have not had meat in months and at times we have gone for over a week with nothing." They live in a "house" with a little water but no electricity. I asked if she had a way to cook and she said "I have a small burner but it is not good for cooking much". They tried to leave Greece a little over a month ago but were caught and sent back after a pretty traumatic boat trip. I can tell that she is very discouraged. I hope to find a chance to have their family over for dinner soon. Please pray for them.

Kent is still meeting regularly with one guy for English and has met several other men he enjoys talking too. He is still co-teaching the New Believers class and is helping to start a discussion group on John for believers and seekers after Tea House on Saturdays. He preached for the Farsi outreach on Tuesday with Nader translating and will do so again on Friday.

We have quite a few people coming to help at work right now. We are getting more Greek volunteers and also people coming for short term missions work. Heather and Chris, who are an engaged couple planning to come full time in a year, arrived on Monday for the summer. Kent and I will be meeting with them regularly to do some marriage stuff and just seeing how they are doing. On Tuesday we welcomed Emily an intern from Moody Bible Institute who will be staying with us and serving here for the next 6 weeks. Today I need to get my laiki shopping done and then head to the airport to pick up Nicola an English University Student who will be staying with Tasha and Christy and serving for 3 1/2 weeks. Next Tuesday we get another Moody intern Lauren who will also be staying with us for 6 weeks. We also have a team coming in on the 10th to help with our family camp so we will have a guy on our couch for a few days. In between all this Kent and I are having our lung xrays and finishing up the things we need to do to get our resident permit again plus our year end taxes for Greece etc. CRAZY!

In the midst of the craziness we see God's hand at work. While we were home some of you heard Kent preach about the man who came to Jesus in a FIAT. He demonstrated how a man on a stretcher could not come to Jesus alone but needed to be carried by a FIAT (Faith In Action Team). We are so thankful that those of you who support us financially and in prayer are holding the other corners of the stretcher. We could not 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@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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #14

2011-05-26T01:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Language. One of the definitions I found is: "a systematic means of communicating ideas or feelings by the use of conventionalized signs, sounds, gestures, or marks having understood meanings". It's something I never thought too much about but it is never far from our minds here. We get used to communicating with people using a combination of English, Greek, Farsi and Charades. Kent often uses silverware to make a cross or a bridge as he explains the gospel. I have learned quite a few random Farsi words which I manage to mangle, sometimes to the great amusement of my listeners. Kent and I have both become adept at rolling our eyes upward, lifting our chin and making a "tsk" sound with our tongue signifying "No" in Greek and "No" or "I don't want that" in Farsi. Sometimes when I sit down with a woman, as happened on Tuesday, I long to be able to speak with her freely. But once we get past the greetings we are stuck, even though we sometimes go on talking, each in our own language, speaking slowly and a little louder as if that were the problem with understanding.

I am jealous of the children. Many of the kids we see regularly, not only speak their native Farsi but have also picked up English and Greek. It seems so effortless for

them. Even "Z"s three year old twins understand and speak both some English as well as Farsi. I am determined to be more disciplined in my Greek. We now have Greek team mates, Ritsa and Michalis. They are a wonderful addition to our team, and true servants. Ritsa has agreed to tutor me on Tuesdays after our Family Meal Day. Pray that I will retain what I have already learned and progress quickly. Also please pray that Ritsa and Michalis will be able to raise the rest of their support in order to keep serving with us.

At the retreat this last week we spent two mornings talking about another type of language. Kent and I taught four sessions on a book by Gary Chapman called The Five Languages of Love. In it he explains that we each have a way that we receive and communicate love which has the most meaning to us. But just as my Farsi speaking friends and I can talk all day with the best of intentions, both communicating our thoughts in the way we understand, so we can think we are showing love to another person only to find we are communicating in a language that has little or no meaning to them. The five love languages are: Touch, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Quality Time and Gifts. Although ALL of these are usually appreciated by most people, there will be one of them that speaks love to a person more clearly than any of the others. Learning the other person's love language is especially important in a marriage but it can also be very helpful in a team setting. We spent time together sharing and adding another "tool" to our "relationship toolbox". Hopefully we will use what we learned to better communicate the love and respect we have for one another.

We drove home on Monday from the retreat, a five hour drive. It seemed like we were all dragging a bit at Family Meal Day on Tuesday. Several people, including myself, had not even unpacked their suitcases yet. Wednesday we went in for team meeting and then I came home and unpacked and started the laundry. Our niece Tammy was back with us when we got home Monday, but I took her to the airport bus yesterday morning as she heads back to the states. I got the guest room bed changed and the room ready for our next guests. We have two Moody bible students (both girls) coming to stay for 6 weeks. Emily arrives on Tuesday of next week and Lauren comes the week after that. We have a busy summer ahead. Pray for the team's encouragement, strength and endurance. My arthritis is some better but still not where I would like it to be. As always we thank you for your faithful support and love toward us. You are always in our hearts as we do this work together. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #12

2011-05-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

My Love/Hate Relationship with Being in Greece

1. Most days I love shopping at the laiki . I like visiting with the lady that sells me potatoes and onions. I like buying fresh fruits and vegetables that haven't been sitting on the shelves of a store. I like seeing the rows of brightly colored eggplants, peppers and tomatoes. I like hearing the men shouting their prices, good naturedly trying to outdo one another. MOST DAYS. Today my arthritis is acting up and my knees hurt. But it was laiki and grocery shopping day so I hiked up the street pulling my cart and stopping at vendor after vendor to buy my veggies and fruit. Then I walked to two different grocery stores in order to the find the items I needed. By the time I headed home I was pulling a full cart and carrying a VERY heavy bag of groceries. As I trudged along stopping to change hands when I began to lose feeling in my arm and detouring around cars parked on the sidewalk, I thought how much I sometimes miss one stop shopping and pulling into my garage to unload my groceries.

2. Most days I love getting hugs from kids at the ARC. I love the fact that these little and not so little ones have gone from hiding behind their mothers to running up for a hug and wanting to be picked up. MOST DAYS. Lately whenever I get an especially long hug or when I hold someone on my lap, my head begins to itch and though I know it is most likely the power of suggestion, I am forced to go home, wash all my clothes and check my head for lice.

3.Most days I love building relationships. I love it when Kent or I find refugee friends that we can really relate to. I love it when I find a new woman who speaks English. I love it when Kent comes home excited because he met a man about his age who he can not only share with but with whom he feels a real connection. MOST DAYS. Some days I hate building relationships. Sometimes it is hard to love people and then not be able to do anything to meet their many needs. Sometimes its hard to watch people you love struggle with separation from their families, not having a place to live or being in an abusive relationship. And sometimes it's hard because just as you feel you have made a friend, the person is gone. Kent's friend "O" that he was so enjoying has moved on. We have not heard from our good friend George since we got back and don't know if he is here or in jail or gone.

4. Most days I'm very thankful for the "family" God has blessed us with in Greece. I love that we have good friends and "adopted" kids and grandkids. I love spending time with them, playing games or hanging out. MOST DAYS. Although I am thankful God has given us this team, I miss my family and friends in the States. I'm sad the the flip flops I sent in Emma's birthday box were too small because I don't see her enough to know her shoe size, I miss getting together for holidays and family gatherings. I miss going to garage sales with my friend Linda. I miss being able to pick up the phone and call my mom, or my sisters or brother or kids and not have to count up the hours to see what time it is there so I don't call in the middle of the night.

5. Most days I love my job. Yesterday we had a grocery give away and one woman who came told us that the night before she was very worried because they had no food in the house. She said "I prayed to Jesus to help us and then I found the ticket you gave me. I had forgotten about it. Today I am getting two bags of food because Jesus answered my prayer." I LOVE going to work and hearing stories like this. I love having conversations with kids, especially when they try to teach me to speak Farsi. I love watching people enjoy a meal and sit together as a family. MOST DAYS. Some days I am just tired. I'm physically tired from being on my feet, leaning over kids chairs to help with a craft or washing tables and mopping floors. I'm mentally tired from trying to understand someone who speaks little English or juggling schedules, housing and budgets for short term teams and individuals. I'm emotionally tired from hearing peoples stories and wanting to help. I'm tired because regardless of recent photos I'm no Spring Chicken anymore.

Despite this love/hate relationship, I have no regrets. The longer we are here the more I realize that this is exactly where God wants us for now. I am thankful that the good days far outweigh the bad. I am thankful that I am here serving with my husband who is wise, caring and can always make me smile and often laugh out loud. I am thankful that we have a caring team of supporters who stand with us in this work. Most of all I am thankful that this is GOD'S work and that He has allowed all of us to be a part of it. Please continue to pray for us and for our team leader's father-in-law after his stroke. He is making small improvements but still has a long road ahead. Also pray for Greece and your Greek brothers and sisters. The economic troubles are far from over and many Greeks who have faithfully supported this ministry are finding themselves is dire circumstances, losing business, homes and going bankrupt. We pray for you our supporters as we know that many of you face uncertain times and have had to tighten your belts. May God bless you for your faithfulness to us and to Him. We love you very much.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #11

2011-05-06T01:59:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

Time flies when you are having fun. I can't believe how fast the weeks go and it is time for another update. A couple of nights ago we had a Team Fellowship and we were asked to share our "highs" (good things that happened) and "lows" (hard things that happened) for the last few weeks. I truthfully couldn't think of any lows. Here are a few of our highs.

1) Full House: After having our sister-in-law Barb and niece Tammy for 3 1/2 weeks we got to have some new friends Paul and Elizabeth Musser with us for a few days. I love having overnight guests. I love those early morning coffee and pjs conversations and I love the late night laughter when you are so tired that everything is funny.

2) Three Men and a Baby: Kent had a good day yesterday with a couple of new refugee friends. "O" is Kurdish and is wanting to improve his English - he is also very open to spiritual things. "A" is a younger man who is also interested in English and spiritually open. Kent met them for coffee (which lasted for 3 hours) yesterday and came home excited about getting together with them again. "H" is a young man who recently became a Christian. I think he has adopted me as a mother figure. Whenever we are at the ARC he seeks me out to talk with and I really enjoy our conversations. The "baby" is actually a 3 year old but I was going for the TV/Movie Theme so.... Anyway as most of you know I would rather be beaten with a stick than to spend much time in the baby room at the ARC. However, for some reason (mainly that my back hurt from bending over helping with crafts in the kids room) I decided to go and sit in the baby room for a while on Saturday. Nargas one of Z's twin daughters decided to play tea party with me. She kept pouring cup after cup of "tea" into my little plastic cup and then giggling as I practiced my new Farsi word for hot and pretended to burn my mouth.

3) Chicken Run: In case any of you are not on facebook here is the link to view pictures of me in my chicken suit, the puppets and other great pics from our kids party. Thanks to our photographer Kenn for great shots and his wife Lisa for all her work editing and posting these - You are invited to view Lisa Dirrim's photo album: 2011 04 easter kids party Enjoy.

4) Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader: Tuesday, I was in the kids room as Ebi (our children's leader's husband) told the story in Farsi. Afterward two boys about 10 and 8 raised their hands and began asking questions. Their questions were all about things we had talked about in our Easter Outreaches and particularly our Children's Party. Questions about the resurrection, where Jesus is now, how can Jesus be God and God's son etc. The questions showed that the kids had been thinking and that they had most likely been talking about these things at home. I was so thankful that Ebi was there and able to speak freely with them in Farsi. Please pray for these kids as they seek the truth. Also please pray for Ebi and Carolyn and they still continue to struggle with resident paper issues.

5) Guess Who's Coming to Dinner: 130 of our closest friends. Our Farsi Meal Outreaches continue to run full with no drop off in numbers over the holiday. This means more people hear the word but it keeps us scrambling to have enough food prepared and has meant several very full days in the kids room. Pray that we will be sensitive to those "divine appointments" that God arranges especially with newcomers who can get lost in the crowds.

5) Itchy and Scratchy: Actually this is not a high but a prayer request. Right now we are having a huge outbreak of head lice and scabies among the refugee children. We are trying a new treatment this week but pray for us to be able to love the kids and spend time with them and not become infected ourselves.

Another prayer request is for our team leader Brett's father in law. His name is Kent and believe it or not his wife's name is Myrna. Anyway he had a severe stroke this week and Brett's wife Kristin is flying home next week to be with her family. Pray for his healing as the stroke has affected his breathing, swallowing and cognitive functions. Pray for Brett as he stays here and cares for their two little girls while mommy is away. Pray for peace for Kristin and her whole family during this time.

As always thank you SO much for your faithful support and prayers. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #10

2011-04-29T09:19:00.001-07:00

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #9

2011-04-21T12:50:00.001-07:00

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #8

2011-04-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #7

2011-04-07T22:35:00.001-07:00

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #6

2011-04-01T04:30:00.000-07:00

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #5

2011-03-24T02:42:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

We are home in Greece and other than struggling a bit with jet lag (me) we are settled in. We arrived on Friday with ambitious plans to go to work on Saturday but soon realized that we were not up to it. We stayed home and took care of all the little things that need to be done after being gone three months. We had our "girls" Tasha and Christy over for dinner and dominoes and spent the evening laughing and catching up. We didn't go to church on Sunday since due to jet lag I couldn't get to sleep until after 3am. We hung around the house that day and I did not let myself take a nap thinking this would let me sleep that night. No such luck - I went to bed at 4am and still could not sleep for another hour or two. Monday we went to our friends Nader and Ella's house to celebrate Persian New Year with another Persian couple we know from when we were here five years ago. We ate until we could eat no more and then sat around telling jokes with Nader translating from Farsi to English and back again. By 6pm I was getting very tired so we went home and I went to bed at 9:30. I slept well until about 1am and then was awake on and off for the rest of the night.

Tuesday was our first day back at work. It was a Farsi family meal day. Before lunch I met a new young woman who speaks only Farsi but I was able to visit with her a little thanks to Tasha translating. After dinner I met a young woman who looked to be about 15 but who was really 20. She spoke a little English so we struggled through some conversation. She and her mother and sister are here, she has two brothers in Denmark and her father and two more sisters are in Afghanistan. She said she left because of the fighting and life was bad. I asked if her father would come and she said "No". She asked why I was here and I told her because God loves everyone and he loves refugees. Because I love God, I came to help and love the people he loves. She said "This is good". There are many new refugee faces and since Tuesday was "Group B" I didn't have a chance to see most of my friends who are in "Group A". We have a short week this week - Friday is a holiday (Greek Independence Day) so we have the day off. I want to close by sharing a story my team mate Lisa wrote in her last update.

Last Tuesday at the Farsi lunch, I watched a young Afghan woman come up to my Iranian friend, "E" after the gospel presentation and pull him aside to ask some questions. This always prompts me to pray. Later I heard that she wanted to know more about Jesus, but was afraid to tell her husband. She would not take a Bible because it was too obvious, but she took some small tracks to read. Later the same day, the husband corners "E" and says he wants to know more about Jesus, but is afraid to tell his wife. He loves his wife. They married for love and had to leave the country because another marriage had been arranged for her and it was not safe to stay in Iran. He is bold and willingly takes a Bible, but tucks it away. At the end of the day both seek "E" out to say “good-bye and thank you”. This is his first clue they are related. With a twinkle in his eye he tells her she must ask him about the Bible and he points it out under his arm. He tells him to ask her, what he gave to her. Both of their eyes are wide, initially with fear that "E" broke his word revealing their secret and then with wonder at what God must be doing. They left quickly; anxious to be alone and away from the eyes of those that watch. They have been calling all week with questions about what they are reading. They finished the gospel of Matthew the first night. They are now living in an apartment run by a local church where they can read their Bible without fear of being evicted or beaten.

It is good to be home and about the Father's business. One other item I forgot to mention. When we were at the airport just after arriving I was suddenly enveloped in a big hug. It was my friend "I" from Nigeria who I have know for 6 years. She had told me before we left that she and her husband and three children were thinking of going back to Nigeria. I asked if "J" would have work and she said "Maybe not but he has no work here and there at least we have family". They were at the airport that day and indeed traveling home to Nigeria. They have papers so can travel legally. I was so happy to be able to say goodbye. I am glad for her to be with her family again and I pray that she will be well and happy.

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 ;}

IMAGINE

2011-03-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Imagine that you are a 12 year old girl in Afghanistan. You come home from school one day and are told that you will soon be married to a man who is much, much older. You are frightened but you have no choice but to obey.

Imagine that you are a young man with a good mind and dreams for the future. Because you belong to the wrong ethnic group you are not allowed to attend school beyond the elementary level.

Imagine that you are a young woman 18 years old. Your father is dead and you and your mother and 2 sisters live with your Uncle.
You desperately want to attend school but because you are a girl your Uncle won’t allow it. You are only allowed to be in your house or in your own yard. You know that you will soon be forced to marry as men are willing to pay your uncle handsomely for a beautiful girl like you.

Imagine that you are a Christian man who is holding a bible study in your home. Imagine that the police break in and drag you away and you know the punishment for following Jesus is death. Imagine that on the way to the jail the police get into an accident and in the confusion you manage to escape. You hide all night under a bridge before you go back to your house. When you arrive your house is empty and padlocked and you have no idea where your family is or if they are even alive.

Imagine you are a teacher of 6th grade students. You love your students and you love being a teacher. One day the Taliban comes and sets fire to your school. Your arms still bear the scars of where you were burned trying to save the children. Then imagine that another day the Taliban comes and tells you that if you do not give them money they will kill your students. You don’t have any money so they slit the children’s throats in front of you.

Now imagine that because things are SO bad in your country you decide to run away. You know you will never be allowed to leave so you hire a smuggler to take you. You believe that if you can just reach the west you will be safe.

Imagine that you and your husband and little girl are walking over the mountains. You have been walking so long that your feet are bleeding and you begin to cry. Your little girl takes your hand, looks up into your face and says “Its okay Mama Nee, don’t cry, it’s okay”.

Imagine that after many days of walking you come to Turkey. There you are forced to live in horrible conditions sometimes up to 40 people sharing a room. But Turkey is not Western Culture and you believe if you can just get to Greece things will be better. Imagine that you don’t know how to swim and have never seen the sea. And yet because you are desperate you climb into a small rubber raft with 20 other people. It is night and you are very afraid. Many people have died when their boats have turned over. Your wife and children and even you begin to cry as the waves grow higher.

Imagine that just as you almost make it to shore the police boats come and you are forced to stand in the cold water at gun point. You are put in a camp and your husband is put in a jail. The camps are filled with rats and very dirty. You go for more than a day with nothing to eat and nothing to feed your children.

Imagine that after you are released the police give you a paper and tell you to go to Athina. But when you get there you have no place to sleep, nothing to eat and no where even to go to the toilet. You and your children are living in the park. The park is dirty and crowded with others who are just like you. They don’t want to be there either but they have no where else to go.

Imagine that people yell at you and throw things at you. Imagine that when you go to renew your paper you are told that you didn’t follow the instructions correctly and you cannot get a new paper. You cannot read even your own language, how do they expect you to read a paper written in Greek.

Imagine that you are a father who stands every day in the square hoping someone will hire him for a few hours. Or imagine that you are one of the lucky ones that find work in a sweat shop for 1 euro an hour. Because you do not have papers, you cannot rent a house so you are forced to pay someone who has taken over an abandoned building. Imagine living one room with a tiny bathroom. Imagine sharing that room with three other families totaling 20 people. Now imagine that you have to pay 600 Euros a month for that room.

Imagine that everywhere you go you feel unwanted and ashamed. You have lost hope and sometime even think of taking your own life.

Now imagine that all your life you have been told that Christians are bad. But one day you walk into a building where you are greeted as a friend. You are offered a cup of tea, or maybe a plate of macaroni or rice. Some days there are even packages of food given that you can take home to feed your family for several days.

Imagine that these same people love your children. There is a baby room where little ones are cuddled and toddlers play with toys. The older kids have their own room where they hear stories, make crafts and watch videos. Sometimes there are kid’s parties with games, puppets and good things to eat. Over time you see your children lose the frightened look in their eyes and begin to smile again.

Imagine that these people offer you a shower, clothes, and a place to sit down and rest. They might provide school supplies for your children or invite you into their homes. Maybe they come to visit you in your home or take you on an outing. Maybe they play chess or backgammon or basketball but they treat you as a friend and hope begins to grow in your heart.

These people listen to your story and cry with you. They ask if they can pray for you and then they begin to talk about Jesus.

Imagine that you know Jesus was a good man but you have never read a Bible or been able to ask questions about Jesus. You are given a chance to watch movies about Jesus, and given literature and Bibles to read in your own language. You can attend a Bible class or sometimes in the midst of chaos a little group gathers around a Bible and some of your questions are answered. Maybe Jesus comes to you in a dream or maybe you just see him in the lives of these people, who love you, but suddenly you see Him clearly and you want to know him for yourself.

This is how lives are transformed. This is what God is doing in Athens. This is a place called Helping Hands.

Morley Update #4

2011-03-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

Well we are beginning the last leg of our trip home to Greece. We have been in Elgin at International Teams headquarters for the past three days having some meetings with the team of people here who work so hard to support us as we serve in Greece. Yesterday we had the privilege of sharing for a short time about our ministry with the staff at their weekly lunch together. These "home front" people are the unsung heroes of the missionary world. Many of them are former oversees missionaries themselves and they now serve here in the states making it possible for those of us on the field to continue to serve by managing our accounts and insurance, working with teams and individuals who come to help in the short term, training both new missionaries and providing on the field training and support where needed. They provide leadership and vision, keep us accountable and are our cheerleaders and prayer warriors. Some of you got to hear Kent preach about FIATs (Faith In Action Teams). He talked about the fact that there are former Muslims living in Greece and elsewhere who are now Christians because of our Faith In Action Team. You as our supporters and prayer partners are part of that team, the wonderful people we serve with in Greece are part of that team, and the staff here at Elgin are part of that team. Together we are bringing people to Jesus who could not get there by themselves. So as you pray for us on the field don't forget to pray for those serving here in the States as well.

On Friday we will fly to MA to spent a few more days with our kids and grandkids and then fly home to Athens on the 17th arriving on the 18th. Our time here was a great time to reconnect with family, friends and our supporters. God confirmed to us again that we are exactly where he wants us to be in Greece. Let me share a few praises. As you know we came home when we did because of visa problems. Because of an error we made we were told we needed to come home and start the process over to apply for our residence permit. This meant going to San Francisco to apply for a new visa. This is the first step and is usually a visa for 3 months which gives you time to go to Greece and go through the application process which includes an incredible amount of paper work that must all be translated and submitted, getting a lung xray and TB test, applying at your local government office and then waiting sometimes for months for a decision as to whether they will grant you your one year permit. I was dreading going through this process again. When we got to the Greek Consulate office a few weeks ago to pick up our passports with the new visas in them we were amazed to find that he gave us not only the normal three month visa but that he gave us the one year permit so we are good until March of 2012. This means we don't have to do anything when we get back to Greece until it is time to renew again next year. Hallelujah!!

Another praise concerns our team mate "N". While in Norway a year ago "N" was able to participate in broadcasting by satellite into Iran. He was able to preach, teach and do interviews with others. He has had the desire to continue to do that while in Greece but didn't have a camera of the professional quality needed to do this. We said we would maybe ask around in the states if we could find anything. We had been here for a month and were visiting one of our churches in the Seattle area. One morning we were having breakfast with friends and she happened to mention that the church had bought some video equipment that they were not using and were in fact trying to sell one of the cameras. I told them about "N" and his desire to continue to broadcast but about his lack of a camera. This couple immediately offered to buy the camera and send it home with us if it was what "N" needed. We put him in contact with their media guy and in fact the camera was exactly what he needed so we have it with us to take back to him. What a blessing and confirmation that God's hand is on 'N" and on his ministry!

As many of you know one of our supporting churches went through a rough time and closed it's doors. This meant that we needed to find a way to replace the support they had been giving as well as a bit more. All in all we were around 650 dollars a month short. Through the generosity of one of our churches as well as some individuals God has provided for our support. We continue to need partners in this area as there are extras (like the two root canals Kent needed) that aren't covered by our regular support but we are so thankful to have our day to day budget covered! Thank you to all of you who give faithfully so that we can continue on with the work in Athens.

In my last update I asked you to pray because our friend Dr. Joseph had not heard from his wife in Pakistan. He did hear and they are safe for the moment but please continue to pray that they can get out of the country and be reunited with him. Also pray for his application for asylum to be processed and granted. The work in Greece continues and we are excited about how God is moving in the lives of refugees. I want to share just one quick story that I received from a friend that I loved. Our refugee women's bible study has been studying the book of Matthew. The muslim women know about this book because it is part of the Injil (the Gospels) one of Islam's holy books. This particular day they needed to look quickly at a verse in Galatians. The women were very intrigued by this new book and had many questions. Was it about Jesus? What did it say? Could they read more of it? Tasha who was leading that day had trouble getting them to go back to Matthew so they could continue the lesson. There was much discussion that day and the study ran over by about an hour. Finally Tasha who wasn't feeling well that day said "We need to stop. That is all for today we will begin again next week". One of the women turned to another woman and said "Let's go to my house, Tasha can't stop us from reading the bible there!" I'm sure there was much secret reading of Galatians that day! God has created a hunger to know the truth in these women - pray for them that they will recognize the truth and accept it.

Thank you to everyone who made our trip so fruitful and so enjoyable. We loved being with you and spending time with you and now we return to the work God has called us to together. For those of you we missed seeing, know that you are always in our hearts and prayers. Thanks for being part of our team - my next update will come from Greece!

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #3

2011-02-24T12:24:00.000-08:00

Everyone-

I am sorry my updates have been so few and far between while in the states. Our internet has remained sketchy and I no longer have a normal schedule where I know when I sit down and write. We have been VERY busy speaking and connecting with friends, family and supporters. While we have enjoyed this and love to tell others about the work in Greece - we have found this to be very emotionally draining. While at work it is easy to get into a routine and though we have days when we feel frustrated and sad for people we are somehow able to balance that with the fun little things we do and the joy of watching God transform lives. One of the presentations we are doing in America is a collection of snippets of the hardships refugees face and how they came to Greece. Because these are all real people that we know, this dredges up emotions in us that we are sometimes able to put aside in the daily routine of work in Athens. I have also tried to balance staying on top of short term teams and individuals while here which at times had been difficult. Kent and I are both ready to be "home" and back to the work God has for us. Please pray for us that we finish our time here well before we head back.

We have two more speaking engagements on Sunday the 27th (morning at Willamina, evening at Turner) and then will leave OR on the 28th and head back to southern CA. We will stop in San Francisco to pick up our visa which should be all ready for us. After spending a few days with Kent's dad we head for Chicago. We will spend three days at International Teams headquarters in Elgin (March 8-10) and fly back to MA on the 11th to spend a little more time with our kids and grandkids there. We leave MA on the 17th of March and arrive back in Greece on the 18th.

While we look forward to returning home to Greece we are always torn to be leaving behind our family and friends here. I realize that from now on, wherever we are, a bit of our heart will always be somewhere else. Isn't that the way it will always be for Christians? My personal reading has been in Acts lately and it has been interesting to follow the missionary journeys of Paul throughout the region in which we now find ourselves. When Paul writes letters to the churches he establishes during these journeys, he is always torn between his love for the people he has ministered to (and his desire to see them again) and the knowledge that God is directing his steps to put him exactly where God wants him to be at that time. Of course ultimately his dilemma is even greater than that as he writes in Philippians 1:21-24. "For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. For if I am to go on living in the flesh it will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two; I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body". As Christians we will always live knowing that this is not our final destination. But while we are here on earth "home" is wherever God takes us and we are so thankful to your part in helping us to continue to be at home in Greece. We have enjoyed seeing many of you during our time here in the states and look forward to seeing more of you in the next few weeks. Thank you for all you do for us.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2011#2

2011-02-01T09:48:00.000-08:00

Everyone,
It is harder to do updates when we are in the states as I never know where we will be and what our internet service will be like. At the moment we are comfortably tucked in at our friends Don and Margaret Kennedy's home in WA. We are here for the rest of the week. We spoke at Central Christian in Snohomish on Sunday. It was a real joy to reconnect with this congregation who has faithfully supported us from the beginning. It truly felt like coming home as we were greeting with hugs and welcomed back. We met with a small group here last night and will be with two small groups tonight. Tomorrow night we will travel 2 1/2 hours away to speak with a group in Cle Elam that Don works with. Thursday after breakfast out with friends (one of the things Kent and I miss about America) I think we will spent some time with our photographer friend Greg Silsby and do some shooting.

We have had a little change up in our schedule. We will not be at Willamette Christian in West Linn on the 6th but will instead be there on the 13th. The change is because their tech team is going to do a short video clip of us talking about refugees during their Sunday services. We are going to film this at the beginning of the week. We will also stay a few days more in Portland because a wonderful dentist who is on the mission team at Willamette is taking care of our dental work at a GREATLY reduced cost - what a gift!

So the plan for our schedule is to be back in Elmira on the evening of the 9th and to stay there through Saturday the 12th. We will go back to Portland the night of the 12th and be gone a few days again most likely returning on the 16th. Then we will be in the area until the end of February. Speaking at Bethany Church in Franklin on Sunday the 20th and Willamina the morning of the 27th. We will finish by speaking at Turner on the night of the 27th and leave for CA the next day.

THE BIG NEWS IS WE GOT OUR FBI CHECKS BACK!!! This means we should be able to pick up our visas with no trouble and return to be with Kent's Dad for a few days of rest after our whirlwind schedule in OR. We will fly to Chicago on March 7th (arriving on the morning of the 8th) and spend three days at head quarters in Elgin. Then on the 11th we fly back to MA to spend a few more day with our Grandkids and return to Greece as scheduled on March 18th. I inadvertently caused a bit of confusion by posting on face book that we were on schedule to arrive back to Greece on the 18th without designating clearly that it was MARCH 18th so the rumor may be circulating the we are coming home early which is not the case.

We are loving our time here reconnecting with family and friends but our hearts always turn back to our home in Greece and the people there who have grown so dear to us. Thanks you for your prayers for our travels, and visas and all that you do to encourage and uphold us. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2011 #1

2011-01-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Everyone,
I apologize for being so slow in getting out updates. Our schedule has been packed and our internet access sketchy. I have had a lot of short term team and intern emails to take care of when I have been able to be online and haven't seemed to be able to get to an update.

Our visit to the embassy in SF went well. We still didn't have the reply from our FBI check and had also forgotten to get a release from a doctor about communicable diseases. The man we met with gave us a lecture on our stupidity for letting our residence papers lapse and a second lecture about why our insurance should not have been accepted. This is typical for a Greek bureaucrat wanting to assert their authority and we just agreed with him that we were stupid and let him lecture. After he had finished taking our paper work without even really looking at it he asked when we wanted to pick up our visas. We told him we would be back through the end of February and he said he would have them ready and in the passports but if we didn't have our doctor reports and FBI check he would void them. Please continue to pray that our FBI check comes soon.

We have started our rounds of speaking engagements. We spoke for both Sunday School and Church at our home church of Elmira on Sunday. It was good to see everyone and the church had outfitted the parsonage so we would have our own place during our stay. It was SO nice to unpack all our clothes and settle in for a while. I am also REALLY enjoying turning on a tap and have HOT water any time I want! It is one of my favorite things about being in America. With all this hot water Kent and I have been able to up our personal hygiene standards which are very different here than when we are going to the ARC every day. In Greece we shower every few days and wear the same tea and bleach stained clothes all week. When I am at the ARC I tie my hair back and don't wear makeup. It has been fun to choose a different outfit, put on make up and wear my hair down.

We spoke on Thursday at a church in Eugene to a Seniors group. We will be in the Seattle area for a week starting next weekend. We speak at Central Christian Church in Snohomish on Sunday the 30th. They are faithful supporters and we look forward to getting reacquainted with the people there. We will come back down to the Portland area the weekend of the 6th to attend church at Willamette Christian another of our supporting churches and meet with their missions committee the following day. We have another missions committee meeting on the 10th and will speak either the 13th or 20th at Bethany in Franklin which is near Elmira. I believe we will be in Willamina the morning of Feb. 27th (I am waiting for confirmation) and then at Turner in the Salem area that evening. We head back to CA on the Feb. 28th.

We have one less speaking engagement that we thought we would have due to the sad news that one of our supporting churches was closing its doors. We are so sorry to have this happen because we had grown to love the congregation there. This also affects us financially as they were providing 400 dollars a month of our support. We believe that the Lord will be faithful to replace this but we would ask you to pray about whether the Lord would want you to become part of our team with monthly support. If you would like to do this you can follow the link at the bottom of the page to give online or send support to the address for International Teams below. Be sure to designate this for the Ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support.

I have one other prayer request. Our friend Dr. Joseph has not heard from his family for the last month. This is very nerve wracking for him and even more so as a couple of months ago a friend who had been helping to move them about in hiding was shot and killed by the Taliban. Please pray that he will get word soon that his family is safe and continue to pray that he will get asylum and that he will be able to get his wife and children out of Pakistan so they can be reunited. Time is flying by and I can't believe we have been in the states for a month already. We look forward to seeing some of you in our travels and we look forward to returning to Greece and continuing with the work God has given us. Thank you for all your support and love.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #50

2010-12-31T06:33:00.000-08:00

Everyone,
I picked up a nasty cold from my grandkids and the last week has consisted of moving from the bed to the couch and back again. I still feel pretty bad today but am going to go down to my sister's for a change of scenery. Kent and the kids and grandkids are going to a first night celebration in Boston. I started on antibiotics today so please pray that they kick in soon. My bag finally arrived this morning only 12 days late. I am glad though because I really don't enjoy clothes shopping and wasn't looking forward to replacing things.

Some of you may have heard about the bomb that went off in Athens. It was in the neighborhood where a couple team mates live but thank goodness no one was hurt. The team is scattered at the moment with many people away for the holidays and the ARC closed until January 3rd.

We will leave MA on January 4th and fly to CA to spend a week with Kent's dad. We will drive to OR via San Francisco to apply for our visa. Please continue to pray for a miracle that our FBI background check will arrive in time. For those of you in the Elmira area we plan to speak at both Sunday School and Church and Elmira Church of Christ on Jan. 16th. and would love to have you join us. Sunday School starts at 9:30 and church at 10:45.

I haven't got any other news so will just wish you a Happy New Year.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #48

2010-12-16T23:57:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

Two more sleeps and then we head for the States! We are mostly packed and ready to go. Kent is at work with men's ministry today and I am finishing up the last details, cleaning house and doing laundry. Getting ready to be gone for three months takes some doing. We both work tomorrow and are giving out 200-300 sack lunches so it will be a busy day. We fly from here early Sunday morning (for those of you in America it will be late Saturday night your time). Please pray for us as we go through the Airports that there will not be a problem because of our expired paperwork.

We finished out the week with our last two Christmas parties. I was not sad to take off my Elf costume for at least another year! One family gave us the best Christmas present ever. "A" and his wife both speak English and have two boys. They are a nice family and everyone on the team enjoys talking with them. At one of the Christmas parties they told Nader that they are ready to accept Jesus but they would like to do it "officially" on Christmas Day. They said this is an important decision and they always want to be able to remember when they made it and what better time than on Jesus' birthday. They are going to come to a team gathering at Scott and Vicki McCracken house on Christmas day to make their confession of faith and to have the team pray with them. We are sorry to miss being there for this but will be rejoicing with the angels on that day!

Please pray for the team here over the next weeks. As you may have seen on the news last week there were many strikes and even some rioting on Wednesday. Tuesday we start for the ARC in our car so we could give a team mate a ride since there was no public transportation that day. After fighting traffic for two hours and only getting to the first metro stop which is 10 minutes from our house, Brett told us to turn around and go home because traffic was even worse downtown. The few team mates that could get to the ARC served tea to a small number of refugees and closed early. On Wednesday there was limited public transportation and we took the bike in for a team meeting. On our way home many streets were roped off and we met groups of policemen marching down the street in riot gear. That night on the news there were pictures of rioting in that area. Thursday there was a total transportation strike again so we had to cancel women's showers. We will be open today and tomorrow but there are strikes scheduled for every day next week. The ARC is always closed the week between Christmas and New Years but may have to close early if the team and refugees can't get there.

Please pray for us as we say goodbye to our refugee friends tomorrow. Many are planning to try and leave and we may not see them again. "M" (the 18 year old girl who speaks English so well) and her family did not show up for the Christmas Party although they had tickets. I do not know if they are still here or not. If they are I hope they will come in on Saturday so I can say goodbye. Pray for the refugees as the cold weather has set in for a month or two. Many are still sleeping outside and even those with shelter often do not have any form of heat. Pray for the Greek government and the Greek people who are facing their own financial crisis and then have the refugee crisis as well. Pray for justice and mercy. Pray for those who have heard the message of Christmas, that they will consider it and want to know more. Pray for us as we begin the re-application for our resident permit. Especially please pray that our FBI background check will come in time to go to San Francisco as planned. Pray for us as we will be traveling to five different states during our time there. We will see many of your during that time but if not know that we are so thankful for your faithful support. We love you all - have a wonderful holiday.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #47

2010-12-10T01:45:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

We have finished three of our Christmas parties and have two more to go - one tonight and one tomorrow night. The first party was the children's party last week. Then Monday night and Tuesday night we had two parties for Farsi speaking families. We met at 2:00 on Monday afternoon and started filling bags of gifts. We had different bags for babies, toddlers, girls, boys, teen girls, teen boys, men and women. We set up assembly lines and packed over 500 bags in 2 hours. These were stashed in the baby room to be handed out at each of the four parties. When we finished that we set up the room, moving tables and chairs and trying to configure things in a way that everyone had a view of the stage. We then covered the tables with colorful clothes and bright napkins, placing a lantern with a tea candle burning in the middle of each. The result was that our large room was transformed into a beautiful, festive and welcoming place.

We opened our doors at 5:30 and and waited for the 150 ticketed guests to arrive. The first night we didn't have quite that many because the buses were not running due to demonstrations. When many of the refugees families arrived they were tired because they had walked all the way. One lady told me they weren't going to come but her little girls cried so they made the trek. I think by the time they went home they all agreed it was worth the effort.

As they arrived we greeted them with "Christmas Moborak" and invited them to find a place at one of the tables. Table hosts welcomed their guests and filled out a sheet to be sent to the gift room so a bag of presents could be packed for their table. While we were waiting for everyone to arrive we escorted families in groups back to our photo room where we took a family portrait that they will receive next week. I had fun making the backdrop for this (see attached photo).

When our guests had all arrived we started the program. The Helping Hands Team sang three Christmas carols - O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy to the World and Silent night. We have some good voices on the team and some people (like me) who just make a joyful noise. Both nights even though the songs were in English I saw women with tears in their eyes and we were roundly applauded when we finished.

Then it was time for the puppet show. (see attached picture) As I shared in my last update we told the story of Christmas but related it to them as refugees. We talked about long journeys, not having a place to stay and leaving your country for another because it was no longer safe for you to stay. I wasn't sure how the adults would respond to this but I saw many, many heads nodding as well as a few tears. After the puppet show we had Nader speak the first night and one of the leaders from our church spoke the second night and Nader translated.

When we finished the program we served the food - chicken, rice, salad and dessert. The first night our team did all the cooking and serving. The second night the church Kent and I attend, Νεα Ζοη (New Life), brought the food, did the decorations on the tables, served and cleaned up - what a blessing!! While the food was being served I hurried into the other room and changed into my Elf Costume. I sneaked out into the main room and went around to the tables passing out candy and greeting the kids. Afterward many of the children came to get their picture taken with me as did most of the teen age boys.

Once dinner was over it was time for gifts. Thanks to the generosity of churches, schools and individuals as well as many toys donated by Matell each person received a nice bag of gifts. There was much excitement even on the part of the adults as this is the first Christmas gift many of them have ever received. Once the gifts had been opened, hugs were given and pictures were taken, we said "Hadafis" (goodbye) and they all trooped happily homeward. When our guests were gone, tables were cleared, floors were swept and mopped and dishes were done. After the first party, I wasn't sure I could walk up our steps by the time we got home but we didn't have to be back the next day until 4:00 so I had a chance to rest up. The second party was much easier because the church was there to do most of the work and we got to enjoy our guests. Tonight we are on our own again with another Farsi party, this one for single men and any families who couldn't be accommodated for our first two parties. Tomorrow we will have a party for Greek and Arabic speakers. This will be a bit smaller with maybe 100 people and another church will be helping out with that one.

This was week of goodbyes as well. We are losing our three beloved interns who have been with us for the last three months. They have worked hard and endeared themselves to the team and the refugees. There have been many tears shed as children and women bid farewell to these young women who have poured themselves into their lives if only for a season. We also said goodbye to our short term team from Glad Tidings Church in Omaha. They were here for two weeks and a real blessing to us. We were sorry to see them go. Quite a few people on the team are going to be away over the holidays and several including us will be on furlough. Pray for the team left here as they minister with less hands to share the load. Pray for the last two parties and for our next week at work as we finish up and get ready to be away for three months. We are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and hope to be able to connect with many of you when we are home. At the same time it is very hard to leave this work and these people we love.

Our prayer for you is that in the midst of the bustle of the holidays, you will have time to reflect on the true gift of Christmas. As God reached down to us with the gift of love and peace and hope, so we must reach out to those around us and share that gift with them. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #46

2010-12-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

This Wednesday we held the first of our Christmas parties. It was a party for children ages 7-12. This is the first time we have done a party where the parents left their children with us and came back to pick them up. Many of these families are fairly new so it was a real measure of trust that they were willing to do this. We had around 40 kids. They were divided into 4 teams. Each team took a turn at one of our four stations. There was a craft table - where they made a picture of the nativity with great stickers brought by our short term team - Thanks Glad Tidings!. There was a cookie table where they frosted and decorated cookies. There was a "Knock Down the Snowman" game and there was a Toy Village where they got to pick out three toys to take home (these were donated by Mattel).

When the kids arrived - I greeted them in my Elf costume - see attached picture. We started the day singing a song with lively action called Jump Into the Light. The kids loved it but I must say by the time we sang it through a couple of times this Elf was a little tired out. It was fun helping to lead kids in singing again though - it reminded me of all the musicals and VBS programs we did in Elmira! After the singing they went around to the different stations and then we gathered them again to hear the Christmas story in a puppet show. We talked about how Mary and Joseph had to walk a long way to go to Bethlehem and how tired they must have been. We asked the children if they remembered what it was like to walk and walk and to be tired - many of the children answered "Bali" (yes). We then told how Mary and Joseph couldn't find a place to stay and had to stay in a barn with no bed. We asked the kids if some of them had to sleep outside because they didn't have a house or a bed. "Bali". We talked about how the bad king wanted to kill all the little boys so Mary and Joseph and Jesus had to go live in another country until the bad king died. We ended with: Jesus knows what it is like to leave your home, to travel a long way, to not have a house, and to live in another country because your own country is not safe. He loves you very much. Christmas time is a time to remember when Jesus came down from heaven as a baby. My own heart was touched as I looked down into those little faces - some of them not so clean. I can see those serious big brown eyes looking up at me as they thought about Jesus not even having his own bed and how they know what that feels like. I have heard it said before that "Jesus was a refugee" but seeing this for the first time through a child's eyes brought it home to me in a very real way.

It was a good day and one I know the kids will remember. Please pray for the families who live in such hard circumstances. Also pray for this next week as we will be having 4 Christmas parties with about 150 people each time. This will be the first time many of these people have a chance to hear the Christmas story and it will be a wonderful night of music, puppets, food and a small gift for each person attending.

Last week I wrote to you about "S" and young man from Afghanistan who accepted Christ. I asked you to pray because there were several other young men who were interested. Thank you for praying. This last week one of those young men "G" surrendered his life to the Lord. Here is "G's" story told by our team mate Brett Sanner.

“G” left Afghanistan in order to pursue an education. It’s widely known that women in Afghanistan were denied educational opportunities under the Taliban. In certain regions, however, even men (especially men from certain minority ethnic groups, like “G”) were denied much beyond an elementary education. “G” was not satisfied with this. He dreamed of learning English and French, the “languages of education” as “G” put it. This hunger to learn led “G” to flee Afghanistan for Pakistan, and then India before eventually turning westward to Europe.

“G” first heard about Jesus in India. Since then, God’s Spirit has continued to pursue him. Now, roughly nine years later, “G” is ready to follow Jesus. As an Afghan, “G” faces almost certain rejection from family and friends. So what can compel such risk? Love. Legalism and moralism cannot provide the courage to risk. “G” says that understanding the love of God, however, compels him to risk everything. Jesus on the cross paints the picture clearly: God is love. It is this love that has wooed “G” for nearly a decade, and now it is this love to which “G” surrenders his life. Jesus lords over us in love. “G” gets it, and now has given his life to it.

Please pray for “G”. He asks specifically for boldness in living and sharing his faith. Pray for God’s love to be all the more evident to “G” as the persecution and rejection of the world begins. Also, “G” still has a great passion for learning; I know that he would appreciate greatly if you would pray that God would provide an opportunity for formal education.

Thank you again for your love and support for us and for the refugees we serve. Thank you for upholding us in prayer as we finish out the couple of hectic weeks before we return to the states. Our prayer for you is that during this wonderful time of year you have moments of peace and a chance to remember what we are truly celebrating. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #45

2010-11-25T23:46:00.001-08:00

Everyone,

Time is flying by and we will be flying back to the States before you know it. I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving and are enjoying the holiday. We had our Thanksgiving dinner with the team on Monday because it is our day off. We gathered at the Dirrim's home. We had to cook three turkeys because the largest one I could find was a little over 8 pounds and I had to go to two stores to find that! There were babies, kids and lots of women bumping into each other in the kitchen. There was laughter, loads of food and a man doing the dishes! (Thanks Kenn) I am always blessed when we gather as a team. Even though my family is far away, God has given me a wonderful family here.

It was a good week. Recently we went from having men's showers to having a meal and gospel outreach for single men. It was a hard decision but we were giving 60 men a shower and 40 more were turned away. We decided that by opening for a meal we could serve 120 and at least do something for more people. It has been a good thing for the men on our team because instead of just running people through the shower they get a chance to sit down and talk with the refugee men. "S" is an Afghan young man I wrote about in a previous update. Kent has spent time with him as have some others on the team. He has been very sad and frustrated with being stuck here but has been coming to the ARC and had taken a bible and other literature with him to read while he is in the park since he doesn't have a house. Last week he sent a text message to Nader our Iranian team mate saying "I have become a Christian and am ready for baptism". Nader told him to come in the next Friday so they could talk. On Friday Kent and Nader and some of the other men spent time talking and praying with him. He told them "In Islam I felt like there was a path to God and I started down the path but then I was just going in a circle. I was praying and trying to follow Islam but I wasn't getting any closer to God. Now I have joy in my heart because I feel very close to God". This is a man who called Kent crying a few weeks ago because he was so depressed about his situation! "S" also said "I think it is like if I want to go to America. I can try and try but I cannot get across the ocean by myself. I need an airplane to carry me over the ocean. Jesus is like the airplane that carries us to God when we can't get there by ourselves." Please pray for "S" and for several other young men who are very interested.

On Wednesday we decorated the ARC for Christmas. We put up 10 Christmas trees, hung stars from the ceiling, draped a huge garland across the front of the room and put up lights. I know the kids will be excited when they come in and see it. We will have our first Christmas party next Wednesday. It is a kids party and I have been working on puppets (see attached picture). As you can see by their faces all the puppets are very excited about being in the show! :} I am also making a costume for myself. I will wait until the day of the party to take a picture of that because I don't want to ruin the surprise but let's just say I will look VERY festive.

Tomorrow we welcome a short term team from Nebraska. They will be here for 11 days and help out with several of our Christmas parties.

I have a couple of prayer requests. One is that we would stay healthy through these next weeks and get all the things accomplished that we need to do before we leave. Pray that God will bring to our minds any things that we need to gather for our paperwork or take care of here before going. We are particularly concerned about our FBI background check. We need to have new fingerprints taken for that and have tried everything to get them taken here but cannot. We will have them taken as soon as we arrive in the states but that will only be about 2 1/2 weeks before we need the results and the Christmas and New Year's holidays fall in that two weeks. They say it can take up to 12 weeks to get the report back and that would be a big problem for us. Last time we got them back in only a couple of weeks so please be praying that they will come quickly.

I thought about listing all the things I am thankful for during this season but decided it would take too long. If I HAD made a list YOU would be on it. We are VERY thankful for all of you who support us with prayer, notes of encouragement and financially. We look forward to seeing many of you in the New Year.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #44

2010-11-19T08:36:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

I find I am feeling a little stressed. We leave for the states in only a month and there is a lot happening before then. We are having 4 large Christmas parties at the ARC plus one smaller children's party. I need to have a puppet show ready for the children's party and our church is sponsoring one of the large Christmas parties so I am helping to facilitate that. We have a short term team coming in one week. Short Term Teams are a big help but I need to coordinate airport transportation, settling them at the hotel, orientation plus making sure they know how to navigate around the city, use money etc. In addition I am gathering papers and sending off for needed documentation to apply for our residence permits again. I need to make sure we have all our ducks in a row so that when we hit the states we can get the process started quickly. I am also trying to figure out a speaking schedule for when we are home and make sure we have all the pictures and materials we need for presentations. I need to pre-purchase medications, arrange to have our rent and other bills paid, plants watered and all the other little details that need to happen in order to be gone for three months. To top all this off I started having some trouble with my eyes and had to go to the ophthalmologist. I was seeing long black strands and clumpy black dots as well as flashes of light. Turns out I have a vitreous separation, which is not dangerous once it separates but can cause problems during the process. I need to put a gel and some drops in my eyes twice a day for the next 20 days and then see the doctor again. Are you feeling sorry for me yet? I can hear my friend and team mate Ilir say "Do you want some cheese with that whine?"

Being on the mission field is interesting. Sometimes you feel like this is the best job in the world and sometimes you think of your old life and wonder "what were we thinking?" Sometimes that can happen on the same day with the same set of events. Wednesday is a good example. We started with a team meeting and then set up for a shoe give away. We received a donation of several hundred short, rubber, fur lined boots for kids in all sizes. My job at the beginning of the day was to escort families up the stairs, determine the child's size by having them stand on a chart on the floor, take them to the appropriate table and help them try on their shoes. When they finished I was to take them to a table to sign up for the children's party and escort them back downstairs. Depending on my outlook, I could tell about trying to get shoes on dirty, sweaty, stinky little feet with no socks, I could tell of a child insisting on a pair that was too big or a parent trying to get me to give them a pair that were too small for their preteen son because we didn't have any that fit. I could tell of standing in line at the Christmas party sign up while a mother argued that her small child should be allowed to come even though the invitation clearly said "7 to 12 years old only". I could tell of walking up and down the stairs until I was limping and finally trading jobs with someone just to sit down for a few minutes. I could tell how when Kent and I left on the bike there were demonstrations downtown and we had to go the long way around even though it had started to rain. I could tell how by the time I got home I was wet from the rain and from getting splashed by dirty water thrown up by a bus. I could tell how Kent built a fire because I was freezing but I still had to fix dinner before I could finally sit down and warm up. I COULD tell it that way.

Or I could tell about the kids. So many of them wearing flip flops or dirty ratty tennis shoes and no socks even though it is beginning to get cold out. I could tell about how excited they were to pick out which color of shoes they wanted and how they smiled when they slipped their feet into the warm fur lined boots. I could tell how many of them said "Thank you" in English. Or I could tell you about the parents. I could tell you how they looked on fondly as their kids tried to decide if they wanted red, black or blue and how I thought that it's probably been a long time since they were offered a choice about anything. I could tell how they knelt down and felt the toes to see if the shoe fit and how I remembered my own mom doing the same thing. I could tell about their grateful thanks and how they walked out holding the hand of a child who skipped along happily in their snug new shoes. I could tell how thankful I was after work not to have to ride the bus and how even though it rained, we rode along the sea. I could tell how my best friend and partner in life and ministry often reached back to pat me on the leg as if to say "I'm glad we are in this together". I could tell how when we got home I was grateful for my home, my fireplace and food to cook. I could tell how we finished the evening toasting our feet by the fire and doing a crossword puzzle together.

Wherever you are living your life you have a choice. You can look at things with gratefulness or with discontentment. Pray that we never forget how much God has done for us and all the blessings He has given us. Pray that God will give us a heart to love and care and to reach out to those less fortunate, for they are all around us. Thank you for all you do for us. We love you all and look forward to seeing you before too long.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #43

2010-11-12T01:42:00.000-08:00

Everyone,

Well I missed another week - my brother and sister-in-law were here and we went out of town on the weekend.

It was an eventful week before they came. Kent and I due to our lack of Greek - our own fault - misread our residence permit and thought the expiration date was October 26th which instead was the issue date and it was retroactive to the date we applied for it which was September 17. We were a couple days late (we thought) but weren't worried too much and thought we might have to pay a 50 euro fine. Instead when we got there we were told that our residence permit was finished and there was nothing our local authority could do about it. He told us to go to the Ministry of Interior and they would tell us what to do. We arrived there just after they opened. They were handing out number 20 and the man told us they would only take about the first 5. He said if we wanted to get in we would need to come at 5am and get in line. Kent got up the next morning and was first in line at 4:30am. When they opened at 10am they told us to fill out some forms and they would take us at 11:30. At around noon they let us in and we went through submitting all the papers we had originally submitted to apply for a residence permit. At the end of the time we paid them 300euros and the man said something in Greek that we couldn't understand. We asked for a translator who came and told us that our application would not be looked at by the committee for at least a year and then might be denied. Until then we could not travel etc. He said "You would be much better off going back to the USA and starting the process over." We asked why that wouldn't take just as long. He explained that the application we just made was for illegals who were appealing their case, so we were lumped in with all the refugees etc. If we went back to the USA we would be starting legally which would be the same process as when we came two years ago. We could only do that by stopping the process we had just started (we talked them into giving our 300 euros back). This means we have to go back to San Francisco and reapply plus jump through all the hoops like physicals, lung Xrays etc. A real pain but doable. One problem is that we are now in the country illegally but there is nothing we can do about it. Since we are already illegal we decided with our team leader that we would stay until the Christmas Break and then head back to the US to start the process. Please pray for us as we go to the airport because if they notice our expired papers they could fine us around a thousand euros each which amounts to 3000 dollars. On top of that it will be more expensive to travel this time of year than if we had waited. We were due to have a furlough anyway since we have been here over 2 years and a normal furlough is 3 months. We had decided to go in late January and only take two months since we had taken two trips home due to Kent's moms health and subsequent death. Now we will need to take our full three months in order to have enough time to do the paperwork and still get around to all our supporting churches. We will be in the Northwest from January 15th to February 28th. We will be traveling throughout Oregon and Washington much of the time speaking at our supporting churches. When we know our schedule we will pass it along to you so that you can catch us when we are in your area.

The whole situation with our papers has been a bit stressful and I found myself fretting about it. Then I was reminded of the people we work with. We are here illegally because we made a mistake in our paperwork. They are here illegally because they fled horrific conditions in their own country. During the time we are here illegally, we have a comfortable home. While they are here illegally, they are sleeping in the park or sharing a small room with other families. When we try to leave the country in December the police may notice that our papers are expired. If this happens they will fine us 3000 euros and we will go on back to our country where we will stay comfortably with family and friends. When they try to leave the country the police may notice they don't have the right papers and they will go to jail. After jail they will be told to leave the country. If they went home their very lives would be at stake, if they stay, they are in danger of being picked up and jailed again. My problems seem very small in the face of the seemingly insurmountable problems my refugee friends face every day. Pray for them.

At times the reality of what these people face every day threatens to overwhelm us. Scott was talking with a young man the other day who was crying and saying that he just didn't know what to do anymore. His family in Afghanistan won't speak to him, his uncle who is here will have nothing to do with him (this is due to some family issues). He feels alone and hopeless. Scott asked him if he could pray with him and as Scott prayed he began to weep with this young man. The next day when he saw him the young man came up to Scott and hugged him and said "Thank you". Scott said "Please don't thank me - I didn't do anything." The young man said "You cried with me, no one has ever done that before." Sometimes what we can do for people is so little but we love them and we are their friends and somehow in the midst of a very dark place that is enough.

Kent received a call from a young man named "S" late last night. "S" is in his late teens or early 20s. He left Afghanistan because their family cannot survive on the amount his father makes farming so he left hoping he could somehow make a better life and be able to help his family. Instead he is living in the park and sees no hope of moving on. When he called last night he was saying "I am very sad. Today I cried for Afghanistan. What should I do?" Kent told him to come to the ARC tomorrow and they would talk. Kent is planning to see if he can find a place for him to stay if we can help out with rent but this is not a long term solution. He wants to work and to make something of his life. Kent will also talk with him about going to Greek classes or other things he might do to give himself positive steps toward change. He speaks English and has been attending a seekers bible class. Pray for "S" and for Kent and he tries to discern how to help him. Unfortunately "S" is only one in hundreds or thousands who have the same story. Cry for Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the African countries where there is war and famine and suffering beyond what we can imagine.

I recently saw a quote which said:
“Sometimes I would like to ask God why He allows poverty, suffering, and
injustice when He could do something about it.”
“Well, why don’t you ask Him?”
“Because I’m afraid He would ask me the same question.

Thank you for being willing to do something. Thank you for praying, thank you for giving, thank you for caring - 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #42

2010-10-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

After a few VERY hectic weeks, Kent and I had some much needed down time. As you know we have had several people stay with us on vision trips, welcomed 3 interns, had a short term team come, I was away at a women's conference - where I got to share about the ministry, and we have been very busy with the flood of new refugees coming in. We realized that we had only taken 3 or 4 of our available 14 vacation days this year so we took two days off this week just to spend time together and catch up. Tuesday we drove to the north eastern coast and just poked around in the area - driving up little gravel roads to see where they led etc. It was a beautiful day and very warm - I had worn a tank top with a short sleeved blouse like a jacket, I was soon too hot and just went with the tank top. There were quite a few people swimming in the sea and we said if we had brought our snorkel gear we would have tried it. I think Kent would have wimped out pretty quickly though - he's not a big fan of swimming unless it is very warm. Wednesday and Thursday (which was a holiday) we spent at home doing little fix it projects and cleaning and sorting some areas of the house that had become piled with things that only gather dust. This might not sound restful but it was and we had a good couple of days.

The women's conference was a good experience. There were about 200 women there and I think my presentation was well received. One woman came up that night and asked how she could begin supporting Helping Hands (the ministry - not us) monthly. A couple other people mentioned that they would like me to come speak at their church so we will see what develops. I enjoy speaking and have missed getting a chance to do that. I was reminded once again that I need to get serious about improving my Greek.

While I was gone - Kent had "G" over to the house for the evening. We are so happy to see him becoming more and more of his old self again. Kent said that he offered to buy souvlaki pitas (grilled chunks of meat with other good things wrapped in pita bread) but George said he would not be able to eat it because of his mouth. There was some left over pasta in the fridge so Kent heated that up. He said George could only take tiny, tiny bites and it took him a LONG time to finish. Kent offered him other things later but he said no, he was full. No wonder he is so thin. Please pray that his jaw will get better and that Kent can continue to share with him.

I have seen my new young friend "M" a couple of times now. We usually play a game together and talk. I was disappointed last Tuesday because after we had been open a couple of hours with tea we announced that we were going to have Nader talk about Jesus to anyone who was interested. "M" wanted to stay but the man who is sharing their house said they needed to go. Pray that I will get a chance to share with her.

We are trying something new. On Tuesdays we will have a Farsi Outreach and meal for families. We will give out tickets to all families and divide them into two consecutive Tuesdays. We will serve a meal and then when people are done eating we will announce that we are going to have Nader share about Jesus and those who want to listen may stay and those who don't want to listen may go. We did this with just tea last Tuesday - out of around 150 people 60 adults and about 30 children stayed. We will do the same thing on Fridays for single men. Please pray for us as we continue to make adjustments in the way we do things in order to accommodate as many people as possible.

Thank you once again for your prayers, notes of encouragement and financial support. We could not do this 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 ;}

morley update 2010 #41

2010-10-16T11:44:00.001-07:00

Everyone -

Sorry this is late once again but I have spent the last two day when I wasn't at the ARC working on a presentation for the Women's Conference I will be at next week. I will leave on Tuesday and return on Saturday. (Which means I most likely will not send an update next week). I have a chance to share for 15 minutes about the work here in Athens and will be at a table later on to answer questions - providing I can understand the questions since it is a conference for Greek Evangelical Women.

Our week this week began in a very joyous manner. We had the privilege of attending the baptism of our good friend Dr. "J" from Pakistan. He gave his testimony before his baptism. He told how the Taliban burned his house, put a death warrant out on him and threatened his family and forced them into hiding. Then he stood tall and said clearly, "In the name of Jesus I hereby forgive these men for the atrocities they have committed against me and my family." It was a powerful and moving moment. Please pray that somehow his wife and two small children will be able to get out of Pakistan and the family can be reunited.

It has been very crowded at the ARC lately. New Afghan families are pouring into Greece. We are seeing many new people most of whom are sleeping in the parks since they have just arrived and don't know anyone or have money to find a place off the streets. We have had such big crowds on Tuesdays that we have had to stop serving food for the time being until we can find a way to ticket people and control the crowds that push their way through the gates threatening to trample children in the push to get in. Please pray with us that we will once again find a way to share what we have with as many people as possible while still providing for the safety of our staff and the refugees we serve.

I met a very nice new family. The daughter "M" speaks excellent English. They have been here for two months. There is "M" who is 18, her two younger sisters 12 and 15 and her mother. They left Afghanistan because her father is dead and they were under the authority of her uncle. She said she loves school but was forced to stop going because her uncle did not believe girls should be out of the house after the age of 12. She said she and her sisters were like prisoners in their home, never allowed to leave except to walk around the yard. She said it was only a matter of time until her uncle forced her to marry because men will pay handsomely to marry a beautiful young girl and she was getting old at 18 to still be unmarried. Her mother took her and her sisters and left. They walked to Turkey and then over the mountains into Greece. "M" said that her uncle is very influential and if they went home they would certainly be killed. I told her to tell her mother (who does not speak English) for me that I respected and honored her for being willing to leave her life and to make the dangerous journey with her daughters. Her mother said "I suffered from my father, my husband and my brother-in-law, I do not want this for my girls". Her mother is only 42 but looks much older due to the hard life she has had. "M" and her family share a 12x12 room with 3 families totaling 20 people. Each family pays 200 euros a month. For 600 euros those same three families could rent a nice 3 bedroom apartment but because they don't have papers they are forced to pay slum lords ridiculous prices just to be off the streets.

Kent's friend "G" was at the ARC today. He is looking very good although very thin. He is talking well again and seems much more his old self. He has moved from the abandoned shell of a building up in the hills and is living with another man near the center of Athens. Thanks to those of you who prayed for him. We are SO glad to see him doing better. Kent plans to have him and a few other guys over for a movie night while I am gone next week.

Well it's late - hopefully I will get back on a better schedule soon and be more regular with my updates. Thank you all for being such an encouragement to us. God is definitely at work here and we are so glad to be a part of it.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2101 #40

2010-10-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Here are a few "snapshots" from the last couple of weeks.

We are having a fun day for the kids. We have set up chairs like a movie theater, made popcorn and koolaide and cued up Kung Fu Panda to show. It is 80 some degrees and I am dressed in a flannel tiger suit (to look like Tigress in the film) and practicing my kicks and kung fu moves. My son-in-law Dave who is a martial arts instructor would have been a better choice but he is not here and besides Tigress is a girl ;} When the kids and parents start coming in I greet each one with few "moves" and then hold out my hand. Despite that fact that my suit is homemade and a little hokey (okay maybe a LOT hokey - see attached pictures) the kids love it and all want to shake my hand - some eagerly and some shyly. During the movie whenever Tigress is on, the kids turn around and point at me as I sit with one little girl on my lap who is sleepily sucking her thumb and petting me. By the time the day is over I have sweated off my whiskers and my legs ache from being on my feet all day, but the kids all want to give me a hug as they leave AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Monday is our day off but this Monday we spent all day shopping for several upcoming events. We met Roberta a short term team member from Alpine Chapel to shop for a Grocery Give Away that they funded. Roberta, Kent and I each took a cart and began to load bags of rice, beans, macaroni, and sugar into them. We also bought lentils, canned milk, oil, laundry soap and shampoo. To get enough for 50 families we knew it would take two loads in our little Polo. We checked out with the first round and went down to load it into our car. We had overestimated how much our car would hold. We soon filled the back storage, the backseat and even put some on the roof. That meant Roberta and I needed to sit together in the small bucket seat in front. We squeezed in sitting on our sides in order to give Kent enough room to shift. By the time we got to our house our legs were numb and we still had to unload and go back for more. Today as we gave each family a cart fill with groceries, mothers kissed us, kids hugged us and fathers thanked us with tears in their eyes AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Many of the refugees coming in these days have coughs, colds and fevers so the team is beginning the usual round of people being sick. I had been fighting a sore throat for a few days and kept telling myself I didn't have time to get sick. I didn't feel too good Monday night but got up Tuesday and thought I didn't feel too bad. I was cooking for our Farsi outreach that day so Kent and I left the house at 8am on the bike and headed in to the ARC. We got out two of our giant pots (each holds enough soup for about 80-90 servings). We put water on to boil and Kent started browning hamburger while I chopped parsley. The Alpine Chapel team arrived and helped chop onions and carrots. We added those and some spices, bullion, tomatoes, tomato sauce and cheese to the hamburger and put a third huge pot of tortellini on to boil. Once this cooked we added it to the sauce mixture. Since it was the first time I had made this particular soup for 175 I kept tasting and adjusting spices and adding more tomato sauce and water to stretch it. When it was finally done we sat down with the team to have prayer before opening the doors. As I sat there I realized that I was no longer fighting the cold but my glands were aching and I needed to go home. I trudged up to the metro and sat in the wind waiting for a bus to take me home to my bed at the same time praying that there would be enough soup for the big crowd we expected. When Kent got home he said there was plenty of soup for everyone with enough left over for lunch at women's showers AND IT'S WORTH IT.

My house is filled with people. Everywhere you look people are talking, laughing and enjoying each other's company. There are toys scattered all over the living room floor and the remains of grilled hamburgers for forty people on the table. It's team fellowship and we have shared our highs and lows with each other and prayed for one another in small groups. We've eaten, and talked and played with kids. When the last people have gone "A" washes up the plates that won't fit in the dishwasher, "D" vacuums, Kent and I put away food, rearrange the furniture and put away the toys. In relatively short order my house looks somewhat normal and we all sit down to rest. After being sick the day before I am very tired but I think about the incredible people God has blessed us with as team mates AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Kent and I both at times miss our family and friends back home. Sometimes we get frustrated with things that take longer than we'd like or with traffic or struggling with language. Sometime we even get frustrated with refugees who yell at us if they don't get what they want or don't show up for a class or demand more time than we have to give. Sometimes we realize that we are no longer youngsters anymore and we are tired. But then a child smiles, a mother gives us a grateful hug, a young man wants to talk about Jesus or as is happening on Sunday a refugee friend is baptized into Christ AND IT'S WORTH IT.

Thank you for supporting us. I know sometimes you give sacrificially or take time out of a busy schedule to pray for us. We want you to know that we appreciate it so much AND IT'S WORTH IT.

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #39

2010-10-01T03:29:00.000-07:00

Everyone -
One of my goals for this year was not to miss a single week in getting out an update. Last week put an end to that goal. It was a busy time with having a future team mate stay with us for a week and getting the three young women who came for 3 months settled into their apartment. Then it was off to team retreat. Our fall retreat is a working retreat so it was made up of many meetings but we still found time to play together as a team. It was good to be out of the city and to catch up with teammates who are staying at home with kids.

I wanted to give you a couple of snapshots from the last couple of weeks.

A couple of weeks ago an Afghan family came in and sat down with my teammates Suzie and Christy. The mother and father were each carrying a child in their arms and there was another one running around at their feet. The oldest child is 7 but looks about 3 in size. He and the youngest child, who is 2, were both born with brain problems. Neither can sit up or even hold their heads up. The middle child who is 5 was born deaf and cannot speak. The couple asked Suzie if we had a stroller we could give them. She explained that strollers, especially double strollers, are very expensive here and we didn't have any to give. Then Christy got the idea to ask our friend "Z" about the double stroller we had given her. She has twin girls but they are 2 1/2 now and walk everywhere. "Z" agreed to bring her stroller in that day and give it to this family. The next week at our Farsi outreach and meal I saw the Afghan couple come in. Both the oldest and the youngest children were lying peacefully in the stroller while the middle child went happily off to play in the baby room. What a blessing to see"Z", who has so little, willing to give back to another less fortunate. What a joy to be able to lighten this couple's burden in even this small way.

Last Saturday I looked over and saw Kent sitting in a circle with about 6 younger men. They spent most of the day sitting and talking. Afterward Kent said they all are interested in learning English and are very open to spiritual things. Today he is going to have an English class for them before men's showers. Pray that they will come and that along with English they will come to know Jesus.

Tuesday I was in the children's room. Carolyn told the story of the prodigal son with her husband Ebi there to interpret. The kids were very engaged and when she told of the Father welcoming the son home and having a party they all clapped their hands and cheered. When the story was finished Carolyn showed them a cross with ribbons attached that we were making for a craft. She talked to them about Jesus dying on the cross and then asked if anyone knew what happened next. One little girl about 9 raised her hand and spoke for quite some time in Farsi. Afterward Ebi said she had it exactly right. This is a newer family and their children were very sweet. When we passed out the craft the girl asked if they each got one or if there was only one per family. She was very excited that they would each get their own. Afterward I got busy with serving the meal and didn't get a chance to find out who the parents of these children were. Please pray that they return and we can get to know them.

Yesterday Kent went out to find his friend "G". When he got to the abandoned building where "G" is staying, "G" was just getting ready to go out. There are several other men living there now so he did not want to have Kent come in. Kent took him downtown on the motor bike and they spent a couple of hours having a drink and something to eat and talking. Kent said "G" is doing much better and says he will come back to the ARC and would like to come back to dinner at our house. He does not want Kent to come to the place he lives any more because of the other men. Please pray that we can keep in contact with him and that he will come and see us.

Please keep praying for our two refugee women's bible studies. Attendance has been very good and the women are full of questions. Pray that they continue to learn and accept Jesus fully.

Yesterday a couple who is looking at the possibility to come and work with us came to stay with us for 12 days. They were working in Afghanistan when "A", who is Afghan/American, was filmed (without his knowledge) baptizing some university students and it came out on television. The government made several arrests and "A" and his wife "D" fled for their lives leaving all but a few personal possessions behind. They cannot go back to Afghanistan and looking to where God might want to use them now. Please pray for them in being able to process all that has happened to them and that they will clearly hear God speak about their next step.

As always we thank you, our larger team, for being a part of this ministry here. We are seeing many new families and are excited about the possibilities God is opening up. We miss all of you and our life in America but we are so glad we are here and are convinced that God has brought us to this place. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #38

2010-09-16T23:13:00.001-07:00

Everyone -

For anyone who might have noticed this update is late but I am trying to figure out when I write my updates with the new schedule. Tuesday used to be a personal ministry day for women and that is when I wrote. Now our Farsi outreach is that day. Friday is now personal ministry day for women but today I have to go to our storage facility and help sort toys. I will try to do better next week but most likely will be sending out the updates on Friday/Saturday.

We have had our first week with the new schedule and are still tweaking it a bit. Our work week is now Tuesday through Saturday with Sunday church and Monday off.

Tuesdays we do a Farsi outreach. We meet at the ARC early to prepare food and open our doors at 12:00.The doors stay open for 1/2 hour or until we reach 120 people which ever comes first. At 12:30 we start our program. This includes singing christian songs in Farsi, sometimes drama or puppets, and preaching by Nader (our Iranian team mate) in Farsi. We may also at times use other speakers with Nader translating. After the program we serve a meal and and have a seekers class for those interested in hearing more. Right now we are attempting to closed and cleaned up by 3:00 in order to be ready for a refugee women's bible study at 3:30. There have been about 12-15 women coming to this study led by different women on the team with Sahar (an Iranian friend) translating.

Wednesday is team day. We have meetings in the morning 2 days a month, training one day a month, and prayer day one day a month. Two evening a month we have Team Fellowship. We also do give away days like clothing, sleeping bags, school supplies etc in the afternoons on some days.

Thursday is women showers. We take about 10 families. This means 10 women and about 25-30 kids. They spend the day at the ARC taking turns in the shower, sharing a meal, and doing activities. This is a personal ministry day for men. (personal ministry days are for meeting individually with refugees, preparing lessons, writing to supporters, studying language etc.)

Friday is Men's Showers. Women have personal ministry this day.

Saturday is Tea House. We arrive early to prepare and open the door at 12:00 we serve tea and have a children's activity room and a baby room. We close at 4:00.

It has been very busy lately. We are seeing many new families. Often they are living in the parks because they have not yet found shelter. It has been personally busy for me because we have a young woman staying with us for 11 days who is here on a Vision Trip. (to see if she wants to apply to come full time). This week we also welcomed three other young women who will be here for 3 months serving with us. Kent and I spent the day Thursday getting them settled in their apartment. One of these women, Jessie Lipp is from one of our our supporting churches. Thanks New Hope for helping to send her!

I realize this letter is long on information and a bit short on personal stories but let me just tell you about last Saturday at the ARC. Before tea house we prayed for the "Harvest" we prayed that God would show us "Low Hanging Fruit" ready to be picked. Here is an excerpt from my team mate Brett's blog on one of the things that happened that day.

Within ten minutes of our doors opening, a young Afghan man began speaking to me in Farsi. I don’t speak Farsi, but understood two words: Jesus Christ. At the same time, he was opening his hands as if to make a book. I called over my teammate Susie (whose Farsi skills far surpass my own), and the three of us walked together to where we had some Bibles and tracts on display. Susie translated for us as this young Afghan (“M”) asked about following Jesus: “Do you have an injil (New Testament)?” “Do you believe it is possible for someone to change religions?” “Do you have classes about the Bible?” The harvest is plentiful! Later in the afternoon, “M” returned with three friends who also took New Testaments and asked when we would be having a Bible class. Please pray for “M” and his three friends. Our communication was limited, and I don’t know their hearts… but I do know that the harvest is the Lord’s!

As we drove home that afternoon we began to talk about our day. The more we talked the more we realized that almost everyone on the team had a spiritual discussion with someone that day. Please continue to pray with us for the Harvest. God is at work in Athens and you are a part of that. Thank 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #37

2010-09-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Here are a few recent "snapshots" from Greece.

1) Kent found his friend "G". As you may remember "G" was one of the first group of Kurdish guys that Kent had in his English class. Of the three regulars "G" was the one he connected with the most and the one who made the most progress in English. "G" was bright and funny and Kent really enjoyed their times together. Suddenly "G" dropped out of sight. We assumed he was in Jail because we felt sure he would have called us if he was leaving. Kent tried to find him but failed. Finally we found out that he had indeed been in jail for three months and while there he was very badly beaten by some other men in the jail. The police put people who don't have the right papers in with hardened criminals. These men kicked him in the face until they did major damage to his mouth and jaw. He spent some time in the hospital and when Kent finally found him he was out of the hospital but in a lot of pain. We found a retired doctor friend from church to go back to the doctor with him but they said that his jaw was as good as it was going to get and that he just needed to exercises it more. "G" doesn't have a phone so Kent had no way to contact him and once again could not find him for a time. Then one day this summer we saw "G" on the street. He was not doing well. He looked very unkept and seemed to have trouble putting words together. He said he needed to go because he had to be somewhere so we told him to call us when he could. Once again he dropped out of sight. Recently another of the original three Kurdish guys "H" arrived back in town. He had been living at one of the camps in Lavrio about and hour from here. He managed to find "G" but told Kent he was in a bad way. He wouldn't talk to "H" and told him just to go away and leave him alone. "H" agreed to take Kent to where "G" was staying so they went together. Kent said they went back up in the hills on the bike and then walked down through the brush to a small square cement building that had been abandoned. "G" was there and was not happy with "H" that he had brought Kent. He let them in however and Kent said he has a bed, a small fireplace and he thought maybe a small bathroom but there is no electricity or running water. "G's" jaw is still not right and he can't eat very well. Kent said he seemed more himself as far as being alert but he basically just stays in this building all the time and won't go out. "H" has tried to get him to come with him to different places and he says no. It is heartbreaking to see him so depressed and beaten down. Kent and "H" will go again and try to get him to come out. Kent asked him about food but he said he was fine - "H" thinks otherwise. I will make some things that are soft and easy to chew to send with Kent the next time he goes but he doesn't have a way to refrigerate anything so it has to be things that won't spoil. I don't think he would accept groceries but I think if Kent told him I made them for him he would take them. Please pray for "G" and for Kent and "H" to know how to help him. "H" has become a Christian and Kent has been spending more time with him recently. It is hard for young men to keep any sense of self worth when they can't find work and live in fear of the police.

2) It is Saturday and tea house day at the ARC. There aren't many refugees there this particular day. Maybe it is because it is Ramadan and they are not eating or drinking or maybe it is because we changed the day from Monday to Saturday. Time will tell. In the afternoon three of the refugee women who have become good friends are there and there is a new woman who is there for the first time. She has only been in Greece two weeks and is living in the park with her husband and 8 year old son. She was asking questions about where to get food and how she could maybe wash clothes etc. We talked with her a while, told her what we could offer and then introduced her to the other women and told them her situation. They quickly began telling her which days there were different places to get food or clothes or medical help etc. I think one of the things we do well is to help refugees connect with one another and begin to have that sense of community which is so important in their culture.

3) Our friend "Z1" and her husband and three children found an abandoned house some time ago and have worked hard cleaning it up, painting some of the rooms and making a home for themselves. They even have water and electricity. We went to visit one day and "Z1" cooked us a meal and proudly served us in her dining room (the house even had old furniture). Recently however "Z1's" husband told some men they could stay for the night because they had no where to go. Now 6 men have moved into their home and are using it as a base for illegal activity. "Z1's" husband told them to leave and they said "No, why should we leave, you leave". "Z1" and her husband can't call the police because if the police came they might all end up in jail or they would likely all end up in the street. "Z1" is frightened at what the men would do if they tried to force them to leave. Such is the precarious life of a refugee in Greece. Please pray for this family - "Z1" is on of the regulars at two of the women's bible studies and a dear friend.

4) At tea house on Saturday someone had brought in a giant teddy bear and it was sitting in a chair. Later in the day I looked up and instead of one of the children playing with it, a young man in his early 20s had his arms wrapped around it and was using it for a pillow on the table. He wasn't sleeping, just resting and watching the Jesus film. Everyone needs someone to hug!

We have a busy schedule for the next few months. I am overseeing short term teams and individuals. On Saturday (9/11)we have a young woman coming on a vision trip to look at joining the ministry here. She will stay with us and will be here until 9/22. We have three young women coming 9/15-16 to stay for 3 months so I have been working on their schedule and Kent and I will spend a day preparing the apartment where they are going to stay (rearranging some furniture and bringing in an extra bed). We will also pick them up at the airport and spend a day helping get them settled and I will do their orientation. We have a working retreat with marathon meetings from 9/23-27. On 9/30 another couple is coming for a vision trip and will also stay with us. They will leave 10/11. 10/1 we have a short term team coming in from the Chicago area so I will help get them settled etc. They leave 10/10. The next week some friends from Oregon will be around and will likely stay with us at least a couple of nights. 10/19-23 I will be gone to a conference for Greek women in Northern Greece. I will get a chance to speak for a few minutes about our ministry and be around to answer questions. Pray for my Greek language skills - it will be good practice for me! Once I get back we will have a couple of weeks and then my brother and sister-in law are coming for a visit - which I am very excited about! Once they leave we have a team coming in from Nebraska and then we move into Christmas parties. I think I will schedule collapsing sometime after Christmas! Actually Kent and I both enjoy having people around and being busy so I am looking forward to it.

We think of you all often and miss being able to spend time in person with you. We appreciate all the notes of encouragement and the prayers that go up on our behalf, as well as the financial support. Thank you for being part of our team. 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 ;}

Ministry Update 2010 #36

2010-09-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

I have several meetings today so wanted to get this out before I forgot. I just want to give you a few "snapshots" from the week.

Thursday we had our last beach day of the year. We have been doing them weekly since the beginning of summer. It is quite an undertaking to bring everything you need for a day at the beach for yourselves and 15-20 extra people. We take bags of swimwear, towels, beach toys, blankets and beach mats, umbrellas, water and lunch. Some of the team meets our refugee guests at the metro, provides tickets and then rides out with them. Those of us with cars bring the beach gear, set up the umbrellas, lay out the mats etc. We meet at the beach and spend about 4-5 hours swimming, playing and eating. I think everyone on the team was glad this was our last time for the year. But here is the snapshot: 5 mothers out in the waves - all wearing their clothes and head coverings. "G" is married to a man who is ill and can't work. They and their children are living in the park again because they were kicked out of the abandoned building they were living in. "Z2" is a single mom who's teenage son got into some trouble and is in jail. She also has a little girl and recently became a Christian. "Z1" has three children. She and her husband recently found a place to live that is nicer than what most refugees can find. Her husband works hard but there is little paid employment to be found and they struggle just to keep food on the table. "F" has two little girls and has been in Greece for several years. Up until recently her husband had been able to find enough work to support them but lately things have become so tight that he is sending her and the two little girls back to Algeria without him. She is very sad about this. "A" has five children two of them quite small. Her husband is a drug addict and abusive. Every one of these women are people we have come to love. To watch them playing with their children, laughing and splashing as they attempt to swim, and forgetting at least for the moment their hard lives is PRICELESS.

Another snapshot from beach day is of Mustava who is three. He has on a little swim ring and is laying back in the water near the shore waiting for the waves. Every time one comes it washes over him and every time he comes up laughing.

I have told you about our friend Dr. Joseph and how he has been waiting almost two years for asylum while his wife and two small children live in hiding for fear of their lives in Pakistan. As you can well imagine there are times when he is almost overwhelmed with sadness. Last Sunday we were in the car with him on our way to church. The back door of our car opens from the outside but will not open from the inside so you have to roll down the window and reach the handle outside to get out. We were making a stop and he said "This car will let you in but not let you out." Kent said "That is because it is a Greek car and you are a refugee. You can get in but you can't get out." Dr. J thought this was hysterical and laughed and laughed. The rest of the day he would say things like - "Oh this is a Greek road everywhere you want to turn you are blocked" and then he would laugh again. He came home with us for lunch and later that afternoon Kent went down to take him back to his place on the motorbike. The motorbike has a cover on it and Kent said when he saw it he started to laugh again and said "I see you have a Muslim bike - it wears a burka".

A week ago Sunday, Dr. J told us that Sahar had phoned to let him know they were going to be baptizing an Iranian new believer after church and invited him to come. He asked if we would take him and of course we were happy to. We met at the beach and stood in a small circle singing a few songs in Farsi. Then after a prayer Sahar and her pastor waded out into the sea with the woman being baptized. People swimming and sunbathing stopped to watch as she was buried with Christ and raised to walk in a new life! This was especially meaningful to Dr. J as he is going to be baptized soon. He decided he wanted to wait until Scott McCracken was back and could attend.

Yesterday was our day off and we decided about noon to run down to the sea and go snorkeling for a while. We called Dr. J and asked if he would like to go. He said yes so we picked him up and headed off. I asked if he had ever snorkeled before and he said no and asked rather nervously if there would be any sharks. I assured him there weren't any and that we would be in shallow water anyway. When we got there he put and his snorkel and mask but at first was thrashing about and swallowed quite a bit of water. I went over to him and said "Just lay out in the water, don't even try to move." After he mastered that I taught him how to stroke along with his hands and he was soon doing much better. I stayed by his side for a while and at one point he wanted to stand up. We were in water about up to our chest and there were quite a few waves so it was hard to stand. We were holding on to each other and laughing when Kent said "Hey there is a pretty interesting fish over here." Dr. J said "Hold on to him and we'll be over in a minute!" I love to see him laugh.

Well it is time for my meeting so I will close. I hope these glimpses into life here will bless you as they bless us and the refugees we serve. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #35

2010-08-24T02:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

It was a big day Saturday. We reopened the ARC for the first time in two months. We saw many familiar faces - some of whom we hadn't seen during this time some of whom we have seen at other events or the park. We also had new faces. Several new families were there and quite a few new single men. Already the changes in the ARC are making a difference. I told you about the new turkish toilet (hole in floor with places for your feet on both sides - we also call it a "sqatty potty") in the ladies rest room. We still have a western toilet but are keeping that stall locked and it is for staff use only. The women on the team were very excited to know we had a place to go to the toilet that was clean and no one had been standing on the seat. I was feeling a bit guilty though because it seemed like we were keeping the best toilet for ourselves and making the refugees use the other. I was showing my friend "Z" around and when she saw the turkish toilet she clapped her hands and said "Finally". I realized that to them this was the "nice" toilet and the other was just something they had been putting up with. No more guilt.

We only served tea on Saturday but already the kitchen made a big difference. Instead of standing bending over a sink for hours washing cups we just threw them in the dishwasher. This will mean we need less people in the kitchen freeing up more people to be spending time with refugees. I know it will be such a help when we serve food. I used to stand for a couple of hours by the door of the kitchen rinsing greasy spaghetti plates in a dishpan before they went into the kitchen to be washed. This meant going out on the back balcony to empty my pan and then running back and forth into the kitchen to refill it when it got too greasy. It meant carrying stacks of dripping plates through the kitchen where people were working to the sink. All those plates (about 120) then had to be hand washed, double rinsed - once in bleach water, and hand dried. Now they will be stacked on our rolling cart and wheeled into the kitchen. They will be scraped into the under the counter garbage can and rinsed in the sink. After that they will run through the dishwasher and come out ready to be put away in the cupboard.

I asked for prayer for our friend Doctor "S" who has taken the name "Joseph". His wife and children have been in hiding in Pakistan under threats of death from the Taliban. They were caught in the floods and he had not been in contact with them. He was able to talk with his wife this week and they are safe. Joseph said he knows it is because God protected them and he wanted to thank everyone who prayed for them. Please continue to pray that his family will be able to leave Pakistan and join him.

Please also pray for "G" Kent's kurdish friend who was beaten so severely while he was in jail. Kent had not been able to find him but recently heard that he is living near the hills of Athens. He is hoping to go to see him this week. He is very concerned because when a mutual friend found him he refused to let him in and seemed in a very bad way. "G" has always been such a great guy that it is very hard to hear of him being in such a state. Please pray that he will see Kent and that we can know how to help him.

Please also pray for the many refugees who are once again living in the parks. Many of them had been living in abandoned buildings but recently the police have been making sweeps through these areas and arresting people or just sending them out. They have no where to go so they end up with their families in the parks. New families continue to arrive and they squeeze into already overcrowded apartments just to be off the streets.

Along with all the new families, we are also missing many faces - some of them people whom we have come to love. During the months of July and August many refugees leave during the rush of tourists. Often we don't even get a chance to say goodbye. This is the nature of refugee ministry and we rejoice in those who have gone on and taken a faith in Jesus Christ with them. "C" and her husband "A" along with their two small children became Christians here and we watched "C" blossom from a shy, sad and fearful woman into a confident, laughing woman who openly shared her faith with others. They moved on to Italy and hope to move on from there. For others it may be only seeds of faith that we hope will be watered and tended by someone else along the Refugee Highway. "T" and her mother and sisters had become a good friends but were just beginning to open their hearts to ask questions about Jesus. They have moved on to Germany.

We will miss these people and carry them in our hearts but we turn our attention to the new families as well. Our goal is that when people come through our doors they will find not only food for their bellies but food for their souls. Jesus said "I am the bread of life". When they get a drink of cold water or hot tea we hope they will also find what their hearts are thirsting for. Jesus said "I am the living water". When we give them clean clothes or laundry soap or a shower, we hope they will look to the one who can truly make them clean. "The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin". And as we help them on their way down the Refugee Highway we point them to the one who said "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life".

Thank you for being a part of this. 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 ;}

ARC Remodel

2010-08-17T05:18:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Morley Update 2010 #34

2010-08-17T05:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone,
We spent the rest of the week doing clean up after the construction. It was a HOT, DUSTY, EXHAUSTING job. We hope to be open for our first tea house this Saturday. At the left of this entry under Archives you will see a heading "ARC Remodel" if you click on that it will take you to an albumn of pictures of some of the newly redone areas. Click where it says "view in a larger size" then click "view albumn". If you look to the left of each picture as it comes up there is a heading telling you what you are looking at. Pictures can't do it justice - it is AWESOME!
Myrna and Kent

Morley Update 2010 #33

2010-08-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

It has been an interesting summer. As you know because the ARC has been closed for renovations we have been doing ministry "outside the box" for the last two months. It has been good and has allowed us to try new things and be more creative. On the other hand it has been hard because the schedule changes from week to week and sometimes from day to day making it hard to plan ahead. I know I am looking forward to have a more "normal" schedule soon.

Today the team had our team meeting at the ARC for the first time since mid June. The contractors are finished except for a few little things and now the clean up begins. If I had one word to describe today it would be DUST. There is a thick layer of dust covering almost every inch of the ARC. Walls must be washed. Hundreds of chairs must be washed. Cupboards must be washed. Appliances and counter tops have to be washed. Every piece of clothing in the clothing room needs to be shaken out and rehung. When I walked in the door at home today I went to the shower before even sitting down. My hair and clothes were covered with dust and I had dirty trails down my face where the sweat ran down through the dust. We will spend the rest of the week cleaning and putting things away and hope to be open for tea house by the end of next week.

Once everything is cleaned I know we will all be basking in the new things that will make our lives easier. We have a completely new kitchen with everything you could want. It has a dishwasher and a big sink for washing pots. No more standing endlessly washing hundreds of plastic cups or greasy plates. No more back breaking work of washing the pots with a hose out on the balcony. Not only do we have a new stove top but we have an oven and two deep fryers. We have under the counter refrigerators and stainless steel work areas. It is AMAZING.

Our women's bathroom has all the women on the team rejoicing. It was hard to use the bathroom during the day because someone was always in it and when you did get in you had to clean the toilet before you could sit down. This was because since refugees are used to Turkish Toilets (which are a hole in the floor you stand over) they stood and balanced themselves on the seat of the toilet which of course made for quite a mess. Our new bathroom has two stalls with doors. One with a Turkish Toilet for refugees and one with a Western Toilet and a lock on the door for staff. Since both stalls have doors people can go in and out to use the sink even if someone is using the toilet.

The men's bathroom was also renovated with new tile and a new configuration for the showers as well as a second sink. This should make shower days go a little more smoothly.

We have a new office with cubby holes for our things and a cupboard for hanging coats and storing purses and backpacks. It has two work stations plus a table in the middle for meetings.

The walls throughout the ARC have been patched and repainted and some leakage and other structural issues have been taken care of. I know our refugee friends will be as excited as we are to see their home away from home looking so clean and nice. We have been storing everything in the kid's activity room which didn't need repainting thanks to the Central Christian team that came two years ago!

We had a little scare today but thank goodness nothing serious. I was working in the bathroom when I heard a crash in the kitchen. I didn't hear anything afterward so thought someone had dropped something. In a minute or two a team mate stuck her head in and said "Did you know Morley (Kent) just fell in the kitchen?" I said, "Is he hurt?" and she said "I don't know he's still laying on the floor." I rushed in and found him laying on his back on the floor with Kenn (our resident EMT) beside him. As soon as I walked in they said "He didn't hit his head, his back is okay - he landed on his tailbone." Kent lay there for a minute or two more and then they helped him to his feet. He said he thought he was okay and we all went back to work. We finished the tasks we were on and then Kent said he thought we should go home as his tailbone was pretty sore. Of course we had to make a stop at a friend's house and load up a a carload of things to take to another friends new house since we had said we would help him move that day. Fortunately he had some other people to help too so we just had to drop off one carload. After some Ibuprofen Kent said his tailbone is feeling some better and he is asleep in the recliner but we will see how he does tomorrow.

It seems like this letter is too long already but I wanted to tell you about two other blessings in our personal lives. We have not had air conditioning for the two years we have lived here but a local store was having a great sale where if you bought one on sale you could get a second one for half price. We bought two and we now have air conditioning in our living room and bedroom. The temperatures have often been in the high 90s low 100s and staying in the 90s around the clock so neither of us were getting good sleep. The last few nights have been wonderful! Another big blessing is a new (to us) motor scooter. Last fall we began to think that a motor scooter would make a big difference in our lives as Kent does a lot of running back and forth down town to meet with guys etc. Kent's cousin Linda and her husband Jim generously donated enough money for us to get a bike. Since then we have been praying about it and asking the Lord to bring just the right bike for just the right price. Recently we found out that a lady we had a connection with through Helping Hands was wanting to sell her bike. It was just what we wanted and only had 2000 kilometers on it. It was also in our price range. We made the deal and already it has been great to have. Kent will start having more meetings with team mates as well as refugee friends with his new pastoral duties so I know it will make a big difference. It will also be a big help when there are strikes because I can ride with him downtown rather than having to stay home on days we can't drive the car downtown. We feel so blessed to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends who care about us and make it possible for us not only to be here but who help make our lives easier by their generosity. Thank you so much for all you do for us. 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 ;}

morley update 2010 #32

2010-08-03T04:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

We had a great mini vacation away. As you know we took Tuesday and Wednesday off last week giving us a 4 day weekend - we work on Saturday so our weekend is Sunday, Monday. We went to the island of Kythnos with two women on the team who have become our adopted "daughters" here. Kythnos is very dry and rocky - not the paradise with white sands and long beaches of some of the islands. We chose it because it is close (about 2 hours by ferry), off the beaten path and because of the rocky coastline which we thought would be good for snorkeling. We were right. We rented an two bedroom with kitchen and deck overlooking the sea. With four of us sharing the cost and because we could do our own cooking it was pretty reasonable. The view was beautiful, the sea was clear and the snorkeling was great. We saw a lot of new interesting sea creatures and dove down for some nice shells. One day Kent and I spent 8 hours in the water with only a couple of short breaks. It was a restful and renewing time but by the end of Wednesday we were all water logged and ready to head home.

Our first day home - we had a family beach day. Somehow that sea didn't hold the allure that it does sometimes but we had a fun day swimming with our refugee friends. We invited a couple of newer families and this time two of the husbands came. Kent knew one of them from English class so was able to make conversation. The women were all eager to learn to swim so I did a lot of holding their heads out of the water while they tried to paddle.

Friday and Saturday I spent most of the day on the computer organizing some short term team material and getting a calendar made up. Stacie, the woman who was doing this before me has been a big help and spent some time showing me how to set up a calendar online as well as some other "techie" stuff. For the next week or two I will be spending quite a bit of my time learning different aspects of this job and updating some information we have etc.

Kent spent Friday having Bible Study with our friend Dr. "S" who has taken the name "Joseph". Since publicly expressing his faith in Jesus at church he felt it was best to take a new name for the protection of his family back in Pakistan. Please pray for "Joseph" and his family. He has been out of contact with them for about a week now as they are in the area of Pakistan affected by the major flooding. Please pray that his family is safe and that he will hear from them soon. Also continue to pray for his wife and two small children to be able to leave Pakistan and join him here or wherever God may take him.

Saturday while I was home doing computer work, Kent went to the park for an outreach there. The team just shows up at one of the parks where refugees gather. We put down blankets to sit on and have crafts for the children and a chance to visit with some of the women and men. Often families will invite team members to their homes afterward so this is a chance to deepen relationships.

The renovations on the ARC are coming along and we anticipate being able to begin cleanup maybe even next week. Everything (even things in the cupboards) has a layer of dust on it so it will all need to be wiped down and put away again. We hope to get this done in three days and be back to having ministry in the ARC the following week.

We will continue to do a modified schedule until September because August is a very slow month here. The city of Athens is almost empty as Greeks all go for a holiday to the islands. Many refugees attempt to leave amid the flood of vacationers so our number dwindle considerably. This year it is also the month of Ramadan which is a time when Muslim seek through prayer and fasting to purify themselves and attain a higher spiritual level. From the middle of August to the middle of September most Muslims will fast from Sunrise to Sunset each day. We try to take in to account that many of the refugees will not be eating or drinking during the day for this month and to plan our events accordingly. If we serve food we provide containers so it can be taken home and eaten after sunset. By being respectful of this time we open the door for conversations about spiritual things.

Thank you once again for your faithful prayers and support. I am attaching a couple of picture from our trip to Kythnos, one with Tasha and Christy with us on the balcony and one looking down from the balcony at one of the place we snorkeled. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #31

2010-07-24T03:12:00.000-07:00

Everyone -

I know you are thinking - "has Myrna completely lost it and thinks it is Tuesday again already?" Well even though I couldn't get to sleep until 2:30 because it was 98 degrees in my house I am not that crazy. As I mentioned in my last update. Kent and I are going to take Tues. and Wed. next week off and be gone Sun.-Wed. I don't know whether we will have email so wanted to just send you a quick little note about a wonderful day we had this week. Those of you on facebook will have heard some of this.

When the ARC is open we have shower days for women and children one day and for men one day. Since we have been closed of course there has been no opportunity to do that. Recently Tasha found out from a couple of our women friends that they had not showered in a couple of weeks because there are so many people living in their house that they can not get in to the bathroom for long enough even for a quick cold shower. I decided to open my home for a women's shower day. On Thursday we invited 5 Afghan women and 11 of their children to come for showers, food and fellowship. When the women got there of course even though it was almost 100 degrees out they had on long sleeves and head scarves. The head scarves came off first. I was wearing a tank top - something I would never do at the ARC so said "Here you don't wear scarves and we don't wear sleeves. One of the older women stood up and took off her long sleeved shirt and just had on a sleeveless top underneath. Soon all the women taken off their long sleeves and shoes and were relaxing on the balcony talking and laughing. Several women on our team had crafts and coloring for the kids and my toy box was soon emptied onto the living room floor. The women and children took turns taking showers and I did laundry for a couple of the women in between. We snacked on fresh fruit from the laiki and homemade cookies. Late in the day I got out a huge Greek Salad I had made that morning and we ordered souvlaki. After we ate the kids sat quietly watching a video and a few of the little ones napped. The women sat around talking more quietly and were the picture of relaxation. It was truly wonderful to be a part of.

After the women left Tasha and "Z" stayed behind so "Z" could skype her sister in Australia. The twin (2 year old girls) were tired and restless. They wandered out on the porch and discovered a bucket half full of water. At first they just swished their hands around. Then the started splashing each other and giggling. It finally ended up with us giving them cups and they and everything on my balcony were soaked. They were having such fun and it was the perfect ending to a special day. I am attaching a couple of pictures.

The next day as I swept and mopped floors and wiped up sticky hand prints I was once again thankful for the house the Lord has provided for us through you. If it were not for your faithful support we would not be able to do the kinds of things we do for refugees or for the team. Thank you SO much. You are truly a blessing to us and to those we are here to serve. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #30

2010-07-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

Today was our first day back at work after our Greek class. We finished the class on Friday but since we did a 60 hour class in 30 hours we have a lot of studying still to do before it all settles into our brains. I was amazed however, on Sunday how much more of the song service I was able to understand. I have been trying to watch a little Greek TV (soap operas) each day as well. I can see a difference in my understanding although I am far from understanding everything. Greek soap operas are a lot of yelling so hope I am not picking up bad words!

Kent and I are both very tired since our class and feel we need a few days to catch our breath. We didn't want to be gone this week however, since we feel a bit out of touch with the team and ministry. So we will work this week and then will take two extra days and have a four day weekend next week. We normally have Sunday, Monday off but will take Tuesday and Wednesday as well. We plan to go to a nearby island and snorkel.

I wanted to let you know about some changes in ministry responsibility that are happening for both of us. I, Myrna will be taking over communications and organization of short term teams. This will be a good fit for me because although my arthritis is doing pretty well, I can't keep up with a full work week. This gives me something I can do at home on the computer with my feet up. It is also something I can do when I am at home preparing for hosting people (refugees, team mates and short term people) in our home.

Kent will be stepping into more of a pastoral role on the team. He will meet bi-monthly for care meetings with each team member, as well as oversee team fellowships and prayer days. He has also taken over managing the team fund which we all contribute to monthly and use for retreats or special team events.

Kent and I will both still be very much involved directly with refugees but also see the importance of member care and facilitating short term teams. After all several members of the team, including Kent and I, started as short termers. Please pray for us as we transition into these new roles. Also pray that our Greek will continue to find its way into our long term memory. Pray for the work on our building. We are still hoping to be back in the building some time in August. Pray for the events we are doing outside the building during this time. We look forward to returning to a somewhat normal schedule if there is such a thing in this ministry! Thank you for all your prayers for us during our time here. I can't believe we passed our two year mark on July 10th. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #29

2010-07-14T12:06:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

I just realized it was Wednesday and I usually do my updates on Tuesday. My mind is swimming with Greek and the days run into each other. Last week we had class every day except Sunday (although we did homework that day) for three hours every morning. Then after class we always have at least 4-5 hours of homework sometimes more. On Friday we will finish the 2nd level of the Greek course that most of us take here. It is a 60 hour class and we are doing it in 30 hours! That means a LOT of study time on our own. Once we finish we will still have plenty of studying to do to get these things set in our minds before we attempt 3rd level in the fall. Even though it has been hard at times it has been a fun class as well. We have done some extra things like learning Greek worship songs and singing them at the end of class. We are SO thankful for our friend Mnlista who came on her vacation time to teach us. I am sorry not to write more news but my life these last two week has consisted of only Greek class. Thanks for praying for us during this time. We are not only surviving but actually learning. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #28

2010-07-07T08:17:00.001-07:00

Everyone -

This update is a day late because yesterday we started our 9 day INTENSIVE Greek class. After spending the morning (9:00 to 12:30) in class, Kent and I took a 1/2 hour lunch break before starting on homework. We worked until 6pm when we took another 1/2 hour dinner break before continuing with homework until 9:00pm. Kent still had to get up early and finish a little this morning. Today we had class again from 9:00-12:30 and ate a snack while we worked on homework. I finished at 5:30 and Kent is still at it at 6:00. At the end of this we will either be speaking Greek or dead - I'm not sure which!

In defense of our lovely teacher she is giving up vacation time from teaching school to volunteer her time with us for these two weeks. We have asked her to pile on the homework because we want to get as much finished in this time as we can. There are five of us in the class. Some of us naively thought that we could still participate in some ministry besides class but it is quickly becoming apparent that this will not be the case. Our team leader is in full support of this and we thank our team mates who are working a bit shorthanded these two weeks in order to give us this chance.

We continue to have ministry outside the ARC. We have had a beach day, a women and children's outreach, a feeding with gospel presentation, and a men's outreach. We are having two Farsi women's Bible studies, plus home visits and park outreaches. The renovations on the ARC are coming along but we will see how soon we are able to use the building again. I will close because my brain is very tired and I need to fix us something for dinner. We would appreciate your prayers over the next couple of weeks - our old brains need all the help we can get!

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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #27

2010-06-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

God is moving in Greece - especially among the Afghan women! For some time we have had a group of women who have not only become friends but seekers of truth. Five of these women now meet weekly with three of our team mates for Bible Study. They not only study each week but read at home and call with questions about what they have read. One of these women has accepted Jesus but is still very shy about it not knowing what women outside the group will think. Recently we participated in a family camp put on by Hellenic Ministries. Our friend Sahar, a former Iranian refugee, who is a strong Christian and worker in the kingdom led the discussion times at the camp. The women were asked to write down their questions about the Bible or about Jesus and turn them in so no one would feel frightened to ask whatever they wanted. They had some great discussions and at the end of the camp TEN women said they would like to continue to study the Bible! We will have the first of those weekly studies next Tuesday with Sahar leading. Please pray for these two groups of women. Pray that God will complete the work He has started.

We had a good three days of meetings with Erik Olson. Erik is the director of Muslim Ministries for International Teams and he gave us a lot of good information. He lived in worked in Iraq with the Kurdish people and has a real heart for this ministry. We talked about Muslim's world view, their values, their culture and how all of that fits into the way we share Jesus with them.

Thursday night we had one of those special evenings where different cultures were gathered around our table. This was especially sweet because we brought our Pakistani friend Dr. "S" together with our Greek friends Fotis and Mary. Fotis is one of the guiding/preaching elders in our church. Erik Olson also joined us. Dr. "S" was able to share with Fotis and Mary the trials he has gone through and his anguish at being separated from his family. Fotis assured him of his love and support and that we would pray with him. Fotis also asked Dr. "S" to share a bit of his story with the church next week so the church can also pray. Dr. "S" talked about how he came to faith in Jesus Christ and his desire to be baptized. We will have a day soon where the church will gather either at the sea or at Kosmo Vision Center's pool and baptize Dr. "S" and then have a meal together. We are so thankful for the body of believers God has led to to be a part of and how they have welcomed our friend with open arms.

Saturday was a special day for our team. We saw our team mate Carolyn join her life together with "E" our Iranian brother in Christ. Their wedding was a sweet blend of cultures as the whole service was in English and Farsi. Most of the wedding was in the western style but they also included the Iranian "Honey Ceremony". The bride and groom dip their little finger into the honey and feed it to each other to symbolize their sweet and happy life together. Iranian couples also give a gift of sweets to the guests, so we were given little boxes with a piece of Iranian Candy and a Maple Sugar Leaf from Canada.

I wish all of you could experience the richness of culture that we see as our lives cross paths with people from all over the world. On our dining room wall it says "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations..."Psalm 46:10 God is truly being exalted among the nations here in Greece - thank you for being a part of that. 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #26

2010-06-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

Everyone,

This will be short because I have a busy week and not much time this morning. You would think with the ARC closed I would have more time but instead we seem to be busier. It stayed hot all week and there were several bus/metro strikes which continue to disrupt our plans.

Tuesday we spent the day with our team mate Carolyn and her fiance doing their pre marriage counseling. It was a good time together and we talked into the late evening. On Wednesday Carolyn's parents flew in for the wedding so Kent spent part of the day picking them up at the airport and getting them to Carolyn's since there was a strike and no metro to the airport that day.

Wednesday morning Kent went down to the ARC and helped haul the old kitchen cupboard and bags of the tiles they had torn out down to the garbage. Then they needed to pack bags of sand up the stairs. Not the most fun on a hot day. The demolition part of the ARC went very quickly - tearing down is easy. Now we have started the process of waiting on plumbers, materials etc. We are still hoping to be done by the end of July but know in Greece things go at a different pace. The metro is being extended and was slated to finish in 2007. It is still far from being done. Siga Siga (slowly slowly).

Thursday we had planned to take a few of the younger girls and go up to visit the family camp that was being held last week. At the last minute our plans had to be canceled. There was a transportation strike that day and it was not a day we could drive in to town so we spent the day working on some lesson plans and getting caught up on paper work.

Friday morning Kent met with Dr. "S" in the morning and then came home bringing a refugee friend with him. Kent and Brett were taking a group of six refugee men to the beach and then coming back here for a BBQ. I was not planning on feeding anyone lunch so I quickly tried to fix something since Kent and "N" needed to leave again. They ended up with yogurt with a nectarine cut up in it with honey drizzled on top, a banana and some village bread and more honey. "N" wanted me to sit with them while they ate - so I did. He speaks some English and some Greek so we were able to converse a little. When he and Kent went to go he said "Thank you so much. It has been two years since I have seen my mother" I said "Well, I can be your mother in Athens". It is still amazing to me what a difference the small things we take for granted can mean in these people's lives. Kent seems to "collect" young men who are about our kids age and I enjoy getting to mother them a little.

Brent's wife Kristin and their two little ones spent the afternoon with me while the guys to the beach. At 6:30 they arrived back here happy and hungry. The hamburgers, chips and salad I made disappeared quickly and they had plenty of room for brownies and ice cream. The party broke up fairly early because "A" one of the men wanted Kent to help him move a washing machine someone was giving to his family. Kent didn't get home until late because of course you can't just walk in a get a washing machine but must politely make conversation for a while.

Saturday Kent went to the ARC to help move a refrigerator we were donating to a refugee family and then went to an outreach at the park sponsored by one of the local churches. Sunday we went to church and then played games with friends. This week is shaping up to be another busy one and the team will be arriving here soon for a prayer day.

I said this would be short but should have known it wouldn't happen. Thanks for taking the time to read all my ramblings and for all the encouragement and support you are to us. We love your 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 ;}

Morley Update 2010 #25

2010-06-15T04:22:00.001-07:00

Everyone,

It is HOT and expected to get HOTTER. The temperatures have been close to or in the low 100s during the day and our thermometer on the porch read 90 when we went to bed and still read almost that this morning. This winds have died down so the only breeze is created by the ceiling fans we have in every room. We have resisted getting an air conditioner both because of the expense of getting it and running it and because there is usually only a relatively short time that we would really use one. It seems like the heatwave is starting early this year so we'll see how the summer goes. Kent is not bothered much by the heat except at night when we are trying to sleep but I find myself entering what I call "trudge mode". I just trudge around getting done the bare necessities and then collapsing in a chair as soon as possible. We need to get down to the sea and snorkel!

It was a busy week at the ARC. Monday we had our last tea house until we reopen after the renovations. Tuesday we gave away 400 pairs of new women's shoes that had been donated by a local business. Wednesday we had our last Farsi meal before we close. Although we will see many of these people while we are closed - at beach days and visits to the parks, we also knew that this was the last time we would see some of them. Summer is the season when many people leave and especially with the economic crisis in Greece, everyone wants to go. The sad thing is that many of them will finally scrape together enough money to pay a smuggler or buy tickets somewhere but will either get caught as they leave or when they arrive at their destinations. If they make it through there is still no guarantee. We know many people who had been in another country for over a year and were doing well with a job, housing etc. They were picked up for not having the proper papers and back they came to Greece only to be denied asylum once again and told to leave the country within 90 days. The system is definitely broken and needs to be fixed.

On Thursday we dismantled the ARC taking things out of all the cupboards, off the walls and out of the office. It was hot, heavy work and we were all tired by the end of the day. Friday some of the guys went back and tore out the cupboards in the kitchen, moved the appliances etc. The renovations will be carried out for the most part by a local christian contractor who is donating his time and using his own crew. We are hoping to only be closed for about 5 weeks but are prepared that it may be longer. While we are closed we plan to do a family beach day each Friday. We will do a team park visit once a week and we have a couple of events planned at a local christian sports center. We may do some meals in a local church and we will use a lot of this time to just get together with refugees that we often don't have time to see outside of regular events. The whole team will be having a three day seminar on reaching Muslims, taught by one of the men from International Teams Headquarters who has a lot of experience and knowledge in this area. Kent and I along with a couple team mates will also be doing a ten day intensive Greek Class taught by a woman who is volunteering her time.

Last week Kent was gone all week to a men's retreat about 2 1/2 hours from here. Another local group, Hellenic Ministries has a camp and they invited our team to join them in a couple of week long outings this summer. This retreat was for men who wanted to learn more about Jesus so Kent invited a couple of men he has been talking to. The camp sits right on the sea and all the men said they felt like they had spent 5 days in Paradise. The part of Athens where the refugees live and where we have the ARC is a dark place. There are drugs, prostitution and streets teeming with people who have nothing to do. They live in old run down or abandoned buildings or sleep in the parks. They move from place to place getting food, or clothes or showers or whatever other small necessities they can find. For most of them this is the only part of Greece they see. Having a chance to get away from that for even an afternoon is such a gift to these people.

Each day at the camp the staff met early for prayer and planning. Twice a day they divided into 2-4 groups depending on the number of translators they had. Usually there were two Farsi groups and one Arabic group. Kent led one of the Farsi groups. Some days they just allowed them to ask any questions they had about Jesus, the Bible or Christianity. A couple of days they showed parts of the Jesus film and asked if there was anything in it they wanted to know more about or didn't understand. Kent said they had great discussions and even those who were strong Muslims were respectful and willing to listen. The rest of the day they played sports, swam in the sea, had canoe races or just hung out. At the end of the time "Y" one of the men Kent took said "This is the first time I have met 'real' Christians." Kent looks forward to having more conversations with "Y" in the near future. Pray for him and for "N" the other man that Kent took with him.

I will close now because Kent and I need to prepare for an afternoon pre-marriage counseling session. One of our team mates in getting married next week to an Iranian believer she met here. They have been dating for the last couple of years and engaged for about 6 months. Their pastor is marrying them but because of some family obligations he was not able to do their counseling so they asked if we would do it. We always enjoy getting to use some of the things we have gathered over the years on marriage. Pray for this couple as they begin life together. Pray for them this week as they finish preparing for their wedding and as their two families from very different cultures come together for the first time. Also please pray for ongoing issues they have with "E's" papers and for him to find regular work.

We think of you our team back home often and are so grateful for the support you give us. Thank you not only for the financial support but the little notes of encouragement and the prayers that go up on our behalf. 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 ;}