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 ;}
Friday, November 19, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Morley Update 2010 #43
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 ;}
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 ;}
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Morley Update 2010 #42
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 ;}
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 ;}
Saturday, October 16, 2010
morley update 2010 #41
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 ;}
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 ;}
Friday, October 8, 2010
Morley Update 2101 #40
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 ;}
Friday, October 1, 2010
Morley Update 2010 #39
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 ;}
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 ;}
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Morley Update 2010 #38
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 ;}
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 ;}
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