Morley Update 2013 #19

Everyone,



I wanted to get an update out to let you know we will be speaking at Willamina (near Salem) this Sunday June 19th if you are in the area. We will be sharing about the work during the Sunday School hour 9:30am and Kent will be preaching at church following that.



I have not written because most of our time has been spent in various doctors' offices and at the hospital getting tests. They are trying to find the reason behind my blood clotting problem. So far I have seen a GP, a Hematologist, and a Rheumatologist. I had 15 vials of blood drawn one day, 5 another and 7 another. I have had an MRI of my brain, a contrast CT of everything from the neck down, and 5 X-rays. I will see my GP again next week and as well as a cardiologist who may put a scope into my heart to look around. I also have 5 echo grams next week. The following week I will see the hematologist again and a neurologist. As you can see they are checking me out very well which is good but it means that we have had very little time to see friends or even family. Please pray that they will get to the bottom of things so I can feel comfortable that I am getting proper care when we return to Greece.



We have been able to speak at our home Church and a small group in Portland and are booked to speak almost every weekend through August and quite a few times during the week. We will be in the WA area June 26- July 3rd and still have some free nights if you are in the area and want to schedule us to share with a small group or whatever. We will travel to WY from WA and speak at a new supporting church in Alpine on July 7th. We will be back in Portland for a meeting on the 11th and speak at a reception for Willamette Christian Church on the afternoon of the 14th. If you live in any of these areas and want details let me know.



Next update I hope to have some stories to share from our two camps in Greece. The men's camp was the first week in June and I know several men were baptized but I don't have details yet. The family camp is just finishing up this weekend. These camps are always a highlight for the refugees and for our team as well. I am anxious to hear how they went and will pass along that information to you.



I will close now because I need to get some reports done for International Teams. We love you all and had hoped to spend more time during the week visiting but right now the medical stuff is taking quite a bit of that time. Thank you for your prayers and for your financial support - I cringe a bit every time they order another costly test because right now our insurance for the states pays 80% and we pay 20% I believe there is a cap of $3000 on that which I am sure we will hit. God has been gracious to provide for our every need however and he has done that through your willingness to share with us. Thank you SO much for your generosity.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #18

Everyone,



We have been so busy I have not found time to write my updates like I should. We finished up fixing the house in CA - new lights, mirror, patching the roof, repairing the eaves, repairing and painting a big planter on the side of the house, fixing nail holes, repainting, washing walls, fixing the shower and tub and on and on..... It was a big job and there were days I could hardly walk at the end of the day and even Kent was feeling pretty weary. We finished on the Sunday before Memorial Day and spent that day with our family. On the following morning we left for the two day drive to OR. We arrived here about noon on Wednesday. We visited with my folks and then moved into a friend's house in Veneta, they are away for the summer so are graciously letting us use their house. We moved in and spent the next morning cleaning and getting settled before spending the afternoon with my folks again as well as our daughter Katie. Yesterday we awoke to the horrible smell of something burning. We searched the house and finally determined that it was the water heater. When the electrician came it was all melted and burnt inside - it is a wonder it didn't start a fire. After opening windows and trying to air things out most of the smell is gone but we still have a fan running. We spent the day while waiting for the electrician washing down the porches, weeding the flower beds, edging the lawn and mowing. The place looks so much better! Our friends have a few maintenance projects for us while we are here so that will keep Kent busy.



Before we left CA we had a chance to share with a couple of small groups in the area about the ministry. We kick off our speaking engagements here tomorrow at Fern Ridge Christian Church (formerly Elmira Church of Christ) on Warthen Rd. We will be sharing at Sunday School 9:30am and Kent will be preaching at 10:45. There will be a potluck afterwards if you would like to join us. I will try to keep you updated on future speaking engagements.



The work continues in Greece. Our team just returned to work this week after their spring retreat. It was good for them to have some rest as they have been a bit shorthanded. They are gearing up for the summer camps coming up in June. I wanted to share a story that a friend wrote to me about our friend "Z" who has only been a Christian for less than a year.



"Yesterday at work a woman thanked me for everything we do for her. She said Christians are nothing like she was told and she can't believe how much we hug and kiss her children even when they are dirty. I told her not to thank me but to thank Jesus because He is the reason we do what we do. She asked why Jesus mattered. "Z" put up her hand to me and said, "Let me take over". She then shared the Gospel for twenty or so minutes and answered questions after that. It started out with three women, but ended with seven women, one of them coming over from another table because she wanted to listen. She did such a good job!"



It is so wonderful to have these new believers sharing with their peers. It is so much more effective than when we alone share. Please pray for the new believers especially the women as it is difficult to be bold about their faith when they have so much to lose. They risk being ostracized by the other women and even abused. It is also a risk for the men but sometimes they are more able to defend themselves.



We are enjoying our time in the states and are amazed that time is whizzing by so fast and we have been away for a month and a half already. We look forward to our speaking and teaching schedule and seeing our supporters. I will also have my first doctor appointment next week so pray that I can get in to see the appropriate specialists to look in to some of my health issues. Thank you for upholding us and the team in Greece. We love you all and look forward to seeing some of you soon.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #17

Everyone,



Just a quick update as Kent and I hit the ground in CA running and see no end until we leave for OR at the end of the month. After two weeks in MA we had a WONDERFUL time in Mexico with our children and our new son-in-law's family. We swam with turtles, snorkeled in caves, played in the surf, ate amazing food and reconnected with our family. The wedding was on the beach in the late afternoon and we had the reception dinner as the sun set over the sea. We danced in the sand and Kent and Becky's father/daughter dance was a sight to behold. It was lovely.



We left the day after the wedding and came to CA. We immediately jumped into preparing for Kent's dad and Lee's wedding as well as moving Kent's dad's things from the house he had been living in to their home together. The wedding was beautiful. It was at a small church and the pastor did a very nice job. Afterwards we had the reception at the recreation hall here at 7 Hills - the 55 and over community where they live. Lee's daughter and daughter-in-law put in a lot of time making decorations and we all helped put them up and take them down. They had a band which played some of the old dance tunes and it was so special to watch their dance together and see the love they share. It was another perfect day.



The next day was Mother's day and I woke up feeling headachy and very tired. I sent Kent off to early church and a brunch with the family and I stayed home. I slept in the big recliner most of the day and still went to bed early and slept soundly all night. I woke up feeling much better. I have cut back on one of my medications per the doctor's orders and this is causing my arthritis to flare which it always does for a time. I am especially having trouble with my left wrist and thumb and have been wearing a brace on it to in order to keep it stable. I would appreciate prayers that my body would adjust quickly.



We have spent this week clearing out the house and getting ready for a huge garage sale this weekend. Today we will spend almost all day pricing things. Kent and I own the house his father has been living in so once the garage sale is over we will move the rest of the stuff out and stay next door with Kent's sister for the last week. We have some final maintenance things to do in order to get the house ready to rent - touching up paint, repairing a shower, changing out a some light fixtures, fixing a few tiles on the roof etc. etc. That will definitely fill up our week before we leave for OR. Kent's sister and her husband who live next door will manage the house for us while we are away.



We knew our first month and a half would be taken up with things like this and we have enjoyed a break from thinking to much about ministry but we need to get back into the swing of things soon. We will have our first chance to speak next week and then when we get to OR we have a pretty full schedule. I'm not sure when the "rest" part of furlough will start. We do still have a few openings to speak so if you want us to speak at your church, small group or ?? please let up know so we can get you on the schedule. I will try to let you know where we will be speaking so if you are in the area and want to attend you will be welcome. Our first date in OR is June 2nd at Fern Ridge Christian Church (formerly Elmira Church of Christ) on Warthen Rd. in Elmira. We will be doing Sunday School at 9:30 where we will show slides of the ministry and talk about our schedule etc. Then during church (10:45) we will do a short video presentation and Kent will speak. If you can make it we'd love to see you.



Well my sister-in-law will be here soon and we need to head over to Dad and Lee's house to help them get things laid out there and then back here to price things. Please continue to pray for the team in Greece as they are a bit short handed. They have several things coming up in the next month in addition to our regular schedule - they are having a special believer's day, a volunteer appreciation night, and then at the end of the month our team retreat. In June the team will be participating with Hellinic Ministries and Oasis Ministry in the summer camps which are a highlight for both the staff and our refugee friends. Decisions for the Lord are often made during these camps when they have a chance to get away and have some extended teaching time. Please pray for lives to be touched.


Thank you for standing with us we look forward to seeing many of you soon.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #16

Everyone,

Quick update - We fly out in two days for Mexico and then will have no internet access until May 6th. We are having a wonderful time enjoying our family. One of the things that is hard about being away is not being here to enjoy holidays and family events. Yesterday was our Granddaughter Emma's 10th birthday. I was so happy to be able to make her cake and also make some party favors for her spa party today. I feel sad sometimes because on birthdays and Christmas I usually just send a gift card because I am not around to know what to buy for the kids. Since we are all going to Mexico Emma had mentioned that she wished she had her own suitcase and didn't have to share one with her brother Adam for the trip. Grampy and I bought her a little make up case and wrapped it up with a note inside telling her to look in the closet. When she opened the closet and saw the lavender roller bag we had bought for her she let out a big "YES!". She immediately wanted to go upstairs and start packing. It was a special moment for this Grammy. Another special moment was when the candles on her cake caught the "softball" sign on fire. She had requested a softball cake and I got the paper sign a little too close to the candles. Both Grandmas blew out the sign before she blew out her candles! It was a great day filled with family, food, fun and fire! See Pictures Attached



Well I am off to the girly spa party now - Grampy and Adam are going to the ice cream store instead.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #16

Everyone -



We are in the USA and enjoying time with our east coast family (two daughters, two grandkids, a son-in-law and future son-in-law and my sister). It has been a flurry of shopping for clothes for the wedding, swim suits for Mexico and dish shopping with my soon to be married second daughter. I haven't looked at Facebook once and only check my email every couple of days. In Mexico we will have no internet access so will be off the grid from April 30-May 6.



We left Greece in a flurry of Goodbyes. A couple of days before we left there was a going away party for Scott and Vicki McCracken who began the ministry in Athens as well as a celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Helping Hands. It was great to look back over the beginnings and all the things God has done through this ministry over the years. There are people scattered over the world who became Christians in Athens many of whom have started fellowships of their own. We also saw the effects on churches who were influenced by what Helping Hands is doing and have started feeding programs, shower ministries or shelters for the people in their area both in Greece and the US as well.



At the celebration two refugee men shared their testimonies of coming to faith in Athens. Later another young man came to Kent to tell him goodbye and said "Some day I will get up and tell about how you became my friend and invited me to a camp where I accepted the Lord." No wonder we love this job!



I have a busy day ahead and as I said I will be off the grid for the next week so don't be alarmed if you don't hear from me. We are thankful for this time to reconnect with our family and look forward to seeing the rest of our family and many of you over the next few weeks and months.




Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #15

Everyone,

It's hard to believe that in less than a week we will be leaving Greece for 6 months. The Lord has been gracious to provide for our needs. We were able to get our Greek and American taxes done, we are okay with our residence permit until we get back, we have paid our medical bills and I was able to get my medicine today that the pharmacist said there was little chance of getting. I have cleaned cupboards and closets to ready our house since we will have people living in it for all but a few weeks of the time we are gone. We have a place to stay while in OR and a car for that time. We have handed off most of our responsibilities in ministry. I have been working on and made good progress on our presentations for various speaking opportunities while we are home. We are filling our calendar with chances to share about the work.

Almost all that's left to do is packing and saying our goodbyes. And that's the hard part. On Friday we will hug our refugee friends knowing that we will likely never see some of them again. Many will leave during the six months we are away. Just this week two families that we have been close to are gone. One of them is Mustafa's family. I told you about him in a newsletter - he was the little boy who answered the question about what sin was by quoting what Kent had said in his Christmas sermon several weeks earlier. This week he did something that tugged at my heart. Often in class kids will hide crayons, or erasers, or pencil sharpeners etc. in their pockets because they want to take them home. We have tried to teach them that it is not okay to take things without asking but sometimes it seems like no one is listening. On Tuesday, Mustafa came up and handed "G" (the young Afghan man who helps teach) a broken crayon. He said, "I found this in my house and I knew it belonged here so I brought it back." I find that even as I write this tears well up in my eyes at this little boy's sweet, pure spirit. He and his younger sister have been here with their dad for some time while their mom went ahead. This week they are being reunited in Germany. Please pray that they will find other Christians who can continue to teach Mustafa and his family the truth about Jesus.

The second family that is leaving is "S" the young girl with cerebral palsy that became a Christian last year. As you may recall she is 12 years old and severally disabled but has a strong faith and is bold about speaking out for Jesus. This week she and her father and siblings will join her mom also in Germany. Please pray that there will be those in Germany who will water this little plant that is growing so bravely in such difficult circumstances.

A few weeks ago I wrote about a baby whose life was saved by the doctor at our doctor's day who found a heart problem. We were all very excited on Tuesday when the whole family including little "M" came. She has recovered well from her heart surgery and was all smiles as her mother showed her off to everyone. Pray for this family, their living situation is precarious because they only have one more month to stay in the hotel that is being paid for by the Greek Council for Refugees.

There was one other fun little moment this week. Tasha told us that one afternoon Kent was playing with a little boy at the ARC - if you know Kent he loves kids and they love him. Anyway Tasha said that the women saw him playing with this boy and said "Look the "BOSS" is playing with that boy". In their culture leaders are above others and glory in their positions. The concept of a "servant leader" is something very different so they are always amazed to see Kent rocking babies, playing with children, cleaning the floors or toilets and doing laundry. They are always watching us as a team, please pray that we are an example of God's love to them.

Well my next update will be written at my daughter's home in MA - we leave here on Tues. April 16. We are looking forward to some much needed rest and time with family as well as the many opportunities to talk about what God is doing in Athens. Our calendar is filling up but if you would like us to speak at your church, small group or ??? please let me know so I can plug you in to one of the spots we have left. We'll be seeing some of you soon.

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)

Morley Update 2013 #14

Everyone -

I was sad because I felt like I was missing Easter this year. When I knew that we would be coming to the US in mid April, I thought how fun it would be to have Easter with my family. To go to an American Easter service and to make Easter baskets and have an Easter Egg hunt with my Grandchildren followed by a big family Easter dinner. But then…… I realized that Western Easter came early this year and was on April 1st when we would still be in Greece.



“Oh well”, I thought, “I LOVE Orthodox Easter in Greece – having friends in and walking up to the church to attend the midnight service, the fireworks and church bells going off at midnight, walking home with my candle, hearing everyone exclaim Christos Anesti – Alithos Anesti” (Christ is risen – Truly He has risen). But then…… I realized that Eastern Easter is very late this year and will not be until May 5th when we will already be in the states.



I felt like the Grinch had somehow stolen my Easter. I thought of the disciples so long ago and how they must have felt. It seemed that Satan had stolen their Easter. I’m sure like the Grinch Satan was rejoicing in the sad faces and tears of the followers of Jesus. But then…… on Sunday the women made their way through the early morning light to visit the tomb.



I picture Satan on that Sunday morning long ago, like the Grinch wanting to hear the sorrowful sounds of mourning from those who loved Jesus. As he stood listening he heard the sounds of weeping and his heart soared. But then……he realized that these were tears of joy not sorrow and that the one he thought he had defeated by death was alive!



I picture Satan on THIS Sunday morning, reveling in my sadness because I was missing my Easter. But then….after being up most of the night with leg cramps and having set our clock ahead one hour, I dragged myself out of bed at 5:30am to make my way up to the cobblestone path that winds through the Olive trees to the top of Philopappou Hill. I was tired, I had a headache and I’m sure Satan thought he had won.



But then……



“So he paused, and Satan put a hand to his ear.

And he did hear a sound rising out of the crowd,

it started out small,

then it shouted aloud!

But the sound wasn’t sad!

Why, this sound sounded glad!

For the Christians in Athens, the tall and the small

Were singing! Without any chocolate at all!

He HADN’T stopped Easter from coming! IT CAME!

Somehow or other, it came just the same!

It came without baskets, it came without tags,

It came without bunnies or candy or eggs!

And he puzzled and puzzled, till his puzzler was sore.

Then Satan thought of something he hadn’t before!
“Maybe Easter,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Easter… perhaps…. means a little bit more.”



As the sun rose over the Acropolis, and I heard the songs and prayers in many languages I realized I hadn’t missed Easter after all. It came – Christos Anesti – Alithos Anesti!



My prayer is that no matter what you are going through, you have experienced the resurrection this year. I pray that you can say joyfully with us together – Christ is risen, He is risen indeed!

Serving Him Together,
Kent and Myrna Morley
Tripoleos 76
Elliniko 16777
Athens Greece
011 30 210 96 38 625
backhoeboy1@gmail.com
http://kent-uniquelymorley.blogspot.com
To join our Support Team:
Online go to: www.iteams.org select: US, Select: What do you want to do, Select: Give
Or Send to:
International Teams
411 W. River Rd.
Elgin IL 60123
Please designate for the ministry of Kent and Myrna Morley and indicate whether this is a one time gift or monthly support. Thanks :)