Travels with Vula

John 13:35 “By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.”

Dear friends and family,

Hello, my name is Irene Hagmann and I’m Aunt Vula’s niece. My husband Phil and I are here in Greece with Aunt Vula for two months, and she has asked me to fill you in on the happenings of this past week.

Last Sunday we went to a church in Drama, Greece where the Macedonian Outreach is involved in ministry. Phil brought the message on the topic of love and Aunt Vula and I shared. They had some Ukrainian refugees there as well, so the message was interpreted in both Greek and Ukrainian, and we were able to spend time after the service with these dear people.

This week we were able to meet with the Benjamin Ministry in Katerini, Greece. Their mission is to help children throughout Greece. We (MO) have worked with them for years. During our meeting we were able to check in on some of the children we sponsor. Benjamin has a wonderful team and we are proud to be partnering with them. It is particularly special as Katerini is my mother and Vula’s home town.

We were also able to purchase groceries and other necessities for 20 Ukrainian families with funds that were raised through The Annual Bake Sale Fundraiser.

The following day we joined the local Greek Pentecostal Church where we packaged and distributed the groceries. It was a wonderful time! We were able to sit with the families, hold some babies and share some coffee and goodies. There were some interpreters there but it’s amazing how a smile and a hug and showing the love of Jesus translates into any language.

This Sunday we visited the Roma church in Thessaloniki. Phil gave the message with the children gathered around him. We then were able to pass out some special treats we brought. The children were very happy and we were blessed by the worship and the Spirit of the Lord in this little church.

This is our journey so far. We look forward to what the Lord has for us to see and do in the following days and weeks.