Travels with Vula, the last leg of our journey

Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.

Hello everyone, this is Irene again. I wanted to tell you about the last part of our travels.

 

In mid June we headed up to Albania and met with Sotiri and Bona. For the next few days we worked with them and another local pastor. We shared God’s word, sang some songs, played some games and, as always, had some snacks.

At the next food distribution for the Ukrainian Refugees, we were again blessed to work with the Pentecostal Church in Katerini. A local TV station was there that day because some Ukrainian dignitaries were interested in seeing the work that is being done for the Ukrainian people. It was another great time of fellowship with them. The Pastor led in some Christian songs in Greek and in turn the Ukrainian people shared a folk song from their country.

 

We went to Thessaloniki and visited the ministry Steki where we were able to distribute meals to both Greeks and refugees in need. This is another wonderful, ongoing food distribution ministry that we are so blessed to support.

 

The Care Center in Thessaloniki helps refugees from various countries. They offer a place to come and fellowship, have a sandwich and something to drink. Singles and families can get clothing they need, shower, do some laundry and at the end they receive some groceries to take home. There’s even a room designated for kids to come in and play and be looked after while their parents are there. This is again a wonderful ongoing ministry that we are blessed to support.

A word from Phil:

Hearing the voices of Greece, Ukraine, Roma, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania and America all at once sounds like heaven. The innocence, games, joy and laughter of children are the same everywhere.

We saw the face of need and the blessing of sponsorships. We heard testimonies of lives changed by the Gospel and we experienced the joy of worshiping with new friends.
While living conditions are widely varied, we have learned that they are not as critical as heart conditions. These congregations, these families, these children love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength and they love one another deeply.
All of the ministry brothers and sisters we’ve met have a heart for the Lord that is humble yet bold. Their compassion and energy is inspiring as the Holy Spirit gives them direction.
For as much as we came hoping to be a blessing and to encourage the churches and ministries here in the Balkans, we have in turn been blessed and encouraged. As Irene and I head home we look forward with expectation to the Lord’s continued steadfast love, mercy, grace and direction. All of us together, through the Macedonian Outreach, are the hands and feet of Jesus.

Pastor Phil