After six weeks of hearing about all of the amazing ministry opportunities, we have finally made it to Thessaloniki, Greece! Our squad gave us the warmest welcome: sweet letters, lots of snacks, and, most importantly, BIG hugs. All the excitement we’d been carrying to be with them only grew once we were finally in the same space.
These last few days, we got to meet their ministry host, evangelize at the Independence Day parade, and host a pizza party for games and fellowship with the community. We also ate lots of gyros, learned the inside jokes, gathered for worship, and walked. A LOT. What a full two days in Greece!
As we prepare to leave for Budapest, Hungary, I’ve been reflecting on our last 48 hours with our team. I think we understand a little of how Paul felt writing to all the churches he got to serve and love:
“One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.”
Romans 1:10–11
He loved them so much, and his longing to see them again pushed his ministry further. Ours has been pushed further because of THIS team. We have been so encouraged by their continued growth in Christ, their testimonies of faith, and the endurance they’ve shown in a hard ministry. And yet they had SO much joy as they showed us everything they’ve been doing. These moments fill our cup. To know that our leaders are running the race and chasing after Christ, with our squad following them. THIS IS DISCIPLESHIP.
“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”
1 Corinthians 11:1
We also got to meet a young man from Belgium who crossed paths with our squad while they were doing ministry one day. He came from a rough home background and, honestly, had been running from his home life. But he was on FIRE for the Lord. Since meeting our team in Greece, he has gone out and done ministry alongside them. His deepest desire was to find a community of believers who were truly following Jesus. What are the odds that he found it with THIS team?
Because of how well they’ve loved him, he has applied, been accepted, and will be joining the World Race for an 11-month trip! C’mon, Lord! That wasn’t our plan; that was the Father’s. His name is Yentor. Yentor found what he was looking for in a country he had never been to, simply because he was obedient to the Lord’s calling. Praise God our team was available for him.
I hope this encourages you, friends. In seasons that feel hard, uncertain, and complicated, the Lord HAS a plan for you, a plan far greater than anything we can think or imagine.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
He wants good things for you! Seek Him, and you will find Him. Let Him be the light in whatever your darkness looks like. He deeply loves and cares for you.
Please pray for our 30-hour bus ride to Budapest!
- Pray for meaningful conversations.
- Pray for safety.
- Pray that our hearts would overflow with compassion for this team, so that they see Christ in us.
- Pray for our rest and capacity.
- The Lord has given us nine days. Pray that HE accomplishes all that He needs to in this time.
We feel so seen and loved by you all. Thank you for continuing to pray on our behalf.
With love,
Alex & Katherine
Ta léme sýntoma! (Talk soon!)
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