Mike and Maria Long

Fire Conference burns sin, sickness, and spiritual "settleness"

Pastor Frank came and stirred things up.  Several salvations. Many healings. Some set on fire for the Lord.  Many churches came together and united for a time of Spirit seeking over Greek Pentecost weekend.  Frank Gresham and his daugther are from Daytona Beach, an official biker minister and annointed spiritual fire starter. www.jcdaytona.org   God used him over a 10 day period to heal, save, restore, and fill persons.  One of those persons was our daughter, Kali.  All of a sudden in worship and during prayer, she was filled with the spirit and started praying for the youth.  One after another, she literally attacked them and prayed God into them.  One screamed as she was delivered from demons. Now, we are trying to keep things moving in the right direction for these young people as transformation is not just a one time experience.  The fire has to keep burning.  In the picture, Jordan from Bulgaria is praying for salvation.  He left drinking behind and now is drinking of the Spirit.  Pray that he understands and grows in faith.  Frank took the group cross bearing in the streets and boardwalk of Thessaloniki.  Many interesting conversations.  Many of our team had a chance to bear the cross.  This is Dan, one of our summer interns.

  

Fire Conference in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki robbed, but blessings still flowing

On Tuesday afternoon, the church door was found busted open.  Suddenly, it was discovered that a Korg keyboard, guitar amp, wireless microphone, video projector, translation transmitter, computer, DVD players, video cassette player, mini-oven, coffee pot, and even a tea kettle, were missing.  Over $5,000 worth of equipment, but the good news is that the full weekend of ministry happened as if nothing was missing. God's presence does not depend on man's equipment.

Albert Veksler came and ministered mightily and with a powerful annointing.  Can't say where he is from...but it is very holy.  Pastor Michalis of the Armenia Church knows him from Bible School days in Estonia.  His message was "spot on" as the English say and everyone was blessed. Pray that our Biblical place is restored to a spiritual center of God's power like it is described in the N.T. as Brother Albert proclaimed.

The cycle trip was cut short by the robbery, and by a pulled quad muscle.  After four days and 350 kilometers, my right quad muscle on my bad knee could not take it anymore.  It was an easy ride, but the climbs had taken their toll. Maybe the seat was a tad high.  Certainly, I was not is top shape before the ride and I had out ridden my conditioning.  Who knows and doesn't matter, because I was needed back home.  The 11 guys of the group were great company.  The route was magnificent. Northern Spain is amazing-Pamplona, Laguardia, and Burgos. Reading the book James ever day was inspiring. A great blessing evn just for half of the trip. Thanks Josh and Peter for putting it together.

If anyone is interested in helping to restore what was lost, contributions can be sent to the extra mile project number WE453145 Thessaloniki Center Church to the FM World Mission, PO  Box 535002
Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002.  Or electronically on the website http://www.fmwm.org/countries/europe/greece-projects.php Thank you very much for your prayers and support.

St. James Pictures and cycle update

After 3 days of cycling through freezing rain, climbs, winds, and flats, we have covered over 300 kilometers.  Every muscle in my body is screaming and complaining. Northern Spain is magnificent.  Churches, monasteries, castles, and cities built along the path called Santiago (St. James). I am reading the book of James everyday. My verse for you today is from James 1:12

Blessed are those who persevere the hard climbs, because when they have made it to the top, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. (translation-Mike Long)

Here are some pictures:

 

 

Brief Post-Easter News and Cycling Trip

Greek Orthodox Easter was April 19.  Kali was in Birmingham, UK for an awesome youth conference called Momentum at Renewal Christian Centre.  She and Eirini, a church youth, went for 6 days and had a great time.  "It rocked", they said.  They need that excitement and positive, life-changing experience to keep them on track for the Lord.  Thank you Renewal!  And please everyone, keep praying for the youth.

Maria and I had a quiet Easter for the first time without any children in 21 years.  It was a little down, but we cooked our lamb at the church.  The Thessaloniki Church is an international group so everyone that could go back to their country or village... did.  The few that remained (about 25) enjoyed the biggest meal of the year together.  Christ's Resurrection still changes lives today.

Students at the Thessaloniki University department of film and media decided to do a documentary on the evangelical churches in Thessaloniki.  We are just one of 20 some congregations.  Out of all the congregations, they liked us and came last Sunday to film the service.  The camera man was impressed. There was spontaneous sharing and testimonies of God's grace surprised him. Let's believe that God will open their hearts beyond just objective journalism.

Last week, two craftsmen from Cornwall, UK came and did a great job fixing up another room at the church.  Colin and Robert blessed us with a week of their time. They turned a storage room into a brilliant guest room for our many guests.  Thanks for the hand.

I, Mike, am in Saint Jean Pied de Port, France with about 12 other guys.  How do you like my self picture on the bridge in the center of this beautiful town?  It is the launching point for pilgrimages in the "Way of St. James".  Josh Fajardo and Peter Clark have put together this great cycle trip to challenge and strengthen the faith of the men who are brave enough to take it on.  I sincerely pray that God will work powerfully in my life as I stretch and push my body over the 800+ kilometers of Northern Spain.  Paul says that "beating the body" has some value.  We will definitely be testing our limits and disciplining our flesh that the Spirit might raised up powerful men of God.

Religious Injustice continues after 2,000

The Thessaloniki Balkan FM Church works together with an Armenian Church that uses the same space for services.  The Pastor Michalis and his wife, Liana, are true friends.  Many times Michalis preaches and Liana leads worship in our Greek Church.  They are "prisoners" of Greece.  For ten years, they have been trying to gain legal residence in Greece.  They made the dreadful mistake of declaring that they are "evangelical ministers" when they first arrived in Greece from their home church of 10,000 in Armenia.  They are missionaries to the some 30,000 Armenians in Thessaloniki. They have had endless court cases about their status and are continuously denied.  Therefore, they can not leave Greece. 

Recently, Liana went with charming daughter, Agape, to plead for favor with crowds of others before the Governor.  Out of the crowd, the Greek governor selected Liana to grant them papers in pre-Easter graces for political publicity.  They came forward to explain their condition in front of everyone with the cameras flashing. Liana and Apage won the governor's heart, and he declared, "Come tomorrow to my office and your papers will be granted!"  The next day at the office, Liana stood in front of his desk when the Governor opened her file with great expectation.  Suddenly, the governor's eye landed on the words "Evangelical Minister", and he closed the file.  Papers would not be possible.  The press would ruin the Easter political ploy. Liana's hopes were dashed.  Prejudice prevails. Religious injustice and jealousies continue in the world today.  Now, their lawyer suggests a $4,000 bride.  Of course, prayers for the many oppressed by governmental bias are needed.  Also this week, several requests for permits have been denied.

Last Sunday, there were 6 first time visitors at Church!  Big for a small group of 50. Sunday, April 12, is Palm Sunday and April 19 is Easter here in Greece.  Kali and Irini from Church fly to Birmingham, UK to attend a youth conference at Renewal Christian Centre. On April 20, there will be a quick trip to Erseke Albania.  10 years ago, we lead several teams there to build a refugee camp for Kosovars. Now, today it is a Bible School and summer camp.

For all celebrating Easter, we pray for resurrection joy to fill your hearts and life giving power to energize your daily life!

On March 25th Greece celebrated 188 years of independence

Today was a national holiday.  There were parades and celebrations of modern Greek history.  In the birthplace of democracy, freedom won almost 200 years ago has yet to produce spiritual revolution.  Great revivals and spiritual awakenings experienced in other countries have yet to visit the Biblical cities of Philippi, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Corinth. Spiritual transformation remains the number one prayer request.

This past month has been full of wonderful visitors.  The picture of Kali is not our first grandchild.  It is a picture of her in several years when she will start having her 6 sons. Doesn't she look good with a baby? This is little Josiah Gundy the new born son of missionaries in Albania.  The family stayed for 10 days waiting for his US passport after his birth in Thessaloniki.  Others visitors included from Kosovo, Bulgaria, Hungary, Ukraine, and America. 17 persons stay almost one after another.  Hospitality is a blessed ministry. "...the steward of God...(is)...a lover of hospitality..." Titos 1:7-8

This weekend Mike is off to Renewal Christian Centre in UK with Al Mellinger, Bulgarian Pastors Pavel, Nikolay, and Rossen.  Saturday March 28 is a leadership confidence.  Meetings and discussions will be taking place to dream and shape the future ministries this coming year.  Divine direction is requested.

One Sunday, a man came to church limping and walking with a cane.  The church prayed for him and he left without his cane. A young lady was taking medication for joint pain for a 3 month treatment.  She was prayed for and the pain left.  She stopped taking the medications.  A young Armenian boy was diagnosed diabetic.  After prayer, test fail to find the illness.  There is a growing excitement.  Soon there will be many souls turning from darkness to light.  Pray for transformation.

Back in the Game again in Greece

We were in the states for 7 weeks and the holidays.  It was busy ... from seeing friends and family to travels from Chicago to Miami to Louisiana and back to Orlando, ... from about 20 different beds to connecting and ministering in 25 churches.  Our ministry tour is over.  We were blessed.  In a financial crisis, our funds are well.  Keep up the support.  The HIGHLIGHT of the trip was spending a month with our two daughters in the states.  Funny thing, the older our kids get, the more precious they are, and we enjoy them so much more.  See there lovely faces after 5 weeks together 24/7.

Our Blog account has been messed up over the past weeks.  So this post is late.  Also it is taking us longer than usually to adjust back to Greek time.  Someone said, "old age", but we haven't even passed the half century mark yet. 

Ministry began as soon as we got back.  Maria was up leading worship and manning the bookstore.  Kali has been pulling the youth together and getting them excited.  Mike has been preaching, teaching, meeting, traveling, and catching up.  We made one trip to Bulgaria for a meeting. We had to put chains on the new car (no more jeep) to get there, and the next morning we had to shovel the 12 inches or 30 cm of snow off the car and chains to get back.  It is really good to get back.  There is a great expectation rising in our hearts for this next season.  More zeal.  More passion.  More harvest.

Recently, 2 Cor 10:9 stirred my heart "Now he that supplies seed to the sower and bread for eating shall supply and make abundant your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:"  In the fall, reaping's meager results from our labors can be discouraging, sowing in the spring is exciting and hoping that the seeds sown will take root and produce results.  These next six months, we are dreaming of sowing mighty, powerful, supernatural seeds like crazy!  Something is going to happen!  Some seeds are going to burst out!  Come on, can't you imagine all of a sudden things happening miraculously!  Come on!

Please, let us know that you received this just to be sure the blog updates are working. Thanks.

Christmas in Chicago and Ministry Tour Schedule

We get to enjoy Christmas with our daughters who are studying in the states.  We are so anxious to be with family.  No presents (money is short). No parties (partied out). No food ... (well we are not going to fast). Just fireplace, family, and friends.  We hope you enjoy a special Christmas and God's love truly warms your heart. As riots and unrest continue in Greece, may peace reign on earth.

After Christmas, we head off for a grand ministry trip.  Here is the schedule:

Dec 24 Arrive in Chicago

Dec 28 Olive Branch Chicago

Dec 29 Winona Lake, IN

Dec 30 Bedford, IN

Dec 31 Columbus, GA

Jan 4 Columbus, GA

Jan 6 Pensacola, FL

Jan 9 Davenport FL.30 pm

Jan 10 St. Pete Regional Training

Jan 11 am Tampa Celebration

Jan 14 Lakeland Life & Light

Jan 17 Hialeah (Miami) Regional Training

Jan 18 am WPB Neighborhood

    pm Brazilian Mission Rally

Jan 19 Orlando Regional Training

Jan 21 Libbieville, LA

Jan 22 Acme, LA

Jan 23 Oak Grove Mission Rally

Jan 25 am Shreveport, LA

    pm Provencal, LA

Jan 28 St. Pete, FL

Feb 1 Port Charlotte, FL

Feb 4 Dade City, FL

Feb 6 Ocala Mission Rally

Feb 8 am Ocala, FL pm Kissimmee, FL

Feb 9 Depart for the Greece

 

Kourabiedes Greek Christmas Cookies

Recipe for Kourabiedes

INGREDIENTS:

2 kilos soft flour

1 kilo butter

300 grams powdered sugar

300 grams crushed roasted almonds

1 small glass cognac

1 teaspoon baking soda

Rosewater

Preheat oven to medium (175c).

•  Whiten the butter by beating by hand for ½ hour. Add the sugar, cognac, almonds and finally the flour, mixed with the baking soda. Continue to beat until all ingredients are well mixed.

•  Mold into the familiar shapes of the kourambiethes and place on a cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with rosewater, then roll in the powder sugar.

Greece Erupts in Riots and Unrest

A Rioter throws object with molotov in hand.  "Men loved the darkness rather than the light" Jn 3:19.  Turning their back on the light, rage has filled their hearts with evil.

I took a quick drive to the city center late this afternoon to make the Church was not in danger. Services have been suspended since Sunday evening. The bookstore and our home is on the outskirts of one million population, Thessaloniki. We are safe, but the center is like a war zone.  The church is far enough away from the main streets, police stations, and govenment offices.

In my 25 year experience, I have never seen the city like this before.  The streets are empty...no crowds, no life, and no cars.  There is parking everywhere in a city that never has parking.  Everyone is afraid that their car will get burnt. Main streets are closed. Trash dumpsters are turned over everywhere and burnt. Store windows are boarded up with sheet metal, and boards. Endless window shopping no longer exists for any Christmas shoppers daring to shop.  Benneton, Mark & Spencers, and others have been hit and are just burnt remains. Students in large gangs huddle and decide on the next target. Christmas is not bright here, except for glass replacement companies.  The atmosphere is rage and anger.  It reveals the frustration and desparation of a generation without even the faintest knowledge or fear of God.

The heart after God wants to run out in the streets to bring peace and calm.  Wisdom cautions to avoid becoming a target along with everything else American. Compassion drives us all to our knees crying to the Prince of Peace to reign in the hearts of the youth.

1 Tim 2:2 Pray for kings. Pray for all who are in authority. Pray that we will live peaceful and quiet lives. And pray that we will be godly and holy. (NIRV)

Our family leaves for the States on Dec 22 to be together with our other two daugthers.  Most of our ministry time will be in the southeast states and Florida until Feb 9. We are getting ready for a great time.

Gina in the picture was inspired by Psalm 13 to write a song. She shared it at Spring Arbor U. chapel.  It was a true blessing.

Thessaloniki guest beds have been working non stop. Stolen passports. Visiting ministers. Resident Visa applications. Groups from Bulgaria. Recovering addicts. 21 guests in one month. 1 Pet 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.