Mike and Maria Long

Christmas means family!

This year more than others, we are enjoying family with all the girls and two son-in-laws, (gambri - one new and one future and three cousins in the picture).  As much as one would like to think that Christmas is only about Jesus Christ, the truth is that family gives the human soul so much joy and lasting satisfaction. Christ is the glue and faith is the foundation. Love warms hearts, imparts life and makes cherished memories. Yes, Christ is seen in family. He enter the world in a family first and then the church. Oh how thankful to God we are for family and we rejoice that Christ was born in our family. May the fullness of God's joy be yours this Christ's birth celebration!!!

Our church family here too is enjoying God's goodness also. We rejoice for our spiritual family too. The church made the move to an "answer to our prayers for a better place" in September and October. November had several conferences in Europe. December is all about the holidays. Last night, we had a children's program. Fridays' prayer time are growing and there is great expectation for a real House of Prayer to operate in Thessaloniki some day. One brother from the church family is in jail. Others who are struggling because of Greece's financial crisis have been miraculously provided for.  Positive hope is taking hold of hearts.  Greece is passing through historical moments and God is preparing his move.  Please, continue to pray for Greece, Thessaloniki, and the lost heritage to be restored.

Financially, our support has been behind. At the end of October our salary support was $5000 deficit and our country ministry budget about $11,000.  Expenses in Greece have increased and in the future more extra taxes are expected. The work is surviving, and there was generous support for the church relocation. What a great blessing!!! Still, funds are lacking and needs abounding. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Support for the Longs

 

 

Prayers for Greece and her people!

Truly, we are living dramatic moments here in Greece. National leaders senselessly arguing and disagreeing while the country and the economy dissolves under our feet. It is a living tragedy and teeters very close to hopeless. Watching the statements in the Parliament is very disheartening.  Where are the sensible people to lead the nation through the mess?  Unfortunately, this cartoon is accurate of most public opinion. When will this wayward child called Greeks come to her senses? When will she consciously change to walk in the ways of righteousness? When will the realities humble her to turn to God finally?  It is not one person who is to blame. It is the total all together. May every news report bring us to our knees and let us cry to the Lord to save the people of Greece.

For this reason, the Lord has given our church in Thessaloniki a new location and home. After 40 days of 12 hour long work days, we are taking a rest. Workers and craftsmen from over 5 congregations joined in to help to make the renovations and over 20 volunteers have helped make the move. Our first Sunday was Oct 16 and on Oct 28-29 a wonderful conference boldly said "yes" to God for Prophecy, Prayer, and Praise on the national holiday called "No" day. The purpose of the new place is to be a Prayer House of Worship and His Spirit. The longing in these desperate times is to cry out to God more and reach into the heavens pulling down God's presence unto our city and over the million plus residents.  As individuals in the midst of national crisis, we may not make much difference ... but God's manifest presence will alter history again. Come join us to prayer, declare his promises, and worship the living God in the heart of the city where church life began almost 2000 years ago. Help raise a House of Prayer here where it truly is a "dry and thirsty land". May a spring of living water burst forth to refresh the faint and hopeless.

30 day rush to move the Church by Oct 15

We have just 30 days to fix up this new location and empty completely the place that the church has been since 2006.  The landlord is threatening legal actions and court suits if we do not exit by Oct 15.  We just signed the contract for a new place that needs almost 100 sheets of drywall, a toilet, a kitchenette, painting and much more.  We may not get it all finished, but we hope to have it functional and clean by Sunday, Oct 16.  Hands are welcome.  Come join us to help with the big move.  Donations and investments in the kingdom for the work in Thessaloniki, Greece can be sent through this link:  Help the Thessaloniki Church

The long range goal is to establish a "St. Jason" House of Prayer.  Jason was the first believer mentioned in Acts 17:5.  A spiritual place like that first home will make a difference in Thessaloniki and Greece.  European Union "Bail Outs" may or may not rescue the Greeks, but prayer, pulling down strongholds, releasing heaven's treasures, and fostering God's presence will impact the land.  Help us. Join us. Visit us. Remember the mother land of faith.

10 days from the big wedding!!!

On the Saturday of September 3rd as the sun sets across the Aegean Sea with Mount Olympus in the background, our oldest daughter, Gina, will marry Simon Ramsden from Garstang, UK.  It will be an American-English-Greek ceremony, but our prayers are that it will be a divine union of two hearts beginning a blessed family forever. Many are the unknowns.  How? Where? When? But the why is obvious, they love each other and love the Lord.  Gina has been accepted into the master program at Durham University, UK. Simon is learning his father's business. Please remember them during this special time as they begin their life together. Here is their website for the wedding. Pictures and videos forthcoming. Simon and Gina

The saga about our church relocation continues.  The day that our current landlord served us papers of expulsion, the new place that we had researched and prayed about was cancelled.  So we have been searching for another place during the vacation time of August.  There are so many possibilities. We are praying for one to stand out, the right price and the door to be open for prayer house church for the city.  The legal action will take time before we are forced out. We hope and pray that by November we will be able to start in a new place ... if not sooner. Persons and teams are needed for the move.

Re-location necessity and hopes for a House of Prayer

In June, the landlord made it very clear his intentions about the upcoming expiration of the rental contract.  "Collect your things and leave!" was his direction to the Thessaloniki Balkan Church after six years.  The many police visits, the threats, and the restrictions are a clear sign that it is time to re-locate.  "Lord, give a better place with freedom and favor for your name in our city" has been our prayer!!!

Wednesday morning, the Spirit woke me with the desire to walk seven times around a possible location and ask that the Lord give it to us.  As I walked around, the Lord gave me Psalm 75:9-10 which says in the Greek translation that "I will sing out to you eternally, and I will make melodies of praise to the God of Jacob. and God will crush all of the power of the Godless and he will raise up the power of the righteous."  Lord, may we have a place that by the force of prayer and worship the evil in our city will be crushed and righteousness will increase!!!

Afterwards that morning we meet with the potential landlord for this new location, out of city of million he is a customer of our bookstore and the mission purchased metal from his factory for the Olympics, guest house and church.  The relationship with the landlord is extremely important for church operation in an Orthodox dominant society.  He does not appear to have anti-evangelical bias. He promised to cooperate for securing a Church permit which previous landlord refused. He agrees to a long term lease and even possible purchase.  And he lowered the rent.  Lord, grant decernment for this important relationship!!!

To top it off as another sign, our present location's basement flooded again on the same day from backed up apartment building sewage.  It may be at a beautiful location next to the Apostle Paul ruins, but when things continue to stink, it is time to move on!!!  We need lots of help to make this possible.  All skilled craftsmen and teams are invited to come contribute to turning a warehouse store into a beautiful, sound proof House of Prayer.  Target dates are October, November, and December.  Please spread the word. The decision is not definite yet, but indications are strong. Of course, the new place which at least three times larger will need financial support as well.  Gifts may be sent by this link Thessaloniki Church.

 

Greece Struggles

"Imagine that in its worst year of our recent recession, the United States government had decided to reduce its federal budget deficit by more than $800bn – cutting spending and raising taxes . . . What do you think would be the public reaction? It would probably be similar to what we are seeing in Greece today . . ." Guardian News The Greeks reaction are strikes and demonstration.  Many times, things turn violent. Frustrations are very high. Electricity strikes to stop privatization. Transportation stops to change Parliament austerity vote.  Wages are cut to the bone. Basically, it is rebellion against the financial hardships. Average citizens are paying for the government's mismanagement and waste.  It may be a sign of the future for many other countries as well.  It is what Socrates described as the "self destruction of democracy".  Stores and businesses are closing everyday. "For Rent" signs are everywhere. There are no jobs.  Church members are scraping by to survive.  Many are leaving for jobs elsewhere.  Pray for Greece.  Pray for spiritual stirring. Pray for God to show himself powerful to believers and to "not yet" believers. Help our church make a difference and contribute to assist ...Thessaloniki Church Aid

After two very busy weeks back in Greece, we are ready to face our main challenge.  We had a wonderful 6 weeks in the States.  The church here did wonderful in our adsence.  The leadership is forming for a stronger presence and ministry in the future, hard times.  Our major task is to relocate.  Our present lease expires at the end of July and we need to find a better place.  Without restrictions. Without police visits. Without landlord harasment. With more space. With bigger cooperation of churches and ministries. With the potential of raising up a St. Jason Prayer House.  Pray for God's provision and donate to the above link if the Lord puts it on your heart.

Our family is well.  Gina just arrived home. She is jumping into ministry, and is preparing for her wedding on Sept 3rd.  Kali is involved in many things in Thessaloniki and Athens. Christi is working at a Lansing Church and at Spring Arbor U.  Mike's knee is getting stronger.  Maria and Mike are taking bicycle rides along the Thessaloniki seafront to help recovery.  Thank you for your prayers and support.

Here is a picture of Gina's graduation with the family, papous grandpa, Kali's fiance, and four professors.

 

One week State side

On Thursday, Maria and I made the journey to Chicago with my leg in a straight leg brace.  The trip went well and we enjoyed the occasional golf cart service. Tomorrow on Friday the 13th, Kali, Pappous Theofilos and fiance Alkaios arrive to join us.  The original plan was for everyone to be here for Gina's graduation. But due to a virus breakout, the commencement has been postponed for the next weekend.  Gina flies to UK the day before the new date. So she will miss her graduation and is very disappointed.

Two days before flying to the States, a monk from Mt Athos hosted us for a very interesting meal in his home.  Check out a site with the 60 minutes report on Mt Athos After 30 years of life in the monastery, he still had a list of questions to discuss.  For years now, we have been praying for a friendship with someone in Orthodox circles.  He just walked in our bookstore and God answered our prayers.  We look forward to getting back and continuing the friendship.

My leg is recovering well.  Maria is enjoying driving me around everywhere.  Something about feeling in control.  Here is our schedule for next two weeks. Pray for the church team in Thessaloniki while we are away.

Greek Cookout graduation party at Dr Brewer's in Spring Arbor on May 14

Minister at LaPorte, IN UMC and attend Angela's wedding in the afternoon in Kalamazoo on May 15

Pizza Party and share at Mooresville, IN on May 18

Gina departs for UK from Chicago on May 20

All day picnic in Olney, IL on May 21

Minister at Vincennes, IN in the morning and Evansville evening on May 22

Share at Robinson, IL on May 25

A Blessed Easter and a fresh release of Resurrection power

Easter is the biggest holiday of the year and the most important dinner.  Everything is supersized. Lots of traditions and customs. The image here is the resurrection icon showing our risen Lord taking the captives to paradise. The highlight for our own celebration is the weekend ministry of a guest Pastor from Israel. A Jewish believer preaching the anointed truth is the best way to gain a fresh inspiration for this holy celebration.  Our prayer is that the whole church worldwide and every individual believer will be stirred to push on and strive more for our Savior's glory. Blessings to you!

My missionary knee needed repair after 50 years of "bringing the good news".  Monday's surgery was more involved than expected.  This is good because the doctor was able to  repair more than what the MRI showed.  But this means a straight leg brace for a month.  We asking God for full healing and another 50 years.

Pastor Johnson has an appointment on Thursday with the Thessaloniki Asylum Officer. Just getting an appointment is rare and considered impossible.  God had favor as the lawyer and Maria pleaded for his case. May the impossible will have a chance to be possible. Keep praying.

Here is our schedule for May/June:

May 8 Heritage Hills Church in Fenton, MI

May 11 Winona Lake FM Church

May 14 Gina's Graduation from Spring Arbor University

May 15 La Porte, IN UMC

May 18 Moorsville, IN FM Church

May 21 Picnic and community event Olney, IL

May 22 Vincennes, IN am and Evansville, IN pm

May 25 Robinson, IL FM Church

May 29 Abundant Life Church in Danville, IL

June 1 Greenville, IL FM Church youth

June 3 Oklahoma City and FM Conference Family Weekend Camp

June 5 Tulsa, OK at All Nations Fellowship

June 7-9 International House of Prayer in Kansas City, MO

June 11 Newark, OH for Robert Long's wedding

June 12 Living Hope Church am in Columbus, OH

June 13 depart for Greece

 

Asylum desperately needed!

Free for 30 days, Pastor Johnson is very relieved.  But two weeks in jail took it's toll on his health. He still has not recovered completely and made it to church.  Maria has been after the lawyer about his case.  The doctors have diagnosed Johnson with heart failure. On Monday, Maria will take him with the lawyer to the Thessaloniki Director of Asylum to plead for understanding to allow him to stay in Greece due to his medical condition.  Please pray for favor and resolution.  This man of God needs to have the stress of his residence status lifted. He needs a miracle for his heart to be healed.

Also last Sunday, a Bulgaria woman, Virginia, from our church was hit by a car as she walked to church.  She has three broken ribs, fractured pelvis, and stitches on head from hitting the windshield.  She is in a great deal of pain.  She will have to remain in bed at least a month.  Pray that she will recover quickly and be relieved from the pain.

Also another believer, Mary, fell and suffered compound fracture on her right leg.  After a metal rod and a long surgery, she is recovering slowly with much pain. She too would appreciate prayers.

Also on Monday, Mike will have arthroscopic surgery on left knee for a torn meniscus.  For the big five zero birthday, Mike gets a minor maintenance procedure.  Big birthday celebrations are not practiced that much in Greece.  Still it is amazing that the half century mark has been reached!  Will the Lord tarry before 2061?  There is still much ministry in the golden years ahead!

From May 5 until June 13, we will be ministering in MI, IN, IL, OK, MO, and OH.

Pastor jailed in Thessaloniki

Pastor Johnson Otamere from Nigeria has been part of the Thessaloniki Balkan Church Anagenesis for two years.  He and his wife, Favour, are leaders of the growing number of Africans joining the local Church family.  In Greece, a large number of Africans have began to flood to the cities seeking a livelihood. Legal residence is very difficult. Brother Johnson was apprehended by a plain clothed police sweep of side walk vendors on Friday, March 19. Brother Johnson has a heart condition and has requested special residence for health reasons from the Greek government since 2009.  His document from the government is accepted in parts of Greece, but in Thessaloniki where the police are stricter, they are holding him in a jail and slowly deciding his case.  His lawyer is confident that he will be released eventually.  Join us as we continually to pray for God's favor to be upon him as he waits in jail and for justice from the authorities to give his swift release.  If God moves you to support Johnson and Favour's predicament, please follow the link to the Thessaloniki Church and make a donation. Greece Thessaloniki Center Church:

From May 6 until June 13, Maria, Mike, Kali, Theofilos, and Alkaios will be in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas City, Oklahoma, and Ohio. We hope to see as many persons as possible.  Gina graduates from Spring Arbor University. The new prayer postcards are available per request. Contact the FM World Mission PO Box 535002 Indianapolis IN 46253-5002 and the new card will be mailed to your address.