Mike and Maria Long

Thanksgiving Day in Greece

  This picture is not of Michael and Maria.  Today on Thanksgiving Day, we are feeling strange.  This is our first holiday without any of our children.  Gina is in Georgia. Christi is in Indiana. Kali is in Birmingham, UK.  Today is a bright shiny day in Thessaloniki, but no one is playing football and no turkey.  We searched and have not found any turkeys on sale in the supermarkets.  Maria found some turkey legs and they were tasty. Supermarkets have a few turkeys around Christmas.  Greeks do not consider turkey meat very tasty.  Everyone is working today.  We are paying bills, visiting contacts, and working in the office and bookstore.  There are no NFL games to watch this afternoon.  The only football here is with a soccer ball.  So how does an American celebrate Thanksgiving in a place that has no idea that the holiday even exists? Making a thanksgiving list.

First of all, we thank you for your financial support and prayers.  This year the Lord has taken care of us very well, and there have been amazing experiences of God's grace.

Recent amazing examples are:

A woman accidently walks into a worship service, stays, and is so moved that she prays with tears for forgiveness and repentence:

Another Bulgarian woman married to a Greek searches for our place for over an hour after going two years without attending church. She is prayed for with shaking and tears. The presence of God comes over her and testifies the joy that floods her soul. Her first request is a Greek NT for her husband. Her question is where are all the Greeks?  Our ministry is more multi-ethnic.  The future will be more Greek as second generation believers grow and participate.  Our main worship musican is Albanian with a beautiful voice.

Long time believer, Kyriakos has joined us after years of "church boycotting."  His name means Sunday.  He is now very faithful.  Soon he will be retiring and doesn't know what he will do to keep busy.  So many ministries are waiting for him once he is free from daily work routine. 

VISA intern, Dan Balzer, was told to get a exit stamp on his passport by his Greek language school. Last Satuday, we took a trip to the nearest border.  To Dan's shock, he was told that he must pay 1,200 euro to return to Greece or stay 3 months outside the country.  After some pleading, the border police let him pass without black stamping the $1,800 fine and was warned not to return to Greece until 2010.  Dan without a jacket or any other personal items, and I began praying for favor to be able to finish our planned trip. We were thankful for no black stamp.  Next obstacle was entering European Union country Bulgaria at the Petrich border where we planned to unload the car full of used clothes.  Two hours later, the border crossing was successful.  At Al and Diane Mellinger's home in Petrich, calls and connections attempted to arrange the border crossing back into Greece.  All attempts failed and optional plans were made in case the return to Greece failed. With much prayer and darkness, we attempted to return to Greece from a different border crossing.  There was much rejoicing when we entered Greece again without any comments.  Now, Dan has another three months before dealing with the borders again.

Over the weekend of Nov. 13-15 in Budapest, over 90 participants from Europe gathered to celebrate the past and dream for the future of the Free Methodist Mission in Europe.  There were great times of worhsip, sharing and encouragement as "the gate" opens to the Kingdom restoration in post-Christian heartland of Europe. Personally, the most positive dynamic was the visition of the Holy Spirit on several leaders over the same night with visions and dreams.  Our prayer is that the Spirit of God stir up the nations and shake the foundations of unbelief to bring a great spiritual movement.

Exciting Finish of successful Tour de St. Paul

Tthese nine guys finally in Athens are in the best shape they have been in years.  After 600 kilometers up and down, around an island, along the sea, and long days, the group did an amazing ride. Many called it an epic experience.  No accidents. Perfect weather.  The only person that couldn't make the big climb was the assistance vehicle and trailer.  It was sent to the repair shop with the drivers.  So for half of day 4 and the rest of the route, I drove the little car pulling the big trailer and showing the way. The group witnessed to many along the way.  Many cities were prayed for and ministries visited.  The experience of the Apostle Paul relived in a brutally challenging way. Like his example, great accomplishments are gained through perseverance, sweat, group support, courage and faith.  Thanks for praying and supporting.

Church last Sunday was amazing.  One person with tears and a desperate heart prayed in repentance to receive the forgiveness of sins and start a new life in Christ!  God really worked in her heart.  We were so excited that we started to play music a little louder than normal.  The musicians were excited.  A little later, two police officers showed up because someone in the apartment building called the police and complained.  They wrote down our names and left.  When the least of these is found, Jesus said, there is a great celebration in heaven.  Just be careful when the celebration is too loud on earth, the police might show up because the enemy is trying to steal the joy of believers.  The more trouble the enemy causes, our joy increase even more.

Exciting news from Mike and Maria

This is the third day of the Tour of St Paul 2009. Already, the group blazed through the 165 kilometers from Kavala to Philippi and on to Thessaloniki.  Tomorrow, the journey continues on south past the sea of Berea, Mt Olympus, Leptokaria, and onto the island of Evia.  From there, they enjoy a night on the "Morning Star" sailboat at the bay of Porto Astro, climb past Thiva, and end up in Ancient Corinth.  The group of crazy riders are: Jerry and Tim Coleman from US and Hungary;Sim, Andrew, and Gerath from UK; Peter Clark from Spain; Dan Balzer in Greece (Ron's son), Rossen from Bulgaria, and Maria's husband.  A great group and lots of fun.  May God make us all strong men of God following the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and our Lord Jesus, world champion of all time!

Kali's dad had a great visit with her for five days.  She is doing fantastic.  She is living in Birmingham, UK serving as a youth intern at the Renewal Christian Centre.  She is one of five interns that assist with the youth program that draws 200+, visits schools weekly, and assist church services well over 1500 every week.  She is becoming quite British.  She is growing and learning new skills.  It is a tremendous opportunity.  She is very missed by mom and dad, and Thessaloniki youth.  We are very glad for her. We know that all of you will be praying for her, and her sisters in Spring Arbor.  Many readers of this blog are closer to them than their parents.  Sniffle...sniffle.

Mike got to visit Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus, and all the 7 churches in Turkey. Pray for FM connected Pastor Igor in Istanbul.  His baby is seriously ill in Seattle. Plans are being made for big Cycle trip there in Oct 2010.  Amazing contacts were made with Christians.  The locations are great.  The picture is of the brilliant library of Ephesus.  This trip is something that all of you should plan for. It will be well worth it and another great experience for cyclists and non-cyclists who love the Lord.

 

 

Summer Vacations Over! September Ministry Begins!

Yesterday, we said good bye to the Columbus, GA Christ Community Church (CCC) team.  They came through like a big gust of wind that filled the sails and left.  On Tuesday, Pastor Keith, the team, and ourselves prayed in the small chapel in the cliff monastery, "Holy Trinity" at Meteora and stop by the Apostle Paul's bema in Berea. Wednesday, the walking tour sang the "Lord's Prayer" in St. George Rotunda in Thessaloniki and passed out 5,000 flyers.  Prayer service that evening was powerful. The next day, the team visited the bookstore ministry center, passed out 800 flyers in the neighborhood, and had a fantastic time sharing their faith at our Thursday evening coffee and conversation evangelism at the sea.  Friday, they departed early for Philippi, then 5 hours later to Samokov, BG and ministry at the great Gypsy church there.  Finally on Saturday, they prayed and walked around the Gypsy neighborhood praying against poverty, sickness, and demonic powers.  Pastor Keith taught at the Renewal Network pastor training.  Remarks were that the teaching was excellent and his notes have been requested. After that Al Mellinger took them on to Sofia and their flights the next day.  Thank you CCC for your encouraging visit. Feel free to inquire about future such ministry trips.

September is the month when ministry starts up again after summer.  The bookstore is getting ready for school to begin tomorrow. Maria and Dafni are ready to serve the community customers and build relationships of love and care.  The youth helped Maria lead worship this morning.  Niki has made great progress spiritually.  She is the one behind Maria in the picture.  Elli graduated from High School and is looking for work and possibility school.  She is playing the guitar.  Dan Balzer is playing the bass.  He is the first GAP year intern at the Thessaloniki Balkan Center.  He is our adopted son in the adsence of Kali.  He is adjusting, learning Greek, and making a big contribution to the team.  We continue to develop the friendships with the summer contacts: Mohammed, Kyriakos, Michalis, Daniel, Panayiotis, Simon, Angeliki, and many more. 

Also this month is important training time for the Tour de St. Paul mission bicycle trip. It will take place in the last week of October.  Nine riders are taking the challenge including lucky Dan.  If you would like to support them, click on the paypal donate button.  Thanks. Tour de St. Paul

Tour de St Paul - October 25-31, 2009

In 50 AD one man took a journey from  Philippi to Corinth in Greece and changed the world. His message was love, truth, and divine power.  His name was Paul.  He was a man of honor and an apostle of Jesus Christ. All are invited to follow the route of this one man on bicycles. It will go over 630 kilometers. The six day journey is designed to inspire destiny and to bring hope and restoration again to the Balkan region of Southeastern Europe. On Sunday Oct 25, the journey begins on the hill overlooking the port of Kavala (Neapolis) where Paul arrived in Acts 16.11 and where parts of the ancient Roman road Egnatia can still be seen.  After the descent downhill into the valley, the ride zips through the centre of ancient Philippi and turns left just before Lydia's baptism centre.  The route circles around the Pangaio Mountain and climbs up to ancient Amphipoli where a huge marble lion guards the Strymona river.  The day concludes at Asprovalta on the sea after an easy 70 km. On Monday Oct 26, day 2 follows along the sea and then cuts through the valley to Apollonia and past the lakes of Voldi.  The route then climbs over the mountain Horiatis and rolls into Thessaloniki after 100 km. On Tuesday Oct 27, day 3 begins with a basically flat ride starting at sea port of Berea, past King Philip's tomb and past the 10,000 foot Mount Olympus along the sea.  Following the shoreline the ride climbs around a graphic medieval castle at Platamonas and continues south crossing the Tembi river and goes around the Assos Mountain. Eventually the day ends at Agiokampo on the shores of the Aegean after 120 km. On Wednesday Oct 28, day 4 starts with a climb from sea level to 900 meters over the Pelion Mountain and descends on into the city and port of Volos after 100 km. From Volos a ferry will takes the riders and bikes across to the island of Evia to spend the night in Pevki. On Thursday Oct 29, day 5 the route curls around the northwest part of the island and on to the port Limani about 60 km distance where the sailboat, the Morning Star will be waiting to take them back across to mainland Greece to a secluded bay and a good night sleep on the boat. On Friday Oct 30, day 6 heads south for Corinth passing by ancient Thebes to arrive in Loutraki on the Corinthian Sea about 120 km. On Satuday Oct 31, the final day starts with a visit to Ancient Corinth and then to the Proastrakos train which will take the riders to Mars Hill at the Acropolis where Paul spoke to the philosophers in the center of Athens. The day concludes at Cosmovision Center in Koropi near the Airport for a total of about 60 kilometers for the day.   The group then returns to Athens or Thessaloniki according to their flight arrangements. The bikers will be accompanied by a support vehicle for bags, parts and supplies. Last years riders from 5 countries! To ride this year contact Mike Long to get more specific details and to arrange your arrival and departure information.

August 15 is called the Easter of Summer in Greece

This is the summer holiday that celebrates the Assumption of Christ's Mother.  How much the population truly believes this Orthodox church doctrine is not clear.  Yet, the whole country is on vacation as falsehoods continue to rule in the minds of the masses.  Pray the lost sheep of the Orthodox Christian family.

August 15 is also very special because 22 years ago we were married.  This anniversary is our first without children. Our family has entered a new phase. Our little birdies have taken flight and are testing their wings.  We are very proud parents and thankful for our wonderful children.  We love their company and miss them very much.  Gina and Christi are in Spring Arbor, MI working before school.  Kali is in Birmingham, UK getting ready for a one year, youth staff internship at Renewal Christian Centre.  This was a very quiet anniversary, but still a Greek national holiday!  We are just thankful for God's goodness to us.

The past two weeks have been enjoyed in England.  Slightly wet, but very green!  We hada great time at Wellspring Family Bible Camp in South England in Cornwall.  After a few days in the Northwest in Lancaster and Garstang with friends like Marcie, Liz, Leongs, Simon and Julie, we stayed two fun days in Birmingham.  Charlotte and Gavin, Jim, and the Pastors treated us like special guests. The pictures are of our family ministering in Garstang and Christi's surprise birthday party.

 

July is an exciting month!

Wow!  July was full of action, ministry, groups, trips, visitors, and daughters returning home. On July 4, Christi and Gina arrived in Athens to help handle the Greenville Youth Mission team.  On July 7, 36 persons arrived in Athens to begin their adventure.  From July 12-19, half of the team ministered with our family in the central square near our church and at the sea boardwalk, and half of the team participate in the Love Bulgaria Conference in Bulgaria. The Greenville team left on July 20 with tears and smiles.  On July 24, 12 of us visited Erseke, Albania camp where Bishops relief funds used in 1999 for Kosovo refugee aid now are part of a great Bible school and summer camp facility.  On July 26, 12 of us visited the great Samokov, BG gypsy church.  Now we are enjoying some down time before August.

With the Greenville mission team, we took the message to the streets of Thessaloniki with kids games, soccer/football, free water, cross bearing, but most of all free cold coffee called Frape.  It seems like we made 500 free Frapes for passers by along the beautiful sea boardwalk of Thessaloniki.  Here are some of the stories.  Angeliki visited Sunday morning service two times and brought a friend.  Mohammed from Aghanstan came and became friends with Dan, a summer intern.  Michalis and Daniel, two Albanians, became friends with Caden and visited the church before saying good bye.  Lawerance from Albanian came several nights and was so excited about the group that he pasted Christian flyers with a big smile.  Gina is meeting with Maria tonight that she became friends.  George and Dimitris from our neighorhood came three nights for frape and conversation.  Ardian and Florentina from Erseke exchanged phone numbers with us after talking for an hour.  Panigiotis visitied Sunday service.  Jordan from another city gave us his phone number and will be talking together soon.  Kyriakos visited Sunday service and will have many more cafes with us.  There are many more.  Friendships are the foundation for salvation and spiritual development.  May all these relationships lead to eternity together.

The best is having the whole family together one last summer before the year when mom and dad will be home alone.  On August 14 after 12 days in England, Christi and Gina fly back to the US.  Mike and Maria fly back to Greece. And Kali stays in Birmingham, UK for a year GAP internship at Renewal Christian Centre. The three long girls have been the best summer assistants with all the ministry load. It is a huge blessing and joy to see your own flesh and blood witnessing their hearts out to strangers on the street.  A special thanks to everyone that supported Christi and Gina so that they could come this summer.  All three are priceless treasures and the joy of our lives.  Please continue to pray for them and us.

Greenville, IL youth arrived to minister in Greece and Bulgaria

A team of 36 arrived last Tuesday, July 7, and are ministering in Thessaloniki and Love Bulgaria Conference.  The team has divided (16 in Greece and 20 in Bulgaria) and are making friends assisting ministries.  Here in Greece, they are conducting park parties, giving out free ice coffee, frappe, passing out free water, playing soccer/football, and drinking frappe with new friends.  The goal is to make friends of recreation. Recreation is how God changes believers and makes them new!  Here they are at Mars Hill.

The three long girls goofing around.  They are suffering because they only get to be one month together this summer.  Yes, Gina and Christi arrived on July 4th to help with the Greenville team and join summer ministries.  They return on Aug 14 from England.

Church has had great services of worship and prayer.  Several prayed for salvation.  Some have been healed.  Others expect healing. All have been encourged.

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