Mike and Maria Long

Youth Worship Band to the Rescue!

 

Over the past several months at the Thessaloniki Balkan Church, the worship has suffered from disagreements of style, dress code, song selection, lack of commitment, and even doctrinal issues. When all else fails, the youth come to the rescue!  Through many months of practice and instrument learning, they came through with their first Sunday morning performance.  They did great.  It was so moving to see them, so young and excited about the Lord.  Thanks to Hanna from Sweden, they really developed from almost nothing.  Now all of a sudden, the youth are on fire.  They are praying and studying the Bible on their own.  They arranging meetings and taking charge of the youth program.  They may be just a few, but they have the energy of many.  This is a real answer to prayer and a big motivation for more pray.

Donations to the Greece Country Shares (CSA) support this ministry.  The account is $8,690 in the red behind for the year 2008. The Greek country shares uses the code WCS403.  Gifts can be made electronically through www.fmwm.org or by mail to:  Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002  Prayers will open the gates of heaven and abundance will flow.

Oct 7 was a circus day in Greek court

After two years from the bicycle/car accident, finally it came to court for settlement.  Besides checking out the wrecked bike and a doctor's visit for my physical condition, this is the first contact with the driver's insurance.  The reason: they are denying responsibility. False claims heard in court were: "Mr. Long hit the car that pulled out in front of him", "The police said that he committed suicide", "His wife said that they would repair the car", and much more.  There was shouting, interruptions, and a court recess.  The court's decision is announced 3-6 months later.  Justice clearly is a rare thing on earth. Truth will be made clear by our Maker.  We are glad that at least "progress" is being made.  The circus is over.  It will truly be a miracle if something fair comes out of this fiasco.

Thanks for praying also for Frank and Popi.  After praying with her, she went to be with the Lord very quickly.  Diabetes, heart, kidneys, and cancer took their toll on her at the age of 60.  It was very sad, because she was a very happy person.  The best part, though, was confirmation of her coming to faith before passing away.  The Lord told her to read her Bible; so she was reading her Bible for the first time in her life several weeks before the end.  Many church visitors confirmed seeing saving faith in her remarks and spirit.  Her last remarks were "Christe Mou-My Christ!", instead of "Panagitsa mou-my holy Mary".  She is definitely in a better place and her health is perfect now.  Please continue to pray for Frank.

Back together again in Greece and going strong

Mike arrived on Thursday morning at 4.00 am.  Fortunately, prayers for safe travel alerted the pilots that the plane had technical problems before taking off.  Planes were changed and the flight arrived later.  It so good to be back together with Maria after a month of ministry in the States.  Tomorrow is Sunday and back to preaching in Greek.

There are many ministry needs.  Today we visited again Frank and Popi.  He returned to the Lord during our minstry.  Popi is diabetic with a heart condition and is on dialysis.  They have just learned of cancer in her stomach.  Doctors are giving her a month or more.  We are praying for her salvation and miraculous healing.

Kali and her home school supervisor, Angela, are doing well with assignments.  They are getting busy with the youth group.  The goal this year is to launch a youth church in Thessaloniki.

On Tuesday, Oct 7, the trial for the bicycle/car accident will finally take place two years later.  Our lawyer has allerted us about false witnesses claiming that the driver was not at fault. We are praying for justice and truth in the courts of Thessaloniki.

Ministry in the States was wonderful.  Our supporters are great.  For the $20,000 for missionaries expenses (MSA), pledges have come in for the end of the year.  But the ministry expenses (CSA), that was $10,000 short, is still $8,900 behind. We are praying for 100 persons to give $100.  Maybe you are one of those persons. The Greek country shares uses the code WCS403.  Gifts can be made electronically through www.fmwm.org or by mail to:  Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002