Mike and Maria Long

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.