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