Mike and Maria Long

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.