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.
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