Athens, Day #2 & Day #3

Day #2---Don & I spent the morning with Stefanos and
Manon. It was a great time to hear about the evangelical church in Greece,
their life in the US the last 10 years, and their calling to return to their
country of Greece and share the Good News. It is hard to put into words the
passion and conviction they have regarding returning to Greece “at such a time
as this.” If you follow international news at all, you know these are
tumultuous economic times here in Greece.
Some very difficult days could be ahead in Greece. We had lunch at a little place not far from
where we are staying and I ate the BEST gyros I have had in my life---the best!
The only bad news about our lunch date was that there was a ticket on their car---and
we were parked like everyone else on the block.
When we returned from lunch, Quintin Stieff from Valley
Church in West Des Moines, IA was waiting at the door of Bethel. He is here as
one of our guest speakers. He will focus on family and ministry issues for our
missionary leaders. Quintin, Don & I enjoyed an Italian dinner in Kifissia
(20 minute walk from here) and some very good conversation. I was able to
listen to Matt’s playoff football game live on the internet radio. The game was
a real bummer, as Wheaton North lost, as it did not sound like Wheaton North
played too well. We lost the internet where we are staying right as the game
was ending. I will try to send this out on Monday morning from here or a wifi
spot in town.

Day #3---Today was a great day---that is an understatement!
We took the metro into Athens and went to the Greek Evangelical Church. This is
Manon’s church. I had trouble understanding too much with my headset and the
translation, but I really enjoyed what I picked up, the music, the call to be people
of the Word during difficult days in Greece, the communion service, and just
seeing a full sanctuary of evangelicals in the heart of Athens. The Acropolis
stands in the distance from the church, and high on the hill, if you stand back
across the street from the church. Get the idea of the contrast: a full
evangelical church and the Acropolis, which is a thoroughly impressive empty
temple and tourist attraction. After church Don, Quintin, and I went to lunch
in a very cool setting: outside, under the trees and vines, folks walking by in
the narrow streets around, and super tasty Greek food (what else!). We then
went walking on one of Rick Steve’s recommended Athens walk. The highlight was
the Acropolis, but winding up the tiny streets, paths, between the houses was a
close second. Mars Hill from Acts 17 was also super cool.
Rich Burrill, Europe Advocate, was “home” when we arrived.
The 4 of us had a good time chatting together…getting tired and time to sign
off…again, hope to send this off on Monday.