We sat around the table while the Balkan sea air lightly lifted napkins and table cloths. The smell of thick olive oil, sea salt, and ocean water filled the air, and for a moment, I felt like I was in heaven.
Surround by a Norwegian, a Dane, and four Greeks, our table was like the United Nations of church development. For two and half hours we shared our stories, how we ended up doing what we’re doing, and why we won’t give up. There is a burden on the hearts of many to see Europe restored to the glory of yesteryear. But there is a bigger passion to see the Church—the global church—rise up and stand for what is good, true, and beautiful.
If Acts 2 were to occur again, I’m pretty sure it would be around a dinner table by the Balkan sea, dipping bread in olive oil and praying for a united body of Christ to redeem that which is lost in the world: a hope for the future church.
The beautiful thing about our conversation was that each of us—ministers of the gospel—have set aside our desire to directly build the church to pursue justice as a means of fulfilling the gospel.
Maria and Demetris are Greek pastors who are still leading their congregation while simultaneously using their law degree to fight trafficking in Greece. Phil and Nina are northern Europeans who had a burden to build the church, yet are meeting the direct need of those who are captive and slaves to someone else’s sins. Liana and Melina are radical young church leaders who not only serve at their church but fight for awareness and prevention within their island of Thessaloniki. And me… well, I’m just a Puerto Rican Mexican who loves teaching the bible, but cannot teach God’s word without putting it into practice.
As I left our dinner table, I felt full. Not from olives and tomatoes, but from the feeling of oneness with a family I just met. I share this global family with you because together, we are the hope for the future. Together, we can make a difference.
Amen!
This is such an exciting journey to watch! I’m so (unpatronisingly) proud of you and (sinfully) jealous! Opa!
No spelling errors? What’s gotten into me?!?! [Don’t worry. I still need you :)]
You’re doing a good job of hiding it….sniff sniff 😉
Sounds great!
Best wishes to you and your team as you go about the business of changing the world! 🙂
Thanks, Alexis!
How do we help you make a difference?
Kathy, you’re a woman of prayer. Please pray for the miraculous!
Personally, I’m working on a partnership program and would love to get people on board with sponsoring the girls through the organization 🙂 Pray!
Well said. Thank you for sharing a picture of this Gospel-centered dinner and the fullness that resulted.
When I was in Greece earlier this summer, I had the opportunity on two occassions to sit down (over a meal of course) and talk with several pastors serving the Greek Evangelical Church. Their heart for their people and for the Gospel was aboslutely contagious!! This post reminds me SO much of those precious times.
Although in a different setting and different way, putting the Gospel into practice right along with you to make a difference together!! 🙂
Efharisto!
What is the Global church you speak of? Revelations talks about a Global One World Religion in the last days that will be used to deceive the true saints of God into accepting the antichrist and the mark of the beast. We as Chrsitians are called to be separate from false religions sucg as Catholisicm.
Don’t take yourself so seriously! The global church is the Church… as in the body of Christ. See? It’s all good, fancy pants! 😉
I don’t know if to smile and be happy for you or cry and be happy for you because I so wish I was there with you bread dipping! xxooxx
One day my friend, one day…