Greece 2 Team – Update #3

Greetings from Greece and, more specifically, the island of Lesvos (where we can see Turkey across the Aegean Sea just 4 miles away). 

But those aren’t just any 4 miles of water. For some refugees, those miles (~6.5 km.) represent some glimmer of hope, and possibly even renewal; but far too often, they also represent horror, tragedy, and deep trauma for many as they experience (first-hand) loved ones drowning in overcrowded, pin-holed, rubber dinghy’s that usually accompany fake & defective “life” jackets. These human traffickers often profited deeply to multiple thousands of USD per person (on average).

No, these aren’t “just 4 miles”, these miles represent thousands and thousands of now unseen “roadside memorials” – with little to no opportunity for healing of the trauma and grief experienced for (and by) those many loved ones who now remain on this island.

But, somehow, there is hope (yes, thank You, Lord Jesus!). That’s also why this Refugee Camp (Mavrovouni) here exists. It’s also why we’re now here as a team (and what you’re praying for!) as we seek to serve well and serve alongside many other brothers and sisters who are often here in a longer-term capacity from across many European nations. All of it is in order to help those who are in deep distress see Jesus in our actions, eyes, and in any other way the Spirit would move and lead.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support, friends.

tOdd on behalf of the team

– Picture: taken today of the former site of the initial refugee camp here on Lesvos at a place called Moria (that burned down over four years ago), with an olive growing on an olive tree now. Hope amidst heartache.