Greece:EuroRelief Team Update #1

“Welcome to a very political place, you will not be coming into camp today.”  

That was how we were greeted by the security guard on our first day at camp. They explained that we weren’t on “the list” for people who can enter for the day and to try again another day. 

Often before leaving for Greece, I held a picture in my mind of what this trip would look like. Maybe doing some back breaking labor, feeding thousands of the “least of these”, helping give clothes to those who are fresh into camp. However, our first week has been off to a slow start, with a few red tape problems delaying us, a flat tire, and other small problems. 

We have had a lot of down time to ourselves and because the trip hadn’t started off like my original expectations, I began to think about well what are we doing here? Weve had a great time on a Greek island but there is a cloud hanging over us with the thought that we aren’t “doing enough” for God on this mission trip. 

But when has God asked us to do things FOR him?

The same God that was with us in Oregon is the same God that is with us in Greece. God has called us to Greece, not to do the work for him but WITH him. God is powerful enough to get us on the right lists, to keep our tires from popping, and to pave the way for us to get plugged in and engaged with the Camp. But instead he has called us to be with him in the slow times. 

After 6 days we finally had a full days work (which was great for our restless hands) in a warehouse outside the camp. It was great to be able to see a link in the chain of how the logistics of the camp works and just how much preparation and need goes into making it run. We are so glad that next week is looking like we will be able to experience more of what the camp holds, we eagerly search for opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus and abide in his presence.

-Lance Norquist

Prayer requests:

• For energy and focus as the workload picks up next week (Lord willing). 
• For tender hearts for the people we will be serving, that they can see that we are with Jesus in our serving.
• For our team to continue to grow closer with one another and with the Lord

Evelyn, James, and Lance [Lucy took the picture] sorting through hundreds of pairs of shoes that will be passed out to asylum seekers.