Winter in Athens

Dear Friends
Thank you for the way you surrounded me with your prayers and support during the last few months. It was an exhilarating time – that’s the only word I can think of to describe my experience.

I started living in this ‘open house’ (an apartment with a lot of coming and going) unsure of how I would cope and loved every moment of it. So much so, that I have signed up for another 6 months to share life with some wonderful people and fly to Athens on the 27th of January. There have been many opportunities to pray into people’s lives; to do member care (pastoral); to guide young people and to share meal times with people from all walks of life and to learn from my “apartment mates” new aspects of being followers of Jesus. I am always the oldest at any given moment…so there is lots of learning for me to do!
Meanwhile:
-At Threads of Hope – I continue to deepen my relationship with both the volunteers and the ladies who sew. At their Christmas event I gave the Christmas message and organised some team games. It was great fun!
In October I took part in a silent march through the main square of Athens to highlight the plight of trafficked women. It was my first demonstration!
My home church, First Coleraine Presbyterian would like to set aside space to sell the Threads of Hope items in their newly purchased property. Isn’t that amazing? threadsofhopehellas.org
-At the Petalouda Centre – In response to my last prayer letter, a wee team came out to pray for the foundation or start-up of a church plant among the Roma Community in one area of Athens. After the prayer initiative, a young Swiss girl (short-termer) set up a prayer room in the ‘Yellow House” where the church plant is to be . It’s hard to explain what a tough ministry this is and Luciana (my ECM colleague) who is the director of this project faces many challenges.
I have continued teaching English (TEFL) to Ivan, one of the Petalouda team members and my fame has now spread as I have been asked to consider teaching English to some Roma teenage girls. That will be a challenge!
-At the Kypseli Church Plant – The church seems to be growing and it’s exciting to see a wide age range of people attending. They are waiting to have access to an old building they are in the process of buying. I joined a home group which helps my integration into the church and community life a lot more.
My own home church, First Coleraine, is hoping to send out a team of about 8 people to help out with a Bible Club initiative at the end of August. Please pray for this.
-At the Urdu-speaking Fellowship – which I attend on Sundays, after the Kypseli church service, there have been some frustrations, but I look forward to sitting down with Iftikhar the leader, at his request, on how best to structure the teaching on Sundays and Thursdays.
-At Crossroads – this is a small project reaching out to refugees. I had been invited to start up a women’s group among the Farsi speakers. I don’t speak Farsi and have been provided with a translator. This initiative is rather daunting for me and I am looking into whether doing the Alpha course (in Farsi) would be helpful.
I am so grateful – for your continued prayers and support and interest in my life.
– for the restoration of my sense of humour and being able to laugh at myself
– for Colin and Bethan getting married on August 25th near Cheltenham
– for many friends and people who come by and help me
– for an awesome, supportive family.
-for the ‘good works that God has prepared beforehand for me to do” Eph. 2:10

Anna Crawford
+44 7536 398565
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