In addition to supporting ministries in the USA, Bolivia, and Bulgaria, Go Light Our World is pleased to partner with a dear missionary friend in Greece who has the heart of an evangelist and disciple-maker. It is sometimes difficult for her and those who follow in Jesus’ steps because of the controls imposed by the Greek national orthodox church. Additionally, Muslims who convert are put in danger along with her by Muslim factors. For this reason, we protect her identity and when needed, the identity of followers.
But this doesn’t stop our friend from ministering to the needs of Muslims and others in Athens and Corinth or the needs of others. It is not uncommon for her to bring a sick person into her house to care for them or to pay for their medical bills. Always, she gives them a copy of the New Testament in their language, and invites them to read God’s truths aloud with her. She never argues with them but only talks about the love of Jesus for them. Her caring actions speak the integrity of her life. Many of these men and women have come to trust Jesus alone for their salvation at the risk of being persecuted and cut off from their family.
One story of redemption is that of Stavroula. Raised in an orphanage since she was four years old, her life has never been easy. She never finished high school and when her husband died she was left with 6 children and many bills. Her sister died leaving with another child to care for. And then the Greek economy collapsed leaving her with no government assistance. God brought Stavroula across the path of our missionary friend who helped her find a children’s home for the children where they now receive food and loving care. Stavroula lives in a rent free house with broken windows and no electricity or water. She showers and washes her clothes at our friend’s house each week. This friend pays for Stavroula’s medications and has found clothes for her.
Stavroula reads the bible daily, attends a weekly bible study at the friend’s house and is growing in the Lord. She has accepted Jesus as her Lord and is asking now to be baptized. She is quick to share with others what God has done in her life and has shared her faith with her other sister in Germany. Recently she led a young man to the Lord. He has given up his drug addictions and enrolled in a Christian center to help him stay clean.
What a difference it makes having a Christian friend who cares enough to bring light into darkness! Will you join us in praying for Stavroula who needs our prayers to find a job so she can pay her bills and get her children back?