September 23, 2008

Dear Pastor and Friends,

          This summer, over 16 million tourists visited Athens. They came to view the ancient ruins that stand as memorials to Greek history. We have toured these sites several times with the many groups that have visited us this year. God has given us more than just a view of this beautiful country; each time He has given us a renewed vision for the souls of Greece to be reached with the Gospel.
          For the past few months we have been involved with a new ministry here that seeks to take advantage of the opportunity given to us because of Greece’s location on the Refugee Highway from the Middle East to Europe-- Greece is the doorway to Europe. The ministry is currently focused on Persian speaking people, which includes mainly Iranians and Afghanis. It has been a great blessing to see Persians get saved and baptized, who come from one of the most militant nations towards Christianity and the west.
          Please pray for the lives that are changed through this ministry, as it is very difficult for the believers in the Persian community. Just last week my friend Ali, who is now a Christian, was stabbed in the chest by his roommate. Thank God for His protection as the knife missed his heart by only 3cm. It is such a blessing to see Ali’s spirit and dedication to have the right attitude through this ordeal.
          On the flip side of the excitement from the refugee center, our hearts are burdened when we see how closed Greeks are to the Gospel. It is heart breaking to see how the Orthodox Church has trapped and enslaved their eternal soul. Please pray that God will bring Greeks into our paths that have an open mind and a willingness to accept the truth of the Gospel.
          Thank you for all of your prayers and support. We know that it is a very difficult time, with the uncertainty of the upcoming election and the current financial crisis, but what an encouragement to know that we serve a risen Savior who is still saving souls and

Thank you for your support and prayers!
 
Serving together for His glory,

James, Cristina, and Amalia Sinde