On October 4th, 5 of our church family went to visit our church partner in Athens Greece. Many of you know that Christ Covenant is partnering with the First Evangelical Church of Athens in their church planting efforts. They have already started three self-sustaining churches in the last several years and two of those churches are starting another church. The most recent church plant effort is unique as it is focusing on the Greek homeless. There are a lot of “refugees” that are homeless in Greece, but many world organizations are working with them. Greek “homeless” (or those living on the street) is a relatively new occurrence mostly because of the strong Greek family unit that takes care of its own. However, the economic downturn over the last 10 years has resulted in many new homeless. As I said, it is unique and rather aggressive to believe that a church can be formed among these people, and Christ Covenant was asked to be a partner to this effort.

During the week we were there, we got a taste of what is being done to reach these “people of the street”. We sat in on one-on-one visits with several men and at least one woman who came by the church for a sandwich and a drink. Many speak some English, so we were able to interact some. We did a prayer walk through the areas of Athens where homeless seem to congregate. Two of us did a one-onone Bible lesson with a Greek man who was born the son of missionaries in Egypt and now finds himself alone and homeless. We walked the downtown streets of Athens from 9pm to 12pm looking for and giving haircuts to homeless men. Ask one of us about this, it is a fascinating story! On another night we went out at the same hours to deliver “care packages” to homeless. We participated in a bazaar and lunch to help raise funds to provide barista training to those who may want to get a job and get off the streets. But maybe the most attractive part of this ministry is the young man they have leading it. ​

Several you met Christos and his wife Elina who were here at out last missions conference. But seeing this young man’s love for the lost and particularly for the homeless is humbling and contagious. In every encounter with one of the homeless, Christos spent time learning about them and their lives or simply encouraging them. The hope is that they form relationships that will lead to conversions.  ​

Prayer walk with Glen (one of the helpers with the homeless ministry)

Haircuts for the homeless

Preparing for the bazaar

I am anxious for many more of you to get acquainted with this ministry, so begin to think now about going on the next trip!

Andy Halbert