Coffee Talk

With Marc & Denise Atchley

Waiting

"Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.” Acts 17:16-17 (ESV)

Have you ever arrived to the airport only to find that your flight has been cancelled and you've got to be put on a new flight (or series of connecting flights) to your destination?  It's happened to most of us ... probably more than once.  We're usually never concerned about eventually getting to our destination.  But we don't know whether we'll arrive on time, or whether our luggage will arrive with us.  Depending on the purpose of our trip, delays can really mess up our plans.

We (Marc and Denise) were scheduled to meet with the Greek Consulate in April to apply for our long-term residence visa and thought we would have everything in order by July when we were hoping to depart for Greece.  While we knew there might be some complications with the visa, we didn't foresee that April appointment being cancelled due to COVID-19.  Nor did we imagine that we would see most of the summer pass by without being permitted to reschedule.  We're confident that we'll get there eventually, but we're still waiting to find out when.

When we read the above passage from Acts, we can't help but think of the message Pastor Giotis Kantartzis delivered at a missions conference several years ago.  He pointed out that it was as the Apostle was doing a rather ordinary thing -- waiting -- that he engaged in Gospel ministry.  Then he said something that has stuck with us since ... "missional is ordinary people doing ordinary things with Gospel intentionality."  God intends to use all believers, wherever He has placed us, to advance His Kingdom.

As we continue to wait to set our interview appointment with the Greek Consulate, it's so easy to find ourselves looking ahead to our relocation and to all of the things that we'll have to do to make a new home, settle into our new surroundings, and prepare ourselves for new ministry opportunities.  As it is, we're going to have to hit the ground running, and if the delays are prolonged, it will mean that the kids in particular will be playing catch up from day one.

Of course, God knows all of this.  As we've prayed for God to open the doors for us to leave, we've also prayed for more patience and and greater trust in His plan. If He's delaying our departure, it must be for a reason.  Perhaps as with the Apostle Paul, there's work to be done while we wait.

Please pray with us that we would be about the Father's business at all times, while we're waiting to get to Athens and after we're there. 

PRAYER REQUESTS AND UPDATES

Visa. When we spoke with the Greek Consulate in Atlanta in early July we were told we would have to wait until Americans can travel to Europe before we could reschedule our appointment.  The rising number of COVID cases in the States seemed to be the issue.

As of last week the Consulate remains unable to schedule an interview, but we were told to check back after the 15th when the Consulate might receive new instructions.  Please pray that the Lord would open the door for us not only to get our interview appointment, but to actually get our visa immediately as well.

Manager.  Praise the LORD ... He provided a manager for the shop in downtown Knoxville!!!  Noah Marshall is a Godly young man who not only knows the craft coffee industry, he also has years of experience in youth ministry leadership and a real heart for marketplace disciple-making.

Marc will spend the rest of August helping Noah to settle into his role and to take over the day-to-day operations of the coffeehouse.  After that, Marc will continue to work on business development, but this transition will largely free him up to focus on our eventual relocation to Greece.  Please pray for God's favor upon Noah and continue to pray for the health and vitality of the shop so that Christ may be honored in this bit of downtown Knoxville.

House.  Praise the LORD again ... He's provided a buyer for our home in Maryville!!!  We listed the house last week and got a terrific offer two days later.  We're scheduled to close on Sep 4, and would ask you to pray for a smooth inspection process.

Of course, once we close we'll be without a home until we move to Greece.  We're so thankful that we're able to stay with Marc's mom (who lives close by in Knoxville) for the interim.  Nevertheless, we're anxious to get settled into our new home in Athens.  Please pray that we will be able to locate housing there quickly ... and, if possible, even before we get there!

School.  After helpful conversations with some missionary friends in Athens and with the local pastor there (that Marc has gotten to know over the last several years), we feel more comfortable with the decision to live in the Glyfada-area and send Sam and Jack to the British school nearby.

As we've mentioned before, enrolling Nita and possibly Liam in a public school would likely help them to become proficient in speaking Greek more quickly.  But both of them are scared about having to go to school where they can't speak the language.  Please pray that God will give us clear direction about their schooling and provide all that they need for a great experience.

Partnership Through Prayer & Giving
"as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many." - 2 Corinthians 1:11

We praise the Lord for providing partners like you!
Thank you for your prayers and generosity!

Marc and Denise Atchley
TEAM - Greece