Saturday, November 28, 2009

Refresh - 2nd Annual Conference for Pastors and Christian Workers

This past weekend pastors from many churches and denominations came together for a time of refreshment and fellowship at a conference hosted by HM. Our desire was to bless pastors and Christian workers and their spouses as an expression of our appreciation and gratitude for their hard work in the Lord’s harvest.

We were challenged as Tom Mahairas, a Greek evangelist from New York City, shared with us God’s heart for each of His servants. That in the whole expanse of the universe, God has His eye on us and His great desire is to care for us. We are God’s own special, chosen, private and greatest treasured possession!

Tom talked about the special privilege it is that Greeks have to know and to understand the original language of the New Testament and their responsibility to take this knowledge of the Word to world.

All were encouraged as pastors shared some of the positive changes that have occurred in Greece over the last 20 years in ministry. It appears that this is a new season of openness and cooperation in working together for the cause of Christ.

“Look at the nations and watch-and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5.

Please be praying for Greece and the Nations!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Morning Star News

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea-the Lord on high is mighty. Ps 93:4
Hellenic Ministries' sailboat, the Morning Star, has had a busy fall. Almost every weekend, different groups have been out on it; some for spiritual retreats, some for training exercises. Regardless of the occasion, God is touching lives in this unique ministry setting. Here are a few thoughts from recent participants:

It was very neat to me to see the spiritual interest that surfaced in the teens we served over the weekend. There is just something very calming about seeing nature from still water while talking about God. I saw people evaluating themselves spiritually, as they were forced to relax and think without all the distractions that normally so consistently interfere. For myself, I saw God really use the time away from school and the city to work in me as I worked on the boat and spent time with Him.
Timothy Price

Serving on the Morning Star has been a true inspiration, leaving me with experiences that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It's not just about expanding your knowledge and learning all there is to know about a boat. It's more than that...It's the idea behind it that makes the difference. Seeing how God works in the lives of those involved in this ministry and the affects it has on people is what touched me the most. Through my short experience over the past few weeks I have gotten the chance to work with several different groups and I have come to enjoy it very much. The way you can connect with people on the boat is truly unique and the Morning Star creates a cozy atmosphere you can't really escape from. It almost forces you to feel like a family, but I think that's what makes people feel comfortable and when people feel comfortable they can express themselves easier and just be themselves. I was impressed by the depth and level of the discussions that took place on the boat, especially by a group of young teenagers. They were analyzing topics about life and God and how real He is in their lives and how seriously they take His will and try to put it to practice every day. Being able to be part of that experience has been a true blessing and I know that God has great plans for the Morning Star and many lives can be affected and touched through it.
Anastasia Papadopoulou

When I first heard about the Morning Star ministry I was incredibly excited to get involved as much as possible. Before I had the chance, however, I broke my leg in a rock climbing accident. I was incredibly blessed and encouraged when the Captain told me that I wouldn't be counted out just because of my injury, he told me I was no less useful because of it and that this was my chance to "learn to be a human being instead of a human doing". I still do feel pretty useless and in the way many times when I'm hobbling around the boat, but am so excited for this opportunity for God to blow my mind with the power of prayer. While others are cleaning or cooking or fixing things, I'm praying, and I trust that God will do great things. I praise Him for this time to draw near to Him and serve on the boat in a completely different way than I initially expected. Rachel Scott

One thing I love about the boat is looking at the stars at night. It really makes you feel small and God seem huge. Where I come from the stars are not nearly as good, so its quite a blessing. You get a glimpse of the creativity and limitless power of God. John Oehler

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Nashville Rocks Athens! October 2009

What an incredible privilege it was for the music team and the key leaders of the House of Worship to spend a weekend conference with seven musicians from Fellowship Bible Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Our team was so blessed as these men shared not only their incredible musical talent, but also their humble hearts as they encouraged us to make worship a part of who we are everyday. They challenged us to recognize ourselves as broken people before the Lord, but if He would touch us and cleanse us (as of course He has done!) we can confidently say, “Lord, here am I, send me… use me for your glory!” (Isaiah 6)

Please pray that we will continue to grow from the special times we spent interacting with this amazing team. We learned so much as they literally walked beside us to practice song writing, producing, leading worship, and rehearsing for a musical song set.
May these lessons propel us forward as we offer our worship, talents, and dreams before the Lord.

In all that we do may…the church be blessed…the Gospel preached…we decrease…and HE increase!