Prayer is a curious thing. God is the Almighty. He tells us to ask in faith believing, but what of those times when we would not have dared to ask so much and yet, He pours forth such gifts that one can only praise Him.
In the years of planning which led up to the start of Project Thessalonica all that we read of the people and culture of Greece, all that we heard from almost all those serving there or who had served there, and most of the feedback from pastors in America convinced us that we were setting out on a year of futility and persecution with much wasted expense. In our prayers we asked for more, but none of us asked for what we have received.
There was no way we could have anticipated the need to search for a meeting place before the end of the first tour, and yet, such was thrust upon us. Each day we were met by persons who sincerely wanted to know where they could come to study the Bible, where they could meet with us to learn more, phone calls came from those who read tracts enquiring as to our location. We were not prepared for any such response.
Add to this the reality that in Greece one cannot just start a church. There is a long and lengthy application process. There are many, many requirements to be met. If all of those could possibly be put in place then one must find, not a place to rent for in the current Greek economy there are countless empty places in the city, but one must find a property owner who will rent to someone wanting to start a non-Greek Orthodox church. The population is 98.5% G.O. and the entire culture is built upon loyalty to the national religion. But riding the wave after wave of joy over the events happening daily we began to search.
We called about numerous places on the main road leading through the heart of the city. Anything close to suitable was 2000 to 2500 euros per month. Several property owners made it absolutely clear they would not rent to us if we intended to study the Bible in their building.
One door in from the busiest highway bisecting the town, half way between the entrance to the city and the square where we preach, we found a suitable spot. We called the owner. Rent was 380 euros per month. Can this be? A few days later we went back and looked again. Space – enough. Location – very good, and a bus stop on the same block (no one could come to church and find a parking space in this city). Repairs needed – minimal (renter must provide light fixtures, air and heat unit, etc. in Greece). So what do we do?
Brother Logan called the dear pastor who has given us approval to carry their legal papers on the street in case there is any conflict. This good man has been thrilled to hear of God’s working in the city and has been a true source of encouragement from the start. He said, “Let me call the owner.” And he did. The next day he called Brother Brent and said (I am summarizing), “Our church is going to be the renter using our legal status, and the building will be rented as an annex (branch) of our church. We will sign the papers and take on all liability. This will allow you to legally start a church in Thessalonica.” This cannot be – but it is.
The man who owns the building met us and we spent time with him and explained exactly what we would be doing. You have to understand the city. Endless buildings for miles in every direction are seven to ten stories high. The first floor contains businesses, the other floors are apartments. The man said, I want to rent to you and I can rent to you but I am an honest and fair man. I am going to contact the people who live above and tell them what you are going to do and see if there are any objections.
One aged woman who lives above came down as we were looking at the place. Angelo spoke with her and told her of our plans and asked if that would suit her. She smiled and said, “If you are going to be singing about Jesus I will come down and join you.” Another resident said, “If they are Jehovah’s Witnesses they can go to hell, otherwise it is fine with me.” One after another the people who live there gave their consent.
So, the landlord’s attorney and the pastor’s attorney have papers drawn and in order. The pastor is going to travel by boat and bus for eleven hours to come to city and sign the papers. He is hoping to bring men with him to spend some days helping with the work. If all goes as planned, in week three of Project Thessalonica we will have a building in which to legally start a church in the city. UNBELIEVABLE but it is happening.
After much discussion and in light of our experiences we decided upon, “Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Going to Hell Bible Baptist Church of Thessalonica” but we will probably shorten it a bit.
