June 14

PRAISE OUR GOD FOR HOW HE IS WORKING HERE AND DRAWING PEOPLE IN!

Brother Angelo said he is overwhelmed at the quick responses to the gospel.

Brother Logan and Brother Angelo began the day with a meeting with Alexadrous, the printer who will make the sign for in front of the church-building. After completing their business, Brother Angelo asked him where he was born and they learned that Brother Angelo’s dad and Alexandrous’s dad are from the same village! This seemed to soften his expression. He then went on to explain that he was Greek Orthodox but hated the churches, the priests, and the traditions. Then he asked them what the difference was between an Orthodox and a Baptist church. Bro Angelo explained the gospel and the difference between any religion and Biblical salvation. The man said the gospel made sense. Bro Angelo asked him what he was going to do about it, telling him he needed to turn from sin to Christ alone for his soul’s salvation. He was not willing to take that step yet. (For those Americans who are looking to get prayers prayed instead of souls saved, when Paul went to Thessalonica the Holy Spirit reports they “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” 1 Thessalonians 1:9).

On the street today, we shifted from the main square and set up with the scripture signs, preaching, and tracts at the Galerius Arch. Many stopped to read the scripture signs, receive tracts, and ask questions.

While we stayed in that area, Brother Angelo and Brother Logan went to see Kiriakos, a man who called Brother Angelo today asking him to come and visit him at his office. He had received a tract several weeks ago in a bank and now wanted to know more. As they walked to his office today, he opened up his heart and said he could talk to no one he knew, but he felt comfortable pouring his heart out to a stranger — and that he did. He said he was at the end of his rope: financially, spiritually, in every way. Bro Angelo shared his testimony with him, preached the gospel, and left him with more gospel tracts. Kiriakos said he would read the literature and would like to meet again.

In the evening, Brother Angelo and Brother Logan were called and invited into a family’s home. This family had relatives on the island of Zakynthos who had informed them of us being in their area. They have lived here for 20+ years, but are of Albanian descent. They are Orthodox but are searching for the truth. After Bro Logan and Bro Angelo explained God’s simple plan of salvation, they declared they had never heard anything like that in all their lives. The JW’s had been there and had only confused them more. When the meeting was finished, they expressed their desire to come to church and, more impressively, asked Bro Logan and Bro Angelo to come back so that they could gather their village together to hear the simple plan of salvation.

Driving home, Bro Angelo’s phone rang AGAIN. This time it was Kosta. He said he received a gospel tract in the city today and read for the first time in his life of eternal life through Christ. He loved what he read. He asked if Bro Angelo would go out with him for coffee to discuss this.

At home, Angelo’s phone ran yet AGAIN. This time it was James. He said he had received a gospel tract from a group of American ladies in the village where our houses are located. He said he wanted to come to church and asked for directions. He said he hated the Orthodox religion, that he was saved and wanted to come to church to fellowship. After receiving details, he said he’d be there with bells on.

It is almost impossible to describe the non-stop doors of opportunity to give the gospel to curious and hungry souls in this city. Please continue to pray!