Not sure where to start with today’s report. No way to detail all the witnessing encounters that took place.
Headed to our usual spot at the usual time. Only this time with banners in tow (photos 031-036). The banners do make quite an impression. Many stop to read. Others stop and ask for an explanation. This led to many good conversations, both in Greek and English (photos 037-039). As we have heard in previous reports, there were people lined up to speak with Brother Koletas. And tracts going out all the while.
Our break for the afternoon siesta included of gyros, pastries, and a pleasant walk around the city. Pleasant except for the all too common sight in photo 040. These idol stores are all over the city. I guess so you don’t have to go to church to kiss the image and pray to God through the saints (as it was explained to me today by a member of the Orthodox church)? Holiday special — 50% off your false gods!
Afterwards, the Koletases and the ladies headed back to the village on the bus, while Todd, Joseph, and I enjoyed another outreach session at the platea. Picked up right where we left off with tracts and witnessing. More brief conversations with Jehovah’s Witnesses and the people from the crazy Korean cult (photo 041). Got to show them some Bible verses and keep them from their proselytizing for a good 15 minutes. Brother Todd spent the entire evening session speaking to Malachi, a young man from Romania who got robbed on his way to Italy and somehow ended up in Thessaloniki. Had nothing in particular to do and nowhere in particular to go, so he sat down with Brother Todd for a couple hours, and the two of them went verse-by-verse through several chapters in the book of John, as well as other salvation scriptures. Had good, lengthy conversations with Alexandros (photo 042) the Orthodox and Max the agnostic. The witness with Alexandros centered around tradition vs. scripture (Matthew 15), including the church’s teaching on baptism, the priesthood, and prayers to the saints. He listened well and promised to “search the scriptures” (John 5:39).
Thanking the Lord for safety as we travel to and from the city, great liberty, and so many open doors. Looking forward to more of the same tomorrow. Please pray that the many who have promised to be in church on Sunday will show up to hear the word of God.
καληνύχτα (good night)!
