Diary

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May 19

On a beautiful, sunny day we set up shop in front of the Roman Arch just below the Temple of Zeus. It is almost certain that we preached where Paul and Silas proclaimed the gospel 2000 years ago. Today this site is home to many drug-addicts who live in the park nearby, and there is a G.O. church on the grounds.

We got out many hundreds of tracts (especially Lydia Logan who is tops at tracting) and had some enjoyable conversations.

The highlight of the day was Illias. As we were preaching loudly in front of the arch a young man working in a shop across the street left his post, hurried from the store and came over to see where the shouting was coming from. Excited to learn it was Bible preaching he spoke with Brother Angelo at length. He quoted many scriptures, was hungry for the word of God, but had no one to guide him. While he was talking his boss called him on the phone to find out where he had gone. He exchanged contact info and called later in the day to arrange a time for conversation tomorrow evening.

We met a man who is Greek who was born again eleven years ago. He was an atheist and a Marxist drifting deeper and deeper into hopelessness. He said that one day he “heard a brother on the radio preaching about Jesus the good shepherd finding the lost sheep. When I learned that Jesus loved me I trusted Him at once and my whole life changed immediately.” He said, “The trouble with Americans is they all believe God loves them. The trouble with Greeks is no one has ever told them God loves them.” May the Lord help us to make that truth known!

As we were leaving we watched a priest compel two little girls to kiss his hand. Brother Brent was so enraged he walked up to the man with a gospel tract and told him he needed to believe the word of God. The man was indignant boasting the he was G.O. and a priest. Brent told him that regardless Jesus said he must be born again.

Not all the work is evangelistic. There is much foundational work to be done. We spent several hours looking for and at vacant buildings (actually portions thereof as there are no stand-alone buildings in the city) and calling for information and prices. There is a great need to have a place to invite people who are interested. Much prayer is warranted so that God will lead us to the right spot, at the right price, in the right time.

Brother Brent preaching beneath the Roman Arch

The 2000+ year-old Temple of Zeus

they read the scripture signs with fascination

they read the tracts

they listen to the preaching

one more soul hears the truth for the first time

the woman in black would have NUN of it

the man in black is disgusted

but some are curious

please pray for Illias

the people dine and drink outdoors, it is permissible to approach them

looking at one more place for rent