May 18

Our hearts are too full. How can we take in so many marvelous blessings?!

We woke to a day of cold, blowing rain, so we drove to a nearby village to obtain stamps for putting contact info on the gospel tracts we brought with us. Across from the store was a delivery truck of the same company Brother Angelo works for in Australia. After some prompting he went over to say hello to the driver. The man spoke fluent English (as do many here), expressed his discontent with attending the G.O. church and learning nothing, and wanted very much to study the scriptures with someone who could explain them to him. Contact info was exchanged.

After noon we drove to town and there the rain held off until we left early evening. We had many excellent conversations, one debate with a J.W. and one with a Muslim man. She really knew how to deny the scriptures presented to her. While we are saddened over her lost condition we are encouraged to know that if the cults are free to do their work here then it is likely we are free as well. He asked why I was talking to him. I said I wanted him to know Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. He replied, “What I want is to kill you, and your family.” He said he had recently been let out of jail where he was held on suspicion of terror activities. Ah the religion of peace.

Sister Lilian had a great talk with a man who asked many good questions. Upon hearing John 3 read to him he was overwhelmed by its truth and beauty and wanted a Bible of his own so he could read the rest of it.

As we continue to test the waters, we preached and did our work today in front of the police station. Many officers looked on and we were not molested. One G.O. priest took a tract and one did not. We are not doing these things for purposes of provocation but we report and send these photos so that those coming this way may know that at least for the time being there is freedom to preach Christ Jesus in this city.

Another bizarre tale – parking in the city is insane. Double parked, bumper touching bumper, cars parked on the curbs and sidewalks. We have been paying to stay in lots but the fees have been as much as $5 per hour. Today Brother Brent dropped us off and went to look for a good spot. He parked and got out and a man said, “Do not park there my brother.” The man told a startled Brother Brent he was born again and said, “follow me.” How do you refuse? He led Brent to a lot where the car stayed all afternoon for $4. The man was not seen again.

On two occasions we have encountered young Christians from the University of Texas who are here to witness on the two college campuses in Thessalonica. They had testimonies of salvation, though a bit vague. That they chose this city this week has further encouraged us to believe God has this place in view.

As a side note, those watching the nightly propaganda (news) may be seeing reports of rioting in Greece. This is all in Athens six hours from us. As of now all is quite peaceful in Thessalonica.