Field Location: The country of Greece, possibly based in Athens or Ioannina but with ministries in various areas, wherever refugees are prominent. The Islands of Lesvos or Samos may be future ministry sites, but there are a number of active refugee camps throughout the country that could receive focused attention.

Every year, thousands of Islamic refugees flood the shores of Greece as they flee persecution and poor conditions in countries that are mostly closed to missionaries – such as Afghanistan and Iran. Their hope is typically to make their way into other parts of Europe, but some are staying in the country for long periods of time.  We are actively seeking couples and individuals who would serve as part of an EFM church planting team to provide relief, establish relationships, make disciples, lead gatherings of believers, develop leaders, and raise up refugee believers to eventually serve as pastors, evangelists, church planters, and future missionaries (especially since

many refugees in Greece often move to other countries, taking the gospel with them and planting churches).

Many varieties of gifts, experiences, and skills (from a team, not all in one person) could be helpful in developing this new field, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Leadership, vision, and strategic thinking – to see needs and solutions, and communicate effectively

• Evangelistic, missiological contextualization of the gospel

• Self-sacrificial, compassionate, servant-hearted, generous

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  Inquisitive, effective listener, patient learner – refugees value time and relationships. It has been said that “Americans have watches. Refugees have time.”

• Faithful, persistent, ability to be present and patient in the moment while remembering the bigger picture and longer journey for refugees

• Creativity, flexibility, unflappable when change happens

• Love for children and youth

• Organization, administration

• Mental health expertise and counseling (or willing to learn these skills)

• Teaching, coaching, leadership development

• Language interests. Although much can happen in English, Greek is the national language, and refugees speak a number of languages – depending on their point of origin and experience (such as Farsi, Dari, Somali, and Arabic).

• Congenial, collaborative, and willing to work with others (including other partner organizations)

Some specialized ministry areas that a missionary might develop, include (but are not limited to):

• Ongoing relief work and humanitarian aid – meeting felt needs to provide physical help (food, clothes, other forms of assistance) that may also develop gospel relationships.

• Business as Missions – starting a small business such as a market to provide a service and represent Christ while also creating employment opportunities for refugees.

• Teaching and leading investigative Bible Studies for those who have only heard about the Bible and Christianity, as well as other teaching and discipleship opportunities for those who make commitments to Christ.

• Teaching English as a second language and a door to evangelism and relationship building.

• Trauma ministries – offering counseling and various forms of mental health support (since this is the experience for nearly every refugee to some degree).

To learn more about the field of Greece, check out these past trip reports!

Exploration Trip 1