Greetings from Athens, Greece!

We wanted to share a glimpse of what God has been doing through your prayers, encouragement, and support during our time here.

This week our team partnered with Center of Hope in Athens to host a medical clinic for vulnerable members of the local community. In just five hours, our team was able to serve 44 patients. The medical needs we encountered ranged from gastrointestinal illnesses and skin rashes to nutritional concerns and chronic health issues. We were also able to distribute 12 new pairs of reading glasses, bringing immediate relief and joy to many who had been struggling to read.

Yet the greatest gift offered was not medical care, it was hope.

Every person who came through the clinic received vitamins, heard the Gospel message, and was offered prayer. We witnessed many meaningful conversations and opportunities to encourage people who often feel forgotten or unseen.

One encounter that particularly impacted our team was with a man named Ismael. After receiving care, he chose to stay and speak with us for over an hour. He was deeply curious about Jesus, the Bible, and how Christianity compares to his cultural understanding of Islam. There was no debate, no argument, simply sincere questions and a genuine desire to understand. Pastor Imran spent time listening and sharing with him and has arranged to meet with him again to continue the conversation.

Moments like these remind us that ministry is often less about immediate results and more about faithfully planting and watering seeds. We trust God's promise that His Word never returns empty but accomplishes the purpose for which He sends it (Isaiah 55:11). We are also encouraged by Philippians 1:6, which reminds us that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

We may not know what the next chapter of Ismael's story looks like, but we know the Author of that story does.

In addition to the medical clinic, our team hosted a children's community party at one of Athens' beautiful national parks. What began as a simple outreach quickly became a joyful gathering of local families, tourists, nannies, children, and parents enjoying an afternoon together.

We handed out small gifts including toy cars, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and jump ropes. Laughter filled the park as children played and families gathered. Many people asked why we were doing this. Our answer was simple and consistent:

"Because Jesus loves you and your family."

Those few words opened the door to countless conversations. We were able to connect personally with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. The young college students on our team were especially effective in engaging children and young adults, helping create a welcoming atmosphere that drew even more families into the gathering.

Athens is a city rich in history and beauty. Everywhere we go, we are reminded that this is the same city where the Apostle Paul walked, preached, and proclaimed Christ. Today it remains a crossroads of nations, cultures, religions, refugees, tourists, and local residents. The needs here are both physical and spiritual, and we are grateful for every opportunity to serve.

Over the next several days, our team will be ministering in some of the most difficult areas of the city, including what many refer to as the "skid row" district of Athens, where we will help serve meals and spend time with those experiencing homelessness and hardship. We will also participate in another medical clinic hosted by a local Greek church.

As you pray, please ask God for:

• Protection over our hearts, minds, and bodies

• Wisdom and discernment through the leading of the Holy Spirit

• Compassion without burnout

• Meaningful Gospel conversations

• Open hearts among those we meet

• Strength for our local ministry partners who continue this work long after we leave

We have also created a shared photo album since our email platform has not been reliably delivering photos. We hope this will allow you to see some of the faces, places, and moments you've helped make possible. Please feel free to reply and let us know if you were able to access the album successfully.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/2hMAhk3PUny839X57

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your prayers matter. Your encouragement matters. Your generosity matters. Together we are witnessing God move in ways both visible and unseen, trusting that He is at work in every conversation, every prayer, every act of kindness, and every seed planted.

With gratitude from Athens,

Jenn