By Mike and Maria LONG (Free Methodist missionaries to Greece )

We were 40-strong unofficial Olympic volunteers from Free Methodist churches in Greece ,the UK , and the USA . The goal was to contribute to the united evangelical effort "FLAME 2004" glorifying Jesus and establishing a new Free Methodist work in Athens. Our little group joined the over 1,200 others and made a significant contribution.

The totals from the combined effort are:

• 1 million evangelistic booklets of different kinds in different languages were distributed by hand. 100,000 New Testaments were passed out. 100,000 bottles of water were given freely at five central locations in Athens . Many came to faith. Many became new contacts for ongoing ministry. The cool spots received recognition in the Greek national media. Much more fruit is expected in the future.
• Our teams' effort was just a part of that big picture. We lead ministry at a very difficult place in Athens. We discovered that it was the "hang out" location for Bangladesh men in Athens...a little Bangladesh. Every night the UK team presented gospel programs to the 100's. Every day we gave them a bottle of water. We became their friends. We called each other by name...Asfaq, Ali, Amin, Sabba, Adjee, Elli, Maria, Ronni, Yannis, and many more. They are waiting for us to come back again. With the Lord's help, we hope to have monthly meetings.
• The first night the police closed us down. They said no sound, no musical instruments, no chairs for face painting, no tables, and absolutely not literature. The devil was having his way through the authorities. Through your prayers and the grace of God, we became friends with the police stationed at our square. Jonathan Gardner (UK), Maria, and I became good friends and even witnessed to the police officers. We ended up doing whatever we wanted and the police officers, Steve and Dimitris, took New Testaments at the end.
• A Pakistani young man, Asfaq, was so impressed by water distribution that he gave us 20 euros. Our team was so moved by his action that we gave it to a father, Sabba, from Iraq. Sabba came to the square every evening with his one eyed daughter and son who had a tumor swelled tongue and lip. Yannis came to us and asked for prayer for deliverance from psychotic drug addiction of 15 pills a day. Gordon, Steve (UK) and I prayed and then Gordon bought him a sandwich. A 12 year old Albanian girl named Maria pushed a stroller with her baby sister every day in the square. Her father is a drunk. Her mother has left her to take care of her younger siblings. We brought them clothing and food.

These stories and many more were a daily experience. For the two weeks of the Olympics, we made the Lord's presence known at Koomoodooroo Square, also know as Freedom Square. Our hearts still hurt for the place and the people.

In Thessaloniki , two of Maria's friends were talking today, Filio and Anneta. They were bragging about what they heard from the news. Athens is the only Olympic city that passed out water free. "Of course, Athens and Greece are truly great," they said. Maria informed them that the water was paid for, and distributed by the Evangelical Church. Filio and Anneta were in shock. May be all this will gradually change the Greek people's and the government's fears and false impressions of protestant faith and life.

Our bookstore served the over 1200 Olympic missionaries. By the request of the FLAME 2004 organization, we made the official Athens 2004 merchandise available to workers at a 25% discount. We sold at costs 300 hats, 490 shirts, 170 sweatbands, 1260 lanyards, pins, cups, bags, and much more. This was a big effort too that Spring Arbor students, Kerren, Jessie, and Melanie along with Andrew, helped pass along to the many participants. We still have 40 hats, 152 shirts, 310 sweatbands, and 60 lanyards. If anyone is interested, we have credit card capabilities and would love to ship an order to you. We need to get rid of the stock to cover our costs.

The Olympic modular was a great success too. Bulgaria congregations are waiting for new church buildings.

Thank you for all your support.

Tired and satisfied,
Mike and Maria