Our Team (1/2)

Serving as team leader for a few weeks has reminded me of God’s hand in assembling a very special team here in Athens. While we, of course, have our share of rough moments, by and large our teammates are a collection of gifted, loving, and compassionate individuals that I truly believe have been assembled here by God. Here’s a snapshot (half of the team today; half of the team on Wednesday):

Carolyn from Canada – Carolyn has a compassionate heart and a heart for kids… perfect for our children’s ministry. In addition, Carolyn has a servant’s heart. She simply wants to be used by God, wherever that might take her. She is willing to do any job (from children to showers, from taking notes to teaching English). She will do the jobs no one else wants, and does it without complaining (which is quite a feat sometime)!

Susie from Canada – Susie is a jack-of-all-trades – running the baby room and the hospitality ministries, teaching English, and involved with our Farsi-speaking ministry (and yes, she speaks Farsi pretty well!). And because she speaks Farsi, she is often found with ladies or children pulling at her shirttail. Although she has seen it all (or so it may seem), she often still cries when she hears a new family’s story.

Susan from N. Carolina – Our southern girl has a unique background and gifting that suites her well to oversee the numerous short-term teams that visit throughout the year. She’s part entertainer, part tour guide, and part counselor. I like to say that Susan processes life verbally, meaning that she loves to talk about life, but is just as willing to listen when the time comes.

Kate & Ilir from Chicagoland and Albania (respectively) – Kate is our detail person, keeping our numerous, and often chaotic, ministries headed in the right direction. She also has a knack for seeing things from a different (and often more compassionate) perspective. We can always count on a thoughtful perspective from Kate. Ilir is an evangelist through and through, investing in personal relationships and never slow to share what God has done in his life! Ilir is outspoken, always quick with a joke, but also always quick with an encouraging word.

Brian & Christine (plus Harry, Mel, & Emily) from Australia – Sadly, our Aussies are on furough Down Under for the summer/fall, but we look forward to welcoming them back in December! Please, please pray that God would provide the needed finances for their return! Brian is our “facilities manager” – or Mr. Fix-It. In addition, Brian always has a new idea, always has an idea on how to do something better. He strives for excellence. In addition to overseeing the kids’schooling, Christine teachings English at the ARC and regularly exhibits an extraordinary level of hospitality.

Kallie from Greece – Honestly, Kallie has one of the most sensitive hearts that I know. She can see a poet hiding behind a tough exterior. With a open ear and disarming voice, Kallie can open doors that all closed to most others. She uses this gift to help refugees with paperwork, housing, and employment. Kallie is almost constantly running from the hospital to city hall, or from visiting someone in prison to welcoming people in her home.

Gary & the family from England – Gary is a workhorse. While I’m still complaining, Gary has the job half done! He puts his head down and does whatever is needed with a servant’s heart. In addition, Gary has an evangelist’s heart, always eager to share Jesus with a refugee. We’re very thankful for the encouragement and example that Gary (plus, Naomi and their three kids) have been to us! Kristin and Naomi often meet up at the park for a little “play date” with the babies or for some encouragement over a cup of tea.