Today our journey took us to the island of Crete, one of the largest and most populous islands in Greece. In the town of Chania is a coffee shop and ministry center named Anamnancyisi (Remembrance) where you will find Ilia’s, his wife Nelly, Bereket and his wife Zoe, faithfully serving this community to share God’s love.
In Greece it’s all about relationships and building trust takes time, so opening the coffee shop provided a way to build connections, community, lead Bible studies and worship. The ministry has since evolved to include a children’s ministry, clothing store for the needy, laundry and showers. In addition they have in two prison ministries and help the needy, both within and outside of the church, get back on their feet with practical and monetary support.
Our team shared a meal with Ilias, Nelly and Bereket, and later joined their Wednesday evening worship time at the center. We sang songs in English and Greek. Joe and Aliyah shared their testimonies during the service as Bereket and Nelly translated them into Greek and Albanian so that all could understand. Afterwards we enjoyed a time of fellowship as we celebrated Elvis’ (one of the member’s) birthday 🎂. In Greek tradition the one who has the birthday brings a cake for all to share. It was delicious. 😋
We’ll be spending the rest of our time serving in Greece, here in Crete.
In Greece it’s all about relationships and building trust takes time, so opening the coffee shop provided a way to build connections, community, lead Bible studies and worship. The ministry has since evolved to include a children’s ministry, clothing store for the needy, laundry and showers. In addition they have in two prison ministries and help the needy, both within and outside of the church, get back on their feet with practical and monetary support.
Our team shared a meal with Ilias, Nelly and Bereket, and later joined their Wednesday evening worship time at the center. We sang songs in English and Greek. Joe and Aliyah shared their testimonies during the service as Bereket and Nelly translated them into Greek and Albanian so that all could understand. Afterwards we enjoyed a time of fellowship as we celebrated Elvis’ (one of the member’s) birthday 🎂. In Greek tradition the one who has the birthday brings a cake for all to share. It was delicious. 😋
We’ll be spending the rest of our time serving in Greece, here in Crete.