OAC Publications
Borderlines
September 1998

Destination: Greece!

by Dan Truitt

During May, I spent probably the most encouraging three weeks I've experienced in Greece since I first arrived in January 1989. Travelling with Korky Davey and Karl Turner, we set up seminars and outreaches to take place over the next twelve months in central Athens (involving at least four local churches), at the Greek Bible Institute and in Katerini, Berea, and Agia Saranda (Albania). We have also negotiated the rental of a small office in central Athens.

In addition, I've been invited to join a church in Corinth while conducting an open-air ministry in that city, and to help the pastor there disciple several home groups throughout the Peloponnese, including one about four miles from the village where my grandfather was born.

Much of what I have learned in Greece over the last nine and a half years boils down to knowing my place.I know I can encourage and train Greeks to reach their own people. I can lead small discipleship groups. I have become a competent open-air preacher, and I can teach others to do it too.

Many dedicated Christians say that open-air evangelism doesn't work, and that the best way to reach people is through building friendships. That view simply does not square with the Bible and Church history. I've just spent several months studying this very thing, and have come to the conclusion that open-air preaching has been central to most major moves of the Spirit of God through the ages.

Friendship evangelism is valid, but it takes ages to build friendships; while the whole process of building bridges between a lost soul and God is immeasurably speeded up through consistent, responsible public preaching. One friend probably came closer to the heart of the matter than anyone else when she said, "I know why we don't preach in the open air in Greece - it's because we're too scared."

You know what? I'm scared, too. I've seen a lot of missionaries come and go in Greece, and am aware that I could be next. It's such a privilege to serve God in frontline work. Be praying, as I return to Greece permanently in July, that things will work out just as we hope.

Other Greek news

Karl Turner was also encouraged by the trip to Greece described above, and has been offered a place at the Greek Bible Institute. In order to take up this offer, he needs to increase his support.

If you would like to receive Karl's newsletter on a regular basis, or if you would like to contribute to the costs of his future ministry, please let the Europe Now office know. Karl is also available to speak about his vision for Greece: contact us for more details.