Called to Serve.

 

The missionaries in Cyprus started preparations last summer for the service projects carried out at Christmas time December 2010. Fleece lap blankets were made for senior citizens in care centres, fabric dolls and knitted caps for young children in care.

Service in Cyprus 2010

 

Christmas carols were sung and the Christmas story was read in Greek. Twelve young missionaries and three senior couples encouraged others in singing the songs of the season. Many were moved to tears as gifts were shared and as the missionaries spoke to them in their native tongue. Those who participated felt gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

Baptism of Eve.

 

The sea was cold but the souls were brave.

Baptism in Larnaca, Cyprus.

 

Eve from Cameroon was baptised on the 22nd January 2011. Elder Loynes was privileged to perform the Baptism and Elders Psota and Fairbanks were the witnesses.

Lycabettos Hill.

 

Up to the top of the hill for a view of Athens, and then down to the Ionian sea to skim stones. David was the clear winner making one stone bounce five times along the water. What a great preparation day.

A Balanced Diet!

 

A balanced diet should always consist of a good portion of yummy chocolate.We highly recommend the chocolate with chilli.

Athens Market.

 

What a fabulous experience to walk around the market place. Meat, fish, fruit and vegetables. Spices and herbs in all their glorious colours and aromas it almost made for sensory overload. We bought fruit and nuts and munched as we walked and talked.

David and Wendy For the Weekend.

 

We went to the airport to pick up Wendy who we expected to be travelling on her own. She seemed reluctant to leave the arrivals gate, and then she said "I have a little surprise" We turned to see David strolling through the doors. Yells of delight greeted his ears, what a treat to share some time with two of our dearest friends.

After the Training....

 

After the training we went to Syntagma to do some contacting. Elder Baret and President Charles deep in conversation about how the mission is going. Thank you Elder Baret for helping me with my Greek language and helping to still the butterflies in my tummy.

Athens Specialised Training.

 

There was a variety of topics today that included the missionary handbook and methods of finding. Lots of participation and different presenters kept our attention throughout the day.

Lots of Role Plays.

 

Role playing gives us a wonderful opportunity to use the language skills that we have acquired. They are also a way of getting as close as possible to real life situations. So many times as we work together in role play, we feel the Holy Ghost testifying of the truths that we share. Top right has Elder Lauener spotted my camera??

Scriptures and Role Play.

 

The missionaries are wonderful at looking up scriptures and then sharing their findings with the rest of the group. Their answers often display a knowledge, and a love of the Lord so far beyond their years.

January 18th 2011

 

Here is the Athens Zone at Halandri Chapel for training in The Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel. This was a day of scripture study, learning together and sharing our thoughts on this great work.

Hugs!

 

A hug for Elder Steeby from Zardascht in Thessaloniki,he asked for this to be passed on to Elder Rodriguez who is serving in Athens.

A New Day.

 

This is at the start of the second day of training. President resists getting an icecream from McDonalds.

Yet More Role Plays.

 

President Charles takes his role playing very seriously! For those returned missionaries he is still in the role of Costas.

More Role Playing.

 

This time we are with the missionaries in Cyprus, here are some of their comments. " We look at everything through a lens-that lens is attitude." " My desire is pure" "Allow spirit to speak to spirit" " You will never see the benefits of living worthily without living worthily" "We are not here to blend in".

Role Playing in Thessaloniki.

 

Role playing is such an important part of the day. It gives us all the opportunity to practice our language skills and answer concerns that people may have. Elder Antonopoulos shared this from his Seminary teacher. "In stopping to talk to people we don't lose anything, but they may gain Eternal life."

Training in Thessaloniki.

 

We have the opportunity to be with the missionaries in Thessaloniki for training in the Fundamentals of Preach My Gospel.This band of missionaries are so ready and willing to do that which the Lord requires. They love one another and are unified in their determination to serve Him.

After the Baptism

 

After the Baptism Sister Fairbanks just out of sight waits with towels and words of good cheer. Elder Loynes said that the sun was shining and the water didn't feel too cold.

Baptism of Ana Liezel in Larnaca.

 

Anna who is from the Philippines was baptised by Elder Loynes. Elder Fairbanks and Elder Cook witnessed this sacred moment. Also in the picture is Sister Fairbanks who through hugs and her loving gentle ways, helps us all feel good about ourselves.

Now Let Us Rejoice!

 

On Thursday 30th December Lia from Georgia was baptised in Nicosia. She was baptised by Dimitrios who was recently baptised. The meeting was conducted in Greek by Krishna Poudel from Nepal, he is the newly called Branch President of the Nicosia Branch.

What a Team!

 

Elder Jentzsch joins Elder Steeby they will be working with President Charles as his Assistants. Isn't this such a lovely picture?

Time for Testimonies.

 

I really am in awe over the language skills and confidence of Elders Greciano and Baret.

Lost in the Scriptures.