IFES, Athens
Alicia Burgess, Crosslinks Mission Partner, November 2014
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8)
Greetings from my new flat! The Lord has provided an affordable flat in the city centre, (within walking distance of five universities!) I have a spacious lounge which is perfect for hosting student gatherings, and a comfy sofa bed for guests - your bed in Athens awaits you!! It’s a delight to know there are so many of you praying for me. God certainly loves to respond to our prayers. One answer to prayer has been at Greek dancing lessons. I now have about 10 acquaintances, one of whom is a student called Rebecca who seems up for chatting about spiritual stuff!
On a more personal note, I sometimes feel a little alone, and I miss those precious friends I’ve left behind who know me inside out! Please pray for a couple of close girl friends here who will be good at pointing me to the Lord Jesus.
Relationships with non Christians
I’ve been feeling a little discouraged by the fact that so few believing students have meaningful relationships with unbelievers. How can students’ hearts change? What will motivate them to take the time, energy and initiative to befriend a course mate or two? I love Romans 5:6-11 because it tells me that while I was still God’s enemy, he sacrificed his own son to reconcile me to Himself. Please pray that God’s scandalous love would move Christians to befriend course mates who may be hostile to the gospel or complacent.
Coffee & Cookies
In particular please pray for ‘Coffee & Cookies’: once or twice a week a group of students will be distributing free coffee & cookies on campus, as a way of generating new contacts and making new friends.
There is, however, a handful of Christian students that I’m aware of who do have unbelieving friends, and are intentional and prayerful in their gospel witness. (One of them is a first year called Malvina, the middle girl in the photo on the left). Please pray that the CU small group studies in Luke, and the Bible teaching at their respective churches would equip this handful of students to live and speak for Jesus at university.
At A Glance
Looking ahead
- 22 Nov. Evangelism Training Day (poster above!)
- 1 & 15 Dec. CU Central Meetings (review of Luke studies, and prayer time, see photo at bottom)
- Please pray for close Christian girl friends for me!
Praise God for
- My new non Christian friend Rebecca
- The faithful & well-applied Bible teaching on the annual student conference last month
- The students who are striving to witness to friends
Much love, Alicia
Email: burgess@crosslinks.org
Website: http://ifesworld.org/en
Location: 84 Mavromichali, Athens 114 72, Greece
Phone: +30 690 7651756