From April 5 to 12, a group from "Grace in Greece" once again traveled to Greece together with the Methodist pastor Anna Shammas. The group included six Methodists from the congregations in Herisau and Hunzenschwil. "Our local programme consisted of various assignments at different locations in collaboration with cross-cultural organizations and the Evangelical Church of Greece," says Anna Shammas.
Talking, praying, cooking
The members of the group cooked for the homeless during their stay. They were out and about on the streets of Athens to meet refugees and help them. They also prepared meals for unaccompanied minor asylum seekers (UMAS). "In the seven days we spent in Athens, we were able to experience a lot, have interesting conversations, sometimes pray for those affected and take valuable memories home with us," says the pastor.
A little piece of home
Anna Shammas was particularly impressed by an encounter with a young refugee from Syria. "As Grace in Greece, we were allowed to cook for UMAS in a neighborhood full of illegal refugees," she says. The team did a great job. The delicious food and the warm contact with the UMAS made the young people feel a bit at home.
One of the participants was 16-year-old Zac (name changed). "In a conversation, he told me that he had to leave his family in Syria several years ago. About a year ago, his cell phone was stolen." This cell phone was the only way he could stay in contact with his family. All his contact details were stored on it. "He has felt lonely ever since. Despite his young age, he carried a heavy burden on his shoulders."
Deeply touched
After that evening, Zac approached Anna Shammas and asked her to pray for him. "I made it clear to him that I was a Christian and could only pray for him in the name of Jesus. He agreed to that." The prayer visibly touched Zac. "Out of gratitude, he gave me a kiss on the hand. That is an expression of respect in Syria. I was deeply touched at that moment." At the end of the evening, Zac was changed. "He was filled with joy and hope."
The "Grace in Greece" team cleaned everything up, said goodbye and went back to the accommodation. There, Anna Shammas received a WhatsApp message from Zac: "I wasn't expecting this. Saying goodbye to you brought tears to my eyes ... mother." - Anna Shammas was deeply moved. "The fact that I was able to experience such a touching moment was only possible thanks to everyone's support and work. Without the team on the ground, the prayers of those at home and the sponsors behind us, this would not have been possible."
Broadening the horizon
The experiences and encounters were also very enriching for the participants in the group. "For us, the week in Greece broadened our horizons," says the Burkhalter family. "We were able to immerse ourselves in the life stories of the people who are currently living there, to listen and ask questions." The opportunity to get hands-on, to cook and clean the kitchen was very valuable.
At eye level
Agnes Hafner had a similar experience: "The fact that we were able to get hands-on and not everything was done verbally made me feel useful." The Steiger family was impressed to experience the many facets of need and help. "It was important for all encounters to be open." It was noticeable how grateful those affected are when someone turns to them. "They are perceived at eye level."
Pastor Anna Shammas is grateful for the opportunity to carry out such missions again and again. "I am grateful to God for the missions and the great support behind every mission," she says. "I am grateful for any kind of support and look forward to accompanying many participants to Athens in the future."
Text: Sigmar Friedrich/Anna Shammas
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The work of Pastor Anna Shammas at Grace in Greece is supported by Connexio hope and financed by donations.
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