Every once in a while someone from the team will send a group message asking, “Did anyone else feel that? Earthquake?” While most of these are slight rumbles, our country has experienced major damage in its history.

On a recent trip out of the city, we visited this museum, which had survived at least one large earthquake. I’m not sure all building inspectors would have agreed to let it reopen. In fact, one website listed it as closed due to severe damage. Empty rooms, items on the floor and on shelves instead of displays, it was evident that the building had been significantly damaged. What stood out more than the cracks in the wall was the pride and perseverance of the local people and their desire to share their culture and history.

This immense monument, sits atop a hill overlooking our city. It is a formation of carved stones that depict various stories from the Bible as well as historical characters from this country. It amazes me that many of my local friends have never gone to see this monument—it stands there, easily accessible to them—but they have not taken the opportunity to see it firsthand. It’s a lot like the reality of the fact that this is a “Christian” nation—the truth is available to them, they have the word translated in their language, but many have not taken the time to access it for themselves. Please pray that the people here would seek out truth, and find it in His story!

Our country is rich in mineral water, and local friends often encourage us to drink straight from the springs to improve our health. On a recent hike, our guide pointed out the colorful affects of a mineral spring on leaves just below the water’s surface.

Every Thursday I have been hiking with a student to a different location.  In an effort to get out of the classroom (Zoom), this hike gives us a great opportunity to spend time together and to speak words of truth.  We stopped and looked over our city, and he pointed out the rabbit cloud in the top right of the photo.  As we continued to walk he asked, “What do you think happens after we die?”  I proceeded to share with him the hope that I have in Jesus, and how I believe Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.  Please pray for our team as we constantly seek ways to share the Word and speak words of life.  Also, pray that these words would penetrate hearts and people would come to know Jesus.

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 This verse has likely taken on new meaning for many of us in the last few months. We’ve done (and will likely continue to do) a lot of waiting. May we wait in a posture of hope, patience, and faithful prayer. On the days that we don’t, may we be quick to own our actions, ask for forgiveness, and move forward–guided by His lavish grace.

Our country has just over 100 active cases, and there are still several virus rules in place. Masks must be worn in all closed, public places, temperature checks and hand sanitizing are mandatory before entering most businesses, and we are not allowed to meet in groups larger than 10. This last mandate has made it difficult in some areas of ministry, but we continue to look for ways to meet face-to-face with our friends. Here, a group from our online Bible study gathered for an afternoon in the park. Last week we hosted a cafe meet-up for a group of international students. We are thankful for these opportunities!

Seventeen team children, from adults down to 20 months old, have been processing this pandemic from both sides of the sea. Please pray for Peace for each of them as they have experienced this virus and its impact from a unique vantage point. May Jesus reveal himself to each of them in new ways, and may we as parents be guided by the Holy Spirit as we walk and talk with them. We pray the same for you and your children, and we trust that He is working for all of our good.

As I gazed up at this fresco of Jesus, a depiction of “Christ Pantocrator” or Christ Almighty, I was overwhelmed by a sense of peace as this worship song came to my mind:

May you remember to look up during these challenging times, and know the Almighty is there for you!! Pray also that as our local friends gaze at this same image, their hearts would be drawn to Jesus and they would call on Him as Lord of all.

Did you know that our team also has an Instagram account? Request to follow us @teamgreengo, and enjoy shots of Summer in the City.

After months of not being able to gather together as a team due to COVID-19, we ladies took a road trip out of the city just to enjoy the fields of wildflowers. Time with friends and beautiful fields of flowers are good for the soul!! Pray for our team, as we still are under government restrictions of no more than 10 people being able to gather together. We miss the times of sweet fellowship that we share when we are ALL together, and are not sure when this restriction will be lifted.