AIMing Across Borders

Two young women, one in Greece the other in the Philippines, are missionaries HPC supports monthly.

GREECE: Greetings! I am Alexia Price serving with the Athens Eleftheria team (Eleftheria meaning “freedom” in Greek), which ministers in the red-light districts of Athens. Our multicultural, multilingual team engages with women, men, and children who have been trafficked, responding holistically and meeting each person with the radical love of Christ.

Learning Greek: I attend language school that is in conjunction with a Bible school. Learning a new language is hard – but studying it with other Christian learners is a challenge with rich rewards!

Outreach to Brothels: Weekly, I accompany seasoned workers on the streets of Athens. The more outreaches I take part in, the more I’m coming to understand the importance of consistency. Each week, it feels like I’m recognizing the women and remembering their names better, and even starting to gain a sense of familiarity in the brothel districts as we approach each brothel. These things have helped to strengthen my prayers as I stand outside the brothels, knowing what girl(s) are inside.

This truly is such a relational ministry that flourishes on the commitment to show up week after week, trusting that God will open the doors for conversation and even the doors of the brothels themselves. Even amid the constant heartbreak that comes up in this ministry, there is a true joy for what we do growing within me that comes from each smile and hug that comes out of a conversation with a woman we talk to.

Future Assignment: As I become more familiar with the language and the people, I will gather and share stories through written and visual media to raise awareness and local support for the fight against trafficking in Greece. The street work is where the earliest steps of restoration often begin, so I will be extremely sensitive to always report with dignity, to protect those we serve, and give glory where it belongs -- to God.

PHILIPPINES: Kasey grew up in High Pointe Church, and after college went on staff with Resonate Church serving students at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon. This summer she felt a growing desire to reach the nations in an overseas ministry role. God opened an opportunity for her to volunteer with a team from the International Mission Board in the Philippines for 2-4 months starting May 1.

Notes from Kasey:

I am in a remote part of the Philippines with the Agta tribe, and life has been looking pretty different lately! I am learning so much about the spiritual needs of these island people.

Just within our area of ministry, there are 6 different local languages spoken

Cults are very common in the Philippines which creates many barriers to the true Gospel being understood

It’s easy for people here to believe in Jesus; it’s hard for them to grasp that salvation is through Christ alone, not by any works

Tribals are very much looked down upon by other Filipinos, often not even recognized as fellow humans

In order to have a church within 1 hour walking distance of every Agta tribe, we would need to plant over 800 churches

My initial time here has been spent joining a different mission team each week, attending their Bible studies each day and sharing my testimony. Even though I don’t have language to understand what’s being taught and don’t always have an interpreter, it is abundantly clear how hungry people are for God’s word and how passionate the tribal missionaries are to teach it.

Youth Camp: We hosted a youth camp for tribal youth from all over to join. Last year the youth camp had 60 students, this year 200 came! At first the kids were very shy and most were not used to gathering with other people. We played “extreme games” to help them open up and feel more comfortable. During the sessions, a guest pastor clearly shared the gospel. The great thing about kids is you don’t need language to make friends and establish rapport; they are easy to love!

Tribal Missionary Training: During this time of refreshing and equipping tribal missionaries, I will be leading a kids’ program as well as starting a women’s discipleship group with the ladies.

Nehemiah Teams: I will be working closely with two groups of college-aged teams coming from the U.S. to develop agricultural techniques and surveying to find out where more tribal communities are located. I will be leading Bible studies with these students.

A Church for Rapu Rapu: The surveying team identified people on the island of Rapu Rapu who are intensely hungry for God’s word. A church will be planted on this island where long-term indigenous missionaries will be sent.

The two translators who traveled with the surveying team were daughters of the chief of Rapu Rapu. After translating the gospel message over and over, they themselves came to understand the deep significance of God’s plan and placed their faith in Christ alone and were baptized!

Learning Farming: Helping the Ag team teach young adults farming methods to take back to their villages, I have had a new adventure every day. I’ve learned to build chicken coops out of bamboo I chopped down. I have planted hundreds of seeds and trees, hiked the mountainous jungle, built a pigpen and relocated pigs (getting pigs to go where you want them is quite an undertaking!).

What Does the Future Hold? The past two months have been intense for Kasey … and busy! Yet, as is her habit, she is taking time apart to worship her Lord and seek His guidance as to her next steps. She is on a leave of absence from Resonate Church in Oregon for this season of overseas ministry. Whatever God has in store for this amazing woman – she is sold out and will give her all to wherever God leads her.