Greece’s Economic & Political Climate:
The (Greek) economy has shrunk by a quarter in five years, and unemployment is about 25 percent.
The (EU) bailout money mainly goes toward paying off Greece’s international loans, rather than making its way into the economy. And the government still has a staggering debt load that it cannot begin to pay down unless a recovery takes hold.
The government will now need to continue putting in place deep economic overhauls required by the bailout deal Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras brokered in August (2015), as well as the unwinding of capital controls introduced after political upheaval prompted a run on Greek banks.
Greece’s relations with Europe are in a fragile state, and several of its leaders are showing impatience, unlikely to tolerate the foot-dragging of past administrations. Under the terms of the bailout, Greece must continue to pass deep-reaching overhauls, many of them measures that were supposed to have been passed years ago.
The New York Times, June 2016
The situation in Greece is extremely volatile! The economic crisis of the last several years is getting worse and worse without any real end in sight. Unemployment is on the rise and affecting every working age group. Incomes are decreasing; the cost of living is continuing to rise, as are taxes. All of this has created a situation that has left families devastated and unable to provide for themselves. Hope is diminishing day by day and people are continuing to respond thru protests and rioting!
The Gonzalez Gazette, Frank & Suzie Gonzalez, Athens
Over the last 6 years, Greece has suffered an unprecedented exodus of young professionals, igniting the potential for a massive brain drain in the years to come. This phenomenon is due to high levels of unemployment among people under 25 years of age. Youth unemployment is now at 52%, down from 63% in 2013. High levels of youth emigration, coupled with unsustainable low levels of repopulation, could result in massive instability for future generations.
A recent study by the City of Athens Homeless Shelter (KYADA) found that 71% of all homeless population in the capital have been on the streets for 5 years or less. Of these, the great majority are Greek men aged 35-55. The latest figures reveal the destructive toll the economic crisis has taken on local individuals and families.
Pray for Greece Ministry
Greece’s (Muslim) Refugee Situation: Greece is at the gateway of the Middle-East. There are some who have called it the doorstep of the 10/40 window. Due to its location and vast coastline, Greece has seen an unprecedented influx of clandestine Muslim immigrants from Africa, Central Asia and the Middle-East. These men, women and children have come here searching for a better life but have been met with great disappointment. As is typical in many situations like these; the situation has grown increasingly challenging for these refugees as they’ve been caught in the bureaucratic maze of the asylum process and face a significant degree of animosity toward them from the Greek people. However it has been amazing to see growing numbers of Greek believers and many local Protestant churches step in to help and represent the love of Christ to these suffering people.
The Gonzalez Gazette, Frank & Suzie Gonzalez, Athens
Insert: https://youtu.be/_PToQuxvZgM (Al Jazeera’s report on Syrian refugees in Europe, Oct. 2015)
Greece’s Spiritual Climate:
Although Greece was the first nation in Europe to receive the gospel (Acts 16-18) it has become one of the most unreached countries in the world. Out of a population of 11 million, there are less than .02% who are born-again disciples of Jesus Christ. By law it is technically illegal to “proselytize” or share the gospel with non-believers. In Athens alone, the city we minister in, there are nearly 6 million people, but only about 50 evangelical/protestant churches.
The Gonzalez Gazette, Frank & Suzie Gonzalez, Athens
Despite the fact that the European Union constitutionally guarantees the freedom of worship and religion, only a few historic mainline protestant and episcopal churches operate with a valid church license in Greece today. Non-Orthodox Christian churches face many roadblocks in order to legally exist. This situation also affects missionaries and other religious workers who face tremendous opposition when requesting visas. Prayer can be an effective tool in policy changing.
Church planting and growth in Greece has remained largely stagnant over the last 50 years. Optimistically, it is estimated that the average church attendance is between 15-30 people. The situation became exacerbated since the economic crisis began, which weakened many local communities and forced others to close their doors. However, it is also encouraging to see a fresh push for new church planting in Greece today.
Pray for Greece Ministry
Opportunities for the gospel: As hard as this climate is getting, it is our prayer that God would use it to create opportunities for the gospel and to open people’s hearts to Jesus. God has been doing a incredible work among the refugee population, especially those from Iran and Afghanistan. Many of them have had visions of Christ who appeared to them personally and told them about Himself. Many others have responded to the gospel and embraced Christ as their Savior. Please pray for these open doors to increase!
The Need for Workers & Churches: In light of all that is happening we ask you to pray that God would send laborers out into His harvest field. We also ask you to pray that God would establish healthy churches where those being saved in this nation, regardless of their origins, will find a spiritual home. Finally we ask that you pray for God to strengthen the churches that are already here, give wisdom, vision and grace to the pastors and leaders, and that He would stir up the believers to reach out to the nation around them and to the foreigners being brought to their shores.
The Gonzalez Gazette, Frank & Suzie Gonzalez, Athens
Prayer for Greece
(Compiled from prayer requests by previously mentioned Christian ministries,
including Prayercast, a Ministry by OneWay)
Economy/Political Situation
*Pray for economic stability and patience throughout the country and God’s peace to overcome anger.
*Pray for the political leaders of Greece: President Prokopis Pavlopoulos and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipris.
*Pray for the financial meltdown to drive people to Jesus for lasting peace and security
*Pray for job creation and innovation in this time of crisis.
Spiritual Situation
*Pray for the Church to be purged of any heresy, syncretism, or division.
*Pray for the right of non-Orthodox Christian institutions to exist and work freely.
*Pray for the future of independent churches in Greece.
*Pray for breakthroughs in non-Orthodox/Orthodox relations.
*Pray for existing churches to be strengthened through this time of crises.
*Pray for local churches and workers throughout Greece.
*Pray for new leaders to arise (and for those requiring entry visas to be given such quickly – added by Pia).
*Pray for young people in Greece.
*Pray for a revival among young believers, building a strong church for many years to come.
*Pray for a clear presentation of the Gospel to reach a nation where very few have heard the Truth.
*Pray for believers to be provided for as they trust God in ministry.
*Pray for Operation Joshua; a collaborative effort led by Hellenic Ministries aiming to sow God’s Word into every home in Greece:
*Pray that God’s Word will take root throughout the land.
*Pray for lasting fruit that leads to further evangelism and discipleship.
*Pray for staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to facilitate this massive effort.
P.S. (added 18.8.16: sent following proclamation to claim, to our intercessors: Ezekiel 37:4-5 Again He said to me, “Prophesy over these bones and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.’5“Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones, ‘Behold, I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life.…).