Mike and Maria Long

Update on Mike!

Mike's surgery on the shoulder went well, it is the aftermath that has created the problem. Mike is improving but has a ways to go! The medicine for preventing infection caused his kidneys to shut down but the dialysis seems to be working and they are responding once again.

BUT THE DOCTORS ARE CONCERNED THAT IT ISN'T IMPORVING AS FAST AS THEY HAD HOPED - SO PRAY FOR THIS!

Keep praying as it has been a rough few days for the Long Family. Pray not only for Mike's kidney but also for Mike to slow down and rest during this time. If you know Mike you know that may be the hardest part.

An update on Gina's Teeth She is doing better - Thanks for your prayers.

Posted for the Longs by A Mellinger

Toothless and Still Screwed Up

Gina had 7 teeth removed on Monday.  Her Grandpa was very proud of how well she did and still smiled afterwards.  Genetically, she is missing adult teeth.  The baby teeth had to be removed inorder to make room for implants later.  She has been wearing braces since 2004.  We hope that by the time she finishes at Spring Arbor University (2010+), she will be able to have the smile that she deserves for the degree that she will have finished in music, and Bible.  She is very special and as Greeks, we are not bashful to be extremely proud of her.  Of course, prayers for her are a constant need and the best support possible.

Mike found out that the screw fixing the collar bone in proper location for healing had become detached and the two month wait for shoulder repair had failed.  He is scheduled for surgery again on Monday Jan. 28.  The doctor will remove the bent screw and will secure a tendon transplant from a donor through holes made in the collar bone and the shoulder.  May the surgery go well, and Doctor Jesus completely heal the broken parts.

In the Thessaloniki Balkan Church we are asking God for a prayer team, a street minstry team, and for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be released.  Over our city prayers hope to be increased in Greek, Bulgarian and Albanian for spiritual change.  Praise be to God for two new Bulgarian families that moved to Thessaloniki from Sofia.  Thanks to Zhoro Penchev, but mostly to the Lord, our prayer for a Bulgarian minister are being answered.

Please, give regularly to our support.  The FM mission has changed to a new system this year and funds are very low.  Thanks for Kingdom investing in Greece, Bulgaria, and the Balkans.

2008 promises great breakthroughs

Already we are two Sundays into 2008, each week brings new surprises of what 2008 hopes to unfold.  First Sunday, the group "Hiding Place" and brother Costas from Athens shared and promised cooperation for a new ministry to the poor and homeless.  This Sunday, 10 Bulgarian believers showed up from Sofia and indicated that God has called them work for salvation of Bulgarians and Gypsies in Thessaloniki. Before the year ended the youth begin street ministry and were blessed.  So things are really picking up.  Prayer for all these fantastic developments.

The holidays were very special because Gina was home.  Not that there were great memories, but just that we were together.  We also got to enjoy the holidays for the first time in 11 Christmases to have fellow missionaries to welcome the new year.  Al and Diane Mellinger are God sent and doing great in Bulgaria.  We made a short trip to visit them and to see some snow.  Some of the kids got to going skiing too.  The hardest thing was sending Gina back to Spring Arbor University.  Silence filled the car returning from the airport.  She appreciates prayers and her parents just want to know she is well.

On Monday, Jan 14 - tomorrow, Mike is scheduled to get unscrewed...just on his collarbone.  Over two months have past since corrective surgery from last years bicycle accident fastened a screw in his right shoulder.  He is much better and anxious to get the extra screw out.  Hopefully, this is the last adjustment needed and he will be well tuned, ready to get back at things full speed again.  Thanks for all the concern and prayers.

FM Mission funding has switched over to the new system. From now on, designate donations to Long Missionary support giving code WMS045 ($8,200 needed per month) or for Thessaloniki church and bookstore designate donations for Greece Country Shares giving code WCS403 ($1,000 needed per month).  Giving can be done over the Internet at www.fmwm.org or sent to Free Methodist World Missions, PO Box 535002, Indianapolis, IN 46253-5002.  Thank you, and pray for the transition.  The Lord will provide all our needs.

Concrete cold here, but a Christmas warmth warms our hearts

Yes, it is below zero here.  Of course, the zero is Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit.  No snow, though, just on the mountains.  The sidewalks, roads, walls and building radiate the cold to the bones.  The sun may be out, but it has teeth.  In contrast, God's warmth heats our lives.  Our cry is for the Lord to blow the fire of our hearts even more.  It helps to have Gina home for Christmas break from Spring Arbor University.  She managed to fly by herself with just a 24 hour delay.  Her return makes this Christmas very special.

The Christmas service is this Sunday.  Many guests are visiting.  Plans are to share the power of God though caroling, special outreaches, and social evangelism.  May the Lord stir the hearts of men to the true reason for this commercial season.

The story of two 20 year old Moravian that sold themselves into slavery back in the 1700's reminds us of what Jesus did for us.  An island slave colony boasted that no preacher nor church was permitted on the atheist, Atlantic island of over 2,000 slaves.  The young men full of faith abandoned everything in life and it's pleasure to witness Christ to slaves as one of them.  How much more the Son of God sold himself from the riches of heaven to declare salvation to us in this world!  May Christ make this holiday of gifts and new year full of joy, power, and grace!

Recovery, ministry development, & shortage of funds

On November 6, mike's body went into the hospital for service.  The right colar bone was repaired and screwed in place. Mike is being driven around and taken care off.  He is just about to drive everyone crazy.  For Christmas he gets the screw out.  Maria is concerned about Mike's other loose screw. The hope and prayer is that all the proceedure will be successful and worth all the trouble.

The Thessaloniki Balkan Church has seen significant developments.  Sins have confessed publically.  Persons prayed for have given reports of healing from cancer and many have been touched by the Holy Spirit.  Members have proclaimed the gospel at the University against the Anarchist.  The word of God has been preached with prophetic power.  December is a month of increased and special ministry.  Pray for a spiritual breakforth of heavenly hosts in Thessaloniki this Christmas.  Remeber January is the month of construction and renovation.  Help requested. (Nikos, Theo-new believer, Leonidas)

FM mission is introducing a new funding system in January 2008.  Funds are behind schedule for 2007.  $35,000 is needed for 2007.  Commitments of $23,000 are needed for 2008.  Prayers are critical.  Donations can be given directly on line for our accounts.  For more information, write us at Longmm@the.forthnet.gr.

Court Case, Bike Trip, and Surgery

Hey, another month has slipped by since our last post.  Three big things to highlight for prayer and praise.

On October 9, I stood in the Thessaloniki court representing our church for violations of building codes on our previous church rental location.  The suit was filed in 2003 and it finally came through just now in Sept 2007.  Normal for Greece.  Also normal for Greece, rental property is remodeled for renter use without permits.  We transformed a furniture workshop into a worship center.  The neighbors in the same apartment building did not like an Evangelical Church (a heresy) using their building.  In order to harass the church, they filed a law suit.  The judge accepted our lawyers appeal for a three month extension in order to return the store to it's original condition and to discontinue the lease.  The judge gave us to the end of June, 2008. Praise the Lord for judical favor.  Now we are looking to do all the restoration by the end of January.  Anybody want to help?

From Oct 19 to 25, three cyclists, a coach from Honduras, a Greek driver, and my parents followed the steps of the Aprostle Paul from Phillipi to Corinth.  It was a great ride.  Weather was sunny, rainy, cold, windy, and cloudy.  We meet packs of dogs, cows, and electrical wire crew.  The cyclists were from Madrid, Spain and myself.  We had great fun and made many memories.  My prayer was during the trip, "Raise me up, Lord!  Raise me UP!"  I am still praying to be more like the Apostle Paul and that God would raise our church up to a higher level of ministry and existance.

On Tuesday November 6, it will be one year and one month after my accident last year.  I will be having surgery on my right collar bone.  I have a 1 inch or 2.5 cm gap where the bone did not heal properly.  It is a minor surgery to restore the proper location by tie-ing it back in place with a screw, string, glue, and anything else to hold it in place.  The next day, I should be released.  Pray that the healing will be complete.

Standing room only pastors conference

Our Bulgarian partners reserved a room for 160 and pruchased 220 sandwiches, but 260 persons showed up and there was standing room only.  The Renewal International Network was launched very successfully on Sept 22, 2007.  Official relationship and partnership has begun in Bulgaria between Renewal Christian Centre, UK and Bulgarian Pastors and congregations.  What was friendships and contacts before have become a spiritual bond for advancing the Kingdom.  The journey has started with a UK church acting globally and linking up with maybe up to 100's of Bulgarian churches.  FM mission with the Longs and Mellingers are right smack in the middle connecting the two together. It feels like Acts 29 is unfolding right before our eyes.

In Samokov on Sunday night, there was a great out pouring of God's presence in the packed church of over 800 persons.  One family in the church recently lost their only son who was 17 years old in racist conflicts.  He was hit over the back of his neck with brass knuckles and kicked to death.  The church is a purifying and calming force in the desperately poor neighborhood of gypies.  The community centre feeds 80 persons over 20 times a month for $2.00 per person per meal.  Pray that God would continue to provide for this ministry and share the link on the left as a way to support this blessed sacrificial work.

Next weekend on Oct 6, the Mellingers, 5 Bulgarian leaders, and myself will be attending the Leadership Lifestyle Seminar at the Renewal Christian Centre in Solihul, UK.  It would be great if all these persons caught fire with the Holy Spirit and returned to their ministries with new vigor and power.  One person, Rossen the translator, is one of our best friends and partners in ministry.  He has been through many difficulties recently.  He and his congregation is about to be put out on the street with no where to meet by a handful of old timers.  It is the only church in their city and it is a shame these things happen.  Pray for Rossen and a solution that will glorify Jesus.

On Oct 9, I will appear in court for remodeling work down in our old location back in Oct 2003.  The neighbors in the apartment building did not like that a evangelical church was going to use the store space in their building.  They filed a complaint for the remodeling done which was done in normal Greek fashion, but unwisely without a permit.  We are praying for mercy and leniency for the penalty.  Currently, an Armenia church meets there and our British partners.  May the devil not rejoice in harassing the work of God's Kingdom.

Big Ministry Weekend in Bulgaria

This Saturday Sept 22 in Sofia, Bulgaria, a very important meeting is taking place at the National Palace of Culture.  Over a hundred pastors and leaders are coming to meet with FM Pastors David Carr, Richard Taylor, and Peter Jenkins.  They are all from the Renewal Christian Centre in Solihul, UK.  God is linking them to all these churches and using the Balkan FM Mission to make it happen.  As all us leaders get together, may God direct the development of these relationships.  May the Bulgarian pastors be empowered!  May past problems be corrected!  May God's kingdom advance in these last days beyond our imaginations!  Please pray and fast with us for this conference on Saturday.

On Sunday, Pastor David with Al Mellinger will be ministering in Sofia to a combined five church meeting where over 1,500 persons are expected.  Pastor Richard Taylor will be ministering in Ihtiman (try to say that) in the morning and in Etropole at our dear friend's Pastor Rossen's church.  They need encouragement so bad there.  Pastor Peter Jenkins and I will be ministering in Kjoustendil at a rented space where they are expecting 500 persons.  Of course, prayers are greatly needed.

Sunday evening, all the Renewal pastors are meeting together in Samokov at the community centre that regularly feeds 70 persons a day.  Tragedity recently struck the church.  A 17 year old believer and evangelist was killed by racist Bulgarians against the gypsy.  A mob of gypsies attempted to take revenge and Pastor Nikolay stepped in to calm the hostilities.  Pray that the ministry Sunday evening will be a breakthrough and God's grace will be poured in abundance!

Back Home in Greece Minus Gina

Check out the good bye video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-gS-V4lFuE

After leaving Gina at Spring Arbor University, the rest of the family flew back to our home in Thessaloniki, Greece.  Our three month missions ministry tour was exhaustingly rewarding and God arranged some amazing connections.  We are fully confident that the Lord will provide for our needs through the great bunch of supporters that He has provided for us.  The sum of all their prayers will move mountains, cover needs, and encourage our every step. 

Gina is set up for a wonderful time of University studies and life.  She has many friends and miracles have worked out for her advantage.  Scholarships and grants are covering her finances.  She has made many friends before going and has a wonderful MK for a roommate.  She just wrote an excited email about her major, Worship Arts Leadership.  Drop her an encouraging email, gina_dl02@yahoo.com

Over 7,000 miles, 10 states, 30 Churches, 3 camps and the National Conference are the stats for the past three months.  There were many great moments and encouraging reunions.  The most important is connecting with individuals, pastors, and churches.  The transition for the FM Mission support system is awkward, but progressing.  It appears that we are around $20,000 short for annual support of what the mission calls our MSA and our CSA (Missionary Support Account and Country Share Account).  Pray for all of us missionaries as we work on becoming fully supported by the end of 2008.

Sunday, we return to our Thessaloniki Balkan Church for a time of reunion rejoicing.  Worship, Word and lots of fellowship promise to fill the day.  There are new persons coming and new leaders to work with.  After talking about ministry for three months, it is great to get back to doing ministry.  Pray for the church people as they and the ministry continues to grow!

Survived the Divide Ride and recovering in Georgia

Nearly a week has passed since 15 guys and I finished a six day mountain bike trip from southern Colorado into New Mexico along the Continental Divide for over 200 miles.  It was incredibly hard and extremely rewarding.  The group survived the rain, the mud, the rocks, the heat, the broken bikes, thin air and fatigue.  We experienced some great endless downhills, beautiful backgrounds of God's creation, challenging climbs, breathtaking heights, fun, friendship, and spiritual soul stretching.  It was a once in a life time experience.  Thanks to the Second Mile Adventures for the organization, leadership, and inspiration.  This trip is highly recommended for persons interested next year.

Maria and the girls did great while Dad was away.  They ministered in Kokomo, IN on Sunday and in Huntington, WV for a three church missions rally on Friday.  They managed to drive from one destination to the other without getting lost.  The girls spent time with their cousins in Columbus, OH.  Maria had fun with the neighbors and the other bike rider's wives.  Everyone was glad to see Dad, rough and rugged, on Saturday in Atlanta.  Family is great.  They were routing for me every time a call could be got through.  They were glad that I came back in one piece.

This past week we have been enjoying the hospitality of Scott and Janet Dickey and the great Columbus, GA church.  Christi and Kalli began their Internet school.  Gina ordered her college computer and is anxiously waiting for its arrival.  Maria and Janet have been shopping.  Theofilos, Maria's father, went ahead to Pensacola, FL to be with his cousin, Robert Pappas.  He got to see the shuttle launch in Florida.  We are headed south this weekend there and then on to Mississippi and Louisiana.  Presentations are going well and the Lord is providing for the lack of support.  Prayers are appreciated.

Most Greeks are on vacation now.  Al and Diane Mellinger are holding up in the heat in Greece and Bulgaria.  They are preparing for a pastors conference in September with Renewal in Bulgaria.  Pray for their BG VISA and the Thessaloniki Balkan Church too.  The work continues to grow!