Christmas 2011

Helping Hands • Sofokleous 53D, 1st Floor • 10553 Athens • Tel/Fax: 210-32-24-216

“A full-service station,
demonstrating the care of God
for the Refugees on the Athens
exit ramp of the Refugee Highway

Christmas Programs 2011

Dear partners in God’’s wonderful ministry among the refugees in Athens,
On that night when Jesus was born, a great company of the heavenly host appeared
praising God and saying, ““Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest.””

“Peace” is what the whole world needs! “Peace” is what the refugees need too! Every
Christmas season, with your prayers and financial support, we reach out to the refugees with special programs talking about the source of real peace which is Jesus Christ our Lord. And we have seen God,again and again saving people and giving the true peace they were after. Like ““G””-an Afghan- who fled his homeland long ago.

It was in India, nearly nine years ago, that ““G”” first heart the gospel.
Now in Athens, ““G”” decided to follow Jesus. This is no small decision. ““G”” is risking his family,his friends, even his own safety to follow Jesus. What can compel such a risk? Love. Through Jesus, ““G”” understood the love of God - a love that is worth everything.

For men and women like “G” who are thirsty for the truth of life, it is worth, the cost and the labor,to carry on organizing the Christmas parties by giving the opportunity to many refugees to hear about Jesus Christ, the source of salvation and of true “peace”.

Although the economic situation is very difficult everywhere including Greece, we are planning, by faith, in partnership with local churches, to organize 5 Christmas dinner parties with 120 guests each night for a total of nearly 600 guests. We believe that God will provide!

Each Christmas Dinner will include:

􀁸 A specially prepared Christmas meal
􀁸 A Christmas message
􀁸 Small and practical presents for adults
􀁸 And gifts for the children too

The cost of the programs is about €€40 ($60) per person.
In addition to the above, we want to provide refugees with sleeping bags, which they need so much as the winter comes. Your gift will help provide these sleeping bags..
Would you stand with us? We need you, and are asking you to pray that the Lord will provide,protect and save refugees this Christmas season.

We are leaving you to him who is able to keep you from falling and praying that the grace and peace of God our father and of our Lord Jesus Christ fill you daily.
With love and thankfulness to God for each one of you.

Nikos Stefanidis
Director of Helping Hands
Gifts should be designated for
“CHRISTMAS IN ATHENS”
and sent to:
INTERNATIONAL TEAMS
411 West River Road, Elgin, IL 60123