Kingfisher Project - Annual Report 2009

GREECE
Kingfisher Project (Pieria)
Theo Goutzios, Director

The Kingfisher Project continues to fly the banner of Christ upon the topmasts of her sailing ship in Greece. For the first time this spring, a full complement of students sailed in the wake of the Apostle Paul, visiting Philippi in the north to Athens and Corinth in the south of Greece. It was an adventure not only in sailing a gaff rigged schooner but also to touch and see those places that bring the study of Scriptures and particularly the writings of Paul to life, to live in a community he describes and to struggle with those things the first Christian communities also struggled.

Students six months later write: “Impact Training has many disciplines and revelations compacted within the itinerary. It requires some active learning that is unquestionably worth the effort.” Another writes: “It seems like almost every day I think about Greece and the impact it has made in my life. My plan is to come back asap whenever I can raise enough money. I would love to work with you guys in any way that is needed to further the Lord's kingdom through this ministry.” “Something unique about this trip that has made it totally different than any other trip I have been on is the fact that you are living in close quarters with others. For me, this was the most challenging thing. Also I was relieved of so many fears. My trust in God grew like never before.”

The Kingfisher Project now faces a new era as it begins to establish itself on Skopelos island. December 2008 we pulled out the last of our belongings from the mainland center by Mt. Olympus in northern Greece thus saying goodbye to a particularly active 10-year period at the seaside camp there. We were greatly moved as we drove away by the goodness of God throughout that time and the incredible opportunities tomake an impact for His Name’s sake in the region.

However we stand now looking ahead at what He will do over the next period among these islands of Greece where there is very little evangelical witness. The task of bringing the good news to these places is an awesome and often overwhelming one, particularly in view of the often religiously fanatic and close-minded islanders. Constantly we look to Him for the grace and wisdom as we embark on this challenge.

Our first goal in 2009 is to acquire a piece of land that will initially be a shore base providing support for the ministry team on the boat and a winter residence. This then is to be developed into a ministry center as further funds come available. We ask for prayer regarding the purchase of the right place (for which funds are available) and then for a support group that would go with us into the second stage of developing a center as well as a team to help with running the ministry both aboard ship and on shore and of course the funds needed for this development.