NEWELL POST

 STOPPING, STARTING AND CONTINUING!!

January, 2012 Vol. 11, No. 1

I write these words while waiting at the brake repair shop in San Antonio, Texas.  Looks like the vehicle that we have been using while on Off-Field Assignment in the States has some "issues".  Pads are relatively pad-less, rotors can't rotate well, boosters need boosting, calipers aren't callipering and shoes need to be re-shod!  It makes sense, doesn't it, that the price one must pay for the privilege of going forward, especially at speed, is, occasionally, having to ensure that one also has the capacity to stop.  Selfishly, I always want to keep going, but seriously, I recognize the need to provide the trustworthy capacity to slow down and occasionally to stop.

I'm certain that this was the logic behind our mission sending organization's insistence that we take what was once called "furlough" and occasionally come to the United States.  This has been the longest ever for us; we have been Stateside since October 13, 2011 and will return to Athens on February 6, 2012.  We have enjoyed seeing family and friends, having medical check-ups, checking-in with our CBF colleagues who support us on the field and speaking about PORTA - the Albania House in Athens.

Indeed, we have spoken often about the exciting ministry to Albanian immigrants which God has given us in Athens, Greece.  By the time we return home, we will have spoken fifty times, sharing this vision with folks in eight states.  Everywhere we go, we find good people who catch the vision and want to partner with this work of God.  Although we have been in "go" mode for much of this time, it has clearly been important to stop our daily, face-to-face, ministry in Athens and share this great story with PORTA Partners in the States.

But, the good work in Athens has not stopped while we have been away.  Indeed, Albanian leaders have assumed responsibilities and enabled it to continue, in our absence.  While we have been away, Albanian Teachers have guided PORTA's classes, Albanian adults have worked hard to learn how to use computers and how to speak English; Albanian children have learned the Albanian language and clulture.  An Albanian leader has served as PORTA's Acting Manager, facing the daily administrative and discernment decisions that have allowed this ministry to continue. 

 Albanian believers have met together to study God's word and grow in their discipleship.  Their leaders have planned and held the fifth-ever city-wide Albanian language worship experience.  Albanians planned and implemented two conferences intended to encourage faith and strengthen their witness in Athens.  And, later this month, Albanian Christian leaders will gather for theological training, enrolling in a course on the Attributes of God - the first offering of a four-year program, made available to them for the very first time!

So, while we are stopping for brake repair and other necessities, our brothers and sisters in Christ have been starting and continuing.  We are thankful to God for friends and colleagues who carry on, in our absence.  On February 7, we'll be ready to start again!

PORTA Priorities

• Educational Enrichment
• Healthy Families
• Leadership Development
• Literary, Artistic, and Economic Enhancement
• Opportunities for Children
• Preservation of Albanian Heritage
• Respect and Reconciliation
• Spiritual Freedom

Prayers of Petition

• Plans for Winter, Spring and Summer programs
• Albanians who are seeking work
• Economic Crisis in Greece

The Newells live in Athens, Greece serving Albanians through The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. 

bandjnewell@hotmail.com