Refugee Project - Connect Cafe - 4 weeks (F): Greece

The purpose of this outreach is to help refugees in and around Athens meet their needs, to provide educational opportunities (primarily in language), and to provide any practical or emotional support.

While the refugee crisis in Greece is no longer in the news, it is still ongoing. The Lord has given us a wonderful opportunity to witness to displaced people from the Middle East. Many of whom would have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel in their home countries. Come serve with us in a variety of projects that witness to refugees in Greece!

The price quoted here does NOT include the costs of flights and travel insurance, but does include a $150 non refundable deposit.

Dates:	Mon 25 May 2020 – Fri 19 Jun 2020
Apply by:	Fri 24 Apr 2020
Cost:	1,255 NZD (participants from New Zealand)
Ages:	18-70

Ministry Details

Volunteers who participate in this outreach will serve at our Connect cafe. Connect is a center we run in Athens where we offer English classes for refugees.

While there, volunteers can expect to engage in relational ministry and assist, or teach, during our English classes. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to develop and run women's and children's programs. They will also be responsible for preparing food and coffee/tea for "cafe time".

Depending on the needs of our other ministries, volunteers may be reassigned to helping with our work in the refugee camps.

Participant Profile

Volunteers must be flexible. Ministry in Greece is constantly changing, and volunteers must be able to adapt. Those who are not flexible will not be able to thrive while serving in Greece.

Volunteers who demonstrate initiative are especially welcome.

Accommodation

Volunteers will stay at an OM apartment, local church dorms (or a local hotel if other options are not available). Volunteers should expect to have roommates. Volunteers may be required to climb several flights of stairs if a lift is unavailable. If special accommodation is required, please inquire with the STM coordinator.

While couples are welcomed to serve in this outreach, we do not have adequate accommodation to house them together. You may choose to find your own accommodation.

Food

Participants will be solely responsible for purchasing their own groceries and preparing their own meals. They will have access to a kitchen in the apartment.

Travel

Participants are responsible for arranging their travel to and from Athens International Airport. The airport code is “ATH.” They should arrive as close as possible to 12:00 local time on the scheduled arrival day. While airport pick-up/drop-off is planned, sometimes extenuating circumstances exist. So, participants may need use public transportation (metro or bus) to get to Athens.

Health

Participants must be in good health and physically able to stand, bend, lift, walk, and do other physical activity as needed. Athens is a large city and volunteers must be able to walk long distances and climb hills/stairs.

The OM Greece Short-Term Coordinator should be made aware of any health issues.

Visa

Citizens of the EU, Schengen Member States, USA, and Canada do not need a visa for this outreach. All others may need a visa. If a visa is required, and a fee is involved, it is the participant’s responsibility to pay the fees. You can check if you need a visa here: https://www.mfa.gr/en/visas/visas-for-foreigners-traveling-to-greece/countries-requiring-or-not-requiring-visa.html

Notes

It is possible to extend the length of this outreach. Email shortterm.GR@om.org for more details.