A bulk of our time was spent working in their church building. In January of 2024 the church congregation joined together and purchased their first every “Church Building”! The building had been used for a garment warehouse. It is 4 stories tall, 2,500 sq. ft. per floor, for a total of 10,000 square foot of space….  With NO elevator! I this picture you will see our team standing in front of their new building.

Our goal for the week was to clean the building out completely so the members of the church could begin remodeling. Their plans were to make the top floor and apartment. So, when they had guest speakers, and small groups, they would be able to “house them at the church”. The third floor was going to be furnished for the young people. So, they would have a place to “hang out”, and have youth functions. The second floor was to be built out for their children and nursery. And the ground floor is to be the main level for Adults for worship, Bible study, and fellowships. It was laid out quite well. Upon arrival of our first day, gave us a heads up that the previous owners had left everything in the building when they left. When we walked into the main floor, this is what we saw on every floor!

So, what we did was start on the fourth floor and cleaned out each floor at a time, until we got to at main floor. Then we had a dumpster brought in and we filled it a couple of times.

All in all, it was a great trip. We were able to help this new congregation get into their first building. The job was laborious, but what a reward to see the looks on their faces.  They had realized they now could start making this building their church home. Also, throughout the week we had various Bible study nights. What a joy to study Gods word with them. Then we completed our week with them as we worshipped together with them on Sunday. It was I believe it was a “little slice of Heaven” being all together.

Thank you, Lord, for the privilege to go to Athens, and serve with these great people.