Burnham Center Educational and Ministry Experience in Greece Helps Students Understand Global Need
At the river where Paul met Lydia in Philippi
This summer found five Calvary students accompanying the Director of the Burnham Center for Global Engagement on a three week educational and ministry tour of Greece. The students enjoyed learning the history and cultural background of much of the New Testament as they traveled in the footsteps of Paul. Along the way, we were able to learn about the continuing ministry needs to refugees. We visited two refugee care centers created by AMG, our host for the three weeks. Students were challenged by those ministries as to how God might be calling them to be involved in this continuing global crises. The Burnham Center is already making plans for the next Greece trip in 2020. Students will have as many as five opportunities coming up next summer for both cross-cultural and local national ministry involvement including a trip to Israel! Stay tuned for more information on these opportunities, and enjoy some pictures from the recent trip.
Students spent a day helping with a local ministry to refugees in Thessaloniki.We were not allowed to take pictures inside the center.
Costas, our guide. He is a great friend and incredibly knowledgeable about Classical Greek culture and its involvement in the biblical text.
Visiting the Monasteries at Meteora
We were privileged to attend the graduation ceremony for Greek Bible College. Calvary has recently signed an agreement allowing students to study abroad with GBC.
The inscription on this stone mentions Galio as proconsul of Achaia, verifying Acts 18:12 as well as providing a timeline for the events.
Erastus the City Treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23)
The Bema in Corinth (Acts 18:12)
Mars Hill (Acts 17:22-34)
Greece is a beautiful country, However, it is also a very needy country. The economy is still struggling, sharing one’s faith is illegal, and refugees continue to arrive daily.
That’s it for now, if you want to see more join us for our next trip to Greece in 2020! Please be in prayer for the work of AMG and many others who are sharing the gospel in this historic place. While Greece is rich in biblical history and heritage, the needs are also great. Calvary hopes to provide an internship opportunity soon through our partnership with AMG and the Cosmovision center in Athens.
Calvary University and Greek Bible College in Athens recently signed an articulation agreement allowing for the acceptance of credits for students at Calvary from Greek Bible College. This agreement allows for Calvary students to participate in Greek Bible College’s International Student Program, The English Alpha Program. This will further enrich Calvary’s Study Abroad options for its students. “The International Student Program is a one-year course in the Bible designed to equip students to understand the Word of God and its significance for life and Ministry.” 
On Wednesday of this week as part of Welcome Week activities, several students gathered for an international student and MK orientation dinner, hosted by Missionary-in-residence, Tim Hange. Mr. Hange and his family have just completed 8 years of service in Moscow, Russia where they worked at Hinkson Christian Academy.
While in Russia, and even before his service there, Tim became passionate about understanding cultural differences. He was able to witness the cultural adjustments that he and his family, including two adopted children from Russia had to make. Returning to the States, he is now passionate about helping International Students and MKs (missionary kids) adjust and make the transition to learning and thriving in the American academic world.
Wednesday nights activity was a fun time of Greek food (provided by Mr. Hange, who has Greek heritage), learning, discussion and fun activities. As part of his service to Calvary, Tim seeks to create a new International Student Program that will help these students with learning English, and adjusting to the academic environment of Calvary. We are excited about what God is doing through Mr. Hange and his efforts to make our brothers and sisters from other nations feel welcome!
