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!
Volunteers that participate in this ministry can expect to participate in one of our ministries geared towards serving refugees in and around Athens. They may work on projects in refugee camps, in our Connect cafe in Athens, or in one of our partner churches in Athens. Where the volunteer serves is at the discretion of our Refugee Ministry Coordinator, although we will take volunteer preference into consideration.
Volunteers serving in the refugee camps can expect to engage in relational ministry and to assist camp management in various projects.
Volunteers serving in Connect can expect to engage in relational ministry and assist or teach in our language classes. Volunteers may also develop & run women's & children's programs.
Volunteers serving at our partner church can expect to help teach English, and assist in food & clothing distribution.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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/cou...
It is possible to extend the length of this outreach. Email shortterm.GR@om.org for more details.