Lesvos, Greece Trip

February 17-25, 2017

2016 New Year began for FPC and a team of nine in Lesvos, working with locals and volunteers from all over the world in refugee support. We returned February 17-25, 2017, coordinating with Servant Group International, http://www.servantgroup.org/greece/

We went o Lesvos Island and worked specifically at Camp Moria. This camp experienced a major fire in September; the damage was widespread and devastating. FPC Volunteers will join in continued cleanup and in refugee support.

Words from SGI Trip Leader, Lisa Harris: "As we consider how to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our lives there are many ways to serve. The migration crisis that the world is seeing is second only to the one after World War II. None of the people who are refugees seeking asylum chose to be in this situation. They are fleeing war or the tyranny of factions seeking to control their family and conscript their children to fight. Thousands are stuck in Greece with no recourse except to wait....and wait....and wait until the people in power decide where they can be relocated. During this "waiting time" they are bored, depressed, angry, and desperately in need of people who have not forgotten them. We are those people. We cannot change their circumstances, but we can provide a listening ear, a shoulder to cry or vent on, activities to engage their mind and help serve basic necessities like food and clothing. Our mandate to love supersedes our propensity to fear. We go because Jesus compels us.”

Lesvos FPC Team: Elizabeth Stivers, Jenna Crunk, Cathy McCall, Stephanie Lampley, Chris Jones, Kim Joiner, Vance Lahey and Sharon Quintana.



Habitat Build: February 25th

1807 Marcia Ct. Columbia, TN  

Sharniece Rayford’s family relocated to Maury County, TN in 2014 after her grandmother transferred with Saturn from Detroit, Michigan. “My mother was a single parent who worked hard to support my two sisters, my brother, and me.” The children attended Mt. Pleasant High School while Sharniece’s mother worked at Independence High School in Spring Hill.


After high school graduation, Sharniece received her Certificate in Medical Assisting from Fortis Institute. Currently, she works as a certified medical assistant while taking classes at Columbia State University to become a registered nurse.


My family motivates me to do better for myself. Having a baby has slowed down my educational progress a bit, but I am determined to accomplish my goals.” Another goal for Sharniece is to become a homeowner. She was elated when she found out she was accepted to the Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program. “I know this is not an opportunity that comes around everyday and I am so very grateful. It could not have come at a better time.”


Sharniece is employed at Heritage Women’s Center in Franklin. She enjoys cooking and baking on Sundays with her family. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen enjoying one another’s company. I most look forward to entertaining family and friends, once I am in my new home.”


Sharniece will partner with Bridgestone to build her home, which will commence on March 3, 2017 in Overlook Subdivision of Columbia. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for April 27th.


BrightStone

March 2NDSAT

BrightStone was a beautiful snowy success!  Mike Anderson pressure washing in the snow will long be remembered!  It was a great day!