Our Mission
Since approximately 2012, there has been an influx of middle eastern displaced people seeking political asylum into various southern European borders. One of the countries seeing the largest influx in refugees is Greece. Those seeking refuge in Greece come from a variety of different places, predominantly Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Since 2016, there are approximately 38,000 asylum seekers living on the Greek mainland and an additional 16,000 located on the Greek islands. Along with the growing number of refugees, the unemployment rate in Greece is above 20%.
Clearly, the need for aid and relief is evident based on these facts. The reason such a majority of refugees have fled to Greece is because the stigma against middle eastern people has caused most other nations to close their borders to those fleeing from these countries. We feel that this is not only an injustice, but an issue that Jesus specifically calls us to fight against. The unconditional love and compassion of Jesus is something that everyone in the world deserves, and we are called to give it to those who need it the most, even if the rest of the world disagrees.
This is why we will be traveling to Greece in July to August of 2021 for a month-long journey. This trip will be aimed at doing our part to assist the ministries that are actively working to better the thousands of lives in need of aid and education. Our specific work will involve staying in Athens, Greece for roughly a month. Here we will work in refugee community centers helping with childcare, english education, and bible studies.
We feel that a month long mission journey of service would be more effective than the typical week long trip, as this gives us more time to effectively learn about the communities, cultures, and their needs. This is also very important for our future identity in Jesus' work, as we hope to one day have a permanent residence overseas where we will be able to assist refugees throughout our lives.
In order to undertake this journey, we will be raising $6,000 for the entirety of the trip. This total includes plane tickets, housing, food, inter-country travel, and other necessities. Any excess donations will go to the ministries that we plan to work with. We understand that everyone is currently living in a strange and uncertain time, but we are confident that God will provide for us. Donation options and information are listed in the donation tab above.
About Us
Aubrey Russell
I have grown up in many places because of my fathers 23 years in the United States Military but when I was in 7th grade my family finally got assigned to Las Cruces, NM and we haven't left since. I met Jon in my high school theatre class and we have been best friends and eventually in a relationship ever since. I have grown up in the Church of Christ my whole life and have been a part of many different churches. I've always felt a pull to help, serve, and love the people who needed it. I am passionate about the Bible and shepherding people, which is why I have chosen to major in Biblical Text and Preaching at Lubbock Christian University, where I want to lead others through the love of Christ.
Lubbock Christian University, Junior Biblical Text and Preaching Major, Grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Jonathan Chavez
I was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Although I was raised Catholic by my family, I transitioned to Protestant/Church of Christ beliefs during high school. I am passionate about music, specifically its ability to spread love and healing through shared emotion and experience. This is why I chose to major in music at Texas Tech University. My passion for the sharing of ideas and emotions has also resulted in a pull to teaching and guiding others. Additionally, as a result of my hispanic descent, I have always felt very strongly about human rights for the oppressed, especially immigrants of all kinds.
