Henk Jan and Allie Oosterhuis serve among the refugee community in Athens.
We are passionate about seeing the lives of refugees (especially teens, young adults and their families) transformed through the ways of Jesus, walking alongside them on their journey. We work towards community transformation by creating safe spaces for relationships, empowerment and discipleship.
Greece is a stepping stone for many from the Middle East and Central Asia hoping to find asylum in Europe. The refugee community in Athens has experienced being oppressed and uprooted by conflict, threats of violence, discrimination and rejection, while often facing an uncertain future. Although most refugees don’t see a future for themselves in Greece, they often find themselves in Greece for several months or years.
We provide a safe place in the center of Athens where teens and young adults can come after school, to rest, process their day, have fun and participate in community.
We provide opportunities for them to pursue their interests through classes and activities for art, music, games, exercise, languages and life skills.
We offer psychosocial support groups and mentoring and counselling from mental health professional partners.
Together, we learn about Greece through outings to cultural sites, nature parks, and going on hikes.
Through these activities, we create a place where young people who are displaced can experience peace, express themselves and grow in trust. As we share life together and talk about questions of culture, transition and identity, we discover more of our God-given identity as valued, empowered and creative people, while also thinking about what it looks like to work towards God’s vision of a restored and reconciled community.
Support
NL38 RABO 0111 4061 02 (in the name of) iTeams (with the note): VW-AR