Tag: Greece

Refugee Camps in Greece

Tim Frodsham, 11 December 2024

Back in the days of wood burning cell phones, I took a first aid class from the Red Cross. One of the subjects we covered was approaching emergency situations such as a car wreck or earthquake. The first step arriving on scene is assessment. Whose needs are the most critical? The answer is not the ones who are screaming. Their hearts are pumping and obviously, their lungs work just fine. Their situation may be serious, but they are alive, and at least for a time, they can wait. The ones whose needs are the most serious are the quiet ones, the ones who are silent and still. Their heart may have stopped or they may not be breathing. These are the ones for whom seconds may count, the ones whose needs are most dire.

Distributing Clothes at a community center serving refugee camps near Serres

In Greece, we have a perfect storm of refugee and homeless needs. Most refugees arrive in Greece on flimsy boats or rafts, coming from Turkey or Africa. The branch president of Thessaloniki described the journey of a recent arrival to several of the migrants who attend the branch and was surprised at the minimal response he received. It turns out that most of them had arrived on Greek shores via boat as well. One of the members attempted the boat crossing 20 times before he was successful. Incredible stories of persistence and faith reside right in his little branch.

Refugee Camp outside Serres, Greece

The Greek government ministries are attempting to handle a surge of migrants on budgets that were fixed years ago. We hear much about the situation of Migrants in Athens where we live. We are a metro ride from many of these organizations and visit them often. Thousands are in need of even the basics, food and clothing, and the shouts are continuous about their predicament.

The needs of Migrants in the refugee camps are even more desperate, particularly those on the Greek Islands. They lack the most basic necessities such as blankets and sheets, and winter is here. Scabies and other skin diseases are rampant through the camps. From the islands, we here stories of refugees, including women and children, sheltering in cardboard boxes during the rain. Funding is just not there, and the tiny populations of these islands cannot cope with the surge. The number of unaccompanied children arriving in Greece is also on the rise. Most come on their own, but some lost parents on the ocean crossing to Greece. These are the silent ones. Their plight is every bit as bad as a hurricane or earthquake survivor, but they don’t show up on the evening news. Due to their isolation, they are invisible.

NGO Light Without Boarders outside a refugee camp in Serres

When migrants reach Greek shores, most are picked up, or report themselves to the Hellenic Police, the national police department. The HP are tasked with processing each migrant, checking papers, trying to identify the terrorists and criminals among the many who are simply seeking asylum. This process can take less than a week, or up to six months. At this time, the migrants are put in the queue for an asylum interview. While being processed, they are held in detention centers and cannot leave. Due to the surge in migrants and lack of funding, many in these centers do not have even bedding and basic hygiene supplies.

Habibi Community Center outside a refugee camp near Ioannina

Once released from the detention centers, the Migrants are transferred to a refugee camp, run by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum (MoMA). Fixed budgets and surges in refugees have left many of the asylum seekers in these camps destitute as well. As in the detention centers, they lack blankets and bedding. In these camps, migrants wait for their asylum interview, which can take months, and then for the results of the interview, which can can take months or even years. During this wait, they receive a monthly stipend from the government, in the order of 70 euros a month. Families receive more, but it is still very small. After several months, an asylum seeker is eligible to find a job, but with unemployment in Greece at 35%, that is difficult. Many find jobs in the tourism industry, but the pay and benefits are small.

If a migrant is granted asylum, they are eligible to apply for travel papers and in many cases, a passport. If they are not granted asylum, they may appeal. Once a decision is made, all loose government benefits, including health care.

JRS Refugee School in Athens

There are many migrants in Greece who were denied asylum or are in Greece illegally. They cannot legally work and have no government benefits. Many women in this situation resort to prostitution, which pays as little as 3 euros a day (about $3.50). We had a woman at our church who was drawn to the missionaries and wanted to be baptized. She walked this very path and wanted to change her life.

Loading food bags at InterSOS

NGOs (Non Government Organization, to those from the states, a non-profit) are doing all they can to assist migrants and other vulnerable in Greece. Vela, an NGO working in Eastern Europe focuses on the unaccompanied children. They have established Safe Zones where the children receive shelter and food as well as medical and psycho-social support. Due to overcrowding and lack of funds, particularly on the Islands, many unaccompanied children reside in the regular refugee camps where they are susceptible to exploitation and abuse. Through the church, we did a quick project to supply blankets, coats and hygiene supplies to these Zones.

Distributing food and hygiene supplies at Koumoundourou Square. Photos courtesy of Ithaca Laundry

The men and women of the Greek Ministries are tireless in their efforts to cope with the crisis, but the asylum and refugee system in Greece is simply overwhelmed, and the humanitarian needs are great. The problem is multifaceted, and as a church, we cannot solve all of these problems, but we can help. One of God’s children at a time.

We love serving in Greece. The stories are hard to hear and the work seems endless, but we are His hands in ministering to those least fortunate.

Tags Asylum, christianity, Detention Center, Greece, homeless, immigration, Missionary work, Refugee Camp, Refugees

Mission

Humanitarian Work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Post author By Tim Frodsham
Post date October 31, 2024
1 Comment on Humanitarian Work in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

From time to time, we here about the humanitarian work done by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In conference or in church publications we hear briefly about the amount of money or the number of projects carried out by our church. We also hear critics lament that the church is hoarding money, and we should give it to the poor. It reminds me of the story in John chapter 12; Mary taking an alabaster of expensive oil and pours it on the feet of the Savior. Judas Iscariot complains that a better use would be to sell the oil and give the money to the poor. It isn’t that simple.

As part of my doctoral work, I studied the humanitarian efforts of the western world, and how little impact these efforts had made over the last 50 years. The title of one of the books I researched says much: ‘The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good” by William Easterly. Though the book is out of date, almost 20 years old, his main points are valid today. It is hard to help others through humanitarian work. Roads are built which soon fall into disrepair. Wells are dug which fail after a few short months. Much of the aid given makes the recipients all the more dependent and even worse off when the aid stops. Handing out money only fuels this problem.

Most of the aid given by the west is dictated top down. Money and goods are dispensed by what we westerners think should be done, with little regard for cultures and customs of the people receiving the aid. Giving aid or help in any form requires intense thought and care in how that aid will be received and interpreted by the recipient culture and society. We are all about aid which fosters long term independence and self-reliance. Money alone does not help. Look at the amount of of money poured into the United States welfare system, creating generations of dependents. The U.S. welfare program destroys families and punishes those who try to work their way to independence.

Large foundations and other organizations, when dispensing aid, usually approach a community and dictate the aid they are going to provide. They tell the country or community what they think they need, what service or goods they are going to provide, and what they should do to fix their problems. Any aid given which does not understand and respect local cultures, and which is not aimed at developing self-reliance in the long term is doomed to failure.

The churches approach is not to dictate what we are going to do for you, but “what do you need?”, “How can we help you with these problems”. The church advances slowly into a new region or a new type of aid, relying on the expertise of those organizations already entrenched in the local population. Rather than becoming just another organization in the fray, we learn from those experienced in aid to the region, and consult with local leaders as to what we can do as a church to help them help themselves.

In the past, the church has provided aid through Latter Day Saint charities. The name of the Church was not used. Missionaries wore special tags that did not have the name of the church on them. Late last year, the humanitarian missionaries here in Greece hosted an NGO appreciation event, with catering and gift bags for those in attendance. As we visit the various NGO representatives, many of them mention the appreciation event, and were surprised that we are a church. They assumed we were just another small philanthropic foundation. That has changed. Though we were given such tags in the MTC, we were told soon after that we should wear our missionary tags. We use the name of church and introduce ourselves as missionaries for the church with everyone we meet.

Sometimes this backfires. Recently, a large donation was rejected by an organization in Eastern Europe because those working in their philanthropic wing threatened to quit rather than accept funds from the Mormons. We are not after the honor or the publicity, but people should know in an open, honest manner what our church is doing in the world.

The Nelsons, The Frodshams, Laura Papa (Front, 2nd from left) Eleni Metsa (back right)

We recently met with Laura Papa, the founder of a local charitable organization, METAdrasi. She rejected many offers from foundations and other organizations because there were too many strings attached to the funding. These organizations dictated to her what she needed to do to help the refugee women and children in her care, but it was not what they really needed. She would forgo funding rather than provide the wrong type of help. Her focus is to help refugee women rise above their circumstance and learn to provide for themselves and their children.

We have been in Greece two months, and have met many other wonderful people who have dedicated their lives to the assistance of the poor and needy.

Saffron Kitchen operates in down town Athens, providing thousands of meals for refugees, homeless and other vulnerable people in the city center. They work through dozens of other organizations to distribute meals. Each time we visit their facility, we are overwhelmed by the energy and commitment they exude. They not only feed those who have no idea where the next meal is coming, but they foster independence and self-reliance by hiring and teaching refugees how to cook.

The Irida women’s center in Thessaloniki focuses on women and their dependent children. Many of these refugee women have experienced untold tragedy and horror as they made their way to Greece. Pregnant, destitute, children in their care, the center provides a safe haven where they can heal and receive social and legal counseling.

Ithaca Laundry takes a mobile laundry van to various places in Athens to wash clothes of refugees, homeless and others who have no way of laundering their clothes. They provide counseling as well as people wait for their laundry. There focus is again on self-reliance. Job seekers can now go to an interview with clean clothes. Children to school.

The church has provided medical equipment for several municipal clinics in Thessaloniki and Larissa, as well as a clinic run by Médecins du Monde – Greece (Doctors of the World) in Athens.

One dentist spends two day a week at the clinic providing dental care for refugee children. We love their commitment and their energy.

We asked many of these dedicated individuals what problems they themselves face in this unending work. The response we hear most is “burnout”. Day to day they lift the hands and heal the hearts of those who have passed through unspeakable horror and yet continue to struggle, and in many cases, to thrive.

Many of the people pictured here have little belief or even knowledge of their Savior, but they are directed by His spirit. I pay tribute to these dedicated, caring people who spend their lives in the service of the least fortunate. We are blessed to have met them, work with them, serve as His hands in their support.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is working to gather Israel, both spiritually as well as physically. We are humbled to be the Lord’s hands in Greece. His work rolls forward with each step we take. Each small gesture for good. Each penny donated by a primary child. Each humble prayer that ascends to heaven. A phrase by one of the wonderful senior sister missionaries here in Athens comes to mind. “Who wouldn’t want to be us”. What a joy to be in His service.

Tags athens, bulgaria greece mission, christianity, doctors of the world, europe, Greece, Humanitarian, irida, ithaca laundry, latter day saint charities, metadrasi, Missionary work, saffron kitchen, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Mission

Changing of the Guard

30 September, 2024 Tim Frodsham

Last July, our mission president, Roland Léporé. And his wife, Amie, completed their three years of service to the people of southern France and returned home. They were replaced by Jason and Jennifer Soulier. They could not be more different.

President Léporé is a quiet, soft spoken man whose spiritual presence dominates the room. In zone conferences and other meetings, he stayed in the background for most of the meeting, speaking occasionally and allowing his missionaries to conduct and present. Many missionaries told us that when they were in the presence of President Léporé they felt they were in the presence of Christ. He was true shepherd. The young sisters and elders knew he was a true servant of the Lord, and they loved him.

President Soulier was a salesman in his former life, and exudes the confidence and energy of a motivational speaker. Where President Léporé’s meetings were quiet and thoughtful, those of President Soulier tend to be more loud and boisterous, They both work. I understand there is little overlap as one president replaces another. One president and his family leave before the other arrives. I think the brethren do that for a reason. They want the incoming presidents to follow the Savior, to use their own talents, and that of their companions in their sinngular manner, to move the mission forward as servants of Jesus Christ, using the talents unique to them.

Both couples are powerful men and women. Both are servants of Jesus Christ. Both have a mantle of leadership. Both focus on the work of the Lord and bring that work to fruition in utilizing their unique talents and gifts endowed from on high.

Unfortunately, we served with the Souliers for just a few months before we were transferred to Greece. During that time, I was impressed with their insight and problem solving abilities. Like their predecessors, they are people of faith. They are called, and are responding to that call to the best of their abilities and more, abilities that are magnified by the power of the spirit.

We are now serving with President David and Emily Nelson of the Bulgaria Greek mission. Not many missionaries have the experience of serving under three mission presidents. We are just getting to know them, and they too have a unique style of leadership. He is gentle, thoughtful and willing to listen to even the smallest need. They love the missionaries, love of the Lord and the Lord magnifies their talents as well in His infinite, intimate way. We are truly blessed.

Tags bible, christianity, church, france, Greece, jesus, Missionary work, missions

Mission

First Week in Athens

Catherine and Tim Frodsham. 6 September 2024

We have been in Greece one week now and are beginning to get a handle on all of the work there is to be done. Most countries in Central Europe have three or four humanitarian projects open, we have thirteen with two more in definition. It has been months since a WSR (Welfare Self-Reliance) couple has worked on projects in Greece. For a while, the country was covered by someone from the area office, then the husband of the last couple here was called as the Branch President. With the responsibilities of that calling and health issues, they had no time to work on humanitarian projects. When they returned home for health issues, the Area transferred us to Greece to catch up.

The Frodshams and the Nelsons

The Nelsons, a couple in the Frankfurt office who assist WSR couples in Europe, spent the last three days with us, going over all the projects in Greece and visiting NGO representatives in Athens. (An NGO, or Non Governmental Organization is a non-profit charity). These organizations help refugees including children who lost their parents while trying to get here. They help them with medical care, hygiene, food, job training and courses on how to assimilate into their new country. The stories are heart wrenching. Once we get on top of the backlog of correspondence, we will visit various sites in Greece to assess the problems and how these organizations are using church funds to address them. We are already planning a trip to Thessaloniki, about 500 km north of us, to visit two or three organizations and the refugee camps they are assisting.

Laura Papa, Elani, the Nelsons and the Frodshams

We met a woman yesterday, Laura Papa, who started an organization called MetaDrasi, dedicated to assist refugee and disadvantaged women with housing and care. Unaccompanied refugees children were held at police stations or other detention centers under appalling conditions, the system in place simply did not know what to do with them. A focus of the organization she started was to get these children to a safe place and provide them with the nutrition, health care and support they needed. She is a force of nature. Some of the women they assist were raped during the flight from their home country and have a multitude of problems to face.

Catherine and the dentist from Doctors of the World

We visited a medical clinic in central Athens that serves refugees, ROMA (gypsies) and other disadvantaged people. One of the volunteers we talked with is a dentist in Athens. He has a thriving practice, but donates two days a week to provide basic dental care to both adults and children. I don’t think we have ever met someone so upbeat. No one is turned away. There are wonderful people here in Greece who dedicate their lives to the care and well-being of the least fortunate. It is gratifying to see what the church is doing to support this humanitarian work.

Twice Catherine started to tear up as these dedicated people talked about helping children refugees who are alone or young women who are pregnant because of abuse as they left their countries. Many refugees in Greece live in camps. They are fleeing their countries because of war or violence, hunger or lack of freedom. We will be visiting these camps to see what the church can do to help fund programs to help them with healthcare, food, language skills etc . . . We were meant to be here.

We visited a portable laundry service, Ithaca Laundry, that the church helped to purchase a van to wash clothes for homeless. The van is full of washers and dryers and they drive it from place to place and wash clothes on the spot. While there, they feed them and offer counseling.

We will continue to post about the humanitarian work moving forward in Greece, but will not post pictures of the people being helped by these efforts. Government regulations forbid posting pictures in a public forum and the church agrees and supports this policy. We can, however, post pictures of the sites and some of the people who give so much to their care.

Tags Greece, Humanitarian, Missionary work, Refugee, ROMA

Mission

Forever Friends

31 August 2024 by Catherine Frodsham

(We successfully transferred to Greece and are coming up to speed on the many humanitarian projects sponsored by our church. This post is as much for us as for anyone else, to remember the incredible friends we have made in our 9 months of service in Lyon — Tim) Probably one of the most fun things about our mission is meeting the wonderful missionaries! We consider our young missionaries our grand kids or “Petite enfants” as they would say in France. Then our special senior couple friends are awesome.

We first met the Hardy’s. Liz and Dave from the state of Washington. They worked in the office and because our instant friends. We sure love them. They went home a month ago and we miss them so much.

We also met the Gannaway’s. Trish and Joe. They also worked in the office, and they served for 29 months with Lepore’s, our mission president. They were lots of fun as well. We enjoyed visiting them in the office and we went to dinner and had them over for dinner. The Gannaway’s and Hardy’s are home already.

We got new Office missionaries. The Dinkelman’s, Linda and Gary from Utah. Such wonderful, nice people. Also, the Miners’s, Jennifer and Larry from Utah as well. Such fun nice friends.

We also have about 10 more senior couples that are serving in the Lyon France Mission. We have a Senior Chat on Messenger so we can all talk to each other. We have 3 that are from France that speak French.

So here are the Powers – Kim and James that serve with the Young Single Adults in Geneva. Bernadette and Kelly McBride serve in Chalon sur Soane. She is the mission medical advisor

Here are the Herzog’s and the Barray’s that work together in Corsica. It’s so fun to be together.

Catherine has made many friends in the Porte Des Alpes ward. One sabbath day, just before sacrament meeting, Soeur Martine grabbed Catherine by the cheeks and told her “you need to learn French” The women of the ward felt Catherine’s spirit and wanted desperately to talk with her

Soeur Roux is the sweetest, most Christ-like woman one could ever meet. She lost her husband several months after we came to France. She is so gentle, so loving and has a fabulous sense of humor. Just a week or two ago, she fell and broke her shoulder. Thibault took one of our EnglishConnect classes and we met him in person at the CAJAF. We had to include one of many instant friends we have met along the way. Catherine met her at a my path devotional in Evry, France

The missionaries brought their friends (we used to call them investigators) into our home to have discussions, or just to feed them dinner and chat around the dinner table. We never let a moment go by that we didn’t testify of the truthfulness of the things the missionaries were teaching them.

Special friends that were taught in our apartment for months, Munashe and Machilo. They had their baby, Elsie, were married several months later and then Machilo was baptized the next week. As you can see, Catherine will not let go of that baby

There are many others that we have met along the way. An accordion player who sits outside the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Catherine would place a large bill in his pocket every time we visited the Basilica. Florian, the hostess at the B&B we stayed at in Saint Clair Sur L’Elle. Segolene and Serge, whom Catherine mentioned in an earlier post. Gisele, who we met in Caen and who took one of our EnglishConnect classes. The Snyders, our counterparts in Paris, and Dorothee Cannon, our MTC tutor, who stayed at our apartment with her family for two nights while she picked up her son, here on a mission.

We had several group gatherings. For general conference, single adult activities and church meetings.

General Conference at the San Souci building

We started a tradition of inviting missionaries over once a transfer on a p-day morning to have waffles. We figured that once every 6 weeks would not be disruptive, but often enough that missionaries would remember and it would be something to look forward to.