Debbie Poss Report
Philadelphia Women’s Conference 2006
Athens, Greece
The Omonia Church of Christ in Athens, Greece began the annual Philadelphia Women’s conference in 2001 to be a time of spiritual nourishment to the Christian women of Greece and was inspired by US women on short term visits to Athens. There has been involvement each year by women from the US who served as speakers and/or worship leaders. I had the privilege of serving as worship leader in 2003 when I was a student at the Harding University campus in Greece.
When I was asked to serve as worship leader again this year, I committed to answering the call to serve for God has given me a yearning to live and serve Him in Greece. After accepting the call, I also invited other women to go experience this wonderful culture and learn of our Biblical background in Greece. Three of my family members answered the call to go: Margaret Ramey (mother), Peggy Zorn (sister) and Dorothy Walker (aunt). While they thought they were going on vacation, God knew how richly He would bless and change their lives through their serving. We arrived on Friday, October 13th and were greeted at the airport by my friend and conference organizer, Eleni Melirrytos. Her husband, Alex, is one of the full-time preachers for the Omonia church. Eleni took us to the Harding campus in Porto Rafti where we stayed during our trip.
Eleni and I met right away to finalize decisions on songs and scriptures. The biggest challenge was in blending cultures and languages so that we may worship in unison. Eleni and Vicky Tsakou graciously translated a few songs and scriptures that I brought to use and I began creating a powerpoint presentation in Greek and English. After working diligently for a week, we were able to combine languages and a translation plan for the event to be interpreted into Greek, English, Russian and Bulgarian for the sisters that worship at Omonia.
Perhaps the greatest need for our presence was in helping Eleni do all the preparations for the conference. As with any event, there are those that say they will help and then do not fulfill their obligation. This year was particularly frustrating for Eleni, but God knew that my family had the heart and talent to serve in this way. They spent quite a few hours in cutting netting, wrapping gifts, and laminating handouts. They also helped execute some things needing done at the conference. My expertise in events helped Eleni formulate an agenda for the day that allowed everyone involved to know what they were supposed to be doing at each segment. Eleni told me it was my “aura” of calmness that helped her make it through the day!
The day arrived. We boarded the local bus for our hour and a half trip into Athens… via 2 buses and 2 subway trains. The room was bursting with over 85 women in attendance. The Holy Spirit gave us a unity in purpose that eased the language barriers. Peggy (sister) noted afterwards that even though she could hear the low murmur of the translators voices in the room, it was evident that all were united in purpose and spirit. Our theme song, “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” truly gave us unity…. one song with our voices raised in praise together…. all languages…. One Spirit. This must be a taste of how wonderful it will be in Heaven as we join together in praise.
The conference was the purpose of our trip, but it was in standing on Mars Hill, walking the Agora where the Aeropagus met, watching the sunset at Sunio; walking the Lechion Road in Ancient Corinth; standing at the Bema in Corinth where Paul stood and renewing old friendships that truly brought about God’s purposes in our journey. He fed us and showed us Himself as we walked these paths. Reading the Bible will never be the same for us because we now understand a little bit more of our heritage. It was truly an honor for me to witness God moving in the lives of my family. “Our cups runneth over.”
Eleni has asked me to help with next year’s conference. God willing, I will again be able to lead others to experience this wonderful journey to Greece.
Wrapped in His Arms,
Debbie Poss