Christian Hospital Struggles During Greek Financial Crisis

The financial crisis that began in 2009 continues in Greece. The economy is declining and, as a result, the people are suffering greatly. Unemployment officially exceeds 16%, salaries have been reduced, and taxes have increased tremendously.AMG missionary Argyris Petrou puts it this way, “There is pain and agony, even despair. People are losing jobs, families are devastated, the young are without hope, and the old are suffering.” Fotis Romeos, AMG’s Eastern Europe Director writes, “A gigantic protest is in progress today, including two days of general strikes. Please be praying for wisdom and that the crisis will become an opportunity for the advancement of the kingdom of God.”

Our coworkers in Greece are under a lot of pressure. St. Luke’s Hospital in Thessaloniki has been particularly affected, as the government insurance agencies have been very slow in meeting their financial obligations to the hospital. Yet, demand for its services continues to grow, particularly as public health services decline further. And this is a great opportunity to share the Gospel. We just recently received yet another testimony of an individual who came to St. Luke’s for physical care and found Christ as Savior as well.

Please pray for the financial needs of St. Luke’s, for Dr. and Mrs. Demosthenes Katsarkas as they lead that ministry, and for Fotis Romeos as he leads other AMG ministries from AMG’s Athens office.

Learn more about AMG Ministries in Greece and St. Luke’s Hospital…