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Jeff and Alma Whitfield

Serving the refugees in Athens

Greece

Account# 46840

GIVE Partner with Jeff and Alma Whitfield
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Our Story

In 2016 Jeff and Alma began to sense the call to overseas missions. Both had previous experience in missions, and after some time in Richmond, VA they knew God was telling them it was time to GO. They started to hear about the refugee crisis in Europe and served on two short-term trips in Athens, Greece in 2017 and 2018. During this time God confirmed His calling on their life together. Jeff and Alma are trained counselors and will use their gifting to facilitate emotional, and ultimately spiritual, healing through Jesus Christ. They will come alongside the existing Greater Europe Mission (GEM) team in Greece to offer comfort and care to refugees, introducing them to Christ.

They began this journey as appointees with GEM in September 2020 and have experienced many unexpected challenges along the way. They believe they've been called to the ends of the earth, but Wilmington, NC for now. During the partnership development period, Jeff and Alma are working with GEM in the Appointee Services Department (US) to encourage other missionaries who are facing the struggles and challenges that occur during their first years on the field.

Jeff and Alma have two daughters at home--Analiese, age seven, and Laurel, age two. As soon as the family is fully funded they will move to Greece and resume life together in language and cultural acquisition in their new home. The plan is to have Analiese enter Greek public school and Laurel in Greek preschool, where they both will be fully immersed in the Greek language. While adjusting and learning the language, they will begin to work with local churches within the first two years to assess the needs. Jeff often says, "Counseling happens because koinonia (fellowship) doesn't." They hope to come under local church's guidance to be a support and focus on a goal of healthy discipleship multiplication, with a special focus on the least reached refugees who don't know the hope of the Gospel. They enter this work with open hearts and open hands to whatever God's will is for His kingdom.

Pray for the journey. Pray for those that don't know the hope of Christ. Pray for favor in partnership development. Pray about how you can partner.

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