Michael and Maria Long’s ministry is a unique, strategic, open-door response to the global immigration and refugee crisis. The FM Church of Thessaloniki Anagenesis (New Birth) is multicultural and multilingual, with English as the common language. Those from non-Christian countries often acknowledge that the Anagenesis church is the first church they have visited. Some discover Jesus, but all gain a positive impression of Christianity and the church. Ministries include assistance at a refugee center, aid distribution to refugee camps, language classes, weekly Bible studies in Farsi and Arabic, and relationship evangelism. Most refugees move on to other European countries, where Michael and Maria continue to follow up on contacts through Zoom and two Iranian churches in England.
Pray For
- the evangelization of immigrants and discipleship of baptized Muslim-background believers
- translation challenges
- Iranian FM churches in Liverpool, London and elsewhere in Europe
- the European Iranian Church Network
- the leadership development and mentoring of five future ministers
- Orthodox ministry connections through Michael’s organization of an International Conference in 2026 at the University of Thessaloniki
Recent Newsletters
Blog
Revolving-Door Church
Most pastors despise the idea of a ministry where members come and go but rarely stay. Yet, God has blessed the Free Methodist Church “Anagenesis” (rebirth) in Thessaloniki, Greece, with such a ministry. Another Greek pastor in Thessaloniki recently questioned me,...