Michael and Maria Long serve through a unique and strategic ministry responding to the global immigration and refugee crisis. They lead the Free Methodist Church of Thessaloniki, Anagenesis (“New Birth”), a multicultural and multilingual congregation that uses English as its shared language. For many attendees from non‑Christian backgrounds, Anagenesis is the first church they have ever visited. While some come to faith in Jesus, all leave with a positive experience of Christianity and the church.
The Longs’ ministry includes outreach to community centers, aid distribution in refugee camps, language classes, weekly Bible studies in Farsi, and ongoing relationship‑based evangelism. As most refugees eventually relocate to other European countries, Michael and Maria continue to disciple and support contacts through Zoom and partnerships with two Iranian churches in England.
Pray For
- the evangelization of immigrants and the discipleship of baptized believers from Muslim backgrounds
- God’s help with translation challenges amid the reality of limited workers
- strength and growth for Iranian FM churches in Liverpool, London and elsewhere in Europe
- the development of the European Iranian Church Network
- leadership training and mentoring of five future ministers
- fruitful Orthodox ministry connections through Michael’s leadership of an international conference at the University of Thessaloniki in 2027
- God’s protection, wisdom and guidance for a sensitive mission to Iran
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,...