IOCC Story – Finding Hope Among the Ashes

IOCC – 17/12/2020

Today I share the first of many Stories of Hope that you have helped make possible. It is the story of my trip to a small town in Greece that was devastated by wildfire—and of the people who lost their homes and businesses, but never their spirit.

Standing on top of the mountain in Artemida surrounded by burned houses, cafes, and small businesses, I tried to comprehend how intense the fires had been. I looked at the valley destroyed as far as I could see, wondering how we could possibly help.

I turned to see a group gathered with a priest. The priest came to me and said, “Look over there!” He was pointing to a small green plant peeking out of the scorched earth. “Zoe! Life! There is life.” I smiled and said, “Yes, there is life.”

At that moment, this priest—whose community had just suffered such immeasurable loss—was able to show me that there was still hope, even in great darkness. A reminder of Christ’s love for us all.

Thanks to your support, IOCC has been able to work with the community to get through the emergency, rebuild their lives, and protect their homes and neighbourhoods against future blazes.

I hope that you will consider giving today and help us continue writing Stories of Hope.

With love in Christ,
Constantine M. Triantafilou
Executive Director & CEO
IOCC

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