Missionary Work on Crete

In late August we received a missionary referral from the Military Affairs Office in the Church Office building in SLC.  Someone was deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and was searching for a congregation and/or missionaries.  Turns out after the Military Affairs searched their database Sigonella was the closest congregation. We made contact with Dustin and offered what we could from this distance.  The Sigonella Optical Clinic provides service to Souda Bay on a three times a year rotation.  They announced their fall rotation to be the week of October 14-20.  We began immediately to piece together both an optical rotation and the opportunity to touch base with our referral on Souda Bay. 

We discussed this situation with our Mission President and he requested permission of the Area Authority Elder De Feo.  Those pieces were fairly easy to put in place, the Military Space A flight to Souda Bay was another story.  We volunteer at the Sigonella terminal with the USO every Tuesday so we began following the "Space A" flight service to Souda Bay to try to figure out how to make this whole piece come together.  We learned there is no rhyme or reason to the Souda Bay service; it appears to be on a needs basis.  The optical clinic told us to sign up and prepare for October 20 departure.  We did that but the earliest flight we could get a show time for was 6:00 AM October 16.  When we arrived we were told the Flight was a C-40 with 26 seats but they were transporting Hazardous material so only active duty passengers were allowed on board.  There would be no Space A! We chatted a short while, then the announcement came that the hazardous materials could not be loaded so there were Space A seats; just like that we were on our way to Souda Bay.

Crete was absolutely breathtaking, the island and the bay reflected the Byzantine, Arab and Venetian influence from the promenade around the bay right up to the lighthouse.  The buildings are white with lots of arches and domes, exactly like you would expect.

The light house in the center of the bay is surrounded by cobblestone streets and old world retail!

The old shipping yard buildings still stand behind the glitzy new boats.

The Mosque is surrounded by horse and carriage rides that can be taken through the city.

Three minaret towers used to call for prayers five times each day stand around the city.

White buildings on the shore go all the way up the mountainside.

The Greek Orthodox Church stands in the center of town.

Brass chandelier hangs in front of the alter piece/

The art work on the walls and ceiling create interesting examples of the Greek Orthodox Church!

Interestingly enough, Dustin, deployed for two weeks beginning on Monday, October 15, one day before we arrived!  We were able to find another couple who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also at Souda Bay.  He is a military contractor, he and his wife living off base.  We organized a Branch dinner and both members of the branch attended.  We had a great experience learning about them and their stay on Crete.  They actually hold church at their home and when TDY or deployed church members arrive the attendance increases from two to however many happened to be in Souda Bay.  Pretty amazing no matter how remote you are, there is a way to stay involved with the Church!

The Souda Bay Branch and the Sigonella Missionaries; we had a branch dinner following this photo! Amazing Greek dishes were served and enjoyed by all.

I am confident that we must return again to find Dustin!