Around Europe!

Before you go on vacation (perhaps), here is an update on the recent and upcoming encouragement visits that form the heart of Traveling Light.

Early June, we visited Teen Challenge Belgium in Charleroi. Frédéric and Natacha Hensgens (the directors) organized a brocante market to raise funds for their streetwork and their residential program at Maison Betser, where five guests are currently staying.

Three of them have served prison sentences and can reintegrate here. Frédéric is involved with Belgian prisons as a chaplain and thus comes into contact with men and women who need a place to rebuild their lives.

Two other guests have addiction issues and can also work on those at Maison Betser.

We were able to help by welcoming visitors. It was very good and encouraging to see each other again, and to stay the night and enjoy a delicious breakfast together!

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On Tuesday, June 9, Jan set off on his motorcycle towards Teen Challenge Slovenia. Together with staff and students from the drug and alcohol rehab center there, they traveled by van to Croatia for Čuvar Brata Svoga, also known as the 'My Brother's Keeper' conference.

It was already the twelfth time that Jan participated, on behalf of  Traveling Light. It is a four-day outdoors conference for men from all Balkan countries where reconciliation, forgiveness, unity, and spiritual growth are key topics.

For Jan (and therefore Traveling Light), it is also always a wonderful opportunity to meet friends from all Balkan countries, catch up, and maintain and strengthen contacts.

After the four-day conference, Jan stayed an extra day at the TC center in Slovenia to teach during chapel services and spend time with the men.

👉Watch the fun short video of the conference HERE.

On the way back, Jan visited Dirk and Meike Hellmann, former directors of Teen Challenge Gutes Land in Germany. Dirk has been ill for years and is mostly housebound. They are always thrilled to receive visitors.

Upon arriving home, it turned out Jan had lost his passport, wallet, and phone, so (among other things) we don't have many photos 😢

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This week we will be driving to Teen Challenge in Lithuania. See the photo of last year's tent meeting. We have been invited again this year to give a seminar in the rehab centers there, as well as to speak at the church in Kaunas on Sunday. The theme for all sessions this weekend is 'The meaning and purpose of life.'

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As you can read, it is a busy month in terms of travel and visits. In Papendrecht, you are of course always very welcome at our shops Twinkeltje or De Schor. This month's project is the work of Teen Challenge in Berdichev, Ukraine.

We take care of all travel expenses, but... if you have a heart for the projects we support, you can send a donation in different ways:

💛Send your financial gift to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

💳 Give by card

👉You can also donate directly via our website!

🔔When in the USA, make your tax-deductible gift payable to EEO Inc. Make sure to mention TRAVELING LIGHT.