Support knows no restrictions

The proceeds of our secondhand shop Twinkeltje over the month of March went to the work of Teen Challenge among the homeless and addicted in Slovakia. This week we spoke with director Patrik Hipp over the phone.

At the time the government measures were announced, they had 15 men in the center in Sered. Many of them then chose to end the program early, not wanting to be "locked down" without knowing for how long.

So, seven men remained and no new students are allowed to enter the program during the lockdown. 'That is quite difficult for the men,' says Patrik. 'Part of the program's strength is that students come and go, which brings refreshment and perspective. When new students arrive, the others realize how far they have actually come.'

The atmosphere in the center is good and a lot of hard work is being done in the vegetable garden, as shown in the video below. Patrik wants to thank everyone for the gift and sends a warm greeting from Slovakia.

Last week we also received a newsletter from Pastor Steve Telzerow from Slovenija. This included a documentary about the work of Teen Challenge there, which was recently shown on television. The video is really worth watching.

• We are currently raising money for the work of 222 Ministries among Christian refugees in Turkey.
• The monthly project in Twinkeltje for May is the work among Roma children in Macedonia.

As you can see, the support we offer as Traveling Light knows no restrictions.

GIFTS (large and small) for all our projects are always welcome and can be directed at St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Video Teen Challenge Slovakia

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Proceeds of secondhand shop go all over Europe

Last week we received a message from Poland and well from Teen Challenge Winiarczykowka. Janusz and Bogusia Gornicki are the directors of a home for the elderly which is located in a former border patrol post. 'We're painting the whole house,' Bogusia messaged.

👉The proceeds of our secondhand shop/coffee house Twinkeltje over the month of January went to the work of Teen Challenge in Winiarczykowka. They wanted to paint the house on the inside, which is the first time since they came to live there, 10 years ago.

'We are so happy with your gift,' Bogusia wrote, 'we were able to buy a lot of paint and now we can give the men a nice job. At the moment we are more or less confined to the house with these elderly people, so it is great to have such a beautiful project that we can all work on. They love it!'

Well, back in January we had no idea how our donation fro them would be put to use. But we are very glad to hear that the timing was perfect. For sure, the home will look wonderful when all the work is done.

👉The proceeds of Twinkeltje over February went to the work of Brian Slater and Abundant Bread of Salvation in Israel. Thank you all, on behalf of Brian.

Brian also works a lot with the elderly in his food bank and soup kitchen and he has to take the necessary measures nowadays. But the work in Netanya continues. Watch the video of his adopt-a-holocaust-survivor program HERE.

👉The proceeds of Twinkeltje over March went to the work of Teen Challenge among the homeless and addicted in Slovakia.

We (Jan and Marja) were scheduled to visit there last week, among other things for the presentation of the Slovak edition of Marja's book 'My Neighbor's House' which is now available on Kindle. All events and meetings have been postponed.

Twinkeltje (like other shops) is open on Saturday afternoon, albeit under the currently applicable rules. There is no coffee table, but shopping is always possible, we have good stuff!

👉The project in Twinkeltje for April is the Teen Challenge juvenile home in Kazakhstan.

GIFTS (large and small) for all our projects are always welcome and can be directed at St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Our visit to Israel

Good atmosphere in the soup kitchen

In October we (Jan and Marja) enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Israel. But it was so much more than just vacation!

We helped Brian Slater from Abundant Bread of Salvation in his foodbank in Netanya. We unloaded pallets of products and placed everything on the shelves, we assembled food packages and served meals in the soup kitchen. Always fun to be there and give a helping hand!

Catching up with Polly

The proceeds from our shop Twinkeltje over November will go towards the work of Brian Slater. So come and shop for a good cause!

Also, take a look at this great VIDEO!

We had coffee and lunch with Polly Sigulim in Arad. The Teen Challenge women's home she directed for several years had to close due to several circumstances. But Polly still offers a safe place for women, now in her own home.

Because there is quite a bit of opposition from the Jewish orthodox community in Arad, she stays a bit under the radar so to speak. It was good to catch up and pray with and for each other. All in all, an encouraging visit.

Such honor to meet these Holocaust survivors

Together with Jeroen & Robin Honigh (from Milk & Honey Ministries in the USA) we visited Beit Joles, a home for the elderly in Haifa. Many Jewish people with a Dutch background live there. It was very precious to have time and conversation with these Holocaust survivors (often well in their eighties and nineties).

They enjoyed speaking Dutch with us and in the course of the afternoon, more residents joined our table. They shared stories of their hiding places during WW II with the help of the books Righteous among the Nations. They invited us to come again...

We also had a nice lunch and caught up with Amadeus Schmidgall, who used to be a staff member at Teen Challenge Emsland in Germany and now lives in Jerusalem.

With Mirka and Milan in Jerusalem

When we arrived in the old city that morning, we had an unexpected meeting with Milan & Mirka Antalik, whom we know from our trips to Slovakia. Milan arranges the book presentations and speaking engagements of Marja's Slovak books.

Such joyful meetings, and great to see how the Traveling Light network connects nations!

GIFTS (large and small) are always welcome and can be directed at St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Visit to Slovakia

Sunday service at Faith Baptist Church Bratislava

A few weeks ago we promised to write a short report on this blog about our visit to Slovakia, back in April.

Marja's book "Spirit of Truth" has been published in Slovak language and we were invited to the presentation. It was a very exciting and hopeful weekend.

We spoke about the theme 'truth' during a youth evening in the Faith Baptist Church in Bratislava. Around forty (!) young people were present and we discussed common lies and Biblical truth.

Later that weekend Marja spoke in the same church during the Sunday morning service about the attack on truth, just like in the time of Jesus.

Of course we visited the Teen Challenge drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Sered and we spoke in the David Wilkerson Chapel about the importance of knowing the truth and about the lies that often keep people imprisoned for years.

Teen Challenge chapel Sered

"You always remain a user," "you need drugs or alcohol," "you will never be anything." Lies the enemy whispers. We prayed very personally with the men in the program and then used a meal together.

Radio Pokoj was present throughout the weekend to make recordings of our speeches and also to conduct a number of interviews. We supported Radio Pokoj last year with a gift, so it was really nice to work together again.

Lutheran church in Vrbovce

We also had coffee with Pastor Miroslav Hvozdara of the Lutheran church in Vrbovce, a small town on the border with the Czech Republic, about 100 km north of Bratislava. He works among homeless people and addicts, fantastic what this man is doing. We encouraged him and prayed together.

Not so far from there we went to look at a beautiful property that could perhaps become a second Teen Challenge location. We ended up praying together on the floor, asking for wisdom, insight and provision.

Prayer time

Well, sometimes people ask us what we do when we are traveling 😀 We never know  beforehand, but it is always exciting! The focus is always on prayer and encouragement for people working in the Kingdom of God, throughout Europe. (We travel on our own expenses, your donations will always go towards the projects.)

• Wednesday, June 5th we will host another MISSION NIGHT in Twinkeltje. We have Teen Challenge Sweden visiting us . They will share about the coffee house/secondhand shop that they have recently opened there! Evening starts at half past seven with coffee and tea.
• Financial donations for all our awesome projects are always welcome at IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht.

Events and meetings

Enthusiastic team

We have had a number of special events and meetings in recent weeks which we would like to share with you.

On Wednesday, April 17, we participated in a local event, raising funds for non profits such as sport clubs and ngo's. For every 2,5 km you run or walk, a local business pays your organisation 1,50 euro. A great way to team up and bring in funds for our projects!

We ran no less than 62 rounds together and raised 93 euro. It was a great evening, very nice to be on the move together. Thanks everyone!

Thursday evening, April 18, we watched The Passion with a number of people in Twinkeltje, on a big screen. We all loved it! There was someone from the neighborhood who did not know the Easter story yet and was very touched ...

Seder meal in our secondhand shop / coffee house

On Friday, April 19, we celebrated the Jewish Seder meal with a group of  Traveling Light friends and volunteers.

We took turns reading the Haggadah and saying the prayers. Just like last year, Good Friday coincided with the start of Pesach and that made the evening very special.

Communion meal with our volunteers

Friday evening, April 26, we held our annual inspiration evening for our volunteers. We came together for a good meal, to catch up and encourage each other with stories and testimonies.

Doing life together, meeting as often as we can and inspiring each other ... we just love that kind of fellowship!

And yes, then came Saturday April 27 of course, the free market during King's Day. It was an happening as usual and we sold lots of secondhand stuff: 330 euro.

That amount brought the proceeds for the month of April in Twinkeltje to more than 1,100 euro! An amount that will fully benefit the work of Teen Challenge in Slovakia... we  were there in April as well, but more about that in another blog post 😁

In the meantime, gifts are pouring in for the kitchen in Berdychiv. Very nice!

👉 Your happy donations are always welcome to IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht.

Project news

Orges Hysenaj at the TC coffee house

Your gifts for project Radio Peace in Slovakia are coming in, thank you. Always nice to see that you react enthusiastically to our calls for action!

The proceeds of our secondhand shop Twinkeltje over the month of October will go to the work of Teen Challenge in Albania. So come and visit us or send a specified gift if you want to support that work.

We have highlighted the work of Orges & Blerina Hysenaj among the homeless and addicted in Tirana several times on this blog. In his latest newsletter Orges reports that three (!) new coffee houses have been opened, in Vlore, Elbasan and Cerrik. How wonderful is this?! At these locations addicts can come for a conversation, for coffee and a touch of God's love.

This is all the work of volunteers, but of course funds are needed for the rental of these locations and the purchase of materials. A suitable building for a Teen Challenge rehabilitation home in Albania has not yet been found, but that will certainly be the next step.

The children in Bertine House

Earlier this year, the Weissensee fundraiser brought in a beautiful sum for Bertine House in Ukraine. Last month they celebrated the 10th anniversary of Bertine House. What a blessing this house is for many mothers and children! A safe place, a place to grow, heal and recover.

You can show your support by liking the Bertine House FB page! Furthermore, financial support remains necessary to continue this work. We will keep you updated on this blog on any upcoming actions to help them. Of course your ideas are very much welcome!

In our own country there is also lots of action :) just look at the calendar of Twinkeltje. Furthermore, on October 15 we started with a study series about the person and the work of the Holy Spirit in De Hoeksteen church in Etten-Leur. Last Monday evening Marja and Cora kicked off because Jan is in Africa for his work.

This Friday night we will be hosting Prayer for the Nations again! You can start such a prayer event in your own town or country!

Donations and prayers for all those beautiful, special projects are always welcome. Please, send your donation  to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Project Radio Peace, Slovakia

At the book presentation, Peter in the middle

In March of this year we (Jan and Marja) were in Slovakia for the presentation of the Slovak edition of Marja's book 'Grace of Giving'. Radio recordings were made during that presentation and this is how we came into contact with Dr. Peter Kamenec.

Peter and his wife Zuzana and son Tomáš live in Vranov nad Topľou, in eastern Slovakia. Peter grew up in a state orphanage (during communism) and was adopted at the age of five. God did not play any role in his life. He felt unwanted, rejected and abandoned.

"God and religion was for old women," he reasoned. After a wild student life in Bratislava, where alcohol abuse lead him to a state of utter desperation, he finally came to faith at the age of 30 with the help of his best friend.

Peter is the founder of internet Radio Pokoj, or radio 'peace'. With a team of volunteers he runs a Christian internet radio station. They broadcast music, sermons, lectures, interviews and background stories. The radio station is not connected to any specific church denomination, and that is quite special. It aims to preach the gospel through music, word and poetry.

Peter at work

When we were in Bratislava, we were also interviewed for a radio program, of course with an interpreter. To be able to broadcast certain music and programs, licenses are required. A lot of work needs to be translated from English as well. To be able to finance all that, Peter founded a non-profit organisation: Cum Mandato Eius. This non-profit is behind the radio station.

We promised him support from the Netherlands for this initiative. It is so necessary to broadcast a different message between all secular media, the message of the Good News that God loves people.

Set-up for internet radio

Those who have read this blog a bit longer know that we are happy to support evangelism outreaches. Whether it is study material for Living Free, Bibles in various languages, study books for prisoners or editions of the Cross and the Switchblade ... we are happy to help spread the Gospel through the various media outlets.

If you have a heart for the spreading of God's word in Slovakia, please, send your donation  to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: RADIO.

Meanwhile, translators and editors are working hard on the Slovak edition of Marja's book 'Spirit of Truth', which will be published soon. We might be in Peter's radio programming again!

European spring tour 2017 (3)

'Once I was blind, now I see...'

From Winiarczykowka in Poland to the Teen Challenge center in Sered, Slovakia is a beautiful drive through mountain scenery. We really enjoyed it.

The men's rehab center in Sered accommodates around 15-20 men who suffered from addiction or other life-threatening problems. We were a bit late for lunch, but they still offered us a large bowl of soup and homemade apple strudel .... how delicious!

Library in the chapel

The men in the program take care of the cooking, the garden, the cleaning, the animals and all other daily activities. And so they learn to use their talents in a good way.

Jan gave an encouraging message in the afternoon at the David Wilkerson Memorial Chapel (Traveling Light is one of the sponsors of this beautiful building). The worship was lead by two men from the program, it sounded heavenly. Those guys can really sing! After the service, we climbed the tower to check out the library.

Director Stanislav Kunak handed us the Slovak edition of the book 'The Cross and the Switchblade'. We felt so honored to see the name of Traveling Light in the back of book among the sponsors who helped to publish this book.

The proceeds of our second-hand shop over the month of January went towards this project. The story in this book has touched and changed thousands of lives and is still doing so, worldwide!

Bringing comfort and hope

We had the opportunity to pray with the mother of Milan, who worked faithfully at Teen Challenge for years and died suddenly last year. She misses her son enormously and feels sad quite often. She had a picture of Milan and us in her purse which was taken during one of our previous visits.

During dinner at an excellent local restaurant we became acquainted with Zuzana, who will translate my book Grace of Giving into the Slovak language (!). We also had a great and inspirational conversation with a local businessman who has been called to publish evangelical books in the Slovak language and will pick up this project. Yes, networking is something we love to do as well :)

Early birds

We slept in the house of Milan's sister and we had the opportunity to minister in prayer to the girls living there. The next morning we had a full house at breakfast as pastor Lubor & Danielle of the evangelical church in Galanta came along and we encouraged them in personal prayer... resulting in these smiling faces.

On to Slovenia!

PS: Click on the pictures for an enlargement

Gifts (large and small) for the various projects are always welcome! St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Project news

Crochet workshop in Twinkeltje

Our 2nd-hand shop Twinkeltje has quickly become the talk of the town, and not only in Papendrecht :) We enjoy a good number of customers, visits and a nice and warm atmosphere where people feel free to tell their stories. Every month, the proceeds of the sales and of the workshops are designated for a particular project.

In January, more than 1,000 euro came in which we will donate to the work of Teen Challenge in Slovakia. We have good contacts with director Stanislav Kunak who runs the men's rehabilitation center in Sered.

Conversation with board members Senior Association

On January 19th Marja was invited to give a presentation about Traveling Light at the local chapter of the Christian Senior Association in Papendrecht. The room was packed and the response was one of both excitement and surprise ....

"Wow, we did not know this. Is all of this really happening in our town of Papendrecht?

We are extremely grateful for invitations to come and tell more about the work of our non-profit. The gift we received that afternoon will go towards the work of Teen Challenge in Albania.

In action on the Weissensee, Austria

Our skating team has returned from the Weissensee. We will soon publish a blog post about their performances and the final outcome of the sponsor event for the Teen Challenge women's home in Batumi, Georgia.

If you have made a pledge (or still want to give), please send your donation as soon as possible to IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht. Make sure to mention WEISSENSEE.

Soup kitchen Hungary

The proceeds of Twinkeltje over the month of February will be for Michael and Janet van Boxtel who work among the poorest in Hungary. So come and visit us on Saturday afternoons and shop for a good cause, the coffee is always ready!

The new project on this blog will be about cows, a Bible school and a rehab center! You can subscribe to our blog by entering your email address in the space provided in the right column or by sending an email to janandmarja@gmail.com.

Project news and thanksgiving

Traveling Light ice skating team

Tuesday, January 26, 2016 will be the big day, ice skating team Traveling Light will start in the early morning for the 200 km long race on the Weissensee in Austria.

Donations are pouring in, more than 3,500 euro has been pledged if the men finish the trip! That amount will be much higher if personal records are broken. So it will be a very exciting day!

The entire proceeds of this action will benefit the construction and installation of a kitchen in the boys home of Teen Challenge juvenile program in Kazakhstan.

Finally, it's there....

There is a webcam and on www.weissensee.nl you can follow the skaters. Their registration numbers are as follows: 5005 Henk Swijnenburg Henk, 5369 Henk Vlot and 5393 Krijn Donk.

Last week Sasa Ivanovic, the director of the Teen Challenge rehabilitation centers in Serbia, sent us pictures of the new tractor lawnmower that they were able to buy, thanks to your donations.

Thank you all on behalf of TC Serbia

Sasa writes: "It's finally here!!! We are so exited and happy, as you can see on the pictures, it looks really amazing! Real, good stuff. I want to thank you and Jan, Traveling Light, as well as all people who supported this project, on behalf of our students, staff and our personal name!"

In December's seafarer's evangelist Guus Peters visited the ports of Gent, Antwerp and Terneuzen. He gave away 188 Christmas goody bags. We were able to sponsor sixty (!) bags thanks to your donations.

Guus with the sailors

Guus writes: "I visited a ship with Filipino, some Romanian and Ukrainian sailors and  the captain called the whole crew together so that I could explain the Gospel. I then handed out the Christmas gifts and the men were so happy.

The sweaters are really a hit and of course the woolen hats are also very much appreciated. Thank you very much for your great contribution."

Isn't it great to make so many people happy? Currently we also raise funds for the rehabilitation program of Teen Challenge in Sered, Slovakia. They want to employ their current teacher also in 2016. They will need about 2,400 euro for this.

GIFTS are always welcome at IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht.

Thank you very much for your comments, emails, pledges, donations and prayers!

Project Teacher Teen Challenge Slovakia

Teen Challenge Slovakia

The Weissensee fundraiser is up and running (keep an eye on the thermometer!) and the donation for Teen Challenge Georgia has been transferred. That means there is room to announce a next project ... because we never stand still.

As most of you know by now, a large part of our projects involve support for Teen Challenge programs in every corner of Europe.

These Christian rehabilitation centers for people with life controlling problems offer the Teen Challenge curriculum which consists of group and individual lessons.

It is not sufficient that someone is simply 'clean'. An empty and tidy house must be filled with truth! [Herein Christian and secular rehab programs often differ in their approach.]

Group and individual studies

Sometimes the curriculum is being taught by people who have gone through the program themselves (graduates) and now have become staff members in a center. Sometimes however, as with Teen Challenge Slovakia, there is a need for an  external teacher.

Good education is of course an essential part of the program. The men and women often used to live many years without structure, morals or principles and do not know much about Biblical truths and guidelines.

Vladimir Príbelsky

Since last year, Vladimir Príbelsky has been teaching in the rehab program in Sered. He receives a compensation for his services. Most Teen Challenge programs receive no (or little) government funding and depend on donations. If possible they will also use it to pay their employees a salary.

On this blog we wrote about the construction of the prayer chapel in Sered. Currently they are working on a much needed replacement of the roof of the rehabilitation home. Fortunately they received funding for it. Hallelujah!

Teen Challenge Sered, Slovakia

As much as we possibly can we offer the Teen Challenge programs prayer and encouragement (by visiting or writing emails and letters) but also some financial help to overcome the many daily challenges.

At the beginning of 2016 we want to help Teen Challenge Slovakia to continue the use of the services of Vladimir Pribelsky for at least another year. They need about 2400 euro.

If you have a heart for EDUCATION, please send your donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Please make sure to mention EDUCATION SLOVAKIA.

Thank you, also on behalf of the men in the program!

Opening chapel Teen Challenge, Slovakia

Guests are arriving

Do you remember it? On December 6th, 2012, we announced project chapel Sered, Slovakia.

It started with a drawing of a small chapel that was going to be constructed on the premises of ​​the Teen Challenge rehabilitation home.

We were able to bless them with a generous gift in three phases for the construction of this house of prayer.

On September 5th and 6th we were in Slovakia for the official opening of the David Wilkerson Memorial Chapel, which is the full name of the chapel. They also celebrated the 20th anniversary of Teen Challenge in Slovakia.

The chapel fills up!

It is great to see how beautiful the building has become. It already serves as a church to the neighborhood! The men in the rehabilitation program have co-labored with the construction workers to build this beautiful chapel and they're proud of the work of their hands.

It was a great honor for us to be allowed to give a speech on behalf of Traveling Light and to bring greetings from all of you.

The chapel is located right next to the rehab home

Finally, the men in the program have a quiet place, a place for prayer and reflection and that surely is a blessing when you share a room with several other guys on a daily basis.

With the help of your generous gifts this project has been realized.

THANK YOU on behalf of the staff and students of Teen Challenge Slovakia.

Follow-up project chapel Teen Challenge Slovakia

Traditional wooden beams for the roof

This past April we visited Teen Challenge Slovakia again, this time together with volunteers Jim & Lynda Hayes from our church De Hoeksteen. We visited the men's drugs- and alcohol rehabilitation center in Sered and the children's home in Hlohovec, where children and teenagers are living who can no longer live at home.

Last year we were able to help Teen Challenge twice with a donation towards the construction of the David Wilkerson Memorial chapel at the grounds of the men's home in Sered. It is very inspiring to see how this building is taking shape. Every euro is being used twice :)

Part of the work is being done by the men in the program. Some of them have never worked in construction before and they are excited to see this happening, while recovering from drugs- and alcohol addiction. They are building their spiritual house (as our bodies are the temple of God) as well as a physical house of prayer.

The Teen Challenge men are helping

In the meantime the roof construction is being completed, all in traditional architectural style. The construction of the chapel has drawn the attention of the people in the neighborhood and even of the mayor of Sered, who comes by regularly for a visit and coffee.  The chapel will be used by the men in the Teen Challenge center for regular prayer-and church services and other activities of a spiritual nature. It will also provide ministry for the people in the surrounding area.

We are very happy with the way director Stanislav Kunak is managing this project. That is why we would like to help again with a gift of 2,000 euro. There is still a lot of work to be done before the outside of the chapel is finished and then the work on the inside will start (floors, ceilings, window, doors, electricity etc.)

It's going to be beautiful!

If you love such small scale building projects, executed by local craftsmen and the men who are in the Teen Challenge program, you can show support by sending a donation to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U

We are looking forward to your support!

• Click on the photo's for a bigger view
• Sponsoring summer camp Ukraine is still open!
• We just returned form a visit to Winiarczykowka Teen Challenge in Poland. More about that in an upcoming blog post.

PS: we always travel on our own expense, all donations go towards the projects.