Looking back at December blessings

Dear friends, first of all, we want to wish you a blessed, beautiful, and above all healthy 2021.

Project-wise, we can look back at an awesome month of December in which, thanks to your generous gifts, we were able to make many people happy.

• We were able to donate 2,000 euro for Operation Christmas Joy from 222 Ministries, they handed out Christmas packages to Iranian refugee children in Turkey.
• We have also been able to donate 2,000 euro for the food and fuel packages that have been distributed to the poor and elderly in Moldova.
• We were also able to donate 3,000 euro for the renovation work of Atelier Café De Schor, in our hometown Papendrecht. A quotation has now been received and hopefully work can start soon.
• We donated 2,000 euro for the coffeehouse work of Teen Challenge among the hopeless and addicted in Iceland. With that, we have planted our flag (so to speak) on Icelandic soil just before the end of 2020. We believe that when we sow seed somewhere, we can expect a harvest as well.
• Another donation came in for the Christmas packages for the sailors in the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen, so we were able to help evangelist Alexander Ebserson with a total of 3,000 euro.

We know, it's just numbers and figures and they are not the core of the ministry. But it is still good to mention how many initiatives and projects we have been able to support, just in the last weeks of 2021 alone. December is the month of giving, after all!

Isn't it wonderful to make a 'tour' of Europe in this way? We are entering the new year full of hope and expectation. Hopefully, you will do so as well!

"So, let your light shine before men ..."

[Matthew 5:16]

More Christmas giving opportunities

We were able to give a nice donation towards the Christmas gifts for the sailors in the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen.

As is our custom in December, we will highlight several opportunities for you to be Santa. After all, it is better to give than to receive 😀

Last year we gave a donation towards Operation Christmas Joy, organized by 222 Ministries and Pearl of Persia. Again, this year they want to bring hope to Christian refugees from Iran in central Turkey and we have offered to raise some funds to help them out this Christmas.

222 Ministries is preparing packages for children containing warm clothes, shoes, and games. Unfortunately, no big party this year, but let's not leave them empty-handed.

Christmas packages are also being prepared in Moldova for distribution among the poor and elderly. A package for a family consists of 3 to 4 bags of coal for heating and about 12 kilos of food.

Our friends from Teen Challenge and Pilgrims will deliver the packages with their 51 year old Steyer truck. Last year they distributed 50 tons of coal and 450 food parcels. What a great gesture!

If you are still in doubt about who you want to bless with a special Christmas gift this year, one of these opportunities might be what you are looking for.

You can transfer any amount to St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Please mention whether it is for CHRISTMAS JOY or for MOLDOVA, and we will make sure that all gifts will go there directly.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Laptops for Teen Challenge Ukraine

As you probably know by now, each month the proceeds from our coffeehouse/shop Twinkeltje and the retro/vintage shop in Atelier-Café De Schor are going towards a Traveling Light project.

The proceeds from July went to the work of Teen Challenge among drug addicts and homeless people in Ukraine to buy 2 laptops for the Simcha women's home in Berdichev and one for the Freedom rehabilitation home in Kovel.

The laptops have now been purchased and put into use. The men and women in the program can now take online classes, church services, and Bible studies, when travel is not available.

For many of them, it is the first time they are coming in contact with the gospel, often after years of addiction. In addition to daily Bible studies, counseling, and group lessons are part of the program.

Thanks to you it is possible for them to stay connected online with others, especially with the coming winter just around the corner. The pictures show how happy they are with the laptops.

This month, the proceeds of our stores will go to the work of Radko Kratsov among the Roma community in Bulgaria. We always have a practical and manageable goal for our donations ... and personal contacts of course.

Come and visit us on Friday in De Schor or on Saturday afternoon in Twinkeltje. Twinkeltje's door is currently open for prayer every evening from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. We participate in the 10 days of prayer and fasting as part of The Return (to God).

Donations are always welcome at St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Our next project is Teen Challenge Albania.

Great ending of 2019

Alexander (right) hands out the packages

At the end of yet another year, we are looking back with gratitude. We have been able to support many projects thanks to your donations. Of course, our 2019 annual report will contain a (financial) overview of all these projects. We'll let you know when it comes out.

We received a newsletter and photos from port evangelist Alexander Eberson. The sailors were super happy with the Christmas packages. 💙Thank you all!

The proceeds of our shop Twinkeltje over December were 1,100 euro. We hereby want to give a big thank you to Chantal de Jong who gave workshops in atelier café De Schor, the proceeds of which went to Traveling Light. The entire amount went to the youth coffee house in Raygorodok, Ukraine.

We were also able to donate 3,000 euro for the Christmas packages for Iranian children in refugee camps in Turkey. That donation went through 222 Ministries and Pearl of Persia.

For now, we want to wish you all the best for 2020. Keep an eye on this blog, because at the beginning of January we will announce the project for the Weissensee fundraiser 2020.

Sponsor a Christmas package

A real Christmas celebration for children

Many people will receive Christmas gifts or a Christmas package this month, but it is much more fun to give one (or more) away! Traveling Light offers the opportunity to make people happy with a Christmas package.

We have chosen two completely different initiatives, but the idea behind them is the same ... letting people know that they are not forgotten and that Jesus came to earth for us all!

Last year's Operation Christmas Joy

Operation Christmas Joy is an initiative of 222 Ministries and Pearl of Persia. This month they want to bring hope to the forgotten Christian refugees in central Turkey. Many of these Christians have become refugees as a result of conflicts and/or have been persecuted for their faith. Living in Turkey, they receive no support and they have no right to work.

With their Christmas campaign for children, 222 ministries wants to meet practical needs (warm clothing) and bring an atmosphere of joy and celebration to victims of persecution and war.

That face tells a story

The care that their teams have shown to the children in the past has encouraged many parents to rebuild their broken communities.

Last year, the Christmas Joy initiative reached more than 1500 children in 20 cities in Turkey. Packages were handed out with toys and warm clothing (temperatures can drop below -25 ° C). There was a Christmas message and also a party where children had the chance to have fun.

The price of a package is 35 euro. You can transfer that amount or a multiple thereof to St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention 222 CHRISTMAS.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Alexander (left) on board of a vessel

And then a bit closer to home ... Seafarer's evangelist Alexander Eberson plans to hand out some three hundred Christmas packages to the sailors in the ports of Terneuzen and Ghent. He wrote us:

"The month of December is a good month to evangelize. The sailors are very open for the good news around Christmas time, when they are far from home. Every year around Christmas I make the crew of different vessels happy with a Christmas gift. "

Christmas package

The price of a package is 6 euro. The sailors will receive a warm hat and socks, shower gel, candy, the Gospel of John and a notebook. You can transfer that amount or a multiple thereof to St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention SAILORS CHRISTMAS.

We look forward to your gifts this month! Thank you so much.

Project sponsoring summer camp Teen Challenge Ukraine

Fun for young and old

Thank you for your generosity, we were able to donate 4,000 euro for project repair Casa Nuova in Italy. We will go there late August with a group for a workweek. Currently we are fundraising for project coffeehouse Teen Challenge Tirana, Albania. Jan is visiting at the moment, so more news as soon as he gets back.

This week we also want to ask your attention for the summer camp in Ukraine that is being organized each year by Teen Challenge Ukraine and the Jewish Messianic congregation of Pastor Sergey Romanenko. They expect around two hundred participants in Berdychiv.

The camp will be organized for men and women who are in drugs- and alcohol rehabilitation centers all over Ukraine. But also volunteers, workers, leaders, pastors, church members, children and family members are very much welcome. A mid week camping out, playing games, laughing, Bible study, music, food and just plain fun... too much to mention.

We might sometimes forget, but Ukraine is still a country at war. Besides that they are in a severe economic crisis and for many people this midweek will be the only chance for some kind of a vacation.

The camp will be held from July 4-8 and it costs about 20 euro per person to participate. Financial difficulties will stop people from signing up, but for 20 euro you will make it possible for one person to go to this summer camp in Berdychiv. That's awesome, isn't it?

So, if you have it on your heart to help, please send 20 euro (or a multiplication thereof) to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U stating Summer camp UKRAINE.

As far as we are concerned: shared joy is double joy :)

Report Weissensee 2016 for Kazakhstan

"Well done skaters!"  Thanksgiving from Kazakhstan

We can look back on a very successful Weissensee event. Despite the moderate temperatures (which made the ice really soft) and lots of water on the natural ice (which made the cracks invisible), our skaters have performed very well during the Alternative Elfsteden race in Austria.

Krijn Donk finished the 200 km in a spectacular time of 7:43 hours. Henk Swijnenburg made excellent time as well, 9:33 hours. Unfortunately, they were not able to set new personal records.

Henk Vlot arrived at the finish line after a grueling 10:57 hours. For him it was a new personal record, because last time he had to quit the race after 140 km.

Henk S., Krijn and Henk V. on the Weissensee

With their athletic activities these men brought in 4,500 euro. All proceeds will benefit the renovation and installation of a kitchen in the Teen Challenge juvenile home in Kazakhstan.

Of course they were thrilled in Almaty with the outcome of this fundraiser and on their behalf we want to say thank you to the skaters, supporters and members of our local press for their efforts. Great to see how many enthusiastic and heart-warming responses came in.

We (Jan and Marja) hope to schedule a visit to Kazakhstan soon. It is still pretty much winter over there, a good time for them to make plans for the upcoming renovations!

Happy faces thanks to your efforts and donations

We have mentioned it before on this blog: the giving of a donation is not the end of a project, it is the beginning of a new or the continuation of an existing relationship.

Further news:

• The amount for project teacher Teen Challenge in Slovakia came in. Thank you very much.
• Our 2015 year report will be posted on our website soon.
• The next project on this blog: Project Repairs Casa Nuova, Italy

Treasures in heaven...

This coming April Traveling Light will celebrate her 5th anniversary. A relatively short period in which a lot has happened. Praise the Lord!

What started as a simple initiative of two people has become

• a vibrant network covering over twenty countries,
• hundreds of projects supported,
• a wonderful team of volunteers and
• a group of faithful supporters

Treasurer Martin DeHaas writes in the financial year report over 2015:

"We can look back at 2015 as a year of growth. The income rose by over 13% compared to 2014 as more than 59,000 euro in donations came in. With all that money we were able to support 29 projects for a total of more than 58,000 euro, an increase of almost 10% compared to 2014.

All the gifts that came in have found a good destination. I find it remarkable that we can do all that at minimal costs. Only the bank charges are being paid out of the gifts coming in. This year that was less than 0.5% of revenues. All other costs are being paid out of pocket.

For the coming year it is my prayer that we can again support a large number of projects and that we will see a continuation of the upward trend of income and expenditure."

We would like to thank everyone who has worked in any way to facilitate this growth. Without your time, attention, prayers, gifts and enthusiasm we would not exist. We certainly speak these words on behalf of the hundreds, if not thousands, of people we have helped on their way to a better life.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

[Matthew 6: 19-21]

We certainly don't mind if you share this positive news with as many people as you can :)

School children in action

Sometimes there are initiatives that leave us speechless! Just after the summer holidays we received an email from the teacher of group 8 at the Queen Beatrix School in Papendrecht (right, that is where we are located) ... whether we could use a gift for one of our projects.

Official opening Bertine House

We then sent her information about Bertine House in Ukraine. Do you remember? The women and children from the rehab home in Donetsk had to flee for the war and they were without a permanent address for a while.

Earlier this year, a big house could be purchased in the city of Poltava and last September the new Bertine House was officially opened. The house is open for mothers with their children that come out of sometimes horrible situations: addiction, prostitution, abuse and poverty. They can safely live  there and they get the chance to experience the love of Jesus.

The children of the Queen Beatrix school collected 350 euro for Bertine House. A gift that can be used for buying food, paying the heating bills and the purchase of necessary household items

On behalf of the mothers & children: thank you!

We are very happy with this gift! Before we transfer the money, we want to ask whether there are churches, home groups, organizations, companies or families who want to follow the heartwarming and inspiring example of the children at the Queen Beatrix elementary school?

Within Europe additional gifts can be made payable to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: Bertine.

When in the USA, send your tax-deductible gift to Eastern Europe Outreach, make sure to mention TC UKRAINE BERTINE.

Together with the students of the Queen Beatrix school we can help to provide a warm and safe home for the mothers and children at Bertine House this winter!

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.

Visiting Teen Challenge Georgia

Changed lives change lives!

Last month, we traveled to the republic of Georgia. We were there to visit the team of Teen Challenge  and they gave us a very warm welcome!

Georgia is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture and breathtaking scenery! Together with neighboring country Armenia they are the only Orthodox Christian country among islamic countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The Teen Challenge men's home

A few years ago a Teen Challenge rehabilitation center for men was established. Men with addiction problems are coming from all neighboring countries to Teen Challenge for help.

Meanwhile Teen Challenge also purchased a property where a women's house will be opened! There's still a lot of money needed for this ...

Open air church 

TC workers Kuanysh and Madina showed us around and took us to some beautiful spots near the capital Tbilisi. We have talked a lot about God's work in this country and the opportunities to be a blessing to the neighboring countries where the love of Jesus is not so well known.

The church service was held in the open air in a beautiful place in the mountains. Giorgi had brought his guitar, we shared a message and then there was a delicious picnic.

Church picnic with lots of new believers

We met so many kind and loving people, we heard stories, we prayed together and were able to encourage many people. It's so wonderful to see that family members of the guys in the Teen Challenge program now also get curious about the love of God: they see the change in their son, brother, husband ...

We came also in contact with the young Iranian pastor R. He now lives in Georgia and has set up CIC Mission there.

Jan gives Bible study at the men's center

CIC Mission is a non-profit that aims to share the love of God with the people from Iran and Azerbaijan. With a small team of volunteers pastor R. starts house churches all over the region! More on that in one of our upcoming blogs.

Also with Teen Challenge directors Blair & Althea we had a good time, useful discussions, powerful prayers and they showed us beautiful spots in the area as well. It was a great encouragement for us to see how a LIVING community of believers is growing in Georgia!

We are happy to be able to help them. On behalf of staff and students of Teen Challenge Georgia, THANK YOU for your donations for project study materials.

New Bertine House, Ukraine

The new Bertine House

We have good news from the Ukraine and we would love to share it of course!

Do you remember that some of our guys ran the Etten-Leur half marathon last October to raise funds for the women and children from Bertine House, who had to flee Donetsk?

Magne & Olga Gulbrandsen

Bertine House was founded by Magne & Olga Gulbrandsen. It is a christian rehabilitation home (part of Teen Challenge Ukraine) for women coming out of addiction, abuse and prostitution. Together with their children they find there a safe place where they receive true love and often for the first time hear about Jesus. Last year September the war made an end to the work in Donetsk and they all had to leave everything behind to go to a safer place.

Large yard and play ground

Since then the women, children and workers have lived in a rented flat in the city of Poltava. But of course they kept looking for a big house with an even bigger yard and we all kept praying for the funds to come in to purchase such a house.  

A few months ago a substantial donation came in from the USA... and yes! This past week we received the news that a house has been bought.

A huge house with many rooms and a very large yard and play ground. Everyone is very happy and thankful. It is expected that the women and children will move to the new house in September.

Some ladies are inspecting the rooms

We will probably start a new fundraiser campaign during the upcoming marathon in Etten-Leur (October 25th 2015). Funds are (obviously) needed to fix up the house, to buy furniture, to beautify the yard etc. etc. so the house will become a real cozy HOME for the women and children.

If you have it on your heart to give a donation NOW you can certainly do so by sending your love gift for the women and children to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention BERTINE. We will collect all donations and make one transaction towards the new Bertine House.

When in the USA, send your tax-deductible gift to Eastern Europe Outreach, make sure to mention TC UKRAINE BERTINE.

Greetings from Berdychiv, Ukraine

With Sergey & Irina Romanenko

It is always fun to see what happens with the donations Traveling Light receives for certain projects.

It is not only fun, it is also important to hear and see that (y)our funds are being used purposely and effectively.

TV _ sound system

A few months back the offering during our Christmas Eve service at the Hoeksteen church brought in a nice sum, which we fully donated towards the work of pastor Sergey Romanenko among the homeless, addicted, poor and elderly people in the coffee and rehab homes in Berdychiv, Ukraine. With little means, this man accomplishes so much! His work is part of Teen Challenge Ukraine.

The new chickens

Last week  we were able to spend some time with him and his wife Irina at the Europe Teen Challenge conference in Poznan, Poland, which we all attended. They are sending their warmest greetings to all of you and much thanks for your help, support and prayers.

The December gift was used for the purchase of a television screen and sound system for the coffee house ministry in Berdychiv. They will use it to show Christian movies.

Preparations for new shed

They furthermore bought hundred chickens for the women's home. With the current war situation in the Ukraine and the constant rising of food prices, it is good to be autonomous as much as possible.

Therefore the money has also been used to lay a foundation for a new storage shed at the men's center and for the preparation of 1,5 hectares of land where potatoes and vegetables will be planted.

Welding set

They also purchased a welding set for the men's home, so the men in the rehabilitation program can do certain jobs and some can learn how to weld. They will begin with making a fence around the women's home, so the children can play in safety.

It is fantastic to see and hear how much can be done with such a gift! People are giving their lives to Jesus in the rehab homes and pastor Sergey has vision for opening more homes. We will certainly continue to stay in contact with him and offer help where we can. We hope you will join us to bring positive change to the Ukraine!

Click on the photo's for a larger view

Greetings from Teen Challenge Slovenia

Staf and students at Teen Challenge Slovenia

Do you remember project homeless honeymoon? Volunteers Jim & Lynda Hayes spent a long, homeless weekend on the streets of Amsterdam. That was their way of 'celebrating' their 30th wedding anniversary and they raised 3,500 euro for the drugs- and alcohol rehabilitation center of Teen Challenge in Slovenia.

That donation was sufficient to purchase a second hand, but very good WV Transporter Sinchro 4x4 as well as working clothes and shoes for the men in the program. Apart from Bible studies, groups studies and individual counseling, the guys join in several work projects on a therapeutic basis. This way they all learn order and discipline as well as responsibility.

The guys are often asked to cut down trees, to chop wood and to clear properties. The money that comes in that way is being used to pay for the day-to-day operation of the Christian center. In the past we were able to help them with a gift for the very first chainsaw... and look what a great and enthusiastic team they have now!

Director Matjaz Horjak writes:"The VW has room for six people and also lots of cargo space in the back, it is PERFECT for the work we do. We couldn't do it without Traveling Light and Jim and Lynda!!!! Thanks and many blessings!"

December projects

Rehab home Berdychiv

Thanks to your fantastic response and generous gifts we were able to bless many people this December month. Read along:

The offering during the Christmas Eve service in our Church De Hoeksteen was held for our project Coffee house and Rehab homes Berdychiv in the Ukraine. We are happy to announce that we have been able to give a total donation of 3,000 euro towards the work among the addicts, homeless, prostitutes, lonely and elderly in Berdychiv.

Months away from home

We were able to sponsor Guus and Annemiek Peters with a gift for 70 Christmas goodie bags for the sailors in the ports of Belgium. Guus writes: "I had many good talks with the sailors during the distribution of the Christmas goodie bags. One in particular was with Sujith, a Hindu from india. he told me that he became a father 4 months ago and that he had not seen his daughter yet, because he has been on board of his ship for six months...

I told him dat I know someone Who did send His Son to us and then did not see Him for 33 years. The only contact between tehm was through prayer. Sujith asked me to explain more and I could share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with him. I always find it so precious that I can do this, making use of a sailor's story. There is always something in the Bible to connect his story with. Sujith was very happy with the New Testament in his own Hindi language. Thank you very much for your help!"

Beit Hallel

We also received a thank you note of Voice of Judah Ministries in Ashdod, Israel. We were able to sponsor the work of Messianic congregation Beit Hallel with a gift. "Shalom!!! Confirming we have received your wire for 1,000 EUR. Thank you for your generous gift! Many Blessings." 

What a great way to end another blessed year! Thank you so much for your faithful, surprising, periodic, one-time, general, specific, small, large, lovely and special donations.

As we are meditating on Gods blessings in this previous year, we are at the same time looking forward to a new year. We already have several practical new projects lined up:

• Plastic for green houses Teen Challenge, Serbia
• Tractor parts for Communita Brezzano, Italy
• Repairs Coffee House Teen Challenge, Belgium
• Shelter for young girls in Moldava

We are looking forward to co-laboring with you all again. Please tell others about Traveling Light.

PS: click on the pictures for enlargement

Project Voice of Judah, Israel

Toys for children in hospital

For many people December is the month of giving (well, we think that's every month!) We remember how God gave His Son Jesus Christ to mankind... and more and more people realize that, in response to that great gift of love, it is so much better to give than to receive.

Each year we have seen an increase in donations during the month of December. And to keep the generosity ball rolling, the organizations, churches, ministries and projects we give to are being generous wherever they are. That is awesome!

Visiting the elderly

We would like to give a special love gift of 1,000 euro to the Voice of Judah in Ashdod, Israel. This organization proclaims the Good News to the people of Israel, reaches out a helping hand to feed and clothe the poor, plants and cultivates congregations, and raises up a generation of servant leaders. Pastor Israel Pochtar started the Messianic congregation Beit Hallel in 2005.

They are very active in their city and surrounding area. Their activities include: street outreach, humanitarian aid, gospel outreach tours, pro-life ministry, visiting hospitals and the elderly. They also organize Alpha courses and conferences for Hebrew, Russian and Arab speaking people. The voice of Judah is active in many spiritual and social areas of life.

The Voice of Judah is a group of believers that shines her light in Israel. We want to encourage them to keep doing so, despite the political unrest and ongoing violence.

If you have a heart for Israel, please send your gift to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275, BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention ISRAEL.

Pastor Israel Pochtar will be coming to the Hoeksteen Church in Etten-Leur this January 2015. If you want to hear more about the work and life in Israel, please come.