Project Roma support, Bulgaria

In our previous blog we shared the 'Roma Bread Basket' project in Macedonia. We will stay with the Roma population for a while and reflect on the work of Radko and Nevin Kratsov in Bulgaria.

In their most recent newsletter, they shared about the birth of their third daughter Melissa. We are all thankful that mother and baby are doing well.

Last January Radko and his team were able to distribute tons of warm clothing to more than five hundred families. Currently, the Christian Roma community in Bulgaria is joining forces to help their brothers and sisters in Ukraine.

That is quite remarkable, writes Radko in his newsletter because many Roma are among the poorest in Bulgaria, and yet they are now doing their best to help others in need.

There are several large Roma communities in Kharkov and Kherson. Radko was supposed to give a conference there for about fifty Roma pastors in April, May, and October, but unfortunately, that cannot take place now because of the war. They stay in touch with each other as much as possible!

Conferences, training sessions, and youth meetings in Bulgaria and Macedonia are again on the calendar for the coming months. In his work with YWAM (Youth with a Mission), Pastor Radko focuses first and foremost on the spiritual development of the Roma population. He knows from his own experience that receiving God's love is the beginning of a new life... for everyone!

His personal story can be seen in this very interesting documentary.

Radko provides education and leadership training in Bulgaria and surrounding countries and helps Roma to develop a Biblical view for every area of ​​life: relationships, work, health, finances, etc.

If you would like to support the work of Radko and YWAM in Sliven, Bulgaria, please make your gift payable to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention: ROMA BULGARIA.

👉You can give by card as well.

Project Mercy Center, Athens

It has been quite a few years since we supported the work of Elias and Efi Armenis in Greece with a donation.

They are the founders of Passage to Life in Athens, a christian organization dedicated to helping the poor, the homeless, and addicted and sharing the hope that only Jesus can give.

Their Mercy Center is open on various days of the week. In the building they serve hot meals, distribute clothing, offer Bible studies, counseling, advice, and prayers.

During the summer their team did street evangelism in various places, meetings were organized and food packages distributed.

Due to all the restrictions, they decided to move the meetings and activities to the roof of the building. A great solution, as long as it was summer of course 😁

Now that winter is approaching, they are looking for a strong and durable tent construction so that the meetings on the roof can continue.

As in many countries, it is not possible at the moment to organize indoor meetings with a group of people ... so they have taken everything outside.

Elias is currently raising funds to purchase a large tent so that the work can continue throughout the winter. The needs are growing in the streets of Athens. We are grateful for people like Elias and Efi and their team who continue to reach as many people as possible despite difficult circumstances,

If you have a heart for Greece (maybe you have been there on vacation) then you can support the street work in Athens by making a donation to NL91RABO0118582275  BIC: RABONL2U Traveling Light, Papendrecht, The Netherlands. make sure to mention ATHENS.

Hungary update

Michel plays his guitar for the young refugees

We are currently raising funds for the work of Michel & Janet van Boxtel of non-profit organization Embrace who have swapped the luxury of a life in the Netherlands for working among the poorest in Hungary.

They had no idea that, so soon after their move to Hungary, they would come face to face with the 'refugee situation' if we may call it so for now. Fortunately, they are able to offer a helping hand and shine their light!

Michel & Janet write:

"The refugee issue is immense and yet we can be of significance in this. We personally help at the tent sites in collaboration with the Baptist Aid.

At the Hungarian border

This help consists of assisting nurses, helping parents with their children, handing out appropriate clothing etc. But also chatting with the people, playing a game of soccer and of course Michel plays his guitar and we sing! The camp residents are, as always, attracted to the music and that opens the door to communicate!

From the Baptist Aid the question came to us if we could help to collect relief supplies. After a lot of hassle, many emails and calls a truck load arrived from the Netherlands. The largest part was collected and loaded by the Reformed Church in Sliedrecht (part of their cargo is also destined for eastern Hungary and the Ukraine) and Blankenburgh. They provided also sixty mattresses.

At one of the food distribution sites (Maglódi Ut) the desire rose to establish a church for all these homeless people. The team leader of this location has asked us if we could please come to help. Of course we will do so! "

Well, offering a helping hand wherever you are! That is simple and effective. Donations for the work of Michel & Janet are very welcome! Please send your gift to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention EMBRACE HUNGARY.

THANKS!

Project heart for Hungary

The VanBoxtel family

We were able to give a nice donation towards the summer activities among the Roma children in Macedonia and the required amount for the barn in Berdychiv in Ukraine has almost come in, we're still a few hundred euro's short. So, we feel free to present a new project.

Let's introduce Michel & Janet van Boxtel with their children Jonathan and Elisa. Michel & Janet are the founders of the non-profit organization Embrace. Their mission is to help the poorest people of Hungary. They work from a Christian perspective and the conviction that every human being should feel loved and accepted.

Michel attracts young audiences with his guitar

We have been in contact with them for a while through email and last year Michel & Janet came to visit us to share their plans. We saw passion in this young couple and a desire to share God's love to people who live in the poorest areas of Europe. We promised to help them, first with encouragement, later with finances.

Embrace center

After several visits to this eastern European country during previous years, the family decided this past July to leave the luxury and comfort of a life in the Netherlands behind and to live in Hungary. They are thankful to have their home church in Goes standing behind them. Michel & Janet now rent a house, which will also serve as a multi-functional center.

They will open a distribution point for clothing and supplies, a guest room, a classroom for English lessons and Bible study, a soup kitchen / coffee house and much more :)

It is obvious that funds are needed in order to realize these plans. We have seen a passion in Michel & Janet to be active and creative for God and a willingness to reach people who would otherwise remain in a desperate situation. They are not afraid to take on the adventure with God... and such people make us happy :)

Funds are needed for furnishing and decorating the home, for kitchen equipment, for rent, for study materials etc. etc. Michel & Janet have a heart for Hungary. We hope that you have a heart for people like them and that you want to help us in giving them a good start.

Please, send your donation  to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention EMBRACE HUNGARY