We are so happy and thankful, we want to scream it from the roof tops: the 10.000 euro's needed for the Onyfrievka project in Ukraine are here. We have received the necessary gifts towards the purchase of this building and all we can say is thank you, thank you. Praise the Lord! We started our non profit in faith, not knowing where it would lead us or how things would turn out. All we knew was that we wanted to help Sergey & Mariana.
Today, after sending some e-mails back and forth, we talked with Sergey through Skype. There are some details to be discussed with the owner of the house. We will wait for international bank details and then transfer the money. Jan is planning to go and visit Ukraine when all details have been worked out.
The fact that we have reached our goal doesn't mean that we will stop fundraising :) There is a need wherever we look and we have some other projects in mind that we would like to support. More info will follow.
After Jan's visit to Teen Challenge Slovenia he left for Germany. A five hour drive brought him to the small town of Vilsbiburg, in the vicinity of Munich. Last year we visited Teen Challenge Gutes Land there, upon invitation of the directors Dirk & Meike Hellmann. They showed us around the beautiful farm and told us about the work they do there: bringing hope to the hopeless! The farm gives room to men with life controlling issues. Often it is the first time they truly hear the Gospel and they can experience the life changing power it brings.
Too cute to eat, right?
The centuries old farm currently houses 7 men who are in the Teen Challenge program and two families who work as staff. The program receives part of their income from the pigs they farm and from a kinder garden school they operate and of course from gifts! Local supermarkets and stores that are in favor of the program donate a lot of food which is really wonderful, because feeding 10-12 people three times a day is costly. Dirk travels around the schools in the region to teach drugs and alcohol prevention. In cooperation with Teen Challenge Landshut (a youth center) he is also involved in street evangelism.
Sing & make music for God!
Jan was invited to share a word from the Bible during their Tuesday night meeting. This is always a great way to bring encouragement to both students and staff! As always they started with singing several songs for God. When we do that, something wonderful happens: problems, anger and difficulties disappear during praise and worship. Jan really experienced this in both Slovenia and Germany, one cannot stay angry when singing before God!
When we attended the Europe Teen Challenge Conference in Gdansk, Poland last April we met with our friends Matjaz & Magdalena from Teen ChallengeSlovenia and promised to visit them this summer. So, last Thursday evening, after work, Jan took off for a short trip with the sole purpose of encouraging and helping the staff of Teen Challenge in beautiful Slovenia. Although he had planned to go on his BMW motor bike, he had to go by car due to extremely bad weather in this part of Europe.
Communal kitchen & dining room
About a year ago, in April 2010, we visited the newly rented house in Nova Vas. At that time we were able to help with cleaning up the yard and planting a vegetable garden. Last winter the first students arrived, men with serious life controlling issues crying out for help. Currently there are three men in the program, who are serious about following the Teen Challenge curriculum and growing in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Jan was invited to share a message from the Bible each morning during morning chapel. Sharing from the Word of God is as encouraging for Jan as it is for the students, because they are so hungry for God's truth.
hard work under the sun
Teen Challenge operates a moving and cleaning company, so during the day the guys also work. The money earned pays partly for room and board and utilities. This is not a government sponsored program and, as elsewhere in the world, Teen Challenge depends on donations from supporters, churches and other organisations. The truck you see in this picture was donated by a family in California!
Ready for church
On Sunday morning they all attend an Assemblies of God church in Ljubliana, which is about 75 miles away. Why so far? There are not that many evangelical churches in Slovenia, a country that has been oppressed by communism for many years which left no room for God. The official recognized church in Slovenia is the orthodox roman catholic church. It is such a blessing to see these former drugs/alcohol addicts leafing through their Bibles and learning more and more about the life they can have in Jesus!
Teen Challenge Slovenia is a small ministry. The work seems insignificant on a larger scale: still so many addicts, still so much crime, still so much pain and hurt. But let us not forget that every life counts for the Lord. He cares for the individual, so much so that heaven rejoices over every lost soul that comes home to Jesus! How awesome is that. God is patient, He doesn't give up. Let us behave likewise. As Jan said: was it worth it to drive 3000 km to pray for someone to be set free from bondage? YES!
Men @ work
A small scale, local project where lives are being changed, one at the time. Although under the flag of Teen Challenge, each center has a responsibility to raise funds and keep things going. A helping hand is always welcome.
From Slovenia Jan drove to Vilsbiburg, Germany, where he visited another Teen Challenge men's home. But we leave that story for the next post.
Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation [2 Peter 3:15]
As you all know by now the first project we would love to support through our Holland based non-profit is the purchase of property in Ukraine, also called the Onyfrievka project. We are currently raising the 10.000 euro's needed to purchase this property. We thought it would be fun and interesting to ask Sergey Glushko, the director of Teen Challenge Ukraine, a few questions. Here we go!
Sergey, can you tell us how you became involved with Teen Challenge (TC)
First of all I’m involved in TC Ministry because I was a drug addict myself. Second, from the year 2000, after God saved my life, I have always been working with people with life controlling problems. The last few years I was really dreaming about transformation in the Ukraine through rehab ministry. Then I met Kevin Tyler (coordinator TC Eurasia) and after a conversation with him I went to TC Poland and then to TC Czech Republic where I found a new way how we can help addicted people. After this trip I received the vision to start TC in Ukraine. Because through this discipleship/rehab program I saw how many people are able to continue to live clean after they leave the program. Many of them become good and great people in society and church.
What are some of the things Teen Challenge is doing in Ukraine?
We serve in 10 methadone clinics where we are doing counseling and motivate the addicted people to start a new life with Christ. We are sharing testimonies and the Gospel with them and invite them to our Coffee Houses and rehab centers.We also serve on the street and train station. This is an area where we try to reach homeless adults and street kids. We lead a Coffee House Ministry. Today we have already 6 Coffee Houses for people with life controlling problems. After they come to the Coffee House we encourage them to enter the Residential Rehab Program.
Today we have more than 10 centers already, who would like to be a part of the Teen Challenge family. Then we encourage those who are in the program, and will finish soon, to build close relationships with local churches. Because we believe this is one of the keys for them to be strong Christians; belonging to a good and healthy church. Also, we are doing many other trainings, seminars and conferences where we teach leaders and other workers who are involved in Christian ministry. Every year we organize camps for people from rehab centers from all over Ukraine and other countries.
How did you find the property in Onyfrievka?
Kevin Tyler knows one of the pastors in this area for more than 15 years. And in this church they have a few rehab centers, but far away from church and civilization. We started to visit them in 2009 with seminars and training. Later they decided to become part of TC. I recognized that one of the reasons why they always struggled (no support, no result) was because they live far away from people and a church. I started to encourage them to try to find some building close to civilization and close to the church. Finally they found this empty house. And now we have the dream to buy this facility and use it for God’s kingdom.
What are your plans with the property?
We would like to renovate this building, because this house is very empty. And start a rehab center where about 30 people can go through a Christian discipleship program. Also, these people will be involved in local church ministry (Coffee House, orphan shelter and many other activities) and they would like to start some small business with chickens. Through this business they want to raise their support for the center (I think this is great idea!!!).
Any words for your supporters?
I just want to share with you from my heart: We have had this project in our hearts for many years. I know we cannot do anything alone, but with your help, support and participation we can influence many people who are still lost, broken and addicted. Thank you that you believe with us!!! Your participation means a lot for Teen Challenge in Ukraine. Thank you for your investment in many people's lives!
With love Sergey Glushko (Teen Challenge Ukraine).
Thank you Sergey for taking time to tell us a little bit more about Teen Challenge Ukraine. We are believing with you that with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
It has been a while since we updated this weblog. That doesn't mean we've been lazy or inactive :) It is our great joy to share the following news with you:
Onyfrievka property
Over the past month a steady stream of gifts came in, all dedicated to the Teen Challenge Onyfrievka project in Ukraine. Small gifts, large gifts, surprising gifts and spontaneous gifts. We are super happy to announce that we have passed the € 6.400 mark here in Holland! Isn't that awesome? We are striving to collect the needed 10.000 euro's that are necessary in the first place to purchase the property in Onyfrievka. We will be planning a trip to the Ukraine soon, but we NEED to have the 10.000 to take with us :)
For those in Europe who would like to help us, you can donate to our Dutch non-profit, see the FAQ's tab at the top of this weblog.
For those in the USA who would like to help us, you can give your tax deductable donation HERE, make sure to mention Onyfrievka.
Dennis Griffith House, Slovenia
Next week Thursday Jan is planning to hop on his BMW motorcycle and go to Slovenia, where he will visit Matjaz & Magadalena Horjak. The Teen Challenge center is up and running since last winter and they always need encouragement, whether it is in the form of practical help, financial support or spiritual uplifting. Of course we will post about this trip on this weblog and share some photo's of the new Dennis Griffith house.
Last Wednesday night we took off in the direction of Kuckuck, a small town in the North Eastern corner of Germany. What a marvelous name by the way :) We were invited to give some workshops at a youth conference by our dear friend pastor Gerhard, from Fels in der Brandung in Ludwigslust. We thought the invitation really fit in with one of the goals of our non profit: to offer spiritual encouragement. So we packed the camper and left with a sweet couple from our church in Holland, who have been faithful supporters and encouragers from the very beginning, when the idea about starting Traveling Light was still a vague dream. The weather looked promising, perfect for a camping trip.
Outdoor workshop
The conference was being held at a sport complex, a huge soccer field with several buildings. People from different (small) churches in the area signed up for the 4-day conference and all together we had a wonderful group. The worship team and youth pastor from Grace World Outreach Church in Brooksville, Florida, were invited to do the morning and evening services. It was awesome! In the afternoons we did a series of workshops on the will of God for your life, the plan of God for your life, the voice of God in your life and the power of God in your life. We received great response. Several people really experienced breakthrough in their life, because of what the Holy Spirit showed them through the workshops. Over the weekend we could see some people change, right before our eyes. That is the reward we receive!
Mindy Kerr & Traveler
The worship team was incredible and every night we sang and danced until the roof almost came off. We prayed with many people, especially young people with the desire to use their gifts and talents for God. In the afternoons there was time for a game of soccer or just relaxing. We were excited to meet our Iranian friend X again, who became a Christian earlier this year and was water baptized two weeks ago. We had time to talk and catch up on things regarding his paper work etc.
Jan talks about the workshops
It was also great to work again with several translators, everything needed to be translated from English into German. This is a great exercise in public speaking, it gives you time to think about every sentence, and if you speak both languages... you'll hear 'm twice! We can really look back at a great weekend, lives were changed, people gave their heart to the Lord, friendships were made and many people left encouraged.
Saturday May 28th 2011, we headed to the most North Eastern part of Holland, to visit De Spetse Hoeve, a residential drugs and alcohol rehabilitation program under the flag of Teen Challenge Netherlands. De Spetse Hoeve is a very old farm in the middle of the beautiful Dutch country side. Last summer we volunteered there on a regular basis to help out the new leadership.
Information about Ukraine project
Two family members who wanted to learn something more about the work of Teen Challenge came with us. We were welcomed by the smell of BBQ chicken and hamburgers :) We met many old friends and also some of the new men currently in the program. As everywhere else in the world Teen Challenge offers help, counseling and discipleship programs to (wo)men with addictions. The greatest surprise of that day was a big sign at the entrance that said (believe it or not): today's offering will go to the Onyfrievka project in Ukraine. "That is 'our' project" we exclaimed surprised. How wonderful that others have decided to help Sergey & Mariana in Ukraine to reach their next goal! We were so encouraged, together we will reach the 10.000 mark soon.
broken pieces at the cross
All visitors were invited to tour the farmhouse and the premises, where 7 men are currently following the 12 step program. With the help of faithful volunteers Teen Challenge built a new prayer house which was officially opened and dedicated on this day. The men were asked to lay down the broken pieces of their life at the cross, as you can see in the picture. It was an emotional moment for many, as one of the students had passed away recently, loosing his struggle with drugs but winning the one with God!
The day ended with a service in the barn, amidst the hay and farm equipment. Some men gave their testimonies, which is always the moment for us volunteers and supporters to be reminded why we have a love for this kind of work. Nothing is more awesome, nothing a bigger miracle than a changed life. The step from darkness into the light is only one small step, but the results are huge. From severe addictions to a life in freedom, thanks to Jesus Christ and the work of dedicated staff and volunteers. It is absolutely moving to be a witness of such power of God displayed among people.
happy family of God
There are many small projects in Europe and the Mediterranean Sea that deserve a helping hand, but sometimes we don't have to go that far. In our own country Holland we are blessed to have a Teen Challenge ministry that we can support and encourage. We can only pray the work will expand.
This week our local news paper carried a story about our new non-profit and our first project in the Ukraine. It even had a huge photo of the two of us, ouch! Well, we are very happy with this press coverage, especially since we are still in the birthing stage of this new endeavor.
We are currently working on a FAQ section, you'll be able to find it at the top of this weblog. We will try to tackle most of the common questions people are asking us. So, feel free to send u an e-mail or leave a comment at the bottom of any post if you have anything helpful, useful or downright funny to say.
Sergey Glushko
The donation level for the Teen Challenge Onyfrievka project in Ukraine is slowly rising, we are approaching the 3000 euro mark here in Holland, which is absolutely awesome. We have not reached our goal yet, but we believe it can be done!
The director of Teen Challenge Ukraine, Sergey, told us that he is in regular contact with the owner of the house, who will hopefully hold it until all the money has been raised. Yes, it takes faith and prayer and perseverance. Yes, it is good to know the words of Jesus, everything is possible for him who believes. (Mark 9:23).
For USA donations CLICK HERE. Make sure to mention Onyfrievka, which makes a great spelling exercise by the way :)
As we posted earlier on this weblog, the first project we want to financially support is the purchase of a building/house in Onyfrievka, Ukraine. This property will be used for the establishing of a Teen Challenge rehabilitation center for former addicts. Worldwide more than 1100 such centers can be found in over 85 countries. Each center takes care of their own fundraising, some generate income through work projects while others are being supported by local churches and families. Although circumstances differ from country to country, each center relies on the goodwill of donors and supporters. The other day someone asked us why we choose a project so far away. Where in the world is the Ukraine?
Sergey teaches Bible study
Well, it is a European country north east of Romania... does that help? :) When we started this non profit, we wanted to support small projects in countries where the local people have decided to put their hands to the plow and change the social, economic and personal circumstances of individuals and families... and eventually towns and regions! We would love to inspire and motivate them to keep up the good work. As a result of our traveling we already have useful contacts in Holland, Sweden, Germany, Slovenia, Serbia, Romania and Israel, and yet our heart was captured by Sergey & Mariana from Ukraine. Teen Challenge Ukraine was established in 2008 and currently Sergey & Mariana are the national directors. Within a few years time six centers and seven coffee houses have been opened! Sergey was a drug addict himself but Jesus Christ has set set him free from a destructive lifestyle. He now has the desire to help others! And it works, we have personally seen it work like this in many countries. People like Sergey have a drive, a passion and a love for their fellow men. There is no lack of enthusiasm...
Bible in many languages
Many Teen Challenge centers have started with a coffee house, a place where addicts can come for a cup of coffee and a listening ear. Often this is the place where many people hear the good news of Jesus Christ for the first time: they can be FREE! When addicts decide they want to start a new life they can enter a residential program (if one is available in that country). In the Ukraine, as in many other countries, there is no lack of addicts...
Street work
So, what is lacking? Finances and encouragement. When we heard Sergey's story and saw the pictures of the house he would love to purchase we were sold out: 12,500 dollars for a place where an additional 20 or 30 men can live, work and study. Can you imagine how many lives, how many futures and how many families will be positively affected when these men have a safe place to stay and grow in their new found faith? It is a lot of money if you don't own anything, it is nothing if we decide to collect it as a team. Yes, the house will need an extreme make-over in order to make it into a home, but that is the next step :) We seriously want to do our best to help this young couple to reach their next goal. Sergey e-mails me a few times a week, asking for updates. I can't wait to tell him we are on our way...
For our friends in the USA who asked us if they can make a contribution: YES! It is certainly possible to give a tax deductible donation. Please e-mail us at janandmarja@gmail.com when you do. Click here to donate!
As we mentioned in our previous post, we got on the BMW bike and rode to Ludwigslust, Germany last weekend. Pastor Gerhard from Fels in der Brandung had organized a weekend conference. The theme was the Kingdom of God. We can all look back at a great and useful weekend! The teaching and work shops we gave were received with gladness and interest and it really helped many people to understand the Kingdom better as well as the role we have as believers! Saturday night we all practiced what we had learned: to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us. Some people received healing, others words of knowledge and wisdom! It was a great blessing, thanks also the the awesome music of Chris and Hendrik! Wow, can these men play, or what!!
Great home made food!
It was great to see old friends and make new ones! We met so many kind and loving people. The church is small (about 40 or 50 people came) so we were able to share our meals together in a tent that was set up for that reason. This was awesome, because it gave us the chance to talk with many people. There was also time reserved to wander around the beautiful castle and gardens in Ludwigslust.
Small churches in this part of Germany often have a difficult time, they experience resistance and criticism. Pastor Gerhard's church burned down a few years ago as a result of neo-nazi's throwing molotov cocktails inside; since 2008 the services are being held in an industrial building. Pastor Gerhard always helps troubled youth and allows them to do their community service at his church/office. Many lives have been changed here!
Ludwigslust is beautiful
We were also happy to receive invitations to do Kingdom Conferences in Sweden and other places in Germany! This way we get to travel and shine our light in different places. Offering spiritual encouragement through sound Biblical teaching and prayer is certainly one of our goals! The first weekend of June we will be traveling to North Eastern Germany again, we will give some work shops at another conference in Kuckuck, Prignitz.
PS: A quick update on our Ukraine project, the donation thermometer has risen to 2000 euro's here in Holland!!! That is awesome. For those in the USA who desire to support this project, you can give your tax deductible gift here! Offering financial support is one of our goals too! We believe it can be done!
