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

Project sponsoring Teen Challenge Conference, Ukraine

Team Teen Challenge Ukraine

As we did in previous years, Traveling Light would like to sponsor the annual Teen Challenge conference in Ukraine, which will be held in Kiev from May 27-30. The theme for this year's conference is: 'Leaders for such a time as this'. 

The work among poor, addicted and homeless people is not a nine-to-five job. It is challenging and often very difficult, but at the same time very rewarding. Many workers (volunteers) in the Teen Challenge team in Ukraine were themselves in difficult positions in the past, so they know the need for a changed life and they know it is possible to have a new beginning!

Conference poster

We know all the young people in the picture above personally. We know their stories and background, their testimonies and vision for the future. Regular training and participating in conferences is a must, an investment in the future of Ukraine. They are living in a difficult time and are facing many challenges as a nation. But God has entrusted them to be leaders in this particular time.

There is an enormous need for healthy and wise spiritual leadership. Their is a need for people who can hear Gods voice and are at the same time willing to do what it takes to offer humanitarian aid. We are convinced that God is looking for people who can stand in the gap on behalf of others.

Going into the streets...

It costs about 45 euro per person to participate in this 4-day conference. Many workers and volunteers do not have sufficient finances for this and/or the journey to Kiev. (The average salary in the Ukraine is about 200 euro per month).

If you want to support someone to go to this conference, you can do so by donating 45 euro. We expect to be able to support many people and in doing so giving them hope for a better future in Ukraine.

Make your gift payable to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: CONFERENCE UKRAINE.

Photo's Spring Fair 2015

Scarves, jackets and fun!

This past Saturday Traveling Light organized her very first Spring Fair. A great afternoon for family, friends and supporters to bring in funds for a special project.

We had market stalls with 2nd hand clothing, toys, books and household wares and we were able to sell quite a lot. Whatever we have left (still some good stuff) we will put up for sale at our Kingsday market on April 27th.

Cookies galore!

Our dear and enthusiastic volunteers baked lots of super sweet goodies which we sold for an even sweeter price :) Of course there was hot coffee and tea, which everyone enjoyed.

Plants and flowers for sale

Despite the bad weather many visitors came to the Spring Fair. All in all it was a great afternoon that brought in 900 euro in funds for our current project Operation Love Splash in the Syrian refugee camp in Turkey.

2nd hand stuff

Everyone had a good time and we are already making plans for a winter event. We want to thank all our volunteers for working so hard to make this Spring Fair a success.

Giving is fun!

The gifts thermo-meter for Operation Love Splash has risen to 3,900 euro! The team that will be traveling to the refugee camp in Suruc is 14 members strong. Fantastic, they will let their light shine in a dark place.

Gifts are still welcome St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: LOVE SPLASH. Of course you can send a donation straight to 222 Ministries as well, make sure to mention: PEARL OF PERSIA-LOVE SPLASH

Make sure to watch this film all the way to the end if you want to know what's going on in the camp and how you can volunteer.

Preparations operation Love Splash, Turkey

Greetings from the children in the refugee camp

A few weeks ago we announced it: Operation Love Splash in Syrian/Kurdish refugee camp in Suruc, Turkey.

A small team of volunteers will visit the refugee camp this month. The trip is being organized by Pearl of Persia (a daughter from non profit organization 222 Ministries). The team consists of children's workers, teachers , doctors and more.

The camp has a huge tent for activities

They will let their light shine by sharing Gods love, especially with the children, and encouraging believers. They will do so through sports, games, music, teaching, prayer etc.

The good news is that 222 Ministries is doing incredible work among the refugees. Apart from humanitarian aid (they are feeding thousands of people each day!) they also provide spiritual help. Peopel are so open to Gods love! Maybe you won't hear this on the news, but many good things are happening in the camp, despite the overwhelming trouble these people are in.

Kitchen in the camp

The photo's we are placing are taken with a cell phone during a Skype session... so the quality is not so super, but the main goal is to give you an impression of God's work among the refugees.

We have received quite a bunch of donations, but much more is needed to continue this kind of work. We will do our best to help where we can!

This coming Saturday, April 11th, we will hold our very first Spring Fair in Papendrecht [click on the picture to enlarge] for family, friends and supporters. So, come and join us! We have lots of 2nd hand cool stuff for sale and coffee and cookies and pie. All proceeds will go to Operation Love Splash.

Make sure to watch this film. The men are crying out to Jesus to open eyes, ears and hearts!

Stop worrying yourself sick in front of your tv, you can do something! Make your gift payable to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: LOVE SPLASH. Of course you can send a donation straight to 222 Ministries as well, make sure to mention: PEARL OF PERSIA-LOVE SPLASH