Thursday, June 30, 2016

News + prayer points

Unfortunately there is a daily abundance of bad news from many countries. We like to share GOOD news of the nations in Europe. Negative news is easy to find, good news we need to purposely search for. Psalm 72:19 says, "Let the earth be filled with His presence Yes, let it be so."

Last week we were guests at the annual Roma conference in Macedonia. Spiritual leaders of Roma communities in different countries (Bulgaria and Serbia for example) were gathered for a time of reflection, fellowship and education. For us it is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Roma culture and the specific issues that arise when they become believers.

Miki & Suzanna
Pastor Radko and Nevin Kratsov shared practical lessons about leadership and marriage. Miki & Suzanna Kamberovic blessed us again with passionate music. This time we stayed at beautiful Ohrid lake in the south of Macedonia, a wonderful relaxed place for good conversations.

It is a huge encouragement for us to see and hear how God works among the Roma people.

God sets people free!
Two weeks ago, it was also time for the annual čuvar brata svoga conference (My Brother's Keeper), this time in Slovenia. We were there for the sixth time in a row on behalf of Traveling Light.

More than 420 men from several Balkan countries (all former Yugoslavia) came together for fellowship, teaching, prayer, forgiveness and reconciliation.

Amazing to see and experience what happens there! Perhaps such things will not appear in the newspapers, but we are convinced that these are major happenings with a huge spiritual impact on the nations.

Teen Challenge Slovenia
After the conference Jan and Jim visited the Teen Challenge rehabilitation center in Nova Vas. The center is always full, and they are currently looking for a larger location.

On September 28, Nick Vujicic will be coming to Slovenia for a major campaign against bullying. The Ministry of Education has given permission to broadcast the event LIVE in all schools! The event will be live on national TV. That is awesome, because Nick brings a clear biblical message.

Pastor Steve Telzerow from Ljubljana pointed out that they started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the money needed to organize everything. Make sure to watch this touching video. Investing in the future of Europe from a gospel perspective. Who would not want that? Seeing all those changed lives is the greatest encouragement.

Summer camp Berdychiv
Furthermore, we were able to donate a nice amount of 2,000 euro for the summer camp in Ukraine which will start next week. Thank you for your generous gifts.

And in our own town...
Teus Donk raised more than 800 euro for the benefit of the second hand store we will open after the summer. With his gift we will be able to show shoppers hospitality by serving free coffee, tea and cookies.

Happy summer everyone!