Sunday, May 28, 2023

Traveling Light, what we do!

As Traveling Light, we support projects of various Christian organizations in more than 32(!) countries in Europe. Most of you know that by now ๐Ÿ˜. Topics are faith-based rehabilitation, care for the poor and displaced, evangelism, etc. etc.

We encourage the workers in such organizations in three ways, namely: financially by fundraising, practically by visiting, and spiritually by teaching.

๐Ÿ‘‰But we do so much more! Whether you have been a donor for years or have just joined, it doesn't matter... it's good to realize that through your generosity, presence, availability and/or prayers you are part of a large (net)work! Let's take a look at some of the other recent activities.

๐Ÿ ŠFrom May 4-7, we visited the Europe Teen Challenge conference in Rimini, Italy. There were more than 270 participants (many of whom we know personally) from 23 countries,

๐Ÿ ŠOn May 19 and 20, we participated in the AG (Assemblies of God) leadership conference in Ede. We were very encouraged while there, something we need just as well!

๐Ÿ ŠOn May 25, we participated in a business (sponsorship) event of Alpha Nederland. Very encouraging again to see and hear what the impact of Alpha is.

๐Ÿ Š We are currently giving an Alpha course in Twinkeltje for the 5th time. We are also involved in giving Alpha Prison in various detention centers and prisons in the region as well as in organizing church services in prison.

๐Ÿ Š Then of course there is our shop/coffee house Twinkeltje. On Saturday and Monday afternoons, people come and go for a cup of coffee, talk, or prayer.

๐Ÿ Š We organize various Bible study meetings in small groups.

๐Ÿ ŠMonday May 29th, we are involved in an open-air service of the Hoeksteen and the Street church of Jim & Lynda Hayes in Etten-Leur.

๐Ÿ ŠOn June 10th we will be in Zurich for the annual meeting of Comunita Brezzano. We have again been asked to provide the afternoon program (theme: Sabbath).

๐Ÿ ŠFrom June 15-18, Jan will participate for the 10th time (!) in the Balkan conference My Brother's Keeper, which will be held in Montenegro this time.

๐Ÿ Š In between all of this, we pay many personal visits to people who need prayer and encouragement.

๐Ÿ Š We receive, read and respond to newsletters from all those organizations and ministries in over 32 countries. That alone is a ministry in itself!

๐Ÿ Š We will keep you informed via the news items on this blog.

๐Ÿ Š We maintain good contacts with various non-profit organizations and churches in our area.

๐Ÿ Š And perhaps one more time: all donations will go towards the projects we support, and not to us. We are all volunteers and work to make a living.

Your donations are always welcome. You can send a gift in different ways, please take note:

  • Send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention 'general' or otherwise which country or project.
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Give by card

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Follow-up project Issacar Rivoli, Italy

In October 2021 we posted a message about the construction project of Christian Evangelical Community Issacar (just outside Torino in Northern Italy) on our blog.

This church has been providing shelter and assistance to the homeless and displaced for quite some years. Various rooms in the church are being used for preparing meals, food distribution, and for emergency shelter.

Last November we were at a conference in Northern Italy, which was a great opportunity to visit Pastor Filippo Felice as well as the construction site, so we could see the work in progress.

The current church is located in a rented industrial building. The municipality of Rivoli has donated a piece of land where, with the help of volunteers and donations, a beautiful facility of their own is being built.

Construction is progressing steadily. Every time funds come in, materials can be purchased (which, by the way, are getting more and more expensive, just like everywhere else).

In addition to a meeting hall, there will be small apartments for the homeless, a community kitchen, a room for childcare, vegetable gardens, and rooms for various activities and creative projects. Truly, it will be a multi-functional building!

Traveling Light would like to support this practical project. We have seen and heard how hard many in Northern Italy have been hit financially, economically, and physically and applaud Issacar's outreach to the lost, lonely, and homeless.

The great thing is that they also have the support of a number of other churches in the area.

If you want to help,

  • Send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and mention ISSACAR, or
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Give by card

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Project and activity news

King's Day in The Netherlands, a festive day! We stood at the free market with 2nd hand stuff and talked with a lot of people, drank coffee, and even prayed with some. Despite the festivities, many people walk around with pain and sadness.

The beautiful spring weather was a bonus. The day brought in 450 euro for the monthly project: the men's rehab center of Teen Challenge Czech Republic in Sluknov. We were eventually able to transfer the nice amount of 4,000 euro for this purpose.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Last Friday we organized another Israel evening in Twinkeltje, which also attracted a lot of interest. Always good to talk about that special country and its inhabitants.

We showed beautiful pictures on the big screen, had many conversations, and enjoyed tasty snacks. Israel products consultant Liesbeth Kortleve, who herself just came back from Israel, had many products on display for sale! By buying products, we support the country.

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

Later this week we (Krijn, Cora, Jan and Marja) will attend the annual Europe Teen Challenge conference, which will be held in Rimini, Italy. (PS: of course, we travel at our own expense, your donations always go toward the projects).

We will be there with a large book table and hope for many good conversations and a strengthening of existing contacts. Carter Conlon of Time Square Church is the keynote speaker at the conference, so we expect to come back edified and encouraged as well!

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

In the meantime, the monthly project for May in Twinkeltje and the Schor is Teen Challenge Winiarczykowka in Poland, they take care of displaced elderly people. This coming Saturday our shop is closed, but next week you are welcome again! Of course, you can always transfer a donation! ๐Ÿ˜‰

Your donations are always welcome. You can send a gift in different ways, please take note:

  • Send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention 'general' or otherwise which country or project.
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Give by card