Visit to Teen Challenge Georgia

Last month, we (Jan and Marja) spent a week at Teen Challenge in Georgia.

The last time we were there was in 2018, but luckily, we were able to meet our dear friends Kuanish and Mada Akkuzova, the directors of Teen Challenge, at conferences along the way. And of course we stayed in touch via email and WhatsApp.

The amazing team of Teen Challenge Georgia staff and volunteers runs a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for men and a women's home in Tbilisi.

Kuanish and Mada also pastor a vibrant church and Sunday school in Tbilisi. They oversee street work and are actively involved in children's ministry in refugee camps.

The couple is originally from Kazakhstan. Kuanish is of Muslim descent and overcame his addictions at a Teen Challenge center there. That's how he also came to know God!

We visited the women's home and saw the beautiful kitchen, which Traveling Light helped fund. We shared God's Word during the chapel services and spoke with the teenagers (refugees from various countries) about talents and gifts.

On Sunday morning, we preached during a packed church service about the importance of making choices. The service continued outside, as 14 people were baptized!

The international (rehab) center is a four-story building that the team has worked on for years to make it suitable for multi-purpose use. It looks so beautiful. It has apartments for staff members, rooms for visitors and students, mission teams, and it houses a church, a rehab, youth events, etc.).

We had the opportunity to pray for healing and deliverance with all the students in the rehabs, to prophesy over them, and minister to their individual needs.

Fortunately, there was also time to visit our friend Reza Nadirashvili (founder of CIC Mission) at the farm in Gardabani. We have also helped him in recent years with donations and earlier with visits.

The need for Christian recovery programs is growing!

It's truly beautiful to see and hear how God is reaching the nations and peoples in this region with His love and grace, despite political unrest, wars, a continuous stream of refugees, and so much more.

It was incredibly encouraging to see how the Lord is working among addicts, the homeless, teenagers, children, refugees, and the brokenhearted... well, among everyone, really. Lives are changing here, every day!

If you would like to contribute to the work of Teen Challenge in Georgia: you can do so in different ways:

• 💛Send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention TC Georgia
• 💳 Give by card
• 💡You can also donate directly via our website!
• 👉When in the USA, make your tax-deductible gift payable to EEO Inc. Make sure to mention TC Georgia.

Project refugee housing Teen Challenge Armenia

In recent years we have supported the work of Teen Challenge in Armenia on different occasions. Directors Gagik & Lusine Mkrtchyan run a drug and alcohol rehab center there.

In addition to their own five children, they have taken in ten orphans and are active in humanitarian work among the poor, widows, and orphans.

Last year they started a new initiative. During the Europe Teen Challenge conference in Milan last November, we had time to catch up with the Mkrtchyans. They have taken in several refugees from both Ukraine and Russia on a piece of land where they have built a small home.

These people have been living there for a while now. In addition to helping them with recovery from addictions, Gagik & Lusine also share the gospel. A real eye-opener for the guests. If we have the peace of Christ in our hearts, we can live in peace with each other. Yes, even as neighbors.

The residents work the land, look after each other, help Gagik where necessary, and will build a second floor on the existing house (!) so that even more refugees can be accommodated.

We would like to encourage them with a gift that can be used to purchase building materials. If you want to join us in raising funds for them, you can send your donation in different ways:

• Send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention TC ARMENIA.
• 💳 Give by card
• 👉You can also donate directly via our website!
• 👉When in the USA, make your tax-deductible gift payable to EEO Inc. Make sure to mention TC ARMENIA.

Christmas packages 2022

Every year, Traveling Light supports a number of Christmas package projects from various organizations. It is a blessing to be able to give to people who are less fortunate because they are refugees, addicted, homeless or just far away from home. Surely, one of these projects has your heart!

Christmas bags for sailors

For port evangelist Alexander Eberson, the Christmas season is the opportunity to show seafarers in word and deed that God loves them as well. He wants to give a Christmas goodie bag to the sailors he visits in the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen. Each bag contains: a hat, a pair of socks, a game, a notebook with a pen, a roll of Mentos fruit, a bar of chocolate, a bottle of shower gel, a homemade Christmas card, and a Christmas devotional. A bag costs approx. € 6.00.

Operation Christmas Joy 

Operation Christmas Joy brings the joy of the birth of Jesus to children in need, many in refugee camps. Last year, more than 1500 children in seven countries, including Iran, Turkey, Armenia, and Pakistan, received a nice package! A package includes clothing, shoes and educational supplies, but also toys and sweets to give them that little bit extra. Whenever possible, the children are gathered for celebrations, this is also an opportunity for their families to hear the gospel firsthand. A Christmas package costs approx. € 75.

Winter packages Moldova

For the 18th time, our friends from Pilgrims and Teen Challenge are organizing their winter aid campaign. Last year they delivered 35 tons of coal and more than 400 food packages to the poor and widows. The food packages do meet an enormous need, each package contains about 12 to 13 kilos of food!

We have been sponsoring this project for many years and we will certainly do it again in 2022. If you want to stay warm this winter, give warmth to someone else! Give... and it will be given to you 😁

Bags of Love Athens

We don't always realize it, but in Athens many people live on the streets, including many refugees. The Passage to Live team takes care of them throughout the year with the distribution of food, but the 'Bags of love' project has been set up specifically for this winter.

They want to provide 1,000 people with a package containing a blanket, a woolen hat, socks, croissants and the gospel, all within the coming months. A package costs approx. €20.

Generator and heaters rehab Berdichev

And finally, and this is not a Christmas package but an emergency call, a request from our friends at Teen Challenge in Berdichev, Ukraine. The drug and alcohol rehab center is full, everything is running at full speed. As a result of the war however, they are often without electricity (and gas).

Just like the center in Zaporozhye (of which photos will be posted soon!) they would also like to purchase a good generator, fuel and a number of separate heaters to get through the winter. Shall we surprise them with a nice gift for that?

If you like to sponsor a Christmas package, you can

• send a donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U, or 
• 💳 Give by card 

Don't forget to mention for which project!

More Christmas giving opportunities

We were able to give a nice donation towards the Christmas gifts for the sailors in the ports of Ghent and Terneuzen.

As is our custom in December, we will highlight several opportunities for you to be Santa. After all, it is better to give than to receive 😀

Last year we gave a donation towards Operation Christmas Joy, organized by 222 Ministries and Pearl of Persia. Again, this year they want to bring hope to Christian refugees from Iran in central Turkey and we have offered to raise some funds to help them out this Christmas.

222 Ministries is preparing packages for children containing warm clothes, shoes, and games. Unfortunately, no big party this year, but let's not leave them empty-handed.

Christmas packages are also being prepared in Moldova for distribution among the poor and elderly. A package for a family consists of 3 to 4 bags of coal for heating and about 12 kilos of food.

Our friends from Teen Challenge and Pilgrims will deliver the packages with their 51 year old Steyer truck. Last year they distributed 50 tons of coal and 450 food parcels. What a great gesture!

If you are still in doubt about who you want to bless with a special Christmas gift this year, one of these opportunities might be what you are looking for.

You can transfer any amount to St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Please mention whether it is for CHRISTMAS JOY or for MOLDOVA, and we will make sure that all gifts will go there directly.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Twinkeltje, Refugee help, and sponsoring

Twinkeltje

Our secondhand shop is open every Saturday afternoon between noon and 5 PM, although with some restrictions. We temporarily removed the coffee table and only three customers are allowed in, at a time.

It is very obvious that for many of our 'regular visitors' it is an important part of their week to stop by for a chat. Especially for those who are single, handicapped, or lonely. They are super happy that our door is still open.

We do of course have a lot of nice things for sale, so you can take your time to look around. The proceeds from all sales this month, will go to the Teen Challenge juvenile home in Kazakhstan.

Refugee Help

We regularly need items for refugees who have been assigned a house or apartment. You could think of: lamps, curtains, bed linen, pans, plates, cutlery, mugs, and glassware.

We have no storage room for large items, such as furniture, refrigerators, or washing machines. We can, however, contact Refugee Help in our town to see whether there is a place directly with the refugees themselves or in the Refugee Help storage.

Atelier De Schor

Throughout the month of May, atelier De Schor is open every Friday and Saturday between 10:00 and 17:00 for the sale of super nice flea market, vintage and retro items. Please note: only two customers can enter at the same time. Half of the proceeds will go to Traveling Light. The address of De Schor is Bosch 6 in Papendrecht.

We love it when people think and act. Remember, 👉raising money for the projects continues without pause. Currently, the work of 222 Ministries among refugees in Turkey is what we are raising funds for.

We have contact with people in different countries of Europe via email, Whatsapp, and social media. So, we stay somewhat informed about the happenings in each country.

GIFTS (large and small) for all our projects are always welcome and can be directed at St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U.

Project support Farsi speaking Christians, Turkey

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you will know we have written several times about the work of 222 Ministries and Pearl of Persia in Iran and also among the often forgotten Christian refugees in central Turkey.

Lazarus & Maggie Leghnazar are the founders of 222 Ministries and Maggie has been a tremendous help for us when we were publishing the Farsi edition of Marja's book Grace of Giving here in the Netherlands. Stella Saghian (pictured) has been our contact for several years.

Many Farsi-speaking Christians have become refugees because of conflict or have been persecuted for their faith. Christian refugees are especially vulnerable. Healthcare and employment issues are the major challenges they face. For most people, the church is the place of hope and comfort. With the help of 222 Ministries, (house)churches for Farsi speaking believers have been planted in about 14 different cities in Turkey.

Unfortunately, the current measures make it difficult or impossible to get together. 222 Ministries has started offering limited quantities of hygiene products, but more support is urgently needed for the months ahead.

You can help the Farsi speaking Christians in Turkey by sending your precious gift to St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht, IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: 222 MINISTRIES. Or (if you are in the USA for example) you can donate directly through their website.

You can also support the work of 222 Ministries by ordering a copy (or several copies) of the Farsi edition of Marja's book Grace of Giving from their website and give it to someone in your area who speaks Farsi.

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!

Photo's Operation Love Splash

Music parade in the camp

A few weeks ago a team of volunteers from 222Ministries, Pearl of Persia and Traveling Light visited the Syrian-Kurdish refugee camp in Suruc, Turkey.

The goal of Operation Love Splash was to share Gods love with people in need! We will show some photo's on this blog [click on the pictures to enlarge] as well as some comments made by team members and people in the camp...

Attentive listeners...

"... the great music parade throughout the camp. This was to invite people for the meeting, it was fantastic... all men, women and children came out of their tents and followed us and the music. I saw it as an immense army of peace... "

Sharing the joy

The team had all kinds of fun, creative activities prepared in the smaller tent where the women and children could join in. In the big tent there was music, story telling and showing of Bible movies... which everyone loved!

"It was so awesome to see that also the men rejoiced and clapped their hands and walked with us..."

Making jewelry

During a cross stitch project many women made emblems for the freedom fighters in Kobani. The teenage girls loved to make their own jewelry. At the end of the week everyone in that particular camp was invited to write their experiences on a piece of paper.

Sharing the pain

"Many people told us about trauma's and endless family tragedies because of IS... some could even come to forgiveness. We also prayed for people with diabetes, deaf- and muteness, handicaps and all kind of diseases."

Thanks to your donations we were able to purchase a beamer, sound system, speakers, microphones and arts & crafts materials. We left everything in the camp in the hope and trust that more volunteer teams will come and go.

So many children

There is so much more to share, but this blog is not the best place to do so. One thing is very clear though: our light shines brightest in the deepest darkness!

Maybe it is best to capture the whole operation in the words of one of the mothers in the camp (translated):

"This was the most beautiful week in my entire life.

Thank you for coming!"

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

Operation Love Splash, Turkey

Kurdish children in Suruc

More than 200.000 refugees have fled the Kobani region in Syria in the past months. Many of them are now living in refugee camps around the city of Suruc in southern Turkey.

Roughly half of these refugees are children, most of them twelve years and younger.

Is there something we can do to help, many people wonder. The answer is YES! There are several organisations who have access to the refugee camps. One of these organisations is, for example, 222 Ministries. They have an office in The Netherlands as well.

222 Ministries is an organisation that saw it's beginning at the end of the eighties. They invest in growing up Christian leaders in Iran, but they also give humanitarian aid in other countries,  working together with other organisations such as Pearl of Persia.

A small Pearl of Persia team is currently preparing for a trip to Suruc and Traveling Light has become involved as well. The team will be doing all kinds of activities with children and women. They wants to bring a splash of love to the refugee camp, showing the brokenhearted that God has not forgotten them.

Funds are needed for: note books, coloring books, pens and pencils, markers, toys, movies, a beamer, toiletries, sound system etc. etc.

The team has named this plan Operation Love Splash... they see it as a love invasion of games, fun, prayer and care. Well, that's exactly what we like to call 'letting your light shine in dark places!' Traveling Light wants to support this operation by raising at least 3,000 euro, so all materials can be purchased and the team will be able to start the long journey.

Make your gift payable to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: LOVE SPLASH. Make sure to watch this short Youtube film.