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.

Project HEART seafarer's evangelism

Guus in action

If you have been following this blog (which can be done by signing up with your email address in the sidebar) for some time, you certainly have heard of seafarer's evangelist Guus Peters from Terneuzen.

Guus and his wife Annemiek have been visiting sailors on board of ocean vessels in the sea ports of Antwerp, Gent and Terneuzen, since 1992. They have been building friendships with sailors from all over the world. They share the love of Jesus, give Bible studies and encourage existing believers. Guus is a father to many of the young men on board of the ships.

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The projects of Guus are never boring. In recent years we were able to help him with Christmas goodie bags, fruit & vegetables, Bibles and other materials for the sailors. Guus encounters people from ninety different nationalities on board of the ships and he often has deep conversations with them, whether they are Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim or Atheist.

In his conversations with Muslims he often uses the little book Navigating to the Muslim Heart which he wrote a while back. This book consists of stories of his conversations with Muslims and is available in Dutch, English and Arabic. Guus gives away many of these books and so they travel around the world. The books are being used as conversation starters about the Gospel in the Philippines for example

Using the book in the Philippines

Guus furthermore gives away many Bibles, dvd's, flyers and New Testaments in various languages. He is in constant need of restocking his materials. Sometimes he receives gifts for this purpose, sometimes he uses his own resources to pay for everything. Currently his book Navigating to the Muslim heart is ready for 3rd print!

He asked Traveling Light to help raise some funds for this. He wants to print at least thousand (but preferably two thousand) copies, which basically means he is in need of a minimum amount of 1,000 euro. Of course we would love to help him.

Guus and Annemiek are reaching out to people who are away from home for months at the time and are often lonely. People who are longing for Gods love and His presence in their lives. If you have a heart for evangelism, please make your gift payable to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: MUSLIM HEART.

Follow-up project jewelry from Israel

Last year we announced creative work project  Jewels of the Ark. Exquisite and colorful necklaces and earrings made by volunteers and by ladies who are staying in the women's home in Arad, Israel.

For a gift of 50 euro or more supporters of Traveling Light received a beautiful necklace in support of the work at the women's home Ark in the Negev in Israel, which is a Messiah-based discipleship ministry for Israeli women (Jewish or Arabic) overcoming life-controlling problems such as drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, and abusive relationships.

Jewels of the Ark has a great Facebook page where you can view their jewelry. It is also possible to order a necklace through their FB page or the website. This is a great way to support the work among the desperate women in Israel. They are learning the craft of jewelry making and at the same time the sales of the jewelry brings in funds for the day-to-day operation of the women's home.

We took ten more necklaces back to Holland. The necklaces are made with semi-precious stones and come in all colors and shapes (click on the picture for a larger view). So, for a donation of 50 euro or more you will receive an awesome piece of jewelry... you pick your favorite one.

Ten necklaces = ten x fifty euro = 500 euro. Well, that would be a wonderful gift towards the work in Arad, don't you think? Within Europe you can send your gift to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U

Make sure to mention: PROJECT JEWELRY

This makes giving even more fun!

Project Victory Home, Amsterdam

Sharing a meal at Victory Home

Do you remember project Code Red? It was a two-day outreach event organized by Victory Outreach to reach women (homeless, addicts, prostitutes, abused) in six big cities: Tijuana, Chicago, Oakland, Capetown, Vancouver and Amsterdam.

In the Netherlands this event  was organized by Victory Outreach Amsterdam and Victory Home, a christian rehabilitation home for men and women in Amsterdam.Victory Home helps people to overcome their life controlling problems, such as addictions and violence.

At this moment Victory Home in Amsterdam has several renovation projects going. They need to refurnish and renovate the living rooms and kitchens at two rehabilitation homes. Victory Home is a non profit organization and they do not have sufficient funds for such extra costs.

Of course Traveling Light loves to come alongside and help with raising at least 1,500 euro in funds, so they can start their renovation project. Money is needed for the purchase of two new washing machines, folding chairs, carpets and kitchen ware.

If you love to support the work of Victory Home in Amsterdam, you can do so by sending your gift to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention VICTORY HOME.

Greetings from Teen Challenge Slovenia

Staf and students at Teen Challenge Slovenia

Do you remember project homeless honeymoon? Volunteers Jim & Lynda Hayes spent a long, homeless weekend on the streets of Amsterdam. That was their way of 'celebrating' their 30th wedding anniversary and they raised 3,500 euro for the drugs- and alcohol rehabilitation center of Teen Challenge in Slovenia.

That donation was sufficient to purchase a second hand, but very good WV Transporter Sinchro 4x4 as well as working clothes and shoes for the men in the program. Apart from Bible studies, groups studies and individual counseling, the guys join in several work projects on a therapeutic basis. This way they all learn order and discipline as well as responsibility.

The guys are often asked to cut down trees, to chop wood and to clear properties. The money that comes in that way is being used to pay for the day-to-day operation of the Christian center. In the past we were able to help them with a gift for the very first chainsaw... and look what a great and enthusiastic team they have now!

Director Matjaz Horjak writes:"The VW has room for six people and also lots of cargo space in the back, it is PERFECT for the work we do. We couldn't do it without Traveling Light and Jim and Lynda!!!! Thanks and many blessings!"

Results Weissensee 2015

Krijn & Henk before the 200 km race

We are looking back at an exciting skating event. Our project Weissensee 2015 has been successful in more than one way.

Both Krijn Donk and Henk Swijnenburg have broken their personal records on the 200 km speed skating AND they were able to raise a fantastic amount in funds for the completion of a shelter for girls and young women in Moldova, who are being rescued from human trafficking.

So far we have received more than 4,500 euro towards this project and gifts are still coming in.

Ice skaters in action

Krijn Donk did the 200 km in 7 hours and 21 minutes and crossed the finish line in 46th place on a total of 1372 participants. Henk Swijnenburg broke his personal record as well and finished the 200 km in 9 hours and 18 minutes! We are very proud of their athletic accomplishments and thankful that they can use their physical strength to raise awareness about the horrors of human trafficking of vulnerable girls and women.

We want to say thank you very much to every person who has sponsored Krijn and/or Henk with a gift, also on behalf of Johannes and Charlotte Petersen in Moldova and the girls they have taken under their protective wings. Your donations will ALL go towards their work.

Construction of girls home

If we have not yet received your pledge (or if you want to make a special donation) please do so as soon as possible. Within Europe you can make your gifts payable to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. make sure to mention WEISSENSEE.

We will keep you updated on the construction progress in Moldova, which will continue as soon as spring time is around the corner.

If you do not want to miss our weblog updates, make sure to sign up with your email address (see top-of-the-page block in the column on the right).

Greetings from Berdychiv, Ukraine

Visit to women's home Simcha

At the beginning of this month our friends Henk & Adrie Swijnenburg (yep, the ones from the Weissensee fundraiser) went to Ukraine to visit some friends. We had asked them whether they could go and visit pastor Sergey Romanenko, if their schedule allowed this.

This past December 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 among the homeless, addicted, poor and elderly people in the coffee and rehab homes in Berdychiv. With little means, this man accomplishes so much!

Look what a beautiful kitchen!

See here some pictures of our friends' visit. Pastor Sergey showed them around in the women's home which they opened up last year. The purchase of this house was also possible because of a financial gift Traveling Light sent their way. Do you remember the photo's of the house before anyone lived there? Well, it has had a good make-over!

home make-over

It is wonderful to see how our financial gifts have been used for the renovation of the house where women (and their children) can now live in safety. They have chickens, pigs and cows, so the women have their own supply of eggs, milk and meat. They even have a dog to guard the house!

pastor Sergey shows the office

Then our friends went on to see the men's rehab home. As in the other home, it was the pure simplicity that touched their hearts the most... to do such great work with little resources is something to be admired. Men are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, sometimes after years of struggling with addictions and violent behavior and a lonely life on the streets. Here, they can live and work and learn how to live a 'normal' life.

Dorm in the men's home

Pastor Sergey is a passionate man with a big heart and someone who knows the life... he was addicted to drugs in the past. Now, he has given his life to rescue people from death, forever! We are very happy and grateful that we can help him with financial support. Besides that, we are convinced that our friends' visit has been an encouragement to him and his team as well.

Please, pray for pastor Sergey and his work in Berdychiv.

PS: click on the photo's for enlargement

Project tractor parts Tuscany

That's him...

Our Weissensee 2015 fundraiser for the girl's home in Moldova is in full swing. In the meantime we will take the opportunity to present (as announced earlier) our next project, namely financial support for therapeutic community Comunita Brezzano in Tuscany, and well for the purchase of tractor parts.

The grader

Maria Meier runs this christian therapeutic community in Italy, where people with life controlling problems can live for a while. In 2013 and 2014 we did organize work weeks during which we came with a group of young and strong people to cut firewood for the winter.

Loading container

While we were there last September, we asked Maria if there was anything else we could help her with. She told us that for several years there has been a need for two big tractor parts: a grader and a loading container.

The grader is much needed to make road repairs. Comunita Brezzano is situated in the Tuscan hills and the three homes (men's home, women's home and guest house Casa Shalom) are connected by unpaved roads. During winter time the roads suffer from ice, snow and rain and are in need of repairs. The loading container will be used to transport firewood, building materials etc. etc.

Roads in need of repairs

The purchase of these parts will cost 2,700 euro. Apart from some government support and client participation, this community (like many other christian initiatives) can only exist because of donations, the sales of jam and other products and rental income from Casa Shalom. Often there is no room to make big investments, like this one.

That is exactly the moment Traveling Light want to come alongside and help.

Bible study

This is a practical project, that will benefit us as well... We do have plans to organize yet another work week in Tuscany at the end of August/beginning of September this year. 

Lives are being changed here, forever! And that is something we like to invest in. You can help us by sending your gift to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention: TRACTOR.

Weissensee 2015 for Moldova

It is that time of year again! It's winter in Europe and many people are sharpening their ice skates. At the end of this month the 27th AEW (Alternative Elfsteden-tour Weissensee) will be held on the WeissenSee in Austria. Many marathon ice skaters from Holland will challenge the cold, snow and ice and enter the 200 km (!) long race. Each year the big question arises: will personal records be broken?

Moldova located in Europe

Our friends Krijn Donk and Henk Swijnenburg are getting fit and ready to enter this extreme ice skating race again, and well as sponsoring event for Traveling Light. We are really happy and thankful to have such faithful and strong volunteers/supporters. 

Krijn and Henk are planning to raise funds with their efforts on ice, for the completion of a shelter for girls and young women in Moldova, who are being rescued from human trafficking.

Johannes & Charlotte Petersen

The construction of the shelter is an initiative of Johannes and Charlotte Petersen, a couple from Denmark who have been living and working among the poor in Moldova for twenty years. They have set up a Teen Challenge rehabilitation center, children's work and activities, a church and they offer humanitarian help.

Johannes visiting the elderly

Each winter they visit about 500 families and old and lonely people and hand out coal and food packages. Make sure to watch this film. Despite the cold, their work among these families makes our heart warm!

Johannes and Charlotte are currently taking care of five girls (the youngest just being twelve years old) that have been rescued from horrible situations. The girls are living in a trailer until their home will be finished.

The shelter for the girls and young women

It is very cold in Moldova at the moment, so the construction will continue as soon as weather clears up. Funds are needed for plumbing, electricity, household items etc. It would be great if we could help them with a substantial gift, which will be a blessing and encouragement to Johannes and Charlotte, their team of volunteers and the girls of course!

You can sponsor Krijn and/or Henk as follows:

• pledge a certain amount for finishing the race
• pledge a certain amount per kilometer accomplished
• pledge a certain amount no matter what the result will be
• pledge a certain amount for breaking personal records

Of course all proceeds will go to this project in Moldova. You can send in your pledges by:

E-mail (krijncora@kpnmail.nl) or Facebook. You can also donate right now by sending your gift to IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht. Make sure to mention WEISSENSEE.

We are looking forward to an exciting race on the Weissensee and your generous donations towards the work among these vulnerable girls and women in Moldova.

News-n-stuff

House of Prayer in Berlin

We wish you all a blessed 2015.

We are very thankful that Traveling Light was able to let her light shine in Potsdam and Berlin, Germany, during the New Year's weekend. A visit that certainly fits the description 'spiritual encouragement'.

From December 31 until January 4th we were invited to come to the Nehemia Gemeinde in Potsdam and speak on the theme reconciliation. A wonderful and powerful theme that we dug into from a biblical perspective and that we also made practical. Forgiving one another, confessing sins, praying for each other... we did it all.

Dancing with the flag of Israel

We also visited the Bethel House of Prayer in Berlin where we prayed for Germany and Israel. Afterwards we walked to the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. Please, pray with us for expansion of our spiritual work in Germany.

Click HERE for more pictures.

At the end of January the 27th annual marathon ice skating event will be held at the Weissensee in Austria. As in 2014 and 2013 our volunteers Krijn Donk and Henk Swijnenburg will be skating 200 km (!) for Traveling Light. They want to raise funds for the construction of a shelter for young women and girls in Moldova. More about the Weissensee 2015 project is coming up in a next blog post. Let's pray that Krijn and Henk stay strong and healthy as they prepare for this monster ice skating race.

The funds for project green houses Teen Challenge in Serbia came in. Wow, thank you all! Of course we will ask for some pictures as soon as they start the replacement of the plastic this coming spring. Thank you very much for your donations.

Work week Italy 2014 - offering practical help

This also means we can announce yet another project: the purchase of tractor parts for Comunita Brezzano in Italy. Yes, a practical project for the therapeutic community in Tuscany, that we visited with a group of men last year and the year before in order to help them with cutting firewood.

Please, keep an eye on our blog (or sign up with your email address)  for project details.

We are looking forward to co-labor with you all again in 2015. Together we can be a huge blessing to the nations around us!