Project sewage treatment plant phase 2, Poland

The work has started

Do you remember project sewage treatment plant for the rehabilitation and crisis home of Teen Challenge in Winiarczykowka, Poland? Yes, the center with that awesome name :)

Last year we were able to send them a donation towards this project. It requires quite some work and money to dig up the old septic tank and to install the new treatment system. A few weeks ago we were in Poland and we spoke with Janusz and Bogusia Gornicki about the progress of this project that is still pending.

There are various reasons why this project has not been finished yet and why the money is still parked. The main reason is the fact that the total amount needed for this project has not come in and the contractor wants to make sure he is getting paid (well, can't blame him). 

Another reason is that this past winter the ministry vehicle broke down and could no longer be repaired. Janusz and Bogusia had to start another fundraiser in order to collect money for the purchase of another vehicle... a big expense that is.

Raising funds

As in most crisis and rehabilitation homes that depend on donations, there is always something new crying for attention and funds. The center currently has no vehicle. Some of the residents can get around on bicycles, but others are disabled or up in age. So, they really have a big need for a good van! So, their efforts have been geared towards raising funds for this.

They furthermore have been working on enlarging their vegetable garden, it is 4 times as big now! With consumer prices on the rise, it is good that they can grow even more of their own vegetables! Although this garden project was sponsored by another donor, it also took extra time and energy to get everything done.

Preparing the vegetable garden

In the meantime a start has been made with the digging and excavation work in the full assurance that all necessary funds towards this project will come in. Traveling Light wants to be an encouragement by helping them again... so phase 2 it is :) They will need at least another 4,000 euro to finish this project.

If you want to join us in helping them, please send your gift to:

St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht

IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275

BIC: RABONL2U

Make sure to mention WINIARCZYKOWKA. With your gift you are sending hope and sharing love to the downcast, poor, addicted and lonely people of this world. 

Click on Winiarczykowka to read older, related blog posts!

Project Stolpersteine, Berlin

Stolpersteine in Germany

Let your light shine! That is the motto of Traveling Light. In the previous weeks we were able to do exactly so, and well: among Muslims in a Syrian refugee camp (a blog post will follow soon) and for the Jewish community in the streets of Berlin, Germany.

Together with volunteers/supporters Jim & Lynda Hayes we visited the Bethel House of Prayer in Berlin where we prayed for Israel, Germany and Europe. We asked forgiveness for upcoming anti-Semitism, we prayed for reconciliation between Germans and Jewish people and we came against the spirit behind neo-Nazism. 

Very special meeting in the street

That same day we were walking through the Klopstockstraße in the Hansaviertel in Berlin and we stopped to take a closer look at some bronze name plaques that were embedded in the sidewalk. The bronze plaques carry the names of Jewish people who used to live in that street and who were killed during the Holocaust.

While we were standing there we got to talk with a couple who explained to us that these plaques are so called Stolpersteine, or stumblng blocks.... a project of artist Gunter Demnig.

Throughout Germany there are thousands of these Stolpersteine. They are being sponsored by individuals, family members of Holocaust victims, schools, churches, organizations etc. The lady told us that she happened to be the one taking initiative for the Stolpersteine in this street.

At Bethel House of Prayer in Berlin

Our meeting was certainly no coincidence! How awesome that at that moment we were able to add substance to our prayers from that morning (after all: faith without actions is dead): we promised to sponsor SEVEN Stolpersteine.

In the meantime we have received the names of the seven victims: the Lehrhaupt family, the Liebmann family, young Ursel Thomaschewsky and little Ralf Rewald who was only fourteen years old when he was picked up all alone and deported to Auschwitz.

Right there, in the middle of the street, we prayed with this German lady and her Jewish friend from Israel and blessed them with peace, joy and health.

With the sponsoring of these 7 Stolpersteine we want to remember the Holocaust victims and to emphasize the reconciliation message of Jesus Christ (Yeshua ha Mesiach). In Him all nations can find peace!

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1)

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

Greetings from Moldova

Charlotte & Johannes Petersen

With spring right around the corner we do not want to think about ice skating anymore. Yet, it is good to look back to the Weissensee sponsor event one more time

The final result was fantastic! 6,000 euro came in for the completion of a shelter for girls and young women in Moldova, who are being rescued from human trafficking.

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. You can visit their website www.pilgrims.mono.net and find out all about their work among the poorest people in Europe.

Church planting is also part of the work

Traveling Light would like to thank all sponsors, businesses and organizations for their support: the response to this plea for help was heart warming. Not too long ago we were surprised by another gift form Christian book store De Bouwsteen in Bleskensgraaf which raised the funds to a final 6,000 euro. The money will be used for the completion of the shelter. Johannes and Charlotte wrote:

"Thank you for your fantastic initiative… you just came in like that, as an answer to prayer. The money will cover a lot of ground in the reconstruction of the house for the girls.... The last frost is leaving and we will now get on with the job of finishing the repairs.  We are so thankful to God for people like you who have made this effort and given so generously. Please give all our LOVExxx to the two brave skaters."

German film maker Markus Haist made a short documentary about The Shelter, which is the name of the house that will be opened. Click on the link to view the film and KNOW that your gifts made this project possible. Please, continue to pray for the girls.

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!