April – June 2025
CONNECT M agazine
God ' s Kingdom SOWING INTO
Supporter Conference 2025: Partners Continue God's Story
Spring Appeal: Sow Into The Next Generation
Planting Hope in Montenegro
Pickles: International Youth Winter Conference in Serbia
Sowing Into God’s Kingdom
By Anđelko Trininić Gale, Associate Pastor at Novi Sad Christian Fellowship, Serbia
The time has come for the Church in the Balkans to raise up authentic leaders—men and women ready to serve others and transform society. Just as Jesus served in a way that resonated with his time, we believe young leaders must understand their culture and share the gospel authentically in Serbia.
Our work in Novi Sad is built on equipping and empowering young people to lead. Key to this is delegation—giving them real opportunities to step into leadership, make decisions, and grow. At Ziminica (which translates as ‘Pickles’), our annual international youth conference over 170 young people gathered to be equipped and encouraged. Ziminica builds bridges between nations, fostering unity and a shared mission for God's Kingdom. Young people are involved in every aspect of the event, from planning and logistics to worship and speaking. Instead of just receiving, they take ownership of the mission, discovering their role in God's work. This approach is bearing fruit. We see young men and women stepping into leadership in their churches, discipling others, and using their
gifts to impact their communities. Investing in the next generation isn’t just about the future—it’s about seeing God move through them now.
As Transform Europe Network celebrates 60 years of ministry, we are reminded that each generation must invest in those who come after them. My prayer is that we will continue to sow seeds of faith, leadership, and transformation— trusting God to bring the harvest.
If you share this vision, I’d love to connect and share more about what God is doing in Serbia. Let’s invest in the next generation together!
TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK
Registered office:
23 Apex Court, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JT
Tel: +44 (0)117 961 5161
Email: info@ten-uk.org
Web: ten-uk.org
Connect Magazine is written and produced by the TEN team. Design by Simon Petherick Graphic and Web Design. Transform Europe Network (TEN) is the operating name for Eurovangelism. Registered in England and Wales as a charity (no. 1140592) and company limited by guarantee (no. 7507682).
Anđelko Trininić Gale at Ziminica, the international youth conference held at Novi Sad Christian Fellowship
Welcome Contents
I am a gardener. There, I’ve said it. I keep my own garden with fruit, veg and flowers. Each week I also volunteer for a couple of hours at Great Chalfield Manor near my home (worth a visit if you are close to West Wiltshire). I started last year and one of my first tasks was to plant snowdrop bulbs for the following season. Left to my own devices I set about planting the little balls of potential down a bank, in the hope that when they flower in the coming years there will be a waterfall of snowdrops. I’ve checked it this year and at the time of writing they are starting to show. I am rather excited.
Sowing seeds whether literal or spiritual is a privilege. In over twenty-five years of ministry, I have sought to sow the seeds and possibility of faith into those God has given me the privilege of nurturing. It is a joy to see some of those I have encouraged, led and discipled now leading in different settings and ministries.
As we celebrate 60 years at TEN one of the threads that weaves its way through our history is how the sowing of seeds by people like Dave Foster, Danny and Vera Kuranji, Gary Cox, Tedi and Didi Oprenovi, Artur Krasniqi, Petre Petrov (I could go on) has borne such wonderful fruit. We praise God for this.
Over the last few years TEN has intentionally sown seeds alongside our partners into the lives of new leaders. Pray that seeds sown would continue to bear much fruit for the kingdom of God in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The story continues…
James Vaughton, CEO, TEN
4 The Story Continues Supporter Conference 2025
8 Sowing into The Next Generation Spring Appeal
9 Prayer Diary April – June
15 Lucy's Roundup
17 2023–24 Financial Overview
18 Goodbye and Hello: TEN Staff Changes
20 Emanuel Hospice: Hope in Darkness Romania
21 Pickles: International Youth Conference in Novi Sad Serbia
22 Planting Hope in Kotor Montenegro
23 How Your Giving Has Blessed Us
Sow into God's kingdom through our www.tenspringappeal.org
Cover photo: Young people at Ziminica, the international youth conference in Serbia, pray for each other.
We are so thankful for 60 years of Eurovangelism (Transform Europe Network) and we look forward to the future. Our partners share something of their stories and their hopes for God’s continuing story.
Tedi & Didi Oprenovi Sofia, Bulgaria
Our relationship with TEN began back in 1992 when we lived in Bristol. We were living there to study theology and go back to Bulgaria to minister with all we had learnt. There are many stories, blessings, answers to prayers, tears and laughter, sadness and joy, achievements and kingdom building we have shared with the TEN team over the years. This has been a blessed partnership as the relationship has enabled projects, prayer and support.
Raising new leaders has always been on our hearts. It is challenging to receive an evangelical theological education in Bulgaria and raising the next generation is not straightforward. It requires much personal time with each individual, planned seminars, training and opportunities for experience, so the person can grow in knowledge and skills.
God has been generous in providing fresh ideas and opportunities. However, the most important thing is that more people hear the call of the Lord and respond positively with the desire to learn and grow.
Leonora Maloku, Pristina, Kosovo
My journey with TEN began in 2010 when I started working for Evangelical Church – Fellowship of the Lord’s People in Pristina, a long-time partner of TEN. I was involved in office administration as well as Mercy Ministry— serving among the poor and needy. I have also been part of
House of Hope, the church’s educational programme that operates in different cities and communities, and Iliria Bible School, the very first Bible school in Kosovo. These ministries have not only received support from TEN but have also been a blessing to many in Kosovo, strengthening both individuals and the Church.
One of my greatest joys is investing in young leaders. I see lives transformed as they step into their God-given callings. One young Roma man I have been working with is soon finishing Iliria Bible School and is already taking on more responsibility to lead a church plant in his own community. Seeing his passion for Christ and his desire to serve gives me great hope for the future.
I am more than happy to be part of this generation where we see changes happening in Kosovo when it comes to faith, and young leaders being built up in faith and confidence to serve the Lord—including those among the Roma community.
As Scripture says, ‘They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of His splendour’ (Isaiah 61:3). My prayer is to see a new generation rise—bold in faith, passionate in love, and committed to the ongoing story of God’s kingdom in our region and beyond.
Emil & Vesna Puzderlievi
Struga, North Macedonia
Discipleship is an integral part of our church. Cultivating the presence of God through a life of prayer, fasting and worship are part of our core values. We want to pass on our zeal for serving God to our local church. We want to equip people for service in God’s kingdom by entrusting to them everything we have learned and the investment in our lives from the Lord‘s faithful servants. Through personal example we want to challenge and inspire believers to give their all for Christ, holding nothing back.
Our vision is to make mission part of the DNA of the church; the importance of salvation for each soul and sharing the gospel intentionally with others.
That is why evangelism is vital to our church and why we use every opportunity to model that to our believers, being outside the church walls and in the field. We go out and we take them with us, scattering the seed together. And they learn.
So many times, as I drive from the capital city Skopje down to Struga, I see the villages high in the mountains. I always wonder, ‘Who will go there Lord? Who will bring the gospel to those people?’ The answer from God is so clear; it is us! We are the sowers of the gospel. We declare Jesus Christ. We are planting holy words in people’s hearts through our words, giving out literature and our deeds. We love God and we love our fellow citizens. We sow seeds of love, righteousness and generosity. We are the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ, spreading that fragrance everywhere!
Only the Holy Spirit can make the seed grow. But we believe in the harvest and so we continue to sow the good seed of the gospel with the vision to send out disciples to plant churches in the towns and villages in the western part of North Macedonia and beyond!
‘Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well’ (Ecclesiastes 11:6).
Boris & Urša Ćurčić Podgorica, Montenegro
We're so blessed to be partnered with TEN. Their partnership with Christ Gospel Church Podgorica began with Jovica Bačvanski a long time ago, so Boris and I entered into an already established relationship. We soon discovered that the TEN network is a great support. You helped us in so many ways, with prayers, intercessions and financial support. We can feed the hungry and preach the gospel to people in need. Many people opened the doors of their homes to us with your help. You also helped us renovate and rebuild our toilets, which for many years was a big problem to our church. We feel supported and covered with your prayers. We want to give ourselves completely to raise new leaders in Montenegro. We want to invest everything that God has given us to encourage every young believer to serve with the gifts God gives them.
The friendship we have built with you is a wonderful thing. We're looking forward to God's plans for our lives and in our church in cooperation with you. May God bless you and multiply you and may he reward you beyond measure for all the good things you have done for us.
Ivan Petrov
Štip, North Macedonia
I am truly grateful for the opportunity to partner with TEN as we work together in North Macedonia, a country with a rich history and a growing potential for transformation. TEN’s mission to support local churches and raise up leaders who are passionate about spreading the gospel is something I deeply resonate with.
A key focus for me is raising up the next generation of leaders. I believe that leadership in the Church must be rooted in service, humility, and a deep understanding of God’s love. Through mentoring, discipleship, and creating spaces for young leaders to step into their calling, I am committed to investing in those who will lead in the future. Hospitality plays a central role in this process; it is through welcoming others, sharing life together, and building strong, trusting relationships that we see transformation happen. Each week, we gather for youth meetings, and afterward, we share a meal together, often at my parents' house. Petre and Daniela Petrovi,
60 Years |
who have been partnered with TEN for many years and serve as pastors, always open their home to the young people. These moments of connection go beyond just fellowship; they are opportunities for mentoring, discipleship, and leadership development. By creating a space for young people to not only grow in faith but also take on leadership roles, we are cultivating leaders who will carry the vision forward.
I firmly believe that hospitality is the future of the Church. It is through shared meals, open homes, and authentic relationships that we build trust and invite others into the transformative power of God’s love. In this way, we’re sowing into leaders who will impact the Church for generations to come.
The Story Continues
Spring Appeal: Sowing into The Next Generation
By James Vaughton, Chief Executive Officer at TEN
One of the most exciting things for me is seeing young Christians grow in faith with a humble servant heart and taking a lead.
The strategic leaders that are part of the TEN network are committed to finding and raising up people who will take on leadership in churches and Christian NGOs in the Balkans for the next generation.
TEN is committed to backing those who are raising new leaders and the new leaders themselves. Albano and Genta Manxhari are a young couple, finishing their studies at the International School of Theology & Leadership in Albania, whilst leading a church plant. Ami Oprenova-Stavrou is the worship leader in Sofia Baptist Church, training and equipping worship leaders across Bulgaria. Beni Micle, pastor in Constanta, Romania leads the Mathetis Bible School, which has over forty leaders in training this year.
Beginning of Life has an excellent young leader programme running in Moldova. Back in 2023, I had the privilege of teaching classes at Iliria Bible School in Kosovo. TEN actively supports these initiatives.
In our 60th year we want to maintain this momentum. Will you join us?
Our Spring Appeal this year is focused on raising funds to enable the raising of more leaders. If you want to support this please donate to our Spring Appeal: tenspringappeal.org
Perhaps this is something you would like to support over a longer term? If so, get in touch to pledge support for this work over the next few years.
James Vaughton and students of Iliria Bible School in Pristina in 2023
Prayer Diary
Prayer requests from Eastern Europe and the Balkans
April – June 2025
ten-uk.org/daily-prayer
April
Mihail & Ina Hiorescu, Moldova
1 Praise the Lord for peace in Moldova and our community. We are so grateful for the grace to preach the gospel to the people of Ursoaia, our village.
2 This month, we will meet with several churches from neighbouring villages— Pelinei, Gavanoasa and Lebedenco—to celebrate Easter together and give thanks for our risen Lord Jesus. Praise God!
3 We are trying to organise a baptism celebration in Ursoaia for next month. Pray for our plans to come together and for those who are preparing for their baptism.
4 Pray for our young volunteers who will be involved in the children’s day camps in the summer. The camp will take place in the second half of June.
Mission Possible Bulgaria, Bulgaria
5 Today we begin Hem of His Garment—a restorative programme for women. We expect to host 16 women and 10 volunteers throughout this week-long Bible study. Pray that the women will be restored, filled with faith, and have the desire to live life to the fullest.
6
In June, we will host our Women’s Christian Conference, Touched by God. We expect 100 women who have completed Hem of His Garment. We pray these women go forwards and continue to be encouraged and inspired.
7
In June, we will host our Men’s Christian Conference, In the Character of Christ. We expect 100 men. Prayerfully support these men as they take their responsibilities as leaders, protectors, and priests to their families.
Slavko Hadžić, Bosnia and Herzegovina
8
This month I will speak at six evangelistic events in Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ask God to call many non-Christians and work by his Spirit so that they commit their lives to Christ.
9
From April through to June, I will teach Homiletics at Evangelical Theological Seminary. Pray for the classes to be educational, helpful and a blessing to the students.
10
I have several training and speaking engagements planned for this quarter. Pray that what I bring to those occasions brings blessings.
11
Next month in Albania, I will lead a seminar on evangelism. Pray that everybody who attends will return to the mission field equipped to share the Good News with people.
12
Ask God to guide and provide for us as we plan for our second regional conference on evangelism in the autumn.
Valeriu & Angela Munteanu, Moldova
13
Praise God that many people from the village of Tigheci have heard the gospel. Over Christmas, many people wanted us to come and sing carols to their families. This is a miracle for us because in previous years, we’ve been threatened with people wanting to call the police. Pray that God will sustain our ministry.
14
20 Today is Easter Day and we are hosting evangelistic events in Bar. Pray that many people would hear the Good News and receive it joyfully.
21 We are starting regular evangelistic events on the promenade in Bar. Praise God for these opportunities and ask him to work in the hearts of those we share the gospel with.
22 Pray with us for more Montenegrins to accept Christ and be ready to serve in the local Church.
Pray that our church will be a good testimony to the people of Tigheci. Pray that God would provide new workers to build up the church.
15 Ask God to encourage children, teenagers, and young families to come to our church. Pray that we would find a suitable space to lead Bible studies with them.
16
Pray for our church members to want to share the gospel with local people who are not Christians yet.
17
Ask that the Holy Spirit will move in the hearts of those who hear the Good News. Pray we would be guided by the Spirit to ensure our preaching is focused on Christ.
Emil & Vesna Puzderlievi, North Macedonia
18
Pray we can have a big outreach event this Easter. We have not done this before as Orthodox Easter is a very solemn occasion and the atmosphere is different around Struga. It is a good opportunity to share the Good News.
Daniel & Irinka Stracinski, Montenegro
19
We have experienced some problems with believers abandoning their families when they emigrate to Montenegro. Ask the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and challenge them to be faithful.
23 Next month we are hosting a men’s conference to encourage Christian men to serve other men and be an example to them. Please pray for this conference.
Vasile & Maria Grigorita, Moldova
24 Pray that God blesses our desire to share the Easter message with non-believers in Brinza during these Easter holidays.
25 We praise the Lord for our winter day camp at the beginning of January. About fifty children heard the gospel.
26 We want to renovate a space within our church building to house the things the church uses. Ask God to provide the means to do this.
27 We will have day camps for the local children during the summer. Pray for our team as they meet to organise every element of those camps.
Evangelism in Action, Spain
28 The churches in Málaga came together on Easter Sunday to publicly celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection and proclaim the gospel in the city centre. Ask God to work in the hearts of each person who heard the Good News.
29 During the Easter holidays, churches associated with Evangelism in Action hosted a youth camp in the Andalusian mountains. Pray for everyone who was there to have met with God.
30
At Easter, we hosted a camp at Pinos Reales, Madrid, for young people. Many of our guests come from broken homes or immigrant families. Pray that each person who came experienced God’s love for them.
May
Ami OprenovaStavrou, Bulgaria
1
Please pray for our family’s health and wellbeing. Lately, we have all been struggling with a range of viruses. Pray for my husband, Chris, who has been searching for a new job in programming since he lost his job last year. This has been really hard for us.
2
I am currently organising a worship meeting in Varna for all the Baptist churches in Bulgaria. We will also join in with the handbell choir in Varna.
Tedi & Didi Oprenovi, Bulgaria
3
Ask God to sustain our family. We have all been getting colds and the flu a lot more than we would expect. Tedi has had back problems and Didi’s hands have swollen up, giving her much pain. Please pray for God to heal us all.
4 Pray for God to bless the businesses that rent our offices at our Renewal Centre. God has sustained our ministries through renting office space, but we have three vacant offices we hope to fill this year.
5
Over the past three years, Bulgaria has had seven parliamentary elections. The cost of living has risen sharply. Pray for those who suffer most—the poor, homeless and small businesses who have already lost a lot.
Ivan Petrov,
North Macedonia
6
Pray that this year, more young people will encounter Christ and experience deep spiritual transformation.
7
Ask God to work in the hearts of the people of Štip, so that they come to know Christ as their Saviour.
8
Pray for me, that God will give me strength and wisdom as I lead Štip Evangelical Church this year. Ask God to provide me with financial support and his blessings for my own family
9
Next month, Croatia will host a huge Christian youth festival, organised by Srcokret. Pray that God provides for any young person who would like to go but is experiencing financial barriers.
Evangelism in Action, Spain
10 Please pray for us as we meet with mayors from various towns in Malaga to request permits for the evangelistic festivals this summer and our urban English camps.
11
Next month, we will return to meet with those affected by last year’s floods in Álora. Our director, Benjamín Martín, has maintained a good relationship with a Bulgarian man, to whom he gave some Christian literature.
Anatoli & Desi Yankovi, Bulgaria
12
This month we will celebrate twenty years of Shalom Church in Svištov. Desi and I will also celebrate thirty years of ministry as pastors. Praise God for his goodness to us.
Anita Dimitrievska, North Macedonia
13
Following our Easter celebrations and workshops, pray that God would draw children and adults closer to him.
14
Praise God for our popular and regular art evenings. Ask God to touch the hearts of those who regularly attend our art evenings to accept Christ as their saviour.
15
Ask God to open doors for Ohrid Evangelical Church to start working with local students.
Dario Kapin, Bosnia and Herzegovina
16
Ask God to provide the funds we need to buy a new space for our children’s work and an office.
17
Pray that God would help us to establish a church plant in Derventa, where we have been ministering for several years now.
18
Praise God for the new people who have been attending our church meetings. Pray with us that they accept the gospel message and turn to Christ.
Boris & Urša Curčić, Montenegro
19 We praise God for the new people who have started coming to our church. Pray for God to draw them closer to him and pray especially that we will see more Montenegrins in our churches.
20
Praise God that our government has helped us many times and in many ways as we serve God.
21
Pray for unity between different church congregations. Ask God to give us a new strategy which will be successful in gaining souls for Christ.
22
Pray for the Gospel Tribe team from Germany who are joining us this month to do outreach in our city of Podgorica.
23 We are so grateful to God for providing us with people from around the world who are willing to help us. Thank you so much for your spiritual and material support.
Katerina Koleva, North Macedonia
24
Praise God for the new students who are working with us this year. We are grateful to God for them and their desire to share their faith.
25 Pray for my staff at SEAM (Student Evangelical Association of Macedonia). At the start of the year, one staff member left because he had to prioritise his work at church. One of our volunteers is now looking for paid work but I want to employ and invest in him. Pray that God would provide the finances.
Ruslan & Larisa Telpiz, Moldova
26
Praise God for the Taekwondo school that has started in Goteşti and for the instructor. Pray we can start another Taekwondo (and football) school in Ţiganca.
27 Praise God for the Football School we have. We are so grateful for the coach and the children. Ask God to provide our own football field so we don’t have to experience issues with other groups.
28
Pray for our ministry in Ţiganca, where we are planting a church. Pray that we can establish a House of Prayer there.
Beginning of Life, Moldova
29 We continue to serve children, teenagers, single mothers and Ukrainian refugees. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve those in need, and we ask you to pray that God will open hearts to the Good News, bringing transformation to the lives of those we serve.
30
Praise God for the graduation events we had this month for our young people. We are thankful for their commitment, the dedication of their parents and the incredible work of our volunteers.
31
Next month we will run several youth outreach events to start summer in a meaningful way. Please pray for the safety of the young people and that their time with us will be impactful and life changing.
June
Erion & Gentiana Çuni, Albania
1
Pray for the new church in Perrenjas, a city with many people who experience desperation and have no hope until now. Pray for church leaders Ardit and Ranja Alisufi; that God will keep using them so that more people get to know Jesus.
2
Pray for the church in Poliçan. God has opened the door to purchase the building. We can finally register our ministry and do more for the church and the community and enlarge our ministry among the Bektashi Muslims.
3
Pray for us as a family. We are serving more leaders and church planters than ever before. Ask God to sustain us with strength, wisdom, creativity, balance, and good health.
Mission Possible Albania, Albania
4
We trust that the Lord will open up the way for us to have our own church building imminently. We also need wisdom and discernment to remain faithful and resist the evil one.
5 As the number of ministries and volunteers grow, we see the need for a car. Please pray that God will provide.
6
Pray for unity and a godly witness of the churches and organisations in Bathore so that Christ’s name will be honoured. Pray for unity and truth among those that serve God, and an increase in volunteers who want to serve.
7
Pray that everything we do is subject to Christ’s will. Islamic influence and
involvement are increasing in the village of Bathore. Ask God to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to be more intentional in praying with us that the people of Bathore return to Christ.
8
Pray that churches outside of Albania will have an interest in this country. We want to have three more church plants in Albania this year.
Dušan & Mira Beređi, Serbia
9
Pray for the Rainbow Rehabilitation Centre. We are discipling at least twenty of the men and trying to lead them along Christ’s path. Ask God for wisdom for us.
10 We manage to cover 76% of our rehab centre expenses through business initiatives. Our goal this year is to reach 85-90%. Pray for our new business initiatives, especially our equipment rental service and that we reach our goal.
11
From Friday, we will host a large team from America for a week and a half. Our focus will be evangelism and discipleship. Pray for protection, wisdom, and influence.
12
Next month, a large international youth festival called Srcokret Fest will be held in Croatia. We are engaged in the planning and speaking. Ask God to lead us and to bless the thousands of young people that will attend.
Vance & Tanja Golomeovi, Serbia
13
Pray for the city of Požarevac and the surrounding cities where we have missionary groups to develop into new churches. Pray for churches to be planted in Petrovac na Mlava, Žagubica, Kučevo and Kostolac.
14
Ask God to equip and encourage believers’ spiritual gifts and ministries – apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Eph 4:11–13)—so our church will be prepared to serve him.
15
Thank you so much for all your prayers for our family and the church. We begin this year with faith in God and a strong desire to serve him. Ask God to provide for our spiritual and material needs.
CASA Grace, Romania
16
Pray for the children who attend Kingdom Kids. The children have severe disabilities. May each child feel Christ’s love through the special care shown to them by Dora, and may they show recovery and progress.
17
Pray for each young girl or woman who attends our tailoring course to be empowered and well equipped to find a job locally, or to become the best tailor where they are. Ask God to move in their hearts to put their trust in him, their provider.
18 May each food parcel, Bible word and encouragement reach the hungry child, parent, widow, and grandparent. Ask God to take away each person’s physical hunger and to bless then with eternal life.
19
In August, we are having our camp for young people. Pray that our Father will shape the hearts and lives of every child and teenager who joins us, so they will be ready to accept the salvation he offers them and to remain in him.
20 Please prayerfully support each staff member and volunteer who works at CASA Grace, caring for our beneficiaries.
Dragan & Biljana Manev, North Macedonia
21 Pray for Srcokret Fest, which will begin in a few days. This is the biggest youth gathering in the Balkans and will take place in Primošten, Croatia.
22 We praise God that one family from Resen, our town, recently received the Lord Jesus into their hearts. Pray for Lence and her daughter Jule, especially as Lence has cancer.
Hervin & Sedika Fushekati, Albania
23 Praise God for the teenagers who took part in our youth conference. They shared deeply personal and powerful testimonies and embraced vulnerability in a way that many adults hesitate to do.
24 We celebrate the incredible work God is doing through the after-school classes and Bible lessons, with more than eighty children currently participating three times each week.
25 Pray with us for the Church of God leadership as they come together to revisit the vision and mission. Pray for clarity in their decision-making, unity in purpose and perseverance in their calling.
26 Ask God for wisdom for families as they support and encourage their young people in the face of challenges from our world.
27 Pray that God will provide funds to hire a teacher and meet the ongoing expenses for food parcels and medicine at our after-school classes and Bible lessons.
Robert & Krasi Salamanovi, North Macedonia
28 Pray for our various ministries. Our work among the miners is our priority, and we have one miner coming to church now. Pray also for our outreach among Turkish Muslims, and our work in the prison, as we distribute Bibles and tracts.
29 Pray for our lectures at a school in Radoviš. The lectures are on the subject of prevention of drug addiction and how God can free people from addictions.
30 We give glory to God that we could purchase our church building. Now, we are starting to renovate. Ask God to provide all we need to complete the work.
Lucy’s Roundup
By Lucy Reid, Mission Engagement Worker at TEN
Fundraise for our Spring Appeal
Spring is upon us which means longer days, new blooms and more time in the outdoors! It is also the launch of our Spring Appeal. This year’s focus of our Spring Appeal is supporting new and upcoming leaders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. We want to sow into those who carry the baton for the next generation.
Fundraising provides a great opportunity to connect with your friends, church, small groups and local community while supporting young leaders in the Balkans. So, it’s time to get creative!
Love gardening? Why not ‘sow into the next generation’ by selling plants or running a gardening event?
Or you could put your hand to some ‘sewing’ and run a sew-a-thon with some friends at a ticketed crafty event or make some creative designs to auction off. If gardening or crafts aren’t your thing, how about hosting a coffee morning or a community walk as a fun way to get to know people?
Check out our Spring Appeal and what it's all about by reading James's article (pg. 8) or visiting tenspringappeal.org.
Last Call to Croatia
Do you want to join us at Camp Fokus in Croatia?
There is still time if you apply by Monday 14th April.
From 28th June to 6th July (subject to flights) we will be serving at Good News Church Split’s children’s camp in the Croatian mountains. We are coming alongside the Good News team and other volunteers to help to facilitate workshops, games, cooking, cleaning and sharing testimonies. So, please prayerfully consider coming. To find out more contact me directly at lucy.reid@ten-uk.org. Or you can apply to join us today on our website at: ten-uk.org/tenteams.
Children having fun at Camp Fokus, Croatia
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2023–24 Financial Overview
We are hugely thankful to you and ultimately to God for the support that is provided to TEN by all our donors. We recognise every donation as generous and sacrificial giving.
The following summary information is intended to give a feel for the financial performance of TEN to anyone, irrespective of their familiarity with financial reporting. This summary is taken from the relevant notes to the financial statements for each reporting period. These figures are based on our 2023–24 financial year.
For a more full and comprehensive account, please refer to the accounts and trustees’ annual report which can be found via the Charity Commission at https://register-of-charities. charitycommission.gov.uk/en/. Search for Eurovangelism or 1140592
Income April 2023 – March 2024
Total income for 2023–24 was at £724,412; compared with £746,844 in 2022-23. Total expenditure for 2023–24 was £945,129; compared with £687,937 in 2022–23. During 2023–24 expenditure was made up of £84,579 spent on
fundraising and £860,550 on charitable activities. The reason for such a significant difference on expenditure compared with the previous year was because of the timing of income received in relation to when it was sent, and the use of designated funds for partner ministries.
Please note, in the expenditure chart we have used the term ministry, but the statutory reports refer to charitable activities.
The expenses shown (e.g. salaries, compliance, governance costs or fundraising promotions) enable your donations to reach their ultimate goalour partners, and thus the furtherance of God’s kingdom now and in the future.
Expenditure April 2023 – March 2024
Fundraising (9%)
Ministry Grants (70%)
Ministry Support (10%)
Other Ministry Costs (11%)
We remain encouraged by how God uses the resources he has given TEN. We maintain a stable financial position and the strength of our balance sheet has enabled us to send significantly more funds in grants during 2023–24 than in an average year.
Thank you for your committed support. It is vital to our work. Please continue to pray for this work and how you can support what God is doing in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Goodbye and Hello: TEN Staff Changes
In the past few months, TEN has undergone some changes to staff. With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to two excellent team members, but with joy, we welcome two new people.
James Chilcott (Chilli) Finance & Data Manager
By Naomi Greenwood, Communications & Operations Officer at TEN
It’s been such a pleasure to work with Chilli. He is funny, creative, incredibly patient, kind and excellent at what he turns his hands to. We have all felt great assurance that donations and grants have been stewarded well and faithfully to further God’s work, and we’ve been equipped to work efficiently and confidently. All of us will miss our dear colleague, friend and brother in Christ very much.
Chilli adds, “I remember the amazing sense of family at the supporter and partner conferences. Hearing partners’ stories first hand and worshipping together was a wonderful reminder of God's call to every tribe, tongue and nation and how we are one family in Jesus. TEN's faithful supporters have generously supported the work of partners over many years. In
coming together at those conferences, it underlined the amazing way God works so faithfully through his people, bringing heaven to earth—His kingdom come, His will be done.”
Melanie
Griffiths Supporter & Churches Officer
By James Vaughton, Chief Executive Officer at TEN
Melanie has faithfully served TEN for over nine years. Her energy, fun and commitment to God’s work has always been so clear. Melanie’s love of building relationships and interaction with supporters, church leaders and volunteers has borne much fruit. It has been particularly encouraging to witness several new partnerships established between churches in the UK and the Balkans. We will miss Melanie and also the occasional cameo appearances of her cat Claude, on video calls! Melanie leaves a great legacy for us to build on.
Melanie adds, “There have been so many highlights! New church partnerships. Walking the virtual Via Egnatia—300 miles for TEN—during lockdown. Standing on the real Via Egnatia after lockdown. Meeting long-term supporters and hearing their stories. Walking the Lindisfarne Causeway with Gillian and Roger Daniel. Partners’ conferences in Bulgaria—their passion for the gospel.
Robbie Palmer Mission Support Worker
Hello, I am Robbie. I first heard of TEN when my church mentioned a mission trip to Croatia.
I didn’t end up going, but I still had a meeting with TEN, as they said they would like to get to know me.
Less than a year later, I went to Bulgaria to help at Refresh—TEN’s International Partner Conference— through another charity I'm connected to. I found the whole trip very interesting, but I was particularly interested by the partners themselves and what God was doing through them in their respective locations.
I have recently moved back to Bristol and will be working at TEN for six months before attending Bible college in September. During my time here, I will be processing partner newsletters and co-leading a TENteams mission trip to Croatia in early July.
Team trips to Bulgaria, Albania and fulfilling the ‘Macedonian Call’ in North Macedonia. Carol Partridge’s incredible garage sales! A massive thank you to our wonderful supporters, Ambassadors, Country Champions, volunteers, partners and above all my very special TEN colleagues, past and present. I will miss you, but it’s au revoir, not adieu!”
Clare Jefferis Trusts Fundraiser
Hello! I’m Clare and I’m helping TEN with trusts fundraising, working part-time.
I am a fundraising consultant and have borrowed a desk at TEN since autumn 2020, doing my own work, but in a friendly office environment. As I work mostly from home, leaving my house to work in the TEN office is a really important part of my week; and is such a social and spiritual encouragement. The team are very welcoming; I’ve joined their prayers at 10am and feel very included.
I have undertaken a few small trust fundraising projects for TEN and have volunteered for various TEN events. I’m hoping to raise lots of funds for TEN and their partners!
Outside work, I am a bellringer and keen quizzer. I am trustee of John Muir Trust and Bristol Diocese. I live locally to the TEN office with Tim and two children who are mostly at university.
Emanuel Hospice: Hope in Darkness
By Marinela Rotariu, Founder and Executive Director at Emanuel Hospice, Romania
Before the 1989 revolution, when communism collapsed in Romania, I worked as a nurse at a haematology unit at the county clinical hospital. In spite of all our efforts to cure patients, many, especially young people were dying from leukaemia.
In 1990, I began studies at Emanuel Bible Institute, desirous to learn how to care for the souls of cancer patients with limited prognosis. I knew from the first day that my calling from God was to start a hospice programme in Oradea. In 1995, my last year, I had the opportunity to share my vision with Gary Cox, the director of Eurovangelism (Transform Europe Network). Soon after, I received news that Eurovangelism was open to support me financially to start the hospice programme. But first I had to care for my father who died that year due to cancer.
We opened Emanuel Home Care Hospice in Oradea in 1996. God has been faithful since then, providing us with resources to care for thousands of cancer patients in our community. We are so grateful to God for TEN staff and supporters through all the years of investment and pray at this 60-year anniversary that God will bless all those who support us and other projects through which God’s kingdom is advanced in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Currently, Emanuel Hospice employs twenty people: doctors, nurses, social workers, psychologists, physiotherapists and a chaplain. We care for 280 patients annually. God continues to call the next generation to this ministry. Cerasella, our social worker says “Beside my duties, I have the privilege to present the gospel to the patients. After six months of work here, I see a tremendous need for people to have peace with God, especially when they are close to leaving this earth.”
Top: Emanuel Hospice team at their opening ceremony with Gary Cox.
Left: Nurse Monica Bejinariu with a hospice patient; Dan and Marinela Rotariu in front of the new hospice centre development; Dr. Beni Paul with a hospice patient on her baptism day.
Pickles: International Youth Conference in Novi Sad
By Marina Sabljov, Novi Sad Christian Fellowship, Serbia
We prepared for our international youth conference, Ziminica, (which translates as ‘Pickles’) for months. There were many high-school volunteers including me. The preparation was exhausting and we faced a lot of challenges because it was the first time that many of us had organised something like this. It was awesome how God brought us closer on a deeper level.
There were lots of people from other churches from all over Serbia and other neighbouring countries. Worship was so wonderful and powerful that we could feel God's presence surrounding us. The prayer team poured out their prayers and blessings the whole time. The services were really inspiring, and I think most of us found the answers we were looking for as we started understanding the Bible more deeply.
My friends and I found our calling through working on this conference and being a part of it. This was my first time serving and I felt really glad that I could help even though I’m just a teenager. I think that's proof that anyone can serve God no matter their age and abilities.
As the next generation, we have the means to shape the future. With access to communication tools that previous generations could only dream of, we must take responsibility to share the gospel with the whole world. It's up to us to lead with empathy, kindness and the ability to understand others' needs. We should present ourselves as people made in God's image.
I hope to see you all at our next conference and I encourage you to serve at your church no matter your age because God has a plan for us teenagers as well.
Top: Marina (third from the left) worships with friends; Worshipping at Ziminica. Left: Ziminica crew and Ziminica – 'Pickles'.
Planting Hope in Kotor
By Srdjan Vorotovic, Kotor Evangelical Church, Montenegro
Six years ago, I had a conviction to serve in Kotor. I felt this many years before as a young believer, but now the conviction was stronger.
My heart for Kotor was opened over twenty years ago, after I had served as a volunteer on the Logos ship and after that when I attended prayer meetings at the Kotor home group. Unfortunately, that fellowship came to an end as people relocated to different places. At the time when this call on my life returned, I and my wife Ruth were volunteering in young people’s ministries and in other capacities at Podgorica Evangelical Church. We also hosted Bible studies in our apartment. I shared with Pastor Vladimir Cizmanski about feeling the call to serve in Kotor, and he advised Ruth and I to try it out by visiting a missionary couple who lived near Kotor to serve with them over the weekends.
We visited the couple once or twice each month. While there, we led Bible studies with the adults and taught at the children’s club. After a year of serving those weekends in Kotor, God opened the door for us to go, and we moved there at the end of 2021 with the blessings of the church in Podgorica.
We are grateful to God for TEN, who has supported our ministry financially and prayerfully since 2023. We have also had visits from TEN staff members and their supporters over the past two years. We plan to make as many contacts as possible this year so that the people of Kotor can hear about the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. We also pray that God provides a permanent place of worship.
Top: Ruth and Srdjan Vorotovic in Kotor. Bottom: James Vaughton with Vladimir Cizmanski (left) and Srdjan and Ruth Vorotovic (right) in Kotor.
How Your Giving Has Blessed Us
By Melanie Griffiths, Supporters & Churches Officer at TEN
Thank you so much for sowing into God’s kingdom through your giving to TEN in 2024. It is such an encouragement to our partners as they share the gospel and respond to many social needs.
We are immensely grateful for every gift we receive, whether it is a regular donation or a one-off gift. Giving by standing order helps us to plan ahead with support for our partners. However, we are so grateful to the many of you who give in response to our quarterly Connect Magazine. We are sorry that we cannot personally thank you every time, but we can assure you that we really appreciate every donation we receive.
One supporter responded to a request in our Prayer Diary by Boris and Urša Ćurčić in Montenegro for new toilets at their church to comply with the new laws. The supporter gives to a toilet twinning project in Africa, so this need resonated with her.
A church which partners with Dragan and Biljana Manev in North Macedonia were moved by the Night to Shine prom evening held again this year for people with disabilities.
In addition to their regular support, they gave a generous gift to provide for this wonderful event which took place this February.
Your purchases from our Essential Gifts catalogue have helped people practically such as providing warm shoes for winter or aiding the sustainability of a church in Bosnia and Herzegovina through its bee project.
As you’ve discovered more about how TEN is committed to raising up the next generation of God’s servants in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, perhaps you will be encouraged to support our Spring Appeal this year. However you respond, we want to thank you so much for all you do to support TEN and our partners. It makes a real difference.
Top: A guest arrives at Night to Shine in North Macedonia. Left: Door signs for the new toilets. Right: A bee working away near the apiary and winter boots for people in Serbia.
Help us and our partners sow into God’s kingdom through equipping and empowering the next generation of Christian leaders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Give to our Spring Appeal.
Your donations to our Spring Appeal will support the training and equipping of new Christian leaders in Eastern Europe and the Balkans, growing the strength of the Church there and continuing God’s story.
