MAGAZINE April – June 2018

EUROPE’S MISSION OF

COMPASSION » SETTING THE PRISONERS FREE » CARING FOR BULGARIA’S ORPHANS » WE’VE MOVED OFFICE » COUNTRY FOCUS ON KOSOVO » PRAYER DIARY APRIL TO JUNE 2018

www.ten-uk.org

EDITORIAL

THIS WORK RELIES ON PRAYER We are amazed at the dynamic of change being experienced by many communities and in countless individual lives across Europe. What a powerful God we serve, enabling the ministry of TEN to reach out to the poor, the abandoned and the forgotten.

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ransform Europe Network and its partners continue to bring the good news of Jesus Christ through evangelism, churchplanting and compassionate care. The proclamation of the Kingdom of God through words and deeds reaches prisoners, orphans, outcasts, widows and the hungry. The vision and foundations laid by Eurovangelism’s pioneers since 1965 remain crystal clear and secure. Every aspect of this work relies on prayer to a generous Heavenly Father. We are grateful for every supporter who adopts the magazine Prayer Diary and faithfully prays for the specific needs of our partners. We also thank God for the privilege of receiving financial gifts towards the work. As we distribute the ‘loaves and fishes’ we are ever mindful of the miracle of multiplication. At TEN we recognise that transforming lives requires three essential elements: prayer, finance and hard work. Your financial gift can be the vital ingredient to bring change to those you care about. This magazine also features some practical needs, ranging from requests

for Bibles and Christian literature, to help sponsor capital building projects. We’ve lots more information on the website www.ten-uk.org. Please get in touch if you are prompted to help in any way.

Gary Cox and Ian Morris on a recent visit to the office

Thanks to everyone who gives so generously to the work of TEN. You are making a real difference. We're sorry that we can't reply with a personal letter of thanks for every gift we receive. We take this occasion to say how much we appreciate every donation.

Thank you!

WELCOME

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hat words would you use to describe springtime? Beautiful, new, refreshing, vibrant, lush, inspiring and renewing? Spring is truly an amazing season. The dullness of winter evaporates to reveal the magnificent freshness of Spring, with all its promise of hope and abundant new life. The transformation of Winter to Spring is a perfect analogy of what our partners bring to some of the neediest people in Europe. In one of my recent trips I experienced two examples of loving compassion in action today across Europe. I witnessed first-hand the demonstrative compassion shown to a middleaged man with terminal cancer. His only source of help was from the dedicated team who visited him daily. I was also privileged to observe the same compassion shown through the practical help given to extremely poor families who were considered as outcasts of society. The pages of the Bible are drenched so much with love and compassion that we cannot ignore it. In fact, we who are followers of Jesus have a call to live and act compassionately. In Philippians 2 verse 3 it says, ‘In humility value others above yourselves’ and in Colossians 3 verse 12 ‘As God’s chosen people clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness’. As we enjoy this beautiful springtime, let’s all live as Jesus did and display compassion. Together we can bring change to the lives of the least, the last and the lost by giving them hope and a future. Thank you for your continued faithful support.

CONTENTS THANK YOU

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Letter from Gerry Partridge, CEO

REACHING THE UNREACHED

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He sets the prisoner free

TRANSFORMING EUROPE

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Love for the orphans

WE’VE MOVED OFFICE

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Take note of our new address

60 SECONDS WITH...

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Rosemary Boulton

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FIVE WAYS TO GIVE

Bring change in Europe

APPRECIATION OF MARTIN BROWN

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PRAYER DIARY April–June 2018

NEWS

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Team updates plus news and current needs from our partners in Europe

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HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY Congratulations!

COUNTRY PROFILE Kosovo

SHORT TERM MISSIONS Go. Change Lives

ONE LIFE AT A TIME Summer Dreams

TEN_Today

transformeuropenetwork

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 Written and produced by the TEN team Design: Simon Petherick Graphic and Web Design

Gerry Partridge, CEO Transform Europe Network

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).

Cover photo: Agustin and Besa, Albania (see page 5)

PLEASEYOU PRAY FOR TEN THANK LETTER FROM CEO GERRY PARTRIDGE

Dear friends, Thank you once again for your amazing faithfulness over the past year; in prayer, financial support and time. We are privileged and blessed to be working with you in sharing the love and grace of Jesus with our partners across Europe. With your committed involvement we have been able to continue the ministry of TEN by supporting 70 dedicated partners. This is truly a partnership in the Gospel, as together we are seeing hundreds of lives transformed, through programmes like Harvest for the Hungry, WinterHelp, Summer Camps, Gift Catalogue, Church Partnerships, Evangelistic Outreach, Church Planting and Sponsorships in Training and Education. Thank you so much for your generous support. The need is still great, Europe is the most un-evangelised continent on the earth, with secularism and materialism appearing as the gods of this age. There’s an urgent obligation to point the nations of Europe to Christ. He is the only answer to the challenges this continent faces. As we step into this new financial year, we do so in faith and with anticipation as we look to our Heavenly Father for His provision and direction. We remain passionate to do even greater things in Europe, to see more people come to know Jesus personally and to see further communities transformed. Pray with us ‘Let Your Kingdom come, let Your will be done in Europe as it is in heaven.’ We trust in our amazing God, and we know He is a good, good Father. Would you continue to stand with us in prayer? With your help we will seek to support the many faithful men and women across Europe who have sacrificially dedicated their lives to sharing the love, grace and compassion of Jesus our Lord. Pray. This is foundational to everything we do, we need more prayer intercessors for Europe. Would you like to join our team of intercessors praying for Europe? Give. Your donations enable us to financially support churches, people and projects. If you’re not already doing so, would you consider giving monthly to TEN? Go on a short-term mission to help support our partners this year, there are many opportunities where you can get involved. Discover about how to Pray, Give or Go at www.ten-uk.org/ get-involved or simply contact the TEN office. Thank you again for being part of this vital ministry and may you be blessed with God’s abundant love and grace. Gerry Partridge, TEN Chief Executive Officer

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

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REACHING THE UNREACHED – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

HE SETS THE

PRISONER FREE by Erion Cuni, Albania

Agustin was sent to jail for being drunk. He was 18 years old at the time and had recently married. I met Agustin while serving as a Prison Chaplain from SHKBSH/PFA in Albania.

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gustin was a Catholic and anxious for a priest to hear his confession. I prayed with him and began to find out more about his family. Through the church we brought food parcels and hygiene packs to his young wife, Besa and his parents who were poverty-stricken. On his release, Agustin began to attend church along with his wife but finding work proved very hard because he had no real education. Depressed, he began to drink heavily and stole mobile phones from girls in the street to provide for his family. It was not long before Agustin was back in prison. Eighteen months later, Agustin was released and a breakthrough came when he was offered work at a car repair business run by a Christian. He was even given a bicycle to help him get to and from work. One night as he returned home he was stopped by the police, who knew him well, and there was a confrontation. He resisted arrest and ended up back in jail. The church and his family prayed much for Agustin through these dark days. Prison visits continued and anxious to be a good

father to his young son, he resolved to stay out of prison after his release. Three years on and Agustin is a changed young man who loves the Lord, is very active in church and part of a small group. He enjoys providing for his family, working in building construction.

Photo: Agustin +44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORMING EUROPE – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

LOVE FOR THE ORPHANS

IN BULGARIA by Anatoli Yankov

It’s over 20 years since Anatoli quit his job as a professional judo coach to serve God as a church planter, along with his wife Desi. Their ministry with orphans commenced about six years ago while visiting the local children’s home. They began to bring the children food, clothing and gifts during the holidays and then started a programme called ‘Integration of Orphaned Children through Sport’ Eventually, the state-run children’s home was closed down, however Anatoli and Desi had grown to love the orphans and so continued to work with them in the settlements where they went to live.

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any of the children live in very bad conditions, but they are helped through visits, advice, food supplies, clothes, firewood and any other essential needs. More and more kids are calling us for help. Last December we organised a reunion for 12 of the orphans in the town of Sevlievo. We paid for them to stay at a hotel along with food and travelling expenses. That cost us about £450. A pastor friend of mine helped us organise

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Our desire is to have a sheltered home where orphaned youths can stay for free for about two years to help them adapt to society, have some training and find jobs, build social and life skills, learn teamwork, money management and much more.

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it all. The kids were really encouraged. We shared from God’s Word about what Christ has done for them. Some already attend local evangelical churches in Sevlievo and Veliko Tarnovo. Would you please pray for these following young people? Camelia and her husband Kemmo have a new baby boy called Chris. For now, Kemmo has a job but needs help with food and wood for the winter. Gaby had a baby boy last December and his name is Beloslav. She is a single mum, and lives with her mother, step father and their five-year-old child. They are very poor and need food and firewood. Gaby has physical problems and cannot breastfeed the baby, so she needs supplies of infant milk. Mincho was found sleeping in Plovdiv train station. He’s illiterate so finding him a job is a great challenge. Also, his ID card has expired but we can’t have it

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

TRANSFORMING EUROPE – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Camelia and Kemmo with baby Chris with TEN Partners Desi and Anatoli

reissued because he has no permanent address. Mincho is currently here with us in Svishtov and we have rented a room for him. We have to pay £90 every month to cover the heating, hot and cold water and the rent. That’s a lot of money for us and we’re always looking for sponsorship. So far, we’ve managed to buy him some clothes and pay the rent for a few more weeks. We are currently teaching him to read, write and find work. Our desire is to have a sheltered home where orphaned youths can stay for free for about two years to help them adapt to society, have some training and find jobs, build social and life skills, learn teamwork, money management, and much more. We are preparing a new programme called ‘Jabez’, (1 Chronicles 4:9–10), for Integration, Education and Work. Right now, we don’t have any support from outside, yet this work takes quite a big budget and many people to work with these youths each weekday, to study the Bible; they pray and talk about life and God. They share their needs, express their hopes and also share experiences they have with God. Please pray for us. Photos (top and bottom): Helping the orphans with work

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORMING EUROPE – VOLUNTEERS LEND A HAND

WE’VE MOVED OFFICE On a crisp, cold morning in Kingswood, Bristol, the staff team were joined by a willing group of volunteers to help move the contents of the office to their new location.

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ur much-loved building at Holdenhurst Road served us very well for nearly 30 years. Thanks to everyone who helped to purchase it, especially through the Buy a Brick scheme. However, it’s now in need of some serious renovation and so the time was ripe to move. After several weeks of sorting the archives, paper recycling and selling or donating unwanted items, including a retro record player, garden waste shredder and an old fax machine. A few volunteers popped in to say their final goodbye to the former Eurovangelism Office. The house is being renovated and prepared for letting by TEN and there are plans to sell the site of the office, garage and rear garden for residential development. Our new, modern two-storey offices are situated on a business park in Bradley Stoke, close to Parkway station and the M5 / M4 Almondsbury interchange. We have ample desk space for the staff and volunteers, meeting rooms, a store room and a ready welcome for visitors. 8

Our new address is: Transform Europe Network 23 Apex Court Woodlands Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 4JT (Please note that post sent to our old address will for now be redirected by Royal Mail.)

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

TRANSFORMING EUROPE – THE INTERVIEW

60 SECONDS WITH… ROSEMARY BOULTON Tell us about yourself I worked in the Eurovangelism Bristol office for 29 years until I retired in 2002. Thankfully, I am still enjoying an active life with plenty of walking in the countryside and involved in various ways at my local parish church. How did you first hear about the work of Eurovangelism? I heard about the work of Eurovangelism/TEN through its founder, Dave Foster who was an active member of the English-speaking Baptist church in Geneva, where I worshipped whilst working at the World Health Organisation. Dave sometimes preached and spoke about his ministry but it was not until I was praying for guidance about my future that his wife Susan told me about a job opportunity in Bristol. Which areas of TEN’s mission are you most passionate about? TEN works with such dedicated and high calibre leaders that all the ministries are worthy of our passion. However, the ones that most resonate with me are where I have met the people or better still visited them on their home turf. It was a privilege to stay with Danny and Vera Kuranji in Novi Sad, Serbia, and take part in distribution of Harvest for the Hungry boxes. Their Good News Church is amazing! The lovely Marinela Murg also has my deepest respect for the dedication of her life to developing the hospice movement in Romania.

What is your favourite memory of TEN? Among my many good memories, this one was a bit different. The venue for our Annual Conference could have been ‘Fawlty Towers’. Our dormitory had visitations from mice each evening – not good when you are trying to impress influential ladies from a grant-making charity! Our guest speaker was the late Derek Tipler, a colourful and educated gypsy involved in Bible translation. He was in his element in our ‘rough and ready’ surroundings and, together with Dave Foster, ensured we had a happy and memorable conference. We bonded together quickly that year! What’s so special about TEN? The amazing partners. The ‘family atmosphere’ between our partners in Europe and the support base in the UK. It’s so good to see this is growing through linking UK churches to our friends in Europe.

Rosemary Boulton

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - GIVING

Five ways to

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give

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Give Online As a monthly or one-off gift:

ten-uk.org/give

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 Cheque

Payable to TEN and post to:

Through your bank:

Transform Europe Network 23 Apex Court Woodlands Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 4JT

Complete the form on page 25 (or download one from ten-uk.org/give) and post to TEN

Call TEN office and use your debit or credit card:

01179 516151

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Standing Order

4  Telephone

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TRANSFORM LIVES IN EUROPE

5  Purchase Purchase an Essential Gift from our catalogue either online or by telephone:

ten-uk.org/shop 01179 516151

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

IN REMEMBRANCE

APPRECIATION OF

MARTIN BROWN 1947 – 2018

Martin was a stalwart supporter and former trustee of TEN for many years until his untimely passing a few weeks ago. In many respects, his passing was a happy release from his battle with Motor Neurone Disease which struck him during his time of caring for Myra, who sadly contracted dementia not long after Martin had retired.

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artin was a qualified accountant, practising with a Bristol  partnership which was  eventually acquired by Smith & Williamson, a large national entity.  A s an experienced auditor, he was introduced by Colin and Lorraine Cooper—fellow members  of the Brown’s at Christ  Church, Downend—to Gary Cox and Jack Barley back in 1993 with a view to taking on the audit of Eurovangelism’s annual accounts. This he did, with consummate professionalism allied to a strong empathy with the organisation’s ministry in continental Europe. About 18 months after his retirement from Smith & Williamson and appointment as our auditor, Martin was invited to join the Board of Trustees.  Martin’s contributions to the Board’s deliberations were always pertinent and filled with godly wisdom. His insights, both financial and more generally, were greatly appreciated by his fellow trustees— particularly when difficult challenges appeared—and we were very sorry that circumstances at home led him to stand

down in January 2016. We rejoice that he is now in the presence of his Lord and thank God for his substantial commitment over the years to this particular ‘corner’ of gospel activity. David Thomas Trustee, Transform Europe Network

Martin Brown

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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YOU AND EUROPE

Transform Europe Network operates across 15 European countries with around 70 Partners, so if you or your church wish to make a difference in Europe you don’t have to go it alone. Church partnerships, short-term teams, special church services, volunteering, targeted prayer and financial support—there’s something for everyone!

More information at ten-uk.org/where-we-work

OUR PRAYER FOR EUROPE: Heavenly Father, We thank you for the energizing power of your Spirit that builds your church and sustains the compassionate outreach to the people of Europe in Christ’s name. As you have blessed the work of TEN in past decades, so we trust you to inspire our many partners as they shape the future of ministry in their nations, cities and communities. At a time of global change, we stand firm on your promises and await the fulfilment of your word. Along with our partners, we sow the seed and pray for workers to reap a glorious harvest. Amen 12

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

PRAYER DIARY

PRAYER DIARY APRIL – JUNE 2018 APRIL 2018 1 / Roumen Ivanov, Bulgaria: Pray for all the women at risk who are taking part in ‘The Hem of His Garment’ programme that runs this week in Sofia. 2 / Viorica Tataru, Greece: Please pray for God to complete the good work He has started in the lives of those whom He delivered out of trafficked situations. 3 / Please pray for the Easter outreaches, as we share the cost of Christ’s deep love with those enslaved and sexually exploited. 4 / Artur Krasniqi, Kosovo: Please pray for the success of Impact Kosova in July, for teams to join, for the preparation of national outreach events and for many to discover Jesus personally. 5 / Pray for God’s hand to be on the nation of Kosovo and on church leaders who stand against corruption and division. 6 / Pray for the financial provision for Kosovo Bible School (Illiria) and wisdom for the teachers and students. 7 / Monika Mahr, Romania: Please pray for the thirty ladies attending the sewing class and for the witness of team members, Dana, Stefan and Berta. 8 / Please pray that the abandoned and severely disabled children of Oradea, who we work with every day, will feel the love of God.

9 / Pray that Casa Grace team members, Neli, Mari, Mihai and Leontin, who work with families in need, will be guided to make wise decisions. 10 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Pray that the thirteen families in our humanitarian project will respond to the good news of gospel. 11 / Please pray for the follow up of evangelistic events in Sarajevo that took place in March. 12 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Pray for this week’s Prayer School in Novi Sad attended by leaders across the Balkans and in partnership with the SaRang Church in South Korea. 13 / Pray for the series of Easter outreach events taking place in Novi Sad. 14 / Pray that the translation of new Alpha Course materials into Croatian and Macedonian will soon be completed. 15 / Dario Kapin, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Pray for evangelistic activity in Zenica and for church growth. 16 / Pray for financial investment to support the growth of the bee project and successful production of honey. 17 / Pray for God’s provision of a church meeting place in Zenica to buy rather than rent.

19 / Pray for the plans to share testimony through Facebook in Zenica. 20 / Anatoli Yankov, Bulgaria: Pray for our ministry ‘Integration of Gypsies, the Poor, and Orphans through Sport’. 21 / Pray for funds to meet the needs of sports teams, medics and organisation of sporting events. 22 / Artur Krasniqi, Kosovo: Pray that the government leaders in Kosova may know the fear of God and help them to tackle corruption. 23 / Pray for increased impact from the evangelical churches and spiritual leaders in Kosova. 24 / Viorica Tataru, Greece: Please pray for the conference on ‘Holistic Approach to Trauma Care’ taking place this week in Bulgaria and guidance for the workers who attend. 25 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia: Pray that God will open a door to reach the large population of Roma Muslims who live in Bitola. 26 / Please pray for financial provision to enable at least 10 children to attend summer camps in 2018. 27 / Pray that God would provide school materials for up to 30 children from socially vulnerable families in Bitola.

18 / Please pray for the transport needs of the church in Zenica and its ministry. +44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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PRAYER DIARY

Dusan

Artur

Serbia

Kosovo

Monika

Romania

28 / Jovica Bacvanski, Montenegro: Pray for the new co-workers supporting the work of the church in Podgorica. 29 / Josip Pastor: Macedonia: Pray that the people in Makedonski Brod, a new town we now visit with Samaritan’s Purse gifts will be open to the gospel and set free from fear. 30 / Pray that the church in Bitola, Macedonia will grow in unity and grace to replace human ways of thinking and practice with God’s word.

MAY 2018 1 / Roumen Ivanov, Bulgaria: Pray for the full recovery and perfect health for Daniela Encheva who is chief editor of Leah Magazine and Mission Possible team member. 2 / Pray that the Baby Box project will keep touching mothers’ hearts and demonstrate the Father’s love. 3 / Pray that the Soup Kitchen will keep supporting 150 Roma children in three villages and that we will be able to establish soup kitchens in new places. 4 / Vjekoslav Mršić, Croatia: Pray that the seven-week course ‘Get to know Jesus’ through His seven I AM statements would enable people to open their hearts to know Him.

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Slavko & Sanja Bosnia & Herzegovina

Dario

Bosnia & Herzegovina

5 / Nikola Atanasov, Bulgaria: Please pray for the revival of every believer, revival in families, in our churches and in our country. 6 / Monika Mahr, Romania: Pray for the team from Keysham Elim church who will install running water in the homes of needy families over the next few days. 7 / Pray for the decisions to invite children and youths attending Summer camps in Oradea. 8 / Petre Petrov, Macedonia: Pray for the new church being established in the town of Radovish, eastern Macedonia. 9 / Pray for Krste and Marina as they develop a new church in Sveti Nikole in Macedonia. 10 / Pray for funds for a new church building in Shtip and for goodwill with the local authorities. 11 / Metin Mintaz, Turkey: Pray that God would increase the mission group supported by Turkish believers. 12 / Daniel Stracinski, Montenegro: Pray for God’s blessing on today’s conference for all Evangelical Christians in Montenegro taking place at Mosaic in Bar.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

Dessie & Anatoli Bulgaria

Tefik & Anita Macedonia

Savka & Jovica Montenegro

13 / Metin Mintaz, Turkey: Please pray for the spread of the gospel in Fethiye, southern Turkey and for the baptism classes. 14 / Pray that God would add new believers to the church plant in Maraş in southeast Turkey. 15 / Pray for the baptism classes for new believers in Sonbuyruk Church, Istanbul. 16 / Erion Çuni, Albania: Pray for today’s launch and first training session of Christianity Explored translated into Albanian, and 150 leaders expected. 17 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Pray for the Mission Week that our church is helping to organize at two Universities in Bosnia. 18 / Vjekoslav Mršić, Croatia: Pray that this weekend’s leadership training at Focus Camp will help to better connect parents with their teens. 19 / Pray for our older couples’ house group on a mission trip to serve poor people in the villages in central Croatia and helping pastor Nenad and Zorica Jambrovic. 20 / Jovica Bacvanski, Montenegro: Pray that the youth and children’s work will flourish in Podgorica.

PRAYER DIARY

Josip & Biljana Macedonia

Roumen Bulgaria

Nikola & Daniela Bulgaria

21 / Pray for revival in Montenegro and that the number of believers will grow from the present 150.

Petre

Macedonia

Metin

Turkey

Daniel

Erion & family

Montenegro

29 / Pray for a spiritual awakening in Burlacu as a result of the recent outreaches.

Albania

Maca

Serbia

6 / Anatoli Yankov, Bulgaria: Pray for the summer camps organised by the church in Svishtov and for funding to sponsor six children.

22 / Maça Turner, Serbia: Pray for God to move in the town of Sombor and for his kingdom to overcome evil and apathy.

30 / Please pray for the 40 children who attend the day care centre in Burlacu, Moldova and pray for their families who face many problems.

23 / Pray for fresh vision for Sombor Christian Fellowship and effective outreach.

31 / Pray with us and believe for ten new believers in Burlacu, Moldova to baptised during 2018.

8 / Valeriu Munteanu, Moldova: Pray for the spiritual growth of the church in Tigheci.

JUNE 2018

9 / Please pray for additional Sunday school teachers and for the children’s ministry in Tigheci.

24 / Galina Dzhuzenova, Russia: Pray for the future of Compassion Ministry as they celebrate 30 years of service. 25 / Please pray that Compassion Ministry in Moscow will obtain all the permissions and funds for the planned summer camp. 26 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Pray for today’s arrival of our church-partner team from St Botolph’s church in Barton Seagrave, who will be in Sarajevo for the coming week. 27 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: On Pentecost Sunday, the Church of Serbia will hold the Day of Prayer and Celebration and launch the third year of the continuous daily prayer chain. 28 / Andrei Ghidion, Moldova: Pray for the new home built for foster-children and for the wisdom, patience and strength needed for this ministry.

1 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for a long-term Christian teacher to help teach students English at the Emanuel church school in Cahul. 2 / Pray for teachers to come and support the work of the Bible School in Cahul for one month on the topics on Homiletics and also New Testament theology. 3 / Please pray for the completion of log cabins for the summer camps in Moldova. 4 / Pray for a Youth Pastor to support the work among the young people in Cahul. 5 / Viorica Tataru, Greece: When schools close in June, we see an increased number of young girls being trafficked into the brothels in Athens. Pray for God to break the chains of sexual exploitation.

7 / Pray for revival among believers and those who work in the ministry.

10 / Pray that God would reveal himself to the Gheorghitas and the Chetrary family. 11 / Ruslan Tepiz, Moldova: Pray that God would reveal his truth at the Home Bible Study groups in Gotesti. 12 / Pray for the many teenagers who meet together with Ruslan in Plopi village school each Tuesday. 13 / Besa Shapllo, Albania: Pray for the Teens’ Ministry and that God may open the hearts of the young people. 14 / Pray for the Children’s Miracle Bible Clubs in Bathore and for God’s guidance in working with the kids. 15 / Please pray for the witness among the women of Bathore who attend meetings.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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PRAYER DIARY

Galina

Compassion Ministry, Russia

Andrei

Anatol & Nadea

Moldova

16 / Pray for the team members and their families, for protection, for health and to be led by the Holy Spirit. 17 / Daniel Stracinski, Montenegro: As we prepare for the summer camp in Bar please pray for the right kids to be invited from across Montenegro. 18 / Daniel Mercado, Romania: Please pray for the four young people who turn 18 years of age after being in the care of Project Romanian Rescue. 19 / Pray for the fundraising efforts of Project Romanian Rescue now in its 21st year. 20 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Herzegovina: Pray for ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ regional conference for men taking place in Macedonia 21st –24th of June. 21 / Please pray for street evangelism in Sarajevo as we continue throughout the summer season.

THIS WORK RELIES ON PRAYER

Moldova

Angela & Valeriu Moldova

Ruslan & Larissa Moldova

22 / Marinela Murg, Romania: Pray for the Board of Trustees and the management Team of Emanuel Hospice as decision are made regarding the new hospice centre. 23 / Pray that the Lord will use our church planters in building up the people who follow Jesus and for them to make more followers of Jesus. 24 / Pray for the team of architects as they develop plans for the new hospice in Oradea. 25 / Pray that the significant funds of £500,000 needed for the new hospice project will be raised. 26 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for the provision of a mobile home to be placed on the recently purchased plot of land in Larga. 27 / Erion Cuni, Albania: Pray for the extended outreach, especially to youth in Tirana. 28 / Please pray for the church plant being established in Polican, 90 miles south of Tirana. 29 / Pray that those who attend the English classes in Tirana will respond to the good news of Jesus.

Besa

MPA, Albania

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

Romania

30 / Pray that the Lord will use our church planters in building up the people who follow Jesus and for them to make more followers of Jesus.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING We invite as many of you as possible to join us in prayer each weekday at 10am as the staff team bring these prayer requests before the Lord. Please encourage your church to pray for Europe in these days and to make full use of the Prayer Diary. Would you like to join our confidential network of prayer intercessors? Contact the office for more details. T 0117 9615161 E info@ten-uk.org

Go online to read and share each day’s prayer request: www.ten-uk.org/join-us-in-prayer

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Marinela (EH)

TEAM NEWS FROM GERRY PARTRIDGE

PEOPLE UPDATE We have some more news on the people front, and I’m so pleased to be able to welcome to TEN, a new staff member and new trustees. Please pray they settle into the team and fulfil their full potential.

WELCOME TO NAOMI GREENWOOD I am delighted to be able to welcome Naomi to the team. Naomi joined TEN on the 2nd January 2018 as a new Administrative Assistant. She has picked up her new role extremely well and is already contributing to the team effort. Naomi has been a real asset, dealing with many of the day to day administrative tasks relating to our recent office move. Raised in a Christian family in the city of Liverpool, Naomi asked Jesus Christ to come into her life at the age of six. But, as she grew older, she started to question God and the pressures and enticements of society led her away from church. However, in her mid-twenties, Naomi

says God met her profoundly, through the faithful witness of an old school friend and she renewed her commitment to Him. Naomi is enjoying living in Bristol and is very excited to be part of the TEN team. She also has a passion for creative things, loves watching films, listening to music, reading books, visiting galleries and museums and eating! She also really loves trivia and so is very keen to take part in any quiz that come her way. Please pray for Naomi as she settles into this new role. Pray she will be able to manage the many aspects of the work and she will be able to continue to demonstrate her servant heart.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TEAM NEWS FROM GERRY PARTRIDGE

WELCOME TO TEN’S NEW TRUSTEES I’m so pleased to be able to introduce you to three new trustees who have joined the TEN family over the last 12 months. Trustees freely give their time and expertise to the charity, which I am so grateful for. Please pray they will be inspired by God, have wisdom and discernment in overseeing the direction of TEN’s ministry in Europe.

EVAN WINTER

LORENZ JORGENSEN

Originally from Northern Ireland, Evan came to personal faith in Jesus at an early age, largely through the influence of his parents. In 1985, with wife Clare, he joined the staff of Agapé to work in Malawi and South Africa for 10 years followed by 11 years in Agapé’s national office in Birmingham. Evan joined the staff of Global Connections (the UK network for world mission) in 2007 supporting mission around the world. He is a member of his local Baptist church. Evan and Clare have two adult children and one grandchild.

Lorenz Jorgensen is a Director at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, based in London, in support of the economies of central and eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. For 25 years, Lorenz has been engaged in projects throughout most of TEN’s countries, and is well acquainted with the region’s history,  politics and economic environment. Lorenz has been involved with TEN ever since Gary Cox spoke at his church and is passionate about seeing people may be saved.

MARGARET LILLEY Margaret Lilley lives in Bristol, is married to Chris and has two grown up children and two grandchildren. Margaret works for Scripture Union as a Team Leader for the South West. She is passionate about serving God and reaching children and young people who do not know the good news of Jesus. Margaret visited Oradea, Romania and Moldova as a Eurovangelism team member.

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

MORE STORIES FROM OUR PARTNERS IN EUROPE

NEWS IN BRIEF Bulgaria

Moldova

Mission Possible Bulgaria report on the opening of a new church premises built by volunteers in the Roma village of Karare and already attracting at least 20 adults and many children from this extremely poor neighbourhood.

Misa Hiorescu shares about exciting developments in Ursoaia, Moldova. The local people are curious to visit the new church building. Every Sunday, all the benches are filled with people enjoying the atmosphere of worship and promising to return.

Roma church building in Karare, Bulgaria

The church in Ursoaia, Moldova

Montenegro Vladimir Cizmanski, Pastor of Podgorica Evangelical Church reports on the recent purchase of a building site with plans to build Montenegro’s first evangelical church building— for meetings and as a mission centre for the nation. This ambitious project needs prayer partners and those able to support financially.

Church building plot in Podgorica, Montenegro

Bosina & Herzegovina

Dario Kapin

Dario Kapin plans to use social media technology to reach out to the 100,000+ population of Zenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sharing personal testimonies as posts on the church Facebook page will be boosted with paid ads and automatically targeted at people who live within a five mile radius.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - PARTNER REQUESTS

CURRENT NEEDS

CAN YOU HELP? OUTREACH LITERATURE FOR EVANGELISM IN EUROPE There are many ways to share the gospel and our partners are always keen to engage with people where they live. Last Easter, Plamen Borisov in Bulgaria had a great idea; “We bought 1,000 small cakes to give to people in the local market. We also gave small brochures together with the cake, and some women gave flowers; on each one the church children had written a small card with a verse from John 3:16. And we gave out children’s pamphlets about Christ. We also made a few placards with congratulations to the people of the city for Jesus’ resurrection.” This year our partners in Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Serbia and elsewhere will be sharing the good news of Jesus.

NEW TESTAMENTS FOR ROCK OF AGES FOUNDATION IN ROMANIA Mircea and Ronela Cristian have been sharing the gospel in prisons for over 25 years and their Rock of Ages Foundation is currently working in 15 prisons across Romania. In 2017 their Ministry teams, gave away over 500 New Testaments and Bibles. At least 140 people received Jesus Christ in their lives.

Would you be able to help with the cost of the Bibles and New Testaments they distribute?

Donate £10 towards the cost of evangelistic materials: ten-uk.org/give

A gift of £100 will purchase 10 Bibles: ten-uk.org/bibles-10

Sponsor outreach event literature for £50: ten-uk.org/printed-literature

Donate £10 for three New Testaments: ten-uk.org/give

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - PARTNER REQUESTS

LARGE CAPITAL BUILD PROJECTS At the start of May 2017 Novi Sad Nexus Church, in Serbia moved into their new, yet unfinished building. The most urgent work was to put in the toilets and electric, which was soon done. The next task was to add insulation on the outside walls which was finished before the cold winter came. At each stage they have seen God’s wonderful provision. Pastor Nenad Radeka says, “The project seems huge but we have learned that the best way to eat an elephant is bite by bite. Everything big starts small.” The next goal for 2018 is to purchase and install a heating/air-conditioning system. Can you help? Your little bit given into God’s hand can make a big difference.

Novi Sad Church building

If you or your church wants to find out more, please contact melanie.griffiths@ten-uk.org or call us 01179 615161

HELP TO BUY THE COFFEE SHOP WE CURRENTLY RENT FOR OUR CHURCH MEETING PLACE The Biblical Protestant Church in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, was established in 2004 when Pastor Dario Kapin and his wife Silvija felt concerned for reaching the people in Zenica. The church has always rented premises. For the last two years they have rented accommodation in a former bar/coffee bar at the base of a block of flats. The owner of the premises now wishes to sell the building, which gives them an opportunity to have a permanent location for the church to meet and operate from to reach out to the thousands of people in the surrounding blocks of flats. The asking price is estimated at £24,500 and the building would need some additional improvements (new central heating system, internal decoration, double-glazed windows and doors), at a total extra cost of about £4,500.

If you or your church wants to find out more, please contact melanie.griffiths@ten-uk.org or call us 01179 615161

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK – SPECIAL APPEAL

HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY HITS TARGET!

CONGRATULATIONS— YOU DID IT!

STORIES THAT HAVE REALLY INSPIRED US…

A massive thank you to all of you who contributed to TEN’s Harvest for the Hungry’s 25th Anniversary Appeal. We’ve had an amazing response and are delighted to say that we’ve hit the target of £25,000 for 25 years! Church donations amounted to nearly £20,000 and a further £5,000 was given generously and sacrificially by individual donors. It’s comforting to think of children like Anifa in Bulgaria (below), who are being fed during the Winter months at soup kitchens supported by Harvest for the Hungry.

» St Botolph’s Barton Seagrave, Derek Wade’s church, where HFTH all started back in 1992 raised more than £5,000 for this year’s campaign, largely through a wonderful harvest supper and special gift weekend in September. » Now in her 90s, Joyce Barley, wife of the late Jack Barley, founding chair of trustees of Eurovangelism back in 1965, faithfully encouraged her church at St Jude’s Plymouth to raise funds for the appeal. Thank you Joyce. » North Hanwell Baptist Church joined with Castlebar School to collect food items for harvest and then sold them to raise money for HFTH. » New supporters, St James’ Methodist, Rainhill, who we met at Keswick Convention this year, got the Sunday school children involved and together with the congregation they helped to raise much-needed funds. » Four more churches raised between £1,000–£2,000 each. We wish to also thank all you unsung heroes for your faithful support for HFTH each year.

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

REACHING THE NATIONS OF EUROPE

COUNTRY PROFILE:

KOSOVO

Tom Harflett, TEN Ambassador and Trustee

K

osovo means Black Bird and refers to the Battle of the Black Bird Fields in 1389 when Turkish Muslim forces defeated the Orthodox Serbians. This is still a major event in Kosovan culture and every year many Serbians come to the historic field to remember the event and dream of a future when Kosovo is once again Serbian Orthodox. In reality, the Albanian Muslim population has increased over the years and since the war in 1998/9 is around 90%, with a 4% Christian minority among a population of about two million. Today, there are around 35 evangelical churches in the country.

Artur and Brikena Krasniqi

TEN’s main involvement in Kosovo is with Artur Krasniqi who is the pastor of Fellowship of the Lord’s People in the capital, Pristina. He is a dynamic visionary and the church is doing great things in preaching the Gospel and helping people through social action. They are based in a wonderful modern church building part funded by TEN supporters. Church buildings are probably more important in the Balkans than in the UK. Churches that meet in homes or rented buildings are regarded as cults and not taken seriously. Much of their work is out in the community where they run two second-hand Mosaik clothes shops, a pre-school nursery and a club for Roma children; as well as overseeing projects in other towns. Although most of the Muslim population is quite nominal, there are concerns that this could change through radicalisation. Artur has started a Training

School where the next generation of leaders can be developed while still working and supporting themselves. The Pentecostal European Fellowship is planning a major outreach across Kosovo in five cities from 9th to 15th July 2018. They are looking for hundreds of Christians from other nations to come and join this event. If you are interested in this contact the TEN office or look on www.pef.eu, the PEF website. Kosovo is a beautiful country and you would receive a wonderful Kosovan welcome!

Fellowship of the Lord’s People

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - SHORT TERM MISSION

GO. CHANGE LIVES

SHORT TERM MISSION OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE FOR 2018 TEN has some amazing opportunities to visit Europe and help out with evangelism, children’s camps and DIY projects.

“

Engaging in summer camps has transformed me personally and taught me to appreciate the simple things of life. Matthias Spicer

Nigel Somers, Senior Pastor of Keynsham Elim Church says, “The church has been blessed, people have found their calling, we’ve become involved in social and gospel outreach overseas, a lot of people have become involved, this is something for everyone, not just a select few. We have developed wonderful relationships with the CASA team. They are like family to us”.

Keynsham Elim Summer Camp Team

For more information contact: melanie.griffiths@ten-uk.org or ken.millwood@ten-uk.org www.ten-uk.org/short-term-mission

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“

W

ould your church like to send a team or would you be happy to go with a friend? TEN provides help and advice for anyone thinking about a short-term mission trip. We’ve being doing this for decades. Matthias Spicer has travelled to Moldova several times as part of his church team helping TEN partner Ruslan Telpiz with his Summer Camps in Moldova. Matthias says, “Engaging in summer camps has transformed me personally and taught me to appreciate the simple things of life. From leading sports and games to partaking in arts and crafts, worship, and games; it’s so much fun and you can never forget seeing the children smile as they enjoy every second”. Sending a team proves to be a great way of inspiring UK churches for mission. Most young people develop a missional passion through short term mission trips. It can lead to a lifetime of engagement with mission in remote places. Through these opportunities you can meet some amazing people and experience first-hand the challenges and blessings of indigenous Christians in Europe.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / APRIL – JUNE 2018

GIVE TO TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK !

1. SINGLE DONATION I would like to give ÂŁ Please charge my: Visa

(total amount). Please acknowledge my donation: Mastercard

CAF Charity Card

Card number: Security code:

(Last three digits on back of card)

Expiry date:

Signature:

/

Date:

2. REGULAR DONATION Instruction to your bank or building society to make standing order payments to TEN. Name and address of your Bank or Building Society: Bank/Building Society: Branch address: Postcode: Account number:

Sort code:

Please pay to: Lloyds TSB, Regent Street, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 2HT to the credit of Eurovangelism, account number: 38611760, sort code: 30-94-80, the sum of: ÂŁ

First payment date: D

D / M

and on the same day of each successive

Y

Y

Y

(month/quarter/year) until otherwise advised.

Signature:

3.

M / Y

Date:

MAKE YOUR GIFT WORTH 25% MORE!

If you are a UK taxpayer please complete this Gift Aid declaration which will enable us to claim tax back on your gift, making it worth 25% more. I am a UK taxpayer and want TEN (registered name Eurovangelism) to reclaim tax on all my donations until further notice. I understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay the difference. Please notify us if you: want to cancel this declaration; change your name or home address; no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. Title:

Full name:

Address: Postcode:

Date:

Please tick if you want tax to be reclaimed only on this single donation.

Please complete and return this form to: Transform Europe Network, 23 Apex Court, Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JT

EUROPE TODAY: 2.5%

OF THE POPULATION ARE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS

1 IN 5

EUROPEANS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE

85,000,000

PEOPLE WITHOUT A TOILET IN THEIR HOME

100% UNEMPLOYMENT IN MANY CHURCH CONGREGATIONS

THE LOWEST

CHURCH GROWTH RATE OF ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

THIS IS WHY WE BELIEVE GOD WANTS TO

TRANSFORM EUROPE

Please contact the TEN office if you would like to know further facts and figures about Europe.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - CHANGING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

SUMMER DREAMS APPEAL

CAN YOU HELP?

Here’s what our partners and some of the young people are saying:

“

“Thank you for your help with our summer camp. We were at the mountain camp near Sarajevo. There were 25 of us and your generous donation helped some of the children to be there. Without your donation they would not be able to come. We had four days of fellowship, Bible study, fun, games... Everyone enjoyed and God was working on us.” Slavko Hadzic, Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina

“My mother is a widow and I have a brother who is nine years old. When I came to the camp I thought I might be bored but after two days I really did not want to go away. I really felt like I belong to the camp because I understood what people feel and they understood me. I could talk to people, open up to them and tell them my big and small fears. And I was surprised that people didn’t think less of me. They told me what to do and helped me to go God’s way. When I see how much I have changed, I thank God for letting me go to this camp?

“

If you ever attended a Christian Summer Camp in your younger days you will understand the impact of being away from home and making new friends. A week at a Summer Camp is a life-changing experience in which the lives of children are filled with joy, singing, games, friendship, cooked meals and comfortable beds. Many also respond to the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ. Every year our partners in Europe choose to run residential Summer Camps in countries like Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania and Serbia. These camps are wonderful opportunities for children and young people to have a holiday and learn about Jesus. We are asking our supporters and UK churches to consider sponsoring some of the hundreds of children whose dream is to attend a Summer Camp in 2018. Without the generous support of UK Christians many of these children would be unable to enjoy their dream. The daily cost for each child or young person to stay at camp is around £15; money that poor families could never afford. Your gift to Summer Dreams will bring an immediate smile to a child wanting to attend a Summer Camp in one of Europe’s poorest countries.

Yury, 14 years old, Russia

See back cover for more details +44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

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SUMMER DREAMS APPEAL Your gift will bring an immediate smile to a child wanting to attend a summer camp in one of Europe’s poorest countries. A week at summer camp is a life-changing experience where the lives of children are filled with joy, friendship, cooked meals and comfortable beds. Many also respond to the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ.

Please consider sponsoring a child at summer camp through our Summer Dreams appeal. Without the generous support of UK Christians many children living in very difficult circumstances would be unable to enjoy their dream.

What can I give? » £90 = One week at a residential camp » £30 = Camp meals for a week » £15 = One day at a camp » £5 = Art and craft materials

How can I give? » Online at www.ten-uk.org/give » By cheque (Please make cheques out to ‘TEN’ with ‘Summer Dreams’ written on the back and send to TEN in the reply envelope)

ten-uk.org/summerdreams