TEN Magazine July 2015

Magazine July – August 2015

www.transformeuropenow.org

Lindita and daughter Bleona from Bathore, Albania.

Team Updates News from Romania, Bulgaria, Greece & Macedonia July – August Prayer Diary

A life-line for many in desperate need

Welcome

A

s I write this, we have just celebrated our 50th Anniversary Conference at Brunel Manor, Torquay. It’s truly amazing and humbling to see what God has done, through TEN, over the last 50 years; it is also very exciting and inspiring to see what He is doing now through your support in some of the poorest areas of Europe.

What is clear, as we look at the many places across Europe, is that there is still much more to do. I am reminded of what Jesus said to the rich man, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor”. Jesus also said, “The poor will always be with you”. So our work will not cease while we are here on Earth.

The theme of the conference was ‘pulling out the stops’. So, join with us and ‘pull out the stops’ this harvest time by helping to feed the poor in Europe.

Why not arrange for a Church visit by one of the team at TEN, or ask for a Harvest pack for your Church or group. Of course you can send your donation direct to TEN for this amazing way of helping the poor in Europe.

I sincerely believe that giving to TEN and this cause is a fantastic way of showing our deep compassion as Jesus did for the poor.

Thank you for your faithful support as we stand together in supporting our partners across Europe.

Please continue to pray and give so they will be constantly reminded we are working together and they are not alone.

May you experience God’s richest blessing and have a wonderful summer.

Gerry Partridge CEO Transform Europe Now

Contents 3

Transforming Europe – One life at a time

Whistle-stop tour of Constanta

4

Never Underestimate the power of tradition

6

Harvest for the Hungry 2015

7

You and Europe

8

Prayer diary

11

Transforming Europe – One life at a time

July – August 2015

Sofia Baptist Centre, Bulgaria

12

Team updates

14

What’s going on in...

15

What’s going on in...

16

60 Seconds with...

Greece

Macedonia

…Derek Wade

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Transform Europe Now 1 Holdenhurst Road, Kingswood Bristol BS15 1HL

Tel: +44 (0)117 961 5161 Email: info@transformeuropenow.org Written and produced by the TEN team Design: Simon Petherick Graphic and Web Design Transform Europe Now is the operating name for Eurovangelism. Registered Charity No. 1140592 and Company Limited by Guarantee No. 7507682.

Transforming Europe – One life at a time

Whistle-Stop Tour of Constanta I have recently returned from an exciting 11 day visit to Constanta where I was able to visit four TEN partners in and around this Romanian city. I want to share with you the wonderful work of a partner called ‘Rock of Ages’, serving prisoners and their families throughout Romania.

I

spent a day with Mircea and Ronela, the founders of this ministry, initially visiting their headquarters from which they coordinate their army of 180 volunteers, from 25 different churches, currently working in 27 prisons. Recently, the work has expanded into the neighbouring country of Moldova also! Mircea and Ronela started this ministry 22 years ago and it has been growing ever since.

Trained volunteers visit the prisoners and often take them basic provisions; they are also able to preach the gospel and provide ongoing support for prisoners and their families.

“

“

“I want to let you know that the Bible studies you’ve sent were a big help for me.

I was released from prison and I started to go to Church and soon after that I’ve got baptised! All the people I know expected that soon as I will be released I will get involved in all kind of conflicts and go back to prison, and now they see I am a new person!”

Please pray for the work of Rock of Ages. This ministry has favour with the authorities who are often requesting more visits as they see the positive impact it is having. Many lives are being changed and many prisoners are coming to faith.

Written by Terry Wood, TEN Ambassador

I was released from prison and I started to go to Church and soon after that I’ve got baptised!

The most amazing part of the ministry is the Bible correspondence courses that Rock of Ages provides to 600 prisoners.

These courses are fully accredited by the Romanian authorities as part of the educational programme the prisoners follow to earn credits towards parole.

In the last year 100 prisoners have completed the course. One prisoner wrote:

Mircea and Ronela Cristian

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Transforming Europe – Harvest 2015

Never underestimate the power of

Tradition

Summer is a special time of year, we see the fields changing, the crops developing and getting ready for harvest. We see God’s perfect handy work in front of us. He sends the rain and sun, He created the seasons in order for us to be sustained. All of this proclaims His amazing creativity and reflects His glorious nature.

Lindita is a 43 year old widow with five children. Her wrinkly face may lead you to believe she is much older, and her smile disguises the poverty and emotional pain she has suffered.

As she recounted her story (to the Mission Possible Albania team) the pain was evident and tears ran down her weathered cheeks.

December 2005 was when Lindita lost her husband to diabetes. Whilst grieving and thinking things could not get any harder, Lindita’s in-laws followed an old Albanian tradition and locked her in solitary confinement for three months.

During this time of imprisonment

4

(used as a test), they prevented Lindita from seeing any of her five children.

Those three months were the darkest of her life, never before had Lindita experienced such loneliness or sorrow.

She was cold, hungry and longed to see her children; three months felt like a lifetime of separation.

During Lindita’s imprisonment her appearance changed due to the lack of food, emotional torment and grief.

Lindita and her children’s future now rested upon whether her four year old daughter, Bleona, would recognise her after three long, dark and painful months of confinement. This old 

Transform Europe now / July – August 2015

Transforming Europe – Harvest 2015

G

od’s provision is enough for everyone, but we have spoiled His work. We enjoy abundance, while many live in extreme poverty and have no idea how they are going to feed their families or where their next meal is coming from, just like Lindita, who lives in Bathore, a shanty town on the outskirts of Tirana, Albania.

Lindita’s story is just one of many across Europe today. Your support this harvest time will help us to continue life transforming work and support for many families.

Harvest for the Hungry food parcels is a life-line for many in desperate need.

Over the years, it has become an essential source of basic food for many. Your generosity this year will help families like Lindita’s survive the harsh winter.

Together, let’s make this harvest time a better time for those in such need across our continent.

(cont. from page 4)

tradition meant that Lindita’s in-laws would take custody of all five children if the youngest didn’t recognise her mother. Amazingly, Bleona did recognise her mother and Lindita was reunited with her children.

Shortly after, Lindita moved away from the family to Bathore, but her inlaws refused to let her take her eldest son, Ismail. This has been a massive loss to Lindita, both emotionally and for the financial support he could have given. Lindita does meet with Ismail occasionally, but he has become very distant and sometimes violent.

Lindita regularly attends the Hope Centre in Bathore, run by Mission Possible and receives basic food items, help and support. Lindita is a very humble and grateful lady and is a living testimony to a new life of faith in God. The pain once seen on her weathered face is now replaced with a joyful smile as she chats to the Mission Possible staff and neighbours.

Lindita and her children’s daily struggle to survive is still very real yet, despite her material poverty, she is rich in knowing that she has a hope and a future and that one day all the pain of this life will be taken away!

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“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you’” (Isaiah 41:13) Harvest seems a long way away but not for those like Lindita, who wait an entire year for it to come around.

You can help make the difference for individuals who question whether they should ‘heat or eat’ this winter.

TEN has put together a great harvest service that we would love to come and share with your church. Whether you want to hold a traditional harvest service, or want to get people thinking about the reality for those living in poverty, TEN is the charity to support this harvest time!

Alternatively, TEN has put together a superb, free resource which accommodates the whole church in its range of materials, which will help you focus on those in our continent who are less fortunate.

To book your Harvest speaker or to pre-order your free H4TH pack call 0117 9615161 or email info@transformeuropenow.org

Lindita and her daughter (Bathore, Albania)

Book your TEN Speaker for Harvest for the Hungry NOW

You and Europe

Transform Europe Now works across 15 European countries with around 70 projects, so if you or your church wishes 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!

Countries we operate in include:

Our prayer for Europe: Heavenly Father, We thank You for Your amazing love and abundant provision. Thank You too, that You chose each one of us even before the creation of the world.

Father, help us to bring glory to You today. Change us to be more like You and place within us Your compassion and love

for the poor and impoverished. May we, accompanied by our actions, express the wonderful gift of love You have given us, by showing compassion and generosity to those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

As we have freely received, may we freely give. For Your name’s sake.

Amen

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Prayer Diary

Dessie & Anatoli

Galina

Nikola and Daniela

Erion & Gentiana

Vladimir & Marljana

Savka & Jovica

Daniel

Marian & Ionica

Prayer Diary

JULY – August 2015 July 2015 1 / Anatoli Yankov, Bulgaria: Humbly asks that we pray for God’s presence to be more recognisable and evident among his family and those he works with.

7 / Milcho Deyanov, Bulgaria, asks for spiritual breakthrough to overcome Popovo, that souls might be saved from the world’s destruction and come to know truth in Christ.

2 / Anatoli and Dessie are still in need of “helpers to stand with us so we can fulfil His work.” Pray their fellowship will step up, help and understand ‘service ministry’.

8 / Pray for Milcho’s health as he suffers with diabetes, high blood pressure and other health issues. Pray he receives the right support and is able to manage complications.

3 / Pray “for the upcoming election of new rector of the local Academy of Economics and uprooting the deep corruption there.”

9 / Today is Rachael’s last day in the TEN office. Pray for the team as they adapt to new roles and staff and for Rachael as she moves and begins her new job.

4 / Anatoli continues to passionately serve the orphanage, “pray for our work with the children at the orphanage in Ovcha Mogila.”

10 / Nikola Atanasov, Bulgaria: “Please pray for one woman from our church; her husband left her.

Our sister is very sad and left alone with her son.”

5 / Galina Dzhuzenova, The Compassion Ministry, Russia: “We had wonderful three days’ holiday because of Victory Day; we visited veterans with congratulations, New Testaments and food parcels.”

6 / “‘Pilgrim 2015’ will take place in Oparino village, 4th–25th July.

We plan to have 100 children and teenagers from Christian families as well as from socially unprotected families of nonbelievers.”

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11 / “Pray for the young people from Shishmantsi to be strong in God and faithful.” May God give wisdom to those who serve the younger generation.

12 / Niki’s grandmother is very ill at 90 years of age. May God comfort the family at this time and in the days ahead.

13 / Our Bulgarian partners are crying out for employment

Transform europe now / July – August 2015

to pick up within their country.

Pray believers will cope with the enormous spiritual, physical and financial challenges they face.

14 / Gerry Partridge is flying out to Oradea, Romania today to spend time with the following projects: CASA, Emanuel Hospice, Emanuel University and Emanuel Church.

15 / Gjergi & Esther Renja, Albania: “Praise God our garage is complete and is being well used for home group.”

16 / Today, Stockwood Church, Bristol, fly out to visit their Moldovan partner, Andrei Ghedeon. Pray for their time together, for their future vision and building of relationships.

17 / “Pray for a renewed sense of unity between the local evangelical churches in our area.”

Despite differing values may God unite His body to work together.

18 / Esther asks that we pray for God’s wisdom, on their behalf, in knowing how to disciple new believers.

19 / “Several people are asking for baptism and have started a preparation course; pray they’d have a deeper walk with Jesus.”

Prayer Diary

Dragan & Biljana Vance and Tanja

Josip

20 / Erion Cuni, Albania: “We want to have a month of outreach in July to reach the youth. We are waiting for some volunteers from some other organisation to come and join us.”

21 / “The church men get together every month but we’re aiming to, weekly, go out in the far villages of Tirana to evangelise and, God knows, maybe plant small churches.”

22 / Vladimir Cizmanski, Montenegro: “We need prayer for our teenage camp that we plan to have on July 22–29. We are expecting about 20 campers and 10 staff. Most will come from nonbelieving families.”

23 / “We’ve started an initiative to build a prayer wall which means prayer 24/7.” Out of 168 people needed to cover a week of prayer, 40 people have signed up. “We need more prayer warriors!”

24 / “Slowly but surely we are growing by God’s grace; we need bigger space for our meetings and for kids’ and teenagers’ clubs.”

25 / Jovica Bacvanski, Montenegro: “For the first time during our 16 year ministry, my family and I will have proper summer holidays.” Pray for the Bacvanski’s timeout together, for serenity and respite.

26 / “We’ve got a couple from the USA replacing us during July and August; they pastor a church in New York. Pastor

Vladimir

Slavoljub & Snezana

Lidija & Tomislav Slavko & Sanja

speaks Montenegrin and both are wonderful people.” Pray for their short stay.

27 / Pray for Jovica’s church whilst he’s away. May they be content and step up to fill any gaps. Pray for Jovica’s ministry as he fearlessly carries out God’s calling.

28 / Daniel Stracinski, Montenegro: “We plan camps for young people and for kids these two months, with street evangelism and beach camp. This is a blessing for us.”

29 / “Our church grows and we prepare for official registration;” Montenegro is now changing religious law, “and we hope we can have all that we need.”

30 / “Pray for new people who have accepted Christ that they can grow in Christ and share Him with family and friends.”

31 / Project Romanian Rescue (PRR): Pray “for four summer camps, one is a football day camp.

Pray the children attending will know the Spirit of the Gospel through the testimony of the Christian organisers.”

August 2015 1 / “Pray for Director, Marian Serban, who deals with the day to day pressures of running PRR and for founder, Daniel Mercado, for healing of health problems.”

Ronela & Mircea

2 / PRR would love to see “the children/teenagers in the Boys’ and Girls’ Homes to get closer, through phone calls and visits, to their natural families during this summer holiday”.

3 / Mihai and Cosmin are twins from Casa Benjamin, who leave PRR after school (this year). Praise God for their job in Norway; pray for their spiritual and physical protection.

4 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: “Pray for our leadership team in Evangelical Church in Veles. We want to build strong leadership team here. In these coming months we want to focus much on that.”

5 / “Pray for summer evangelism events: visiting villages around Veles, possible puppet show evangelism and Christian rap evangelism.”

6 / “Pray for work with gypsy people here. We need a gypsy, Christian couple who will serve as missionaries to the gypsies (together with us).” The need is great but the workers are few!

7 / Vance Golomeov, Macedonia: “This summer we have some teams coming to our church...” Pray for the teams to help with street evangelism and other church activities this summer.

8 / Vance and team continue to witness in Sveti Nikole: “Pray for all the people that we contact in the city; that the Holy Spirit will witness in their hearts.”

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Prayer Diary

9 / Vance and family live with his mum which is very challenging, “Pray for my mother’s salvation (complete transformation) and bodily healing”.

10 / Pray for leaders’ refreshment and renewing. May they understand God’s visions for the church and be obedient in following.

11 / Josip Pastor, Macedonia: 11 people attended the Alpha course; “please pray that these 11 new people come to know Christ personally and be prepared to decide for baptism.”

12 / The church in Bitola had an evangelistic project for youth in July and is using the Alpha course as follow up. Pray this course goes well and young people accept Christ.

13 / “Pray for ‘Resen’ town, for leading and wisdom as God opens doors with one-two families; may there be more and a need to start a new church.”

14 / Pray for leaders’ refreshment and renewing. May they understand God’s visions for the church and be obedient in following.

15 / Beginning of Life, Moldova (BOL): “Give thanks for BOL’s very successful recent conference on trafficking. Pray this event will lead to increased safeguarding action for vulnerable Moldovans against traffickers.”

16 / “Give thanks for the new Early Learning Centre at BOL. This is now serving 35 single mothers and their children.”

17 / “Pray for the ‘Church for Tomorrow’ project, established to serve the 18-25 age group.

Roughly 140 people currently

10

attend but many new people are coming. Pray for wisdom in leading this growing project.”

18 / Slavoljub Randjelovic, Serbia: “Snezana and I had started a home group in Krusevac (big city); we pray that the Lord lead and bless so people can grow in the knowledge of our Saviour.”

19 / In late August, there is a Royal Ranger camp and youth camp; pray for the preparations needed and for each person taking part that they will meet with Christ.

20 / There is a baptism planned for mid-August. Pray for Slavoljub as he shares the gospel message with new faces. Pray for the protection of those being baptised.

21 / Zoltan Vegel, Serbia: In July, Zoli’s church shared an outreach with Northcoast Church including different events for all ages and spectrums of faith; pray for those who attended and the growth of this partnership.

22 / Tomislav Dobutovic, Bosnia: Since May 2014, the church has been concentrating efforts in Maglaj, a town devastated by the floods. Tomi’s long term prayer is that a church will begin in Maglaj.

23 / Church Camp takes place this month, “…a time of spiritual renewal, spending time together and better understanding of God’s word; time to invite our friends and relatives.”

24 / The Kairos Centre needs a new house keeper, preferably a family willing to serve in this ministry. Pray for a passionate and trustworthy couple to join the team.

Transform europe now / July – August 2015

25 / Tomi and Lidija have asked for renewed vision and strength to continue this ministry which they’ve faithfully served in for many years.

26 / Pray for different groups surrounding and supporting TEN: Ambassadors, volunteers, supporters, Trustees, Chris Hill and TEN’s Prayer Warriors serving on the front line.

27 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia: Continue to pray for Slavko’s ongoing recovery from his recent kidney and gut surgery. May he have time to experience true rest amidst recovering also.

28 / Pray in this period without Slavko, the church will remain faithful and that new people might step up in faith to fulfil new roles.

29 / Rock of Ages, Romania: Pray for Mircea and Ronela as they continue to witness to prisoners, now reaching out to Moldova and holding conferences in Norway.

Pray for their continued health.

30 / Praise God for all that has gone on this summer! May His Will have been done and may many more people have had the opportunity to encounter the living Christ!

31 / Continue to pray for our partners’ health and rejuvenation as we approach new school terms, winter and the launch of winter programmes.

PRAYER WARRIORS! Intercede on the front line for TEN today. Contact the TEN Office now and bring Europe before God in prayer.

0117 9615161 info@transformeuropenow.org

Transforming Europe – One life at a time

Sofia Baptist Centre, Bulgaria Being the poorest country within the EU, Bulgaria suffers with the most vulnerable groups in society: the elderly, institutionalised children, disabled people and people with different ethnic backgrounds (particularly Roma).

T

he social consequences of the economic situation extend far beyond the borders of Bulgaria. Many young Bulgarians emigrate hoping to find a better life, but unfortunately are likely to become victims of various criminal offenses; for example, children falling victim to human traffickers, many of whom are forced into prostitution.

Recognising the need to be salt and light in the city where God has called them, Sofia Baptist church began construction for a socio-educational centre. Twelve years later, this wonderful project, of the new Social, Medical and Training Centre, will officially launch on Sunday 20th September.

“

We are delighted after more than 12 years of planning, dreaming, fundraising and building to have the privilege of opening and dedicating the Sofia Social, Training and Medical Centre!”

“

The hard work is still not over. Many finishing works are still going on, and furnishing has not yet started, but certification of the buildings is under way and the team are thrilled that most stages

Refugee children

have now successfully been approved.

Their plans are that all will be finished by the end of August, ready to launch with the arrival of many individual supporters, churches, organizations and charities without whom this project would not have happened.

We are so grateful to God, and to ALL of you, for your encouragement, patience, care, and continued support, not only financial, but also emotional and spiritual!

TEN have been partners with Teddy and Didi for a decade or so and on behalf of TEN, we want to thank you for your continued support and fundraising towards this magnificent project and for standing by this devoted couple through many years of hard labour.

Written by Didi Oprenov and Sofia Baptist Church

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Team Changes Europe – Team updates Transforming

Team updates So long, farewell sally Many people might think of themselves as proficient in a particular area, describing themselves as best working with people, finances, writing, management, public speaking and more. Sally has truly been an all-rounder at TEN. By being outstanding in every area, Sally has helped the organisation survive and thrive through some difficult years for the charity sector. Sally’s professionalism and excellence always went with a smile and an unwavering zealous belief in the work and ministry of TEN.

“Sally has been a valued and diligent member of the team over many years. Her passion for the work of our partners and their families, and knowledge of their individual ministries has been second to none.

We thank her for her ministry to TEN, and wish her every blessing in whatever the Lord has in store for her in the future.” TEN Trustees For all of us associated with TEN, it will be hard to imagine the organisation without Sally. She has been a fantastic team member and over the last eleven

Sally Bertram

years her passion, commitment and support for the partners has been truly amazing. She has been the operational anchor that has kept supporters, partners, trustees and staff connected and aligned with the vision and work of TEN. More recently, Sally was instrumental in some landmark achievements, like collating and editing the incredibly powerful ‘TENACIOUS’ book and delivering the multinational ‘Trumpet of Gideon Conference’.

As Sally moves on from TEN, we hope she will always know how much she has carried and conveyed these lasting values and that the work they in turn have inspired are a part of her own legacy in her life…and across Europe.

Saying ‘thank you’ doesn’t seem enough, but we say it heartily nevertheless.

Thank you Sally for everything and every blessing for the future!

Visit transformeuropenow.org/facesandnames

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Transform Europe now / July – August 2015

Transforming Church Partnerships Europe – One – An Team life inside at Changes a look time

A Special Thank You to Pam Blanchard Pam Robertson (as she then was) joined the Eurovangelism Trustees over 20 years ago, and three years later succeeded the late Jack Barley as the Board’s Chair. Pam had previously known Dave Foster for many years and with Vic (her late husband), had been faithful supporters of the ministry.

During Pam’s time as Chair, both Gary Cox and Dave Roderick had cause to value her wisdom and experience. Pam retired as Chair in 2011, due to Vic’s illness, but remained on the Board.

Over the years, Pam made several visits to partners, particularly in Oradea and Albania, which encouraged them and also helped regarding Board discussions. She also presented the ministry to her own church in Guildford and to others in her locality on various occasions, sometimes with partners whilst they visited the UK. Pam’s hospitality on these, and other,

Pam Blanchard (Robertson) with husband John

occasions was extremely generous and highly appreciated.

The Trustees thank God for Pam and thank her for all that she has been and done for Eurovangelism/TEN over these past 20 years. Pam now begins a new stage in her life having recently married Dr. John Blanchard (an international evangelist and author). Pam will be travelling with John on occasions—so we pray God’s blessing on their life together and their combined ministry.

Welcome to James Chilcott We are very pleased to welcome James (better known as Chilli) to the TEN team.

James joined us at the end of April as TEN’s Financial Officer and has already made a real impression on the rest of the team, supporters and partners alike. Chilli is full of energy; he has a real passion for the work of TEN and has become a highly James Chilcott (Chilli) valued team member.

To find out more about Chilli, visit transformeuropenow.org/team/james-chilcott

for information about the rest of the TEN team

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What’s going on in...

...Greece

G

reece is officially known as the Hellenic Republic and is geographically situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.

Membership in the Europe Union (1981) has boosted tourism, industrialisation, and modernisation, but it has also failed to enforce discipline in the economy and has fuelled inflation and slowed growth.

Being the first European country to be evangelised (Acts 16:10), Greece is a country with deep roots in Christianity. Yet, only a few blocks down from the Areopagitou Hill, where Apostle Paul stood and preached to the Athenians, one can find themselves surrounded by hundreds of brothels. Since prostitution is legal in Greece, brothels are open 24/7.

Over the past 10 years, Viorica Tataru has been serving alongside Nea Zoi (New Life), a ministry reaching out to victims of human trafficking.

Motivated by Christ’s 14

love, they visit the red light districts of Athens offering friendship, advice and opportunities for change, believing that a relationship with a loving God is the foundation for lasting transformation.

At the drop-in centre and office during the week, they welcome women and men for conversation, counselling and prayer.

Originally from Moldova, Viorica has been gifted with the ability to speak five languages, which helps her connect with the victims in their own language. Her cultural background and studies in Theology have helped her to point people to Christ.

In addition, Viorica often travels to Romania, where she leads the prevention and awareness campaign against human trafficking, in schools and community centres, amongst the most vulnerable in Romania.

As the only Christian ministry in Athens reaching out to people in prostitution, Viorica and

Transform europe now / July – August 2015

her team have seen God’s power at restoring and TRANSFORMING the lives of many children and women who have been rescued. In His loving grace, God heals the broken-hearted and restores them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

If you would like to support this ministry, please get in touch with the office.

Partner couple in Greece

Items for Prayer: • For Viorica’s safety and of the women she works with.

• For Open doors to reach out to vulnerable women.

• For the work of Nea Zoi. • For Greece to open their eyes to modern day

slavery.

What’s going on in...

...Macedonia

M

acedonia is a vibrant country with more going for it on the surface compared to some neighbouring countries. Despite their independence (1992), Macedonia is still unable to join the EU due to complications surrounding registering their name.

The government want to join the EU believing that a successful application would allow them to improve the large number of homes and neighbourhoods that have appalling living conditions, and also to improve access to foreign trade. Like many other Balkan countries, Macedonia is hampered by its severe rate of unemployment.

TEN are privileged to support four key partners in southern Macedonia, with a variety of focuses.

Elim Keynsham has recently visited Dragan Manev, a partner in Veles, who works closely with the Roma population and has invested time into developing their church puppet ministry which travels nation-wide.

Forward-thinking Dragan has begun building upon courses such as Counselling and the Marriage Course to encourage believers in different areas of their lives.

Tefik is also a pastor who has a gift when it comes to relating to Roma people.

Despite his recent ill health, Tefik continued the construction work with his

church which is now nearly a year old (supported by TEN funding).

Vance continues to build relationships with those around him, particularly men who have had or are recovering from drug addiction. Strongly gifted in pastoral ministry, Vance spends much of his time listening to anyone who walks through their door, when not visiting the town of Sveti Nicole to encourage new believers.

Further out, Josip continues to sow the seeds in the town of Bitola, which includes regular street evangelism to encourage individuals to read literature. Josip is crying out for younger people to wake up to the Good News.

“We are very thankful for the privilege and glad that we can be used for God’s glory. Thank you for being part of our work and support us.”

Tefik Musoski Mircea & Nada, Josip & Biljana— Macedonian partners

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Church Partnerships – An inside look

60 Seconds with…

Derek Wade

J

ane and I started supporting missions in Eastern Europe way back in the early 1970’s, when I was lecturing in Physics at Kettering Technical College.

By the end of the 1980’s, we were free to offer our services in a practical way, even to travel into Eastern Europe ourselves.

I was working at Dunstable College by then. We were already associated with Eurovangelism who accepted us for shortterm service during the summer of 91.

This led to Jane and me making our first trip into Eastern Europe. Three and a half weeks in a big van, packed to the gunnels with humanitarian aid and 400 Bulgarian Bibles, travelling right across Europe, never knowing where we would sleep— going into soviet-style high security prisons to give Bibles to the inmates, all tends to have an effect on you! Jane and I returned different people, wondering where God was leading.

I started working with Eurovangelism in 1993 and since then have visited most of the countries with which they have been involved. Amongst my several roles was Harvest for the Hungry, which I started in 93. For years it involved sending food parcels to all partner countries; at its height, we were sending 13 articulated truckloads each autumn. Harvest for the Hungry was worth in excess of £¼ million.

Since my retirement, my personal support for TEN has not changed and my church (St. Botolph’s) still greatly 16

Derek and Jane Wade

Derek Wade giving out food parcels

supports Harvest for the Hungry. The big development is that St. Bot’s has twinned with Evangelical Church Kosevsko Brdo in Sarajevo (Bosnia), the church pastured

by Slavko Hadzic. We financially support Slavko and his family.

Two things that made Eurovangelism special for me all those years ago were its professional attitude to the projects it did and its feeling of ‘family’; I pray that TEN will never lose those characteristics.

Transform europe now / July – August 2015

Written by Derek Wade