TEN Magazine July - September 2018

MAGAZINE July – September 2018

www.ten-uk.org

MAKING

DISCIPLES

IN EUROPE

» CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED REACHES ALBANIA » ALPHA GROWS IN MACEDONIA » ROMANIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL » BALKAN BIBLE SCHOOLS » TURKISH BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE

EDITORIAL

MAKING DISCIPLES At the core of effective Christian mission lies discipleship. Dedicated followers of Jesus Christ naturally want to build healthy relationships, learn from mature believers and grow in their knowledge of God.

E

vangelical churches across Europe are eagerly making disciples and using courses such as ALPHA and Christianity Explored to lay lasting foundations. There has also been an encouraging increase in the number of Bible Schools being established to meet the widespread demand for theological and leadership training.

One of the most inspirational aspects of making disciples is the emphasis on ministry, through which learning leads to doing. Stories shared in this edition of the magazine illustrate how men and women are being equipped for service, whether leading in areas of ministry within the local church or getting involved in regional church planting strategies as evangelists or pastors. Hundreds of young believers are being trained to meet the demands of growing churches by serving God on the frontline in business, vocational professions or Christian ministry.

The most significant challenge is to help sponsor and resource the training and development of these up-andcoming leaders. Those fortunate enough to have paid employment are able to benefit from courses taking

Students from the School of Business Management, Romania

place at weekends or in the evening.

The prospect of online, distance learning will enable more believers to access their studies.

Let’s pray for God’s blessing on the many ways disciples are being prepared as labourers in God’s harvest field in the nations of Europe.

WELCOME

T

hank you for your valued support and involvement in TEN. I’m especially encouraged by the enthusiasm and response of TEN supporters, who, never want to miss a single story, prayer item, urgent need or other detail of our magazine.

This was beautifully illustrated when some of you got in touch about the slight change to our operating name.

Moving offices, meant that our stationery, website graphics and signage required updating.

We took the opportunity to change TEN’s operating name from TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW to TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK. Several supporters have already expressed their affirmation for this change. We are and always have been a Network, linking our partners across Europe to churches and supporters, mostly in the UK. We believe this slight change better reflects who we are and what we do. Our muchloved designation, Eurovangelism will remain our registered charity name.

While we stay focused on partnering with indigenous Christians and sharing the love of Christ, we have a real sense this is a new season and a new chapter for TEN. We know Christ is the answer for the peoples of Europe and we as His disciples have been commissioned to go and make disciples of all nations, Matt 28 v 18. As you read the stories of how God is raising up a new generation of disciples, with a passion to reach Europe for Christ. I trust you will be inspired and encouraged.

Please continue to stand with us as we continue on this exciting journey together.

Thank you.

CONTENTS OFFICIAL OPENING

4

TEN’s new offices

CHRISTIANITY EXPLORED

5

Albania

BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE

6

Turkey

BIBLE INSTITUTE

8

Bosnia & Herzegovina

MIRACLE BIBLE SCHOOL

9

Kosova

10 15 16

PRAYER DIARY

July – September 2018

60 SECONDS WITH...

Allan Spencer

FIVE WAYS TO GIVE

Bring change in Europe

ALPHA GROWS

17

Macedonia

18 19 20 22 23

MATHETIS BIBLE SCHOOL Romania

MINISTRY TRAINING Moldova

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY What’s on for supporters…

FRONTLINE OF MISSION

Emanuel University, Oradea

HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY Your gifts are making a difference

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 Web: 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: ALPHA group from Negotino in Macedonia

TRANSFORMING EUROPE – A NEW CHAPTER

FORMER DIRECTOR, GARY COX OPENS

TEN’S NEW OFFICES Around 70 local supporters of Transform Europe Network joined trustees, ambassadors, volunteers and staff to celebrate the official opening of TEN’s new offices in Bradley Stoke, Bristol.

F

ormer Director of Eurovangelism, Gary Cox was invited to cut the ribbon and unveil a special plaque to mark the event, which took place on the evening of 3rd May. Chief Executive Officer, Gerry Partridge, officially welcomed everyone and shared the story of God’s generous provision of the new offices and relocation from TEN’s former much-loved home in Kingswood, Bristol.

There was an ample supply of drinks and refreshments throughout the evening, including a celebratory cake that was cut by veteran supporter, Liz Cox. An historic album and screen displays of photographs of the former offices and the new offices were shown throughout the evening. Prayers and thanksgiving to God were offered and everyone was thanked for their valuable support for TEN.

Photos: Left: Gary Cox and Gerry Partridge; right: Crowd of supporters; top: Liz Cox cuts the cake

4

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

“

TRANSFORMING ALBANIA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

CHRISTIANITY EXPORED REACHES

ALBANIA Erion Çuni

C

hristianity Explored is an informal, Christian evangelistic teaching course first developed in 2001 at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London and since used across the world. A dedicated prison version of Christianity Explored was introduced to Albanian prisons during 2016. Over 900 inmates have already completed the course with amazing results.

Christianity Explored Albania Coordinator, Erion Çuni reports: “During the pilot programme in the prisons, we saw many people coming to Christ, often half of each group of between 12–15 people. Participants realised that the way they used to live their lives was wrong. Devout Muslims questioned their traditional thinking. Inmates found out that when they commit a crime and end up in prison, they are no longer innocent.

“I’m delighted that my big three-year plan to translate the Christianity Explored materials into Albanian for use by churches for adults, youth and children is becoming a reality, with new materials finally published.

“In May 2018, around 70 pastors and 35 church representatives met in Tirana over two days to receive training in the Albanian version of Christianity Explored. Materials are now officially available for all the churches that want to share the Good News in a clear, simple and true way!

“With a plan to train up to 500 church leaders and to publish thousands of notebooks and DVDs, there’s a great opportunity for thousands of people to be reached. My hope is that Christianity Explored will be used as a foundation course for all new church plants.

“Albania is a Muslim country and has no true understanding of Christianity!

Some hear about Jesus from the TV and from what the Muslims say about Jesus.

The truth about Jesus is unknown. Why Jesus came? What the Bible says about Jesus! The great thing is that Christianity Explored doesn’t preach but it explains the Gospel and helps people to discover for themselves who Jesus is.”

Christianity Explored – Albania, training session

Christianity Explored – Albania, course materials

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

5

TRANSFORMING TURKEY – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

BIBLE CORRESPONDENCE COURSE IN

TURKEY Metin Mintaz

“ 6

“Some people who contact the course really want to learn about the Bible, others only want to apply for a free Bible to read. Enquirers who live around Istanbul are first visited by church members and others who live hundreds of miles away are contacted by phone. We ask to visit those who are genuinely interested.

“At Sonbuyruk Church in Istanbul, we are very aware of the importance of this evangelistic outreach for Turkey. Because I became a believer through these courses, it is very important for me to follow up people who apply for the course. We see many people becoming believers and joining the church.

“Our long term vision for the Bible Correspondence Course is to reach the whole of Turkey and to encourage the churches to run the course in places where there is no church and aim to plant new churches there.”

Our long term vision for the Bible Correspondence Course is to reach the whole of Turkey…

“

W

ho could have imagined the impact of a single flyer, about a Bible Correspondence Course, posted in a home mail box back in 1990?

As a young man, Metin Mintaz lived at that Istanbul address and he responded to the invitation to participate. The Bible Correspondence Course had been running in Turkey for more than a decade. Through the course, Metin came to faith in Christ and eventually became a significant church leader and TEN partner.

Metin explains more: “Back in the late 20th century, many considered the Bible to be a banned book in Turkey. However, by distributing flyers about the Bible Correspondence Course to local neighbourhoods, the Gospel was being spread. Over 200,000 people have requested information about the Bible.

Even people who live in the farthest regions of Turkey have found opportunity to hear the Gospel by mailed correspondence.

“Today, the internet makes it easier to reach people with invitations to join the Bible Correspondence Course and many people become believers through this means. The main goal of this course is to spread the Gospel and to inform people about Jesus Christ.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

Turkish Bible

TRANSFORMING BOSINA & HERZEGOVINA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

SARAJEVO’S BIBLE INSTITUTE

BIKBCBH Tomislav Dobutovic

W

hen Tomislav and Lidija Dobutovic came to serve in Sarajevo, as Baptist Union missionaries from Croatia over 21 years ago, there were almost no evangelical churches in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today there are several churches, mostly with first generation believers and led by first generation leaders. This was the very need that caused them to start the Bible Institute about twenty years ago.

Tomislav explains: “Typically a new local church would have been planted by missionaries with one of the mature believers being appointed as leader and pastor before the foreign missionaries finished their term of a few years. The new pastor therefore would be first a generation leader with no theological education or formal equipping for the ministry. We could neither afford to send them anywhere, for any amount of time, to gain training or replace them for ministry during their time of absence. We had to

equip them, educate them on the job.

“Our first mission purpose was to educate and to equip future church planters. The students came from all denominational backgrounds and today several of the Bible Institute leaders were themselves our graduates. Some continued for the Masters theological degree.

“Currently the Bible Institute is a member of The European Accrediting Association and CEBETS, running two programmes—the academic Bachelor of Theology and lay education. We aim, hope and pray that God will use the school for the advancement of His kingdom and that new leaders and workers would be equipped and sent out, so that churches will grow and new churches would be planted.

“We use many guest teachers from around the world and from the region.

As well as teaching, Lidija serves as the Student Dean and board member, with myself as director.”

Tomislav Dobutovic (left) at the Bible Institute, Sarajevo

Group session in Sarajevo Bible Institute

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

7

TRANSFORMING KOSOVA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

MIRACLE BIBLE SCHOOL IN

KOSOVA

by Artur Krasniqi

The desire for a Bible School in Kosova finally came to life on the 20th of September 2016. It all started by seeing the young generation of Christians and their willingness to grow and serve God diligently. It has been wonderful that through the school we have seen Christians discipled and grow in the Word, which is mostly taught by local professors.

B

esides seeing the students put their lessons into practice, it has been remarkable to be able to offer our local leaders a platform where they get to share their life-long experiences.

One of our students has started preaching the Word and others have already been assigned to be part of church-planting projects. Students really value the Bible School and, by God’s grace, readily credit it for their achievements.

Kosova Bible School

8

We consider it a miracle to be able to have a Bible School in Kosova that doesn’t rely on missionaries to maintain its presence. Having men and women from Muslim backgrounds gathering together, to study the Word in an academic and in a deeper spiritual way, is what this school is all about. The courses are held over a weekend once a month and the intensive hours enable students to work or serve in their churches during the weekdays.

One of our male students had a long-term aim to attend a Bible school elsewhere in Europe, but to do that he would have to leave the country for some years and then come back.

When the Kosova Bible School started, he was able to be part of it and at the same time continue to give his contribution for God’s kingdom in Kosova.

We have a girl who is a worship leader. She is

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

TRANSFORMING KOSOVA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

so thankful that the Kosova Bible School opened because she says that through the teachings and studies that she has done, she got to understand worship and be involved much more deeply.

Local churches have been quite supportive of the School, offering their best teachers to come and teach for free.

At the same time, the students pay a small fee which allows us to buy the books and other things that are needed for the course.

The church, Fellowship of the Lord’s People, has opened its doors so that we’re able to have our courses in their building.

We also have a board of members which is comprised of leaders from different churches.

Our vision is to see people equipped, trained and transformed

by God’s word; willing

Coffee time?

GIVE £10 A MONTH TO TEN

“

“

Having men and women from Muslim backgrounds gathering together and studying the Word in an academic and in a deeper spiritual way, is what this school is all about.

to serve and take responsibility in the church by making disciples of Jesus. We aim to witness the development of the Kingdom of God in Kosova by leaders with a good testimony, who will build strong local churches in every city and impact influential people in society who will meet the real needs of people by establishing justice in the country.

Kosova Bible School

Help support TEN’s mission in Europe.

Donate by Direct Debit, the cost of a weekly cup of coffee each month and help change the lives of people in Europe.

ten-uk.org/coffee

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

9

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 praise you for your sovereign plans for the nations of Europe and for the raising up of the church to glorify your name. You are calling thousands of godly men and women to stand in places of leadership, through the power of Christ, and to serve the church with a passion for your Word. May each of them make a stand for the Kingdom of God.

10

May your Spirit dwell in places of learning, where young and old are equipped to minister in your name. We pray for resources needed by Bible Schools and wisdom for church-planting strategists. We long for unity to be expressed in ways of love and harmony as believers join together to exalt your name.

Amen

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

PRAYER DIARY

PRAYER DIARY

JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY 2018 1 / Vjeko Mrsic, Croatia: Please pray that the hearts of the children who attend the camp 2nd–6th July will be open to the Gospel.

2 / Pray for the believers who share the Gospel with the many tourists visiting our city, Split.

3 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Please pray for teachers with a vocation to equip leaders.

4 / Pray for the finances to run the school in Cahul.

5 / Pray for all those engaged in church planting in the region of Cahul in Moldova.

6 / Marian Serban, Romania: Pray for the provision of a new van to assist the ministry of Project Romanian Rescue.

7 / Christina Pimentel, Portugal: Give thanks to God for the 70th Anniversary of the Lar Children’s Home taking place on the 7th of July.

8 / Marian Serban, Romania: Pray for the protection and guidance of staff running Project Romanian Rescue summer camps on 7th–13th July and for the spiritual growth of the children.

9 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: Pray for the visit of Joy and David to Resen from St Stephen’s Church in London 4th–11th July.

10 / Beni Micle, Romania: Pray for the 25 children attending the mountain summer camps run by Agape Christian Centre.

19 / Mirco Andreev, Macedonia: Pray for the summer camp for Roma children from 19th–21st July in Ohrid.

11 / Artur Krasniqi, Kosovo: Pray that thousands of people will respond to the Gospel through the Impact Kosova outreach 9th–15th July.

20 / Marian Serban, Romania: Pray that the children attending summer camps for the first time will have a personal encounter with the Lord.

12 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Pray that God would open eyes of the 40 young people attending the English Evangelisation Camp 12th–18th July supported by the USA team. This camp mixes English conversation with the sharing of the gospel.

21 / Pray that the sale of PRR property in Mihail Kogalniceanu village will attract a reasonable price.

13 / Vance Golomeov, Macedonia: Please pray for the completion of the official planning documentation for the land and new church building in Skopje will be completed.

23 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Pray for the first joint Teen Camp taking place 23rd–26th July for youth from Christian Protestant Fellowship Churches in both Novi Sad and Sombor.

14 / Pray for the completion of the internal renovations of the church building in Stip, Macedonia.

24 / Erion Çuni, Albania: Pray for the follow-up with the pastors who attended the launch of Christianity Explored in Albania.

15 / Pray for the finance to rent a suitable building for the new church planted in Radovis, Macedonia.

25 / Pray that the Lord will touch the children going to the summer camps.

16 / Please pray that the former drug addicts helped by the church in Skopje will make decisions for Jesus.

17 / Pray for the salvation of all the new people coming to church.

18 / Pray that the children’s ministry of the churches in Macedonia will flourish with good leaders.

22 / Pray for physical and spiritual strengthening of the PRR team.

26 / Pray for the resources needed to run the summer camp activities in Albania.

27 / Mirco Andreev, Macedonia: Pray that God would continue to work in the lives of the young people who took part in the mountain camp in Popova Sapka Mountain in Macedonia.

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

11

PRAYER DIARY

Vjeko

Anatol & Nadea Moldova

Croatia

Dragan & Biljana Macedonia

Beni & family Romania

Artur

Kosovo

PRR, Romania

28 / Pray for the camp for Roma children 28th July – 1st August in Krani, Prespa Lake.

29 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: Please pray for the Roma Teen Summer Camp taking place 30th July – 1st August and for the seven young people attending from Resen.

30 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Please pray for the 40 children attending the Novi Sad Summer Camp on 30th J uly – 4th August.

Pray that God would give strength to leaders, and for children to have an unforgettable experience.

31 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia: Pray for the 250 Macedonian children who will attend summer camps taking place in partnership with two churches from Korea and Canada from 30th July – 2nd August.

AUGUST 2018 1 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Pray for Slavko as he speaks at the Youth Camp in Vrdnik, Serbia on 31st July–3rd August.

2 / Pray for the street evangelism efforts by Kosevsko brdo Evangelical Church in Sarajevo.

3 / Pray for the people helped through our humanitarian/food parcel project.

12

Marian, Ionica & Gratzian

4 / Gavril Covaci, Romania: Pray God’s hand on the ‘Life to Romania Fund’ teams who will be coming from the UK to deliver Children’s Bible programmes to Roma communities in Bihor county, 4th–14th August. Pray for the establishment of ongoing children’s ministry in these marginalised communities.

10 / Erion Çuni, Albania: Pray that many new families will come to church as a result of the family camp taking place at the start of August.

5 / Give thanks for the completion of the main building work for the much needed toilet and shower block in the Roma colony in Vășad. Pray for God’s provision for the water supply and internal fitting out of the facility.

12 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Pray the children attending the allBalkan Royal Rangers scout camp in Romania on 12th–17th August.

Pray for the financial provision and organization of this event.

6 / Vjeko Mrsic, Croatia: Please pray that the members of Good News Church in Split, Croatia will be strengthened at the church family camp 6th – 12th August.

7 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: Pray for the 20 guys from the Rainbow Rehab Centre who will be camping 6th–9th August Pray that this camp would have a significant influence and that those attending would experience encouragement and lasting change.

8 / Pray for work and finances of the Rainbow Rehab Centre, and for the leaders to have wisdom.

Pray that many addicts would find freedom in Jesus Christ.

9 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Please pray for all those attending the mountain church camp in Jahorina, 6th–9th August.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

11 / Pray for all the groups studying the Gospel of Mark during the summer, as part of Christianity Explored in Albania.

13 / Alex Vulkanov, Bulgaria: Pray for more volunteers to support the local and regional ministry of Evangelical Pentecostal Church, Pazardjik church.

14 / Pray that Christian families in Bulgaria will help build a godly generation.

15 / Pray for a breakthrough among the young people in Pazardjik, Bulgaria.

16 / Pray that the government authorities will approve the church building plans of the Evangelical Pentecostal Church, Pazardjik.

17 / Pray for financial provision to complete essential repairs of the main church hall and renovation of the church annexe in Pazardjik.

PRAYER DIARY

Dusan Serbia

Vance & Tanja Macedonia

Nada & Mirco Macedonia

Erion & family Albania

18 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for the outreach ministries of the new church plant in Larga including teenage activities, Bible studies and sports.

25 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia: Pray that new leaders will arise from among those who took part in the discipleship seminar led by the team from Japan.

19 / Mirco Andreev, Macedonia: Please pray for the camp for the leaders of Roma churches taking place in Gevgelija 19th–24th August.

26 / Pray for the outreach efforts into Krushevo, Macedonia that started three years ago with humanitarian aid and our plans for a coffee shop and English classes.

20 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia: Pray for the 250 Macedonian children who will attend summer camps taking place in partnership with two churches from Korea and Canada from 20th–23rd August.

21 / Mirco Andreev, Macedonia: Please pray for the vision to plant 100 new churches in Macedonia and the fourteen locations identified for 2018.

22 / Pray for all the fathers and sons who attended the recent Guardian of Your Brother Camp in Struga, Macedonia.

23 / Tomislav Dobutovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Please pray for Sarajevo Baptist Church summer camp, 23rd –26th August. Pray for the encouragement of believers, and the salvation of friends and unsaved family members.

24 / Please pray for the teams and conferences Sarajevo Baptist Church is hosting at the Kairos Center during the busy summer season.

Tefik & Anita Macedonia

Slavko & Sanja Bosnia & Herzegovina

SEPTEMBER 2018 1 / Tomislav Dobutovic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Please pray for the ALPHA course we are starting in September aimed at new friends reached through the Practically Speaking English course, church camp and other summer activities.

27 / Pray for God’s provision for church-planting sponsorship in Macedonia.

2 / Please pray for God’s wisdom as Sarajevo Baptist Church reaches out to fresh arrivals of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

28 / Pray for the Roma pastors from across the Balkans and beyond who attended the 10th international conference in Ohrid, Macedonia.

3 / Please pray for good response from the 200 participates taking part in the Practically Speaking English intensive course in Sarajevo.

29 / Pray for Tefik Musoski as he attends the Islamic Studies Summer School in Moldova organised by the Eurasia Foundation.

4 / Danijel Reckovic, Serbia: Please pray for the church established initially as a home group in the village of Bojnik, about four years ago.

30 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for the financial provision to build a meeting place for the new church in Larga; this will be much-needed during the winter months.

5 / Pray for God’s provision to renovate the church property purchased last year.

31 / Marian Serban, Romania: Pray for the protection and guidance of staff running Project Romanian Rescue summer camps on 27th–31st August and for the spiritual growth of the children.

6 / Pray that God would provide AV projector equipment for the church in Lebane.

7 / Pray for God’s provision to help with fuel costs to travel to and assist new home groups in villages located in south Serbia.

8 / Pray for the many young people in the Lebane church.

They would love to have table football and an espresso machine.

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

13

PRAYER DIARY

Ljiljana

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Teddy & Didi Bulgaria

9 / Ljiljana Banicek, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Pray for all the students who attended the recent University outreach week led by David Glass and that many will come to know the Lord.

10 / Pray that those attending the weekly Bible study in Banja Luka church will become strong in their faith.

11 / Please pray for the special day camp for children being planned for August with help from a UK church team.

12 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for the five summer camps being planned for 400 children, for the completion of at least two more cabins and for God to bless each of the young people.

13 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Please pray for Slavko as he speaks at Langham Preaching Seminar in Zagreb, Croatia 13th–15th September.

14 / Erion Çuni, Albania: Pray that the Lord will provide strength and wisdom for the many church planters in Albania.

15 / Pray that Erion and Gentiana, and their children in Albania will enjoy good health following recent bouts of sickness that have affected the ministry.

16 / Please pray that Erion will have a reliable car to help him travel 20,000km per year in his ministry.

14

Gavril

Romania

Alex & Milena Bulgaria

17 / Gavril Covaci, Romania: Thank God for his goodness in sustaining Pastor Gavril and his wife Aghi in their evangelistic and compassionate ministries in Tinca. Pray that they would both know God’s healing for ongoing health issues.

18 / Praise the Lord that, during the winter, the people of Tarcea responded to the Gospel with joy and are now meeting weekly. Pray that God will continue to grow the church and provide a place for them to meet before the winter.

19 / Please pray God’s continued blessing on the mission outreach of Pastor Gavril. Thank God that he has prepared the way for the Discovery Bible Study which is now being taken to the villages of Tinca, Tarcea and Vășad.

20 / Please pray for discernment and wisdom for plans for a food kitchen for the impoverished community of Tarcea.

21 / Christina Pimentel, Portugal: Please continue to pray for the children, young people and elderly supported through the residential homes in Lar, Portugal.

22 / Pray that the children and young people in residential care will be reunited with their families.

23 / Pray for the Summer Camps taking place in Portugal for children and young people in residential care.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

Lidija & Tomislav Bosnia & Herzegovina

Danijel Serbia

24 / Pray for the staff who work in the children’s and elderly care homes in Lar, Portugal.

25 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Pray for Igor and Tatiana who provide residential care for orphans and vulnerable children with health problems in Cahul, Moldova.

26 / Pray for the provision of a seven-seater vehicle to help transport the orphans to and from kindergarten, school and the doctor’s clinic about three kilometres away.

27 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Pray for Slavko as he speaks at evangelistic events in Wales 27th September – 1st October.

28 / Didi Oprenova, Bulgaria: Please pray for God’s provision for the Bulgarian summer Family Camp and for several Roma families and non-Christian spouses that have been invited to attend.

29 / Pray that many people who attend the summer Family Camp will be encouraged to come along to church meetings in Sofia.

30 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia: Pray for the provision of 10 cubic metres of timber to provide heating through the winter season.

TRANSFORMING EUROPE – THE INTERVIEW

60 SECONDS WITH… ALLAN SPENCER Tell us about yourself For the majority of my working life I served as a police officer with the Avon & Somerset Constabulary and on my retirement became the Assistant Director of the national Christian Police Association.

I’ve been married to Jane for 42 years and we have two adult sons.

How did you first hear about the work of TEN/Eurovangelism?

In 2005 my church, Keynsham Elim, decided to challenge its young people about mission outreach. One of our church team had a sister who worked for Eurovangelism and suggested that they would help organise a team to run a summer camp for children near the city of Oradea in western Romania. Mission work continues after literally dozens of trips to Oradea; some of which I have been privileged to participate in.

delivered at source which directly impacts the lives of disadvantaged children, families and young people. Face to face contact cannot be underestimated—my advice is, if you can, get involved!

What is your favourite memory of TEN? One that sticks in my mind was the recent opening of TEN’s new, light and airy offices in north Bristol. It was a wonderful opportunity to witness the beginning of what I believe will be a new chapter in the work of TEN. I joined with many of our faithful supporters, volunteers and team members, each possessing a real heart and burden to see Europe won for Christ. It was a real privilege and honour to be reminded that, as a Trustee, I am part of a vibrant and forward facing organisation clearly committed to the work God has laid out before us.

What’s so special about TEN? It is wholly and unashamedly a Christian organisation which is highly effective in making a real difference to those with desperate needs in Europe.

It ‘walks the talk’ and for me is the epitome of the Christian life of faith in action. Who could ask for more?

Which areas of TEN’s mission are you most passionate about?

Good question!

Although I’m naturally deeply committed to every aspect of TEN’s work I would say that I have a particular heart for practical mission work Allan Spencer

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

15

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - GIVING

Five ways to

1

give



2

Give Online As a monthly or one-off gift:

ten-uk.org/give



 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 21 (or download one from ten-uk.org/give) and post to TEN

Call TEN office and use your debit or credit card:

01179 615161

3

Standing Order

4  Telephone

16

TRANSFORM LIVES IN EUROPE

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

ten-uk.org/shop 01179 615161

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

TRANSFORMING MACEDONIA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

ALPHA GROWS IN

MACEDONIA

by Marino Mojtic, Struga Evangelical Church

A

ALPHA has become a great tool for evangelism and learning. People find it a safe place to ask questions, experience fellowship and generally create a desire to come back.

The feedback is so encouraging:

“ “

Tanya says,

“

LPHA is as a series of ten weekly group sessions that aim to cover the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. From its humble beginnings 40 years ago in Holy Trinity Brompton in London, ALPHA is now run in over 100 countries and in many languages with over 24 million people having taken the course. Sessions often start with a meal, followed by a talk and then discussion in small groups.

The ALPHA Course was introduced to Macedonia back in 1999, when Eurovangelism former Director, Gary Cox shared the materials with Nada Milkova, wife of church leader, Kosta Milkov. This took place shortly after the Kosovo crisis and it immediately caught our attention as a means of evangelism.

At first it was used only in our local church, Evangelical Church in Skopje, but before long a growing number of other local churches started using it.

ALPHA continues to run with the help of leaders in the local churches across Macedonia and practical help from local church members, who are eager to serve the Lord in any way they can. However, the long-term vision for ALPHA is that it will be led by local church members and that groups will not only gather in our local churches, but wherever there are people who are hungry and thirsty for God.

“ALPHA is a safe place for me to ask questions and have open discussion without being judged. I feel accepted.”

Slobodan says,

“I found ALPHA to be a place of learning, where I was able to learn about Jesus, His work and the Church. It was an environment where I found information like a sponge soaks water.”

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

“

ALPHA group from Negotino, Macedonia

17

TRANSFORMING ROMANIA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

MATHETIS BIBLE SCHOOL IN

ROMANIA

by Beni Micle, Pastor of Agape Christian Centre in Navodari

E

very church planting initiative needs to train people to take on responsibility for local church leadership. Six years ago in Romania, Agape Christian Centre in Navodari established the Mathetis Bible School to equip a new generation of leaders to oversee the newlyplanted churches in the Constanta area and beyond. Students attend the Bible School on alternate Saturdays during term time, while still continuing in their regular jobs.

In 2015, the Bible School secured official accreditation from the regional Pentecostal Union so that students graduating from the two year programme could formally take on official church leadership roles within the local Pentecostal churches. The pastoral relationships between the students and the lecturers are a very special aspect of the school.

Mathetis is the only Pentecostal Bible School within 200km of Constanta and enables Agape Christian Centre to plant churches in parts of Romania without any evangelical church. Following the 2017 graduation ceremony, twenty former students are now running local churches with support from regional pastors. This demonstrates the significant impact that the school is making on the region.

18

Beni is the Director of the Bible School with overall responsibility for the curriculum as well as providing a significant part of the actual teaching.

Beni’s wife, Ancuta, is the Dean of the school and does a lot of work pastorally to encourage the students who often have a tough time doing their studies as well as having to work.

In the future, Beni and Ancuta would love to see the Bible School grow and achieve National Pentecostal accreditation. They are also keen to make much of the training available online so that students who are in other parts of the country could benefit through distance learning.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

Mathetis Bible School

TRANSFORMING MOLDOVA – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR MINISTRY IN

MOLDOVA

by Anatol Dunas

I

n Cahul, south Moldova, there are about 40 churches and few leaders can afford the time or cost of making the fourhour round trip to the capital, Chisinau to undertake ministry training. Cahul Bible School Training Centre was started

by Anatol Dunas in 2013, with a vision to disciple leaders locally. Currently, the school has 15 students with 18 classes taught over a two-year cycle. Topics cover all the practical skills needed by those who wish to serve in different areas of church life and leadership.

The classes are delivered over two days each month after which the students go back to their ministry or their church and apply what they have learnt. Many of the students are already involved in ministry

Anatol Dunas teaching at Cahul Bible School

Peter is 26 and a student at the Bible School. He is a missioner in a village called Taraclia de Salcie. He developed a good children’s and youth ministry.

Furthermore, in a year he became the leader of the small church, which has around 20 people.

with children, women or youth and some are already involved in church planting.

Anatol also meets with the pastors of each student and encourages them to give the students some responsibility in the church.

Anatol teaches two classes as well as overseeing the administration of the school. It is a struggle to find financial support to run the school, because most of the theologians and teachers come from other nations and the school needs to cover at least their transport and accommodation expenses.

Viorel is the youth minister in the village of Gotesti and graduated from our latest Bible School. He is a youth leader and shares the Gospel through a football outreach ministry. Anatol led Viorel to Christ back in 2007 when he was working on the construction of our church building. I shared the Gospel with him.

He repented and then brother Mark and Ruslan helped him to grow in Christ.

John came to Christ four years ago and was baptised two years ago. He is Anatol’s disciple and because of this he was invited to be trained in the Bible School. He is more confident now because he is growing in the knowledge and wisdom of God and thus serving more effectively.

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

19

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

WHAT’S ON FOR SUPPORTERS Saturday 28th/ Sunday 29th July Cream Teas for TEN Now that Summer is here, how about your church or home group hosting a cream tea for TEN? We can send you some literature about the work of TEN. Suggested donation £10 Tea for Two. Please let Melanie know at melanie.griffiths@ten-uk.org or phone 0117 961 5161.

Saturday 8th September Join our Nationwide Walks to fundraise for TEN On Saturday 8th September TEN supporters are putting their best foot forward to walk 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) for TEN in order to raise funds for our work in Europe.

With walks already planned in Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol and Buckinghamshire, we’d love to have at least 10 walks across all parts of the UK. If you are a seasoned walker, and would be happy to lead a group in your area please let Melanie know.

Find out more at ten-uk.org/ walks or direct from Melanie. If you can’t make the date, simply suggest an alternative. If you are interested in knowing more, please contact Melanie at melanie.griffiths@tenuk.org or phone 0117 961 5161.

SATURDAY MAY 11TH 2019 TEN Supporters Conference to be held in Bristol PLEASE SAVE THE DATE!

20

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 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, 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

TRANSFORMING EUROPE – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

WHEN THE MARKETPLACE BECOMES THE

FRONTLINE OF MISSION Emanuel University of Oradea began in 1986 as an underground theological seminary and in 1990 became an accredited school of theology.

M

aintaining the same ethos, the school of business was launched after a series of meetings between Dr. Paul Negrut and Lord Brian Griffiths of Fforestfach. John Lenton, who moved to Romania, served as the Acting Dean until 2005 and became instrumental in this endeavor.

The Griffiths School of Management is a fully accredited programme awarding undergraduate degrees in Management and Business Informatics and a Master degree in Entrepreneurial Management. It has over 450 graduates, most of whom have chosen to stay in Romania and are actively serving their local church, while also viewing the marketplace as their mission field.

The university’s motto is ‘Integrity, Excellence and Passion’ and that is that at the core of both teaching and practice.

Beside an excellent business and IT curriculum, each student takes at least one theology class per semester. In the evenings and on weekends they attend mission trips with colleagues from the other departments and are encouraged to identify creative ways to serve their community.

The Business School has seven full-time professors, three part-time associates and two support staff. There are also 20 visiting professors, both academics and practitioners from Romania and countries such as the US, UK and Switzerland.

As for our future plans, we are launching an online degree program to expand our

22

Robert came from an impoverished family and was offered a scholarship, to help him finish his studies. Today, he is a senior executive with a multinational corporation and is one of the most faithful donors of Emanuel University.

John came into our programme as a non-Christian young man with a troubled past. He became a Christian in his last year of studies and is now enrolled in a prestigious PhD programme, while also serving as a bi-vocational pastor. ministry and reach people internationally.

We are encouraging and mentoring other schools to start similar programmes in other parts of the world through a ‘Business as a Mission’ initiative. Within 10 years they would like to have a PhD programme and an international academic journal that would facilitate the training of men and women who want to become missionaries in academia.

School of Business Management, Oradea

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK / JULY – SEPTEMBER 2018

TRANSFORM EUROPE NETWORK - CHANGING ONE LIFE AT A TIME

REAPING FROM

HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY

Thank you so much for your amazing efforts to raise Harvest for the Hungry funds for our special 25th Anniversary year.

Your generous gifts are making a difference by enabling us to respond to requests from our partners in Europe. This in turn enables our partners to help poor families throughout the year. 800 families and individuals have already received food parcels; with many on a monthly basis.

Photo: Romanian Family receive food parcel

Galina Dzhuzenova with Compassion Ministries in Moscow, shares how your gifts are making a difference.

Anya’s children are 10, 7 and 4 years old.

She works in a market earning ($300) per month and not eligible for state aid. Her husband is unemployed and helps with the children. This family received a food parcel, Christian books, school items, clothing and hygiene products.

Dragan Manev in Resen, Macedonia, shares his experience of Harvest for the Hungry.

Granny Bosilka from the village of Kukurecani is very poor and her house is ready to fall down. We visited her twice and brought a food parcel and clothing.

She was very happy and allowed us to pray for her; which was very touching.

Harvest for the Hungry is providing much-needed food for children, families and the elderly living in poverty in Europe.

Here’s how it works:

Donate Raise funds

Online and card donations or write a cheque to TEN

TEN will send your donation to its partners in Europe

Partners purchase food locally and make up the food parcels

Food parcels are delivered to those in greatest need

For your church Harvest pack or to arrange a speaker, contact melanie.griffiths@ten-uk.org or visit our website at ten-uk.org/request-a-speaker +44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org

23

HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY APPEAL

Suffer the little children...

This little, four-year old boy lives in a rural village in Romania and attends nursery school. His favourite food is sausages. He lives in terrible poverty with six young siblings. His dad is disabled and his mother grieves over the recent loss of her newborn baby.

Thanks to Harvest for the Hungry, his family receive a monthly food parcel from Agape Church.

With innocent gratitude he insists on carrying some of the produce back to his home.

...to come unto Me (Matthew 19.14)

HELP OUR PARTNERS DELIVER FOOD PARCELS TO THOUSANDS OF EUROPE’S POOREST PEOPLE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED SLIP OR FORM ON PAGE 21

harvestforthehungry.org Harvest for the Hungry is a project of Transform Europe Network (TEN), the operating name for Eurovangelism.