Transform Europe Now | Magazine – Summer 2013

MAGAZINE Summer 2013

www.transformeuropenow.org

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, LORD...?

Goran, one of the first Christians in the Roma community in Novi Sad. Pages 4&5.

A LIFE

SUMMER DREAMS SPAIN AND BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA UPDATES SUMMER PRAYER DIARY

TRANSFORMED

EUROPE TODAY: 1 IN 4 ARE AT RISK OF POVERTY OR SOCIAL EXCLUSION

HUMAN TRAFFICKING INCREASED BY 18% BETWEEN 2008 AND 2010

AS LOW AS 0.1% EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANS IN SOME COUNTRIES

100% UNEMPLOYMENT IN MANY CONGREGATIONS

THE LOWEST CHURCH GROWTH RATE OF ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

OFTEN NO SALARY AND DESPERATE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

THIS IS WHY WE BELIEVE GOD WANTS TO

TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW

WELCOME

I

was flying over the Dolomites recently on one of my trips to see some work we support in Bulgaria, and whilst enjoying the view started to enjoy much less the bumpy feeling that arose from new turbulence we encountered. It lasted for some time and, as practised as my seasoned flier’s face is, I found myself clenching my jaw and silently hoping it would pass soon.

I would guess that deep down most people don’t like turbulence. We don’t like it in planes, and we don’t like it in life; in fact, right across Europe the times are turbulent indeed. Economically, morally, socially and spiritually there are challenges all around us. Just take one of the statistics across from this page: human trafficking rose 18% across Europe between 2008 and 2010.

From a mission point of view ‘turbulent times’ are interesting because they are a wonderful time to talk about God. As hope erodes in the temporary things of life, the message of eternal security in a God who never lets you go can sometimes be received where previously it wasn’t. In fact, many of the stories in our new book TENACIOUS reflect just this fact (see the back cover for ordering details).

So as difficult as times are, now is also the time to be investing in mission. The need has never been greater, and at this point I need to offer heartfelt thanks to you, our supporters, for your unstinting faithfulness. During this last year we have actually seen donations increase, which completely bucks the trend for charities at the moment. Thank you for staying steady through the turbulence.

Every Blessing,

CONTENTS 4

TRANSFORMING LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

Another miracle takes place

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TRANSFORMING LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME Dina’s story

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MAKE SUMMER DREAMS A REALITY

Can you really change a child’s life in a week?

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PRAYER DIARY

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YOU AND EUROPE

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CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS – AN INSIDE LOOK

June – August 2013

Where has God called you?

What are you saying, Lord...?

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN...

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PARTNERSHIPS – AN INSIDE LOOK

Spain and Bosnia & Herzegovina

60 Seconds with Wendy Watson

TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW 1 Holdenhurst Road, Kingswood Bristol BS15 1HL

CONTACT Tel: +44 (0)117 961 5161 Fax: +44 (0)117 935 2127 Email: info@transformeuropenow.org EDITORIAL TEAM Andy Drake Sally Bertram

Andy Drake CEO Transform Europe Now

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 LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

ANOTHER

MIRACLE

TAKES PLACE

Nesa Radeka is a church planter and pastors the Novi Sad Nexus Church in Serbia. Here he writes about some of their recent outreach in the local Roma community.

Main photo: A boy from the Roma community.

Photos left to right: Mirko; Slavica; Getting ready for food distribution; Nesa (second from left) & some folks from the Roma community.

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

TRANSFORMING LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

T

here is a Roma couple who, through the love and compassion of Nexus church, have not only been saved, but their lives have also been completely turned around.

The list of obstacles Mirko and Slavica have overcome is too long to list here.

Suffice it to say they grew up in a hellish world that would have easily consumed most of us. Yet, rather than allow the past to control them, they have accepted the call to reach out to those who are still trapped in the Roma world.

They have moved into a house situated between two Roma communities with a combined population of about 5,000 – 6,000 people. This is not a quaint colourful village with folk music and laughter in the air. This is a hell on earth, or very close to it. Few homes have electricity and many have to walk a distance to use a toilet or get water. One meal a day is a win. Drugs, alcohol, and abuse replace growing up, education and dreams of something better.

Just a week ago a lady in the Roma community heard about Mirko and Slavica.

She heard that despite how their earlier lives were, they are now happy. She finds out they are actually delivering food to neighbours. She is amazed to hear that they have opened their home to Roma youth as a place to talk and get to know each other. She has been told that they have changed because of their faith. This short conversation opens a door in this

lady’s heart, and for possibly the first time in her life, she dares to hope.

She immediately goes to see Mirko and Slavica to learn more. What is faith? In what do you believe? Why do you think it is true? What is the source of your joy? How has it changed your lives? Question after question answered not with scripture after scripture but with simplicity and love, until there is only one question left. She humbly asks, “How do I get what you have?”

After one unscheduled, unplanned conversation this Roma woman, 35 years old and mother of five, surrenders her heart to Jesus and accepts Him as her Lord and Saviour. Unchurched, unkempt, uneducated, considered unworthy in the eyes of the world, she knew the Truth when she heard it and grabbed it with both hands.

After praying and crying, she looks up at Mirko and Slavica and asks if she can be baptised. Hardly skipping a beat, the couple exchange a glance and say, “Yes”.

Without any formal training, but knowing they need water, they fill the bathtub and perform the baptism right in their house!

And it doesn’t stop here.

The very next day this lady’s brother-inlaw shows up at their house. “Tell me,” he says, and they share their hearts. Together they pray. Together they cry. In a simple room furnished with second (or third) hand furniture, in a street with no name, in part of a town where people are put to be forgotten, another miracle takes place.

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TRANSFORMING LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

DINA’S STORY Dina is 24 and goes to the Evangelical Good News Church in Split, Croatia. She writes:

M

y name is Dina and I am 24 years old.

I grew up in an unstable home. My father wanted a male heir (he got two daughters), and my mother was always busy with her own priorities. Religion was a forbidden subject in our family. I had everything I wanted. Everything except the love of my parents. As a teenager, I could hardly wait for the day when I would leave home. During high school, I started going out to parties and drinking alcohol, and living a life with no surveillence. But somehow I managed to be a good student.

Probably at that time I started to put on masks and believe in the lies that I often pronounced. I hated everything that was average and started to dream about going to foreign countries. But when that became a reality, I realised it wasn’t the answer.

After I returned from England I started going to college and became arrogant, conceited, overbearing, selfish and abusive towards others who were weaker than me.

I would buy lots and lots of clothes, hoping that they would help me feel better. All my friends were people who were more concerned about the way they looked than

Up until then, Jesus was just a statue in the church for me, someone for whom there wasn’t much space in my life.

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

TRANSFORMING LIVES – ONE LIFE AT A TIME

any other values. There was rarely anyone worthy enough to enter our circle. After some time, that kind of life started to make me sick.

Then, after many years, I met a friend from high school who invited me to come to church with her. Up until then, Jesus was just a statue in the church for me, someone for whom there wasn’t much space in my life. Even then I wanted Him to be my friend, but I realised that first He needed to be my Redeemer, to take away my sins and bring me peace. Shortly after that, the Alpha course started in the church.

I decided to go there out of curiosity.

Because of my background, I thought that I already knew it all. Soon, during the course, I realised that I did not have a clue of who Jesus was or what His sacrifice on the cross meant. I liked the concept of Alpha because I was able to relax during the meal and chat with people before the lecture. The best part for me were the lectures, full of historical and contemporary facts about Jesus and Christian living. They helped me understand God’s will for my life. The Alpha weekend was a special event. During prayer the Holy Spirit showed me personally that I was a lost sheep who had found a Good Shepherd and that we were on our way home. I gave my life to Jesus and today He is my Lord and my God. He showed me how poor I was before Him, and how wealthy I am in Him today.

Today I am trying to serve the Lord as much as I can. I am helping with the work in the teenagers’ group and as a helper in Sunday school. Serving with the Alpha team was a special experience and a joy to my heart. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has for me in the future.

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I gave my life to Jesus and today He is my Lord and my God. He showed me how poor I was before Him, and how wealthy I am in Him today.

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Can you really change a child’s life in a week? Absolutely!

This summer churches across the UK will be running holiday clubs and summer camps as a means of reaching into their local communities.

Many of our partners across Europe will be doing the same, but with a few significant differences. For example: » The children will sometimes be coming from the streets, and not homes. » Often the children’s only meal for the day will be at the summer camp. » Feeling safe in the company of an adult who cares may be a new experience. » Playing games and doing craft will be an amazing break from a harsh life. » It may be the first time they have ever heard about who Jesus really is.

With your support, Summer Dreams can become a reality.

The nightmare of daily existence can be eased for a while, but even more than this; often our partners in social action can get alongside children and families as a result of first meeting them through summer camps.

It costs approximately £10 per child per day to run a summer camp, but this is never charged to the children (they don’t have the money) nor the family (if they are even around, they don’t have it either). Sometimes we even need to make the tough decision about how many children we can or can’t afford to pay for.

Your support will help us reach as many as possible, and enable our partners to provide quality experiences for each child. What’s more, it may just be the breakthrough needed for a child to discover that there is indeed more to life, and that hope is not just a dream.

Just £10 can make all the difference.

If you’d like to give to the ‘Summer Dreams’ fund, please indicate this on your response slip.

On behalf of the children who will go on a Summer Camp this year – THANK YOU!

PRAYER DIARY

PRAYER DIARY

JUNE – AUGUST 2013 JUNE 2013 1 / At the start of the summer season, please bring before God today all of our partners busily preparing to hold summer camps this year.

2 / Andy Drake is speaking today at South Woodham Ferrers Evangelical Church in Essex.

3 / Ask God to work through all church and team members who will help provide a week of exciting and challenging activities for many children and teenagers.

4 / Andy Drake is speaking on mission today at Mullers Training College in Bristol.

5 / Pray that those who help run children’s camps will themselves be inspired and encouraged by the children they meet.

6 / Tomi and Helena Mogus, Croatia. Sally Bertram is visiting the Mogus family this week. Pray for good health and safe travel for her.

7 / Pray today for Tomi and Helena and their children. Ask God to give them good health and strength as they live out their Christian faith to those around them in Vukovar and Illaca.

8 / Ask God to continue to provide opportunities for the Protestant churches in Vukovar to visit secondary schools and a special needs school in the area.

9 / Sinisa and Olja Stojkovic, Bosnia. Sally will be with Sinisa

and Olja today finding out firsthand about their work and current needs and concerns.

Pray for wisdom for Sally to provide inspired support and encouragement.

10 / Pray for God’s guidance for Sinisa and Olja in their oversight of the Christian Fellowship in Banja Luka.

11 / This church works in nearby Roma villages. Pray for wisdom in the building up of relationships with the Roma and sharing the gospel in an effective way with them.

12 / Sinisa and Olja would like to start up regular activities for children, giving teaching from the Bible and also life skills teaching.

Pray for the planning of this new programme.

13 / Sally Bertram is speaking at Pip ‘n’ Jay Church, Bristol ladies’ meeting.

14 / Pray that parents will be happy for their children to take part in children’s activities in Banja Luka and will not cause any problems.

15 / Summer Ball taking place this evening in Taunton with a share of funds raised going towards Emanuel Hospice in Romania and our partners in Albania.

16 / Andy Drake is taking Halesowen URC’s church weekend this weekend.

17 / Lindsay Davey is taking a team to the Emanuel Hospice in

Romania, to ‘pamper’ and pray for those who are ill and their families. Pray they will be an encouragement to all they meet.

18 / Josip Pastor, Macedonia.

Josip’s church ran an Alpha course in the spring. Pray for those who attended, that they will pursue their experience and knowledge of God. 19 / Josip has a unique way of sharing the gospel with other men, when he takes them fishing with him on his boat. Please pray that this natural way of ‘doing outreach’ will bring men to Christ.

20 / Pray for Josip and Biljana as they oversee their church in Bitola.

21 / Tefik Musoski, Macedonia.

Tefik leads a gypsy church. Pray that those who have come to know Christ will be passionate and clear communicators of the gospel to others in the gypsy community.

22 / Tefik’s church has been involved in building work, which they hope will be up and running soon. Pray the new building will enable more effective outreach into the local community.

23 / Please pray today for Tefik and Anita and their young family, some of whom have some health concerns. Ask God to minister to their needs and bring health and strength.

24 / Vance Golomeov, Macedonia. Pray for Vance and Tanja today and ask God to inspire and guide them as they serve Him in Stip.

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PRAYER DIARY

Tomi & Helena

Sinisa & Olja

25 / Ten men who used to be drug addicts have recently set up a charity so they can visit schools and prisons and teach about the dangers of drug use, which is a large problem in many areas of the country. Pray this new ministry will be effective.

26 / Give thanks for each of these men who have kept off drugs for a number of years. Ask God to continue to keep them strong and encouraged, in all aspects of their lives.

27 / Mirco Andreev, Macedonia.

The church is involved in outreach in the town of Stip from 28 June to 4 July. Please pray for all the preparations.

28 / Pray that church members will join the ‘Andrew project’, praying for others to come to know Jesus.

29 / Pray that the Andrew project and the outreach in Stip will bring more into a personal relationship with Jesus.

30 / Pray today for Marino and Vesna Mojtic and their daughters.

Ask God to give them good health and the time to enjoy times together as a family.

JULY 2013 1 / Zoli and Tanja Vegel, Sombor Christian Fellowship, Serbia.

This month the church will be doing outreach work, focussing on unsaved teens and young adults.

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Josip

Tefik

Vance

Pray that these events will impact young lives, especially those living without hope.

2 / Pray for God’s inspiration in the leadership of the outreach activities in Sombor.

3 / Zoli and Tanja feel that building up church members, to be salt and light, is an important priority at the moment. Pray for wisdom from God in how best to do this.

4 / Please pray for building work that is much needed on the church building to give better insulation protection. Ask God to supply the finances so that this work can be completed.

5 / Compassion Ministry, Moscow, Russia. Running summer camps for 100 children and teenagers. Pray for those leading the camps and for all of the practical arrangements.

6 / Half those attending the summer camps are from nonChristian families. Pray that hearts and lives will be changed as a result of taking part in a camp.

Zoli

Galina

Besa

aged 10 to 17. Pray especially for the Roma, that the camp will help them with socialisation skills, and that they will experience God there.

9 / About 30 families are expected at the family camp in Dobromirka this month. Pray this will encourage Christian principles in marriages and bring restoration to broken family relationships.

10 / Slavko Hadzic, Sarajevo, Bosnia. Throughout this month a number of camps are taking place, including a youth camp and kids’ camp. Pray that everyone will be both encouraged and challenged through the weeks’ activities.

11 / Pray for the family camp from 22-26 July and that family relationships will be enriched.

12 / Pray for the teenagers going to Teenstreet conference in Germany. Ask God to keep them safe, pray that the experience away will be hugely encouraging and pray for God to work in their lives.

7 / Pray for the camp children’s families, who are all living in difficult circumstances due to poverty, widowhood, etc.

Ask God to encourage these families and bring hope to them.

13 / In August the church camp takes place, with Mark Lucas from St Botolph’s Church, Kettering helping with teaching. Pray that the camp helps build up relationships and equips people to share the gospel with neighbours and friends.

8 / Mission Possible, Bulgaria.

Running a summer camp in Dobromirka this month for around 50 Bulgarian and Roma youth

14 / Mission Possible, Albania.

Ruth Lombard and Kirsty Ferreira, Moorlands Bible College students, are currently in Albania helping

TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

PRAYER DIARY

Peter & Lynne

Tomek & Damaris

Nesa

out at a Mission Possible children’s camp. Pray that their input will make a great difference.

Danny & Vera

Artur

Marinela

will use their many contacts with the local community.

15 / Pray that Ruth and Kirsty will be an encouragement to all of the Mission Possible staff.

23 / Pray for God’s wisdom for them as they seek to work with other Christians to build up leaders and disciples in the area.

16 / Pray that each child attending a camp will enjoy a respite from difficult home circumstances and thoroughly enjoy themselves.

24 / Pray for the small community of Christians who meet each week in the Otrembas’ home. Pray for encouragement and strengthening of faith.

17 / Pray that attending a children’s camp will sow seeds of faith in many hearts and that lives will be changed in the future because of this.

25 / Pray for God’s continued guidance for Tomek and Damaris as they make plans for the future.

18 / Peter and Lynne Yeoman, Poland. Please pray for the church’s ongoing work in the small town of Sztum, where there are around 10,000 residents and no other evangelical witness.

19 / Pray for the staff of Malbork Coffee House who befriend many alcoholics and drug addicts who go there. Ask God to help them to make a difference to these people.

20 / Pray for wisdom for Peter and Lynne as they work with a small group of charismatic Catholics, including some who are new in their faith.

21 / Pray for God’s guidance for Peter and Lynne in their oversight of the church in Malbork and in their planning.

22 / Tomek and Damaris Otremba, Poland. Pray that God

26 / Project Romanian Rescue, Romania. A team from Woodlands Church, Bristol will be travelling to Romania tomorrow to help run the PRR camp. Pray that each team member will bring unique encouragement and hope to the children on the camp.

27 / Pray for safety and health for the Woodlands team, for all the children on the camp and for all those leading activities.

28 / Pray for continuing favour from the authorities towards PRR. Recent inspections of faith-based organisations have produced concerns that the doors to missionary work in Romania may be closing a little.

29 / Pray for the regular monthly income to PRR to be sufficient to cover monthly needs and pray that it may increase so that regular street outreach may re-start.

Monika

Mark

30 / Marian Serban is the onsite director of PRR who works long hours in a job that is quite stressful. Pray for Marian’s health concerns and also that he may be able to spend more time with his wife and young daughters.

31 / Pray for Marian and social worker Rahela as they work hard dealing with the many bureaucratic demands placed upon PRR. Pray for patience and perseverance.

AUGUST 2013 1 / Nesa and Vesna Radeka, Serbia. The church has a new ministry, ‘New Woman’, working with prostitutes in Novi Sad. Pray for wisdom for Dragan and Gordana who lead this work.

2 / Pray for those involved in prostitution who are in regular contact with ‘New Woman’. Pray that as practical help is given they will realise God loves them and there is hope for them.

3 / Ask God to encourage and guide Roma couple Mirko and Slavica, who came to Christ and now have a heart to reach other Roma people living in desperate circumstances.

4 / Danny and Vera Kuranji, Serbia. 14 people were baptised in April, including four men from the drug rehabilitation centre. Pray for their new life in Christ, that they will be strong in their faith.

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PRAYER DIARY

5 / Pray for those currently on the drug rehab programme in Novi Sad. Pray that they will persevere when the going gets tough.

6 / Pray for those doing hospice visits in Novi Sad, that as they give out to people, they will be refreshed and strengthened by God in order to continue to give out again and again.

7 / Pray for Danny and Vera and their family today. Pray for health, strength and encouragement.

8 / The TEN board meeting is taking place today. Please pray for the Trustees as they make decisions and plans for the future.

9 / Artur and Brikena Krasniqi, Kosovo. Their vision includes the aim to see 500 new Christian believers in Kosovo by the end of 2015. Pray for wisdom as they work towards this.

10 / Ask God to encourage and strengthen the faith of new Christians who gave their lives to Christ recently in Kosovo.

experienced together will be a help as they begin to cope with the future.

14 / Pray for the hospice staff today, for any health concerns that they or their family members may have. Ask God to bring health and vitality.

15 / Please pray for the ongoing need of funds for the new hospice building work. Pray that new areas of funding will become available.

16 / CASA Grace, Romania. A team from Keynsham Elim Church, Bristol are going to Romania to help with Ignite camp. Pray for good health and stamina for the team.

17 / Pray that the Ignite team will be a huge encouragement to Monika and the team at CASA Grace.

18 / Pray that each child on the summer camp will feel welcomed, loved and cared for and will have respite from difficult family circumstances.

11 / Every week children from muslim families join in with children’s activities run by the church. As a result some of the mums now come to church! Pray for wisdom for those leading the groups.

19 / Pray that new journeys with God may begin as a result of this week’s summer camp.

12 / The ‘House of Hope’ Project recently ran sewing classes for women, giving them skills to start up their own businesses and showing them they are worthwhile and can achieve things. Ask God to encourage these women as they make progress with their new skills.

21 / Pray for the church members who came back to the church in Antonesti. Ask God to encourage them and help them with any problems they may be facing.

13 / Emanuel Hospice, Romania.

Pray for all those attending the bereavement support group. Pray that what they have shared and

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20 / Mark and Mari McCormick, Moldova. Pray for good health for Mark and Mari.

22 / Pray for the new Christians who have been baptised this year.

Ask God to show them how they can serve Him and also share the Good News of the Gospel with friends and family.

TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

23 / Pray for the church in Gotesti, which had a time of prayer and fasting at the beginning of the year. Pray that there may be breakthroughs in areas of difficulty.

24 / Uskudar Church, Turkey.

Pray for the guests who attended the church at Easter. Ask God to work in their hearts and help them to experience Him personally.

25 / Pray for the two church members who decided to move away from family, as having Christians in it was causing too much pressure from others.

26 / Pray for safety for O and N as they share their faith in their new neighbourhood.

27 / Please pray for O and N’s daughter, who has a few medical conditions of concern to her parents.

28 / Pray that the church in Turkey will regularly find new ways of effectively reaching out into the community with the gospel. Pray for wisdom and safety for all the church members doing this.

29 / Russia. Please pray for our partners Sergey Didovetz and Sergey Obidenny today, for wisdom as they oversee their churches and plan for outreach events in their local communities.

30 / Pray today for Sergey Lagutkin in Astrakhan and his TV ministry ‘The Open Bible’. Pray that this programme will reach many effectively with the good news of the gospel.

31 / Pray today for Andrew Kozhinov. Ask God to guide and inspire him in his work.

YOU AND EUROPE

WHERE HAS GOD CALLED YOU? You don’t have to travel to be a missionary, you just have to care.

Acts 1:8 reads, ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

For those of us living in the UK, ‘Jerusalem’ is our home town or city, ‘Judea’ is the UK, ‘Samaria’ is Europe, and the ‘ends of the earth’ is the rest of the world.

Transform Europe Now works across 15 European countries in over 50 projects. If you or your church wishes to make a difference in Europe then 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, and we’d love to help you attain your mission aspirations.

Check out www.transformeuropenow.org for more details!

Countries we operate in include:

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CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS – AN INSIDE LOOK...

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING, LORD...?

Sound familiar? I imagine it’s the question we all ask when we wonder what the right way ahead is!

F

or instance, whenever at TEN we are Another couple found themselves in an presented with a new need we are unfriendly town where they suffered abuse. of course tempted to just leap in and The husband at one point was hit from help, but it can never be that simple. Acting behind, leaving him with a fractured skull. with wisdom and prudence means pausing, And then there was the family I met in the praying and pondering before committing city of Plovdiv who were doing an incredible the finances entrusted to us through your work of leading three Roma churches and investment in European mission. one Roma homegroup with no local or Just recently I travelled to the North of outside support. Quite uncharacteristically Bulgaria to a town called Svishtov and met I felt a special prompting from the Lord with a church planter and his family. This to agree for TEN to support them there was the start of a four day trip that involved and then, which of course was a huge meeting half-a-dozen church planters in as encouragement for them. many towns, and as always their testimonies In Croatia there was less physical need were inspiring. (although by no means was the situation One couple were virtually penniless, being left with no alternative but to crack walnuts with rocks so that they could sell the nuts and pay for food and the rent for the small church they run (about £40 per month). This highlights a typical issue: it is common for church leaders in these situations to not see any distinction between spending what money they have on themselves or on the needs of the church.

Their ministry is truly sacrificial.

A Croatian Church—pretty on the outside, but what of the life within?

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS – AN INSIDE LOOK...

We know it is God’s work, but we also know this doesn’t absolve us from the responsibility of making a difference.

Niki and Daniela, from Plovdiv, are overseeing four Roma congregations.

Plamen (pictured with his family) had his skull fractured for being an evangelical Christian.

easy), but nevertheless an exciting opportunity to support a new initiative aimed at breaking the spiritual deadlock of the Balkans. European Christian Mission (ECM, an organisation specialising in sending missionaries) were looking to partner with us to support local Croatian churches who were hosting Brazilian missionaries. The Brazilian’s gregarious nature works really well within Croatian culture, cracking the ice of apathy and distrust and paving the way for local church to grow.

I met one such team who displayed delightful cooperation—the Brazilian missionaries and Croatian church leaders had an obvious love and respect for one another, and I could see why this strategy was working. One of the Brazilians was a professional footballer and hairdresser, and was going down a storm in the community, just as you might imagine!

As I write we are still praying as a team about how to respond to the needs I encountered. There is so much opportunity, but we absolutely have to ask that simple but profound question; ‘what are you saying, Lord...?’

We know it is God’s work but we also know this doesn’t absolve us from the responsibility of making a difference. Thank you so much for your prayers which are vital for the spiritual underpinning of the work. Please continue to pray that we would have wisdom and that we would do the right thing for the many lives TEN has the opportunity to touch.

Toni and Desi with family, church planters in Svishtov, Bulgaria

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WHAT’S GOING ON IN...

...SPAIN

T

he economic woes of Spain are well known, but perhaps UK Christians are less apprised of the still small percentage of evangelical Christians and the need for longterm, incarnational, quality expressions of church to truly reach people and communities.

TEN has partnered with Evangelismo en Accione (EEA) for many years now, and indeed TEN’s founder, Dave Foster, was a regular visitor to the work. More recently, Andy Drake has been and met with Benjamin Martin, the Director of EEA, who introduced him to some of the work, including the outreach efforts following the flooding in Alora.

It seems that children’s ministry is proving to be a great way to reach families and also gain respect from the local community, something that is difficult to do when only about 1% of the country confess Christ. In addition to church planting and evangelistic 16

events, EEA have a recording studio where they prepare radio broadcasts. Whatever the method, transforming local communities from the inside is a vision that both EEA and TEN are passionate about!

Photos: Top: Alora in Spain.

1: Andy with leaders of EEA. 2: Flood devastation in Alora.

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TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

“May the Lord bless and multiply His grace upon all those burdened with the needs, spiritual and material, in so many parts of Europe, and you and your team for facing all these challenges in our benefit.” Benjamin

WHAT’S GOING ON IN...

...BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

I

n a country with a population of almost 3.9 million, there are estimated to be just 600 – 800 believers in Bosnia.

TEN partners with two men who lead churches in Sarajevo, in the Federation of Bosnia, where approximately 95% of the citizens are Muslim.

Slavko Hadzic leads the Evangelical Church and Tomislav Dobutovic leads the Baptist Church. Both churches are very active in the city, and both regularly do outreach events and street evangelism.

Delivering humanitarian aid to the poorest members of the city is a key project, with thousands suffering

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unemployment or low pay, and TEN’s ‘Harvest for the Hungry’ programme has helped in this.

Slavko’s church has successfully partnered with a church here in the UK for a couple of years now, organised by and administered through TEN. Similarly, we would love to find a church to partner with Tomi’s church, and Tomi is keen to find a church willing to stand with them in prayer, encouragement and visits; such a twinning would be a mutual encouragement.

In a city where it is easy to feel alone, it’s good to know there are people who pray for you.

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“Thank you so much for your partnership in God’s work here! We are very glad for the support for the food project.

Your support is a great blessing and very much and urgently needed. We will start implementing the funds as soon as possible.” Tomi

If you think your church might like to partner with Tomi’s, please contact Sally Bertram on 0117 961 5161.

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Photos: Top: Poor homes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1: Slavko Hadzic. 2: Aid boxes. 3: Tomislav Dobutovic.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org

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PARTNERSHIPS – AN INSIDE LOOK...

60 SECONDS WITH…

WENDY WATSON SUPPORTER & FUNDRAISER!

How did you hear about Transform Europe Now? In 1995 I felt instructed by God to walk the length and breadth of Ireland. This was to raise funds for a church building in Novi Sad, Serbia run by Danny and Vera Kuranji.

Novi Sad was experiencing war in Former Yugoslavia, with over 100,000 refugees pouring into that city.

What area of ministry in Europe are you most passionate about?

The work of Novi Sad Christian Fellowship. We have also been involved in CASA in Romania, the Compassion Ministry in Moscow, the churches in Skopje, Elhovo, etc. They are all amazing projects and need huge support.

How are you involved in helping Novi Sad? Nearly all of my previous walks have raised money for Novi Sad. In 1997 when the walk I was doing went wrong due to serious injuries, TEN supporters heard what happened and gave outrageously!

Since completing the London Marathon on 21st April we are near our target of £2,620!

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

That Christians would be more open and honest with themselves and each other; and to offer a loving and united front to a fallen world.

Wendy Watson completed the 2013 London Marathon, raising money for the Hospice and Rainbow Rehab Centre at Novi Sad Christian Fellowship in Serbia.

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Why do you support TEN? Because I believe strongly that working with nationals is the way forward. Whilst supporting nationals we can also get on with being missionaries where we are in the UK; in our own homes, villages, towns and cities. At work, at play, wherever!

TRANSFORM EUROPE NOW / SUMMER 2013

A PARTING GIFT

Use the final gift of your Will to give the next generation the best start.

During our lifetime many of us invest time, energy and financial resources in supporting the expansion of the Kingdom of God, but how much do we invest in ensuring that what may be our largest financial gift is used in the same way?

A gift to Transform Europe Now in your Will ensures resources are passed on to the next generation of people who are shining God’s light across Europe, continuing the work you dedicated your life to support through your gifts and prayers.

For further information on how to leave a legacy to TEN, please call Lindsay Davey on +44 (0)117 961 5161 or email us at info@transformeuropenow.org

ANNA IS JUST LIKE ANY OTHER GRANDMOTHER: WARM, KIND AND COMPASSIONATE. UNFORTUNATELY, ANNA’S LIFE IS VERY DIFFERENT TO WHAT WE MIGHT WANT ANY GRANDMOTHER’S TO BE.

SCROUNGING IN BINS FOR SUSTENANCE AND RELIANT ON THE KINDNESS OF THOSE AROUND HER, ANNA’S LIFE LACKS SECURITY. ALL SHE WANTS IS AN ORDINARY LIFE!

ONE RAY OF HOPE ARE THE FOOD PARCELS GIVEN TO HER THROUGH THE HARVEST FOR THE HUNGRY PROJECT.

YOU CAN HELP PEOPLE LIKE ANNA BY SPONSORING A FOOD PARCEL — £10 CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

WWW.HARVESTFORTHEHUNGRY.ORG.UK

A PROJECT OF

Spanning almost 50 years of God’s work across Europe, TENACIOUS is full of 100 faith inspiring real life stories, all written by TEN’s partners and friends.

Whether for personal devotion and enjoyment, or as a gift to encourage a friend, TENACIOUS will absolutely confirm how God never lets go of us.

£5.95

“I came here because my mother sent me to a babysitter and ran away.

She did not pay her, and said she would come back, but she didn’t…”

Discover the rest of Miguel’s story in TENACIOUS.

Only Or make the most of our introductory offer and get two for £10 (plus P&P)!

Call now to order on: +44 (0)117 9615161