Magazine November – December 2016 www.transformeuropenow.org

C hristians in Russia face uncertain times Christ mas Across Europe How our partners are sharing the true meaning of G ospel fLourishing in Albania Kingdom Communities in Kosovo Christmas In E urope across European nations are as varied as the gifts around a traditional . Unwrapping the cherished customs found in Europe brings surprise, diversity and even alarm. However the common themes of family celebration, exchange of gifts and culinary delights are enjoyed by all who value this particular religious festival.

e would be wrong to assume five days earlier. If it snows on 6th that Christmas Day is December St Nicholas is said to have Wcelebrated on the same day. shaken his beard so Winter can begin. But it gets more complicated. Within Of course many traditions go back to most nations there are different ethnic pagan times when magic and mischief groups that follow distinct histories. filled the night sky. In Serbia you Take eastern Europe for example, the might glimpse the young men out at Orthodox Churches of Russia, Serbia, night wearing masks, costumes and Montenegro, Macedonia, Georgia and brandishing sticks. They mix carol- Ukraine adopt the and singing with demon chasing. Visit fast for 40 days until 7th to Belgrade around noon on Christmas Day commence the three-day festival. On and you’ll see a huge, metre-wide round the other hand, Romania, Bulgaria as loaf being broken open for children to well as Greece celebrate Christmas find golden coins. On in on 25th December. Despite decades Bulgaria there’s a special kind of oak log of suppression under Communism, called the ‘Budnik’. It’s filled with wine, Christmas has survived, if somewhat oil and incense to burn on the fire. changed. Another post-socialist surprise Regardless of these traditions, the is Santa’s visit to the Balkan children on evangelical churches across Europe New Year’s Eve. will be honouring Feasting remains the coming of a huge part of the Saviour by Christmas wherever reaching out to you find yourself. their communities For example, in with food parcels, Romania you can concerts and also expect to enjoy demonstrating the Roast Gammon and love of God. Pray Pork Chops on 25th that this Christmas, December made Christ will come to from the pig killed many hearts. Welcome Contents Uncertain Christmas s we head into the 4 winter months and then in Russia AChristmas, I expect you Ban on evangelism are asking the same questions 60 Seconds with... as I have recently; Where has 6 the year gone? What have we …Ian Morris achieved this year? Time seems to flash by so fast and a lot of the ambitious plans we made at the 7 Report from Kosovo beginning of the year are now being rescheduled into the next. Balkan Travels Time is one of the most precious gifts and a valuable 8 resource given to us by our Heavenly Father. We choose TEN Ambassadors on their how we spend it, but once spent it’s gone forever. We recent trip don’t get another chance to spend it again. The other Prayer diary thought-provoking thing about time, is we never know 10 how much we have to spend. So spending and planning November – December 2016 our time is very challenging indeed. In Ephesians chapter 5 we are called to be imitators What’s going on in... of God and to walk in love as Christ loved us. Paul goes 13 Greece on to say, be careful and wise in how we walk making the best use of the time. There are other scriptures that News Update challenge us to be good stewards; which includes how 14 we spend time. TEN Visit to Northern Ireland I have been so encouraged as I look back over the year and see and hear of our partners giving their time People Update 15 sacrificially and tirelessly in sharing the transforming Toni Coulton love of by preaching the Gospel, helping the poor and needy, and bringing release to the captives and Easy Fundraising 16 helping mend the broken. for TEN As we enter this amazing Christmas season, a time of giving gifts in remembrance of God’s greatest gift Summer Camps to us, let’s consider the resources God has gifted to us 17 and ask Him how we should spend them (including our Busy summer for church teams time) for the growth of His Kingdom in Europe. in Europe Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and a Sharing the true Happy New Year. 18 meaNing of Christmas across Europe

TEN_Today transformeuropenow

Gerry Partridge Transform Europe Now 1 Holdenhurst Road, Kingswood CEO Transform Europe Now Bristol BS15 1HL Tel: +44 (0)117 961 5161 Please note: The TEN office will be closed for Email: [email protected] Christmas and New Year from December 24th Written and produced by the TEN team to January 2nd inclusively and will re-open on Design: Simon Petherick Graphic and Web Design Tuesday 3rd January 2017. Transform Europe Now is the operating name for Eurovangelism. Registered Charity No. 1140592 and Company Limited by Guarantee No. 7507682.

Cover photo: St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow, in winter “ Transforming Europe – One Life at a time

U ncertain Christmas I n Russia This Christmas will be a time of considerable uncertainty for Christians in Russia because of new anti-terrorism laws signed by President Putin on 7th July 2016; which effectively ban any form of evangelism outside of churches.

4 Transform europe now / November – December 2016 Transforming Europe – One Life at a time

t the present time, the coming into concerts. People feel sad when they have to force of the new law is postponed stay in the hospitals at Christmas time. They Auntil administrative and technical are glad when we come to visit them at this arrangements have been put in place. Our time. They are thankful for such kindness partner in Moscow, Galina Dzhuzenova, and their hearts are wide open for the Good with Brotherhood of Compassion, remains News about the Birth of Christ! Many people more determined than ever to not allow listen to our singing and testimonies with this uncertain situation to stop them tears in their eyes. It touches their hearts in from seizing such a great opportunity a very special way, especially single elderly this Christmas. women. Many of them told us that during Galina asks, “Please pray about the our previous Christmas meetings they felt delaying or changing of the law restricting the Lord and His presence so close. They evangelism. This is a very important understood that they were not alone and

ministry for us. It is a special time of the could talk to the Lord.” year when we can visit many institutions “This year we are going to visit hospitals,

with Christmas concerts. People are very children’s homes, shelters, and we will joyful and open to accepting the news invite children to the Christmas party at the about the birth of Christ. Children and church. Please pray for us to visit all the adults are waiting for something special planned institutions. It is only possible if “ and it is a good opportunity to tell them we get written permission from the leaders about Jesus. of these centres. Before the new law their

T hey don’t have much joy in their lives and they always ask many questions about why they have no parents, family or home.

“In our church we will again organize a verbal agreement was enough. Please, pray “Christmas performance with games and that the Lord will touch their hearts to give presents for children. We invite children us such written permission.” from socially vulnerable families of Galina concluded: “Please also pray unbelievers. They like the Christmas story for God to give us strength and health performance as it is new for them and we to continue the ministry, as most of our pray that as a result some of the children volunteers and workers are not young. will start to come to Sunday school. Blessings and thanks to all who are praying “Children from shelters and children’s for Russia.” homes are very glad to receive Christmas gifts. They don’t have much joy in their lives and they always ask many questions about why they have no parents, family or home We tell them about Jesus and His love. They start to pray to Jesus and ask Him to help them. Christmas gives these children hope!” Galina says they will also visit many institutions where vulnerable people won’t be able to celebrate Christmas at home. “We also visit hospitals with Christmas The elderly celebrate Christmas in Moscow

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 5 60 seconds with...

60 Seconds with… Ian Morris Could you give us a bit of your the reconstruction, and equipping and background? launching of the centre. The satisfaction I left school at 16 and was apprenticed came from knowing that many of the in electrical and mechanical engineering. poor and street children were able to gain After 15 years in industry I was appointed employment following the training they to teach at South Bristol Technical College were given there. and eventually moved to the City of Bath College as one of the senior managers. At What most inspired you about the work 50 I was offered early retirement which of TEN? resulted in establishing my own education The main purpose of TEN is to present and training consultancy. the good news of Jesus Christ in all their In January 2000 I moved to Botswana to activities and enable His Kingdom to open up a new technical college. In 2008 be increased. If you volunteer to join I moved to Mozambique funded by the an activity of TEN you will find that you World Bank. In November 2014 my wife receive far more than you give; a real Jennifer was diagnosed with pancreatic challenge when you meet people in cancer and the Lord took her home quickly Europe who have so little but are willing in January 2015. to give in return so much.

How did you get involved in TEN? I first met Gary Cox in the 90s. Previously my wife Jennifer and I had joined with another church in taking aid to two villages in the north of Romania. Following discussions with Gary this led to making contact with and supporting TEN projects in Oradea, Giurgui and Constanta.

What have been the highlights of your involvement with TEN? Gary spoke to me about a project they were considering in Oradea, Romania where they had been given funding to set up a social care hospice centre and vocational training school. I had the pleasure of contributing to Ian Morris, currently a TEN volunteer in Bosnia and Herzegovina

6 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 Transforming Europe – One Life at a time R eport from Kosovo Kosovo is a young nation seeking to establish its identity in a fast- changing world. As the smallest of the Balkan countries with a population of two million it declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbs (Orthodox) and Albanians (Muslim) represent the two main people groups with a significant Roma population.

EN’s partner in Kosovo is Artur Hope; which provides classes in English, Krasniqi, who is the pastor of the computing, and sewing, as well as TBashkesia e Popullite te Zotit homework classes for school children and church in the capital Pristina, with his a place to meet and chat for the mums. wife and two children. The church runs Funds from TEN’s Harvest for the Hungry a warehouse and two second-hand have already provided around 50 Roma shops, branded Mosaik and supplied by families with food parcels in addition donations from Switzerland and Germany. to the 100 families the church supports This provides valuable employment every month. opportunities for 10 local people and a There are plans to set up a Kosovan source of vital income for the church, with Bible Training facility to help develop the cheap clothing and household items for next generation of nationals who will take local residents. the work on. The Bible school is intended The church also reaches out to the to be more of a practical, interactive, Roma community through the House of equipping course than an academic one.

P rayer Needs: » A young man in the church has a » Pray for strength to continue serious heart defect, for which he is witnessing amongst the Muslim to undergo surgery. population and for increased » A new leader for the work amongst opportunities in those communities, the Roma in Vranjec, Pristina. as Islam becomes an ever increasing » Pray for stability in Kosovo as they reality and force in Kosovo. work towards full independence as » Funding is needed to cover the rent a nation. of the Bible school building.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 7 Travel Report Bal kan Travels

TEN Ambassadors, Helen and Tom Harflett report back on their recent three-week visit to the Balkans.

e feel so privileged to have seen first hand what God is doing Wthrough our partners in four very different Balkan countries: Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro and Albania. It was fascinating to see how the churches are developing following the fall of Communism and the Balkan Crisis. Albania was probably the most repressive of the Communist countries and Yugoslavia the most liberal. We flew in to Ohrid, Macedonia where we spent a few days on holiday by the beautiful Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in the world. We then visited Vance Homes flooded in Skopje Golomeovi in Stip and Mirco Andreev in the capital, Skopje. Mirco has a some exciting initiatives based around the strong vision for church planting across Pristina church centre. There’s a beautiful Macedonia and has just started a part-time kindergarten run by Artur’s wife, Brikena, a school in Kumonovo to train new leaders. homework club for a Roma community and They encourage churches to start thinking two very professionally run second-hand about planting a church when they reach clothing shops. They are about to start a twenty members! While in Skopje we training school for Kosovan leaders and a visited the flooded areas reported in the coffee shop. Kosovo is now predominantly last magazine. AGAPE continues to deliver an Albanian Muslim country. Before the “ food and goods to those affected—it is conflict in the late 90’s there were about still a terrible mess! 230 mosques and today there are 850!

P lease pray for Kosovo as there are signs of radicalization of the nominal Muslim community.

We then travelled by bus to Pristina, Most of the new believers are young and “capital of Kosovo where we visited from Muslim families, so experience great Artur Krasninqi and were fortunate to difficulties as their parents think they have be invited to a local wedding! Artur has joined a cult and will bring shame on the

8 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 Travel Report

family. Please pray for Kosovo as there are signs of radicalization of the nominal Muslim community. Our next stop was Montenegro, where we stayed in a traditional home by Skadar Lake. From here we visited all three TEN partners: Jovica Bacvanski and Vladimir Cizmanski in Podgorica and Daniel Stracinski in Bar. Montenegro is the smallest (pop.626,000), youngest View of Ohrid, Macedonia and we think the most beautiful country in the Balkans. It also seems to be the Hervin is so full of vision and energy for hardest soil for the Gospel. As far as we the work in Tirana. He also runs a part time know, there are only five small evangelical training school for new Albanian Christian churches and only one of those is led by a leaders. Montenegrin, who was born and grew up From Tirana we were driven by Erion in America. We have known the leaders Çuni, a visionary church planter, through for many years and growth is very slow, the mountains to the Macedonian border

and can be quite discouraging for them. where we were met by Emile, who is There is a great need for locally trained planting a church in Struga, a town next

Montenegrin leaders. Most Montenegrins to Ohrid. We discovered that we had met would think of themselves as Orthodox, Emile years ago in Stip. He was one of the but is often more a national identity than first heroin addicts to come to faith. He a living faith. “ trained with Hervin, and is now married and working with the Albanian Muslims I t seems that the oppressive in Struga. Two themes emerged from our time with Hoxha regime in some way these church leaders: broke up the soil so that the Firstly, the urgent need for part time gospel could flourish. national training of national leaders. They “ have often found that if students go abroad We then caught a minibus across the to train they do not return, or they return border into Albania and had a short but disconnected from their local culture. fascinating time with Hervin Fushekati in Secondly, the importance of owning a Tirana. This was our first visit to Albania building. The young churches have a great and we had expected it to be very run problem of being regarded as “a sect” and down, grey and sad like so many of this is reinforced by not having a building. the former communist countries we If they rent and improve the property the have visited. We were surprised by the rent is then increased. City rents are now vibrancy and energy of Tirana and this very high. If they own their own building, is also apparent in the churches. There they can use the property throughout the are hundreds of evangelical churches in week for community activities. Albania and it seems that the oppressive As our plane climbed over Lake Ohrid on Hoxha regime in some way broke up the our journey home we carried with us many soil so that the gospel could flourish. wonderful memories and endless things to It was quite a contrast to Montenegro. thank God for.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 9 Prayer Diary

Slavko & Sanja Marian, Ionica Viorica Dragan & Biljana Galina Dusan Beredi Erion & family Savka & Jovica Bosnia & Gratzian Greece Macedonia Compassion & Family Albania Montenegro PRR, Romania Ministry, Russia Serbia Prayer Diary November – December 2016

N ovember 2016 7 / Please pray for the church 13 / Pray for the government in Macedonia as they seek to to sensitively seek peace and 1 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia make God known amidst racial, justice for all. Ethnic diversity & Herzegovina: ”Please pray religious and financial tensions. in Macedonia sadly resembles for Slavko at the Fellowship of Give them courage, obedience separation rather than harmony. European University Evangelists and discernment to follow God conference and the university where He leads. 14 / Pray for those bereaved events at which he will speak, and made homeless following for good attendance, clear 8 / Galina Dzhuzenova, Russia: the August floods in Skopje and proclamation and salvations.” “Please continue to pray about surrounding districts and for the our future ministry and the church as it offers help. 2 / Marian Serban, Romania: proposed introduction of the new “Pray for the formal and informal law restricting evangelism.” 15 / Dusan Beredi, Serbia: education of children supported “Please pray for the men by Project Romanian Rescue in 9 / “Pray that Compassion and women recovering from Constanta.” Ministry in Russia receives heroin addiction at the church increased financial support rehabilitation centre in Novi Sad, 3 / Please pray for the speedy following a difficult year.” that God would touch their hearts recovery of Project Romanian and set them free.” Rescue workers, Sister Lia and 10 / “Please pray for today’s her husband Andrei who were Militia Day as Compassion 16 / “Pray for wisdom to be seriously injured in a car accident. Ministry hold a concert, give out given to the leaders of the food parcels and meet the needs rehabilitation centre in Novi Sad 4 / “Please pray for the health of pensioners who are former to expand and bless our work.” and endurance of the staff team Special Police office workers and of Project Romanian Rescue for homeless people.” 17 / “Pray for donations and during times of change.” business income to support 11 / “Please pray God gives the work of the addiction 5 / Viorica Tataru, Athens: strength and health to continue rehabilitation centre in Serbia “Please pray for protection for the Compassion Ministry in Russia to enable us to remain free of volunteers and staff of Nea Zoi as most of the volunteers and charge for users.” as they help women trapped in workers are not young.” prostitution”. 18 / “Pray that the people who 12 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: have recently finished the Alpha 6 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: “Please pray for good attendance Course in Novi Sad, Serbia, will “Pray for today’s Vizija Fest to all our regular weekly activities become integrated into the evangelical Christian music including Bible studies, prayer church and its activities.” concert taking place in a large meetings and youth groups.” venue in Skopje.”

10 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 Prayer Diary

Maca Roumen Nikola & Daniela Besa Monika Vance & Tanja Milcho & Beni Artur Serbia Bulgaria Bulgaria MPA, Albania Romania Macedonia Bulgaria Kosovo

19 / Erion Cuni, Albania: “Pray 27 / “Pray for the 13 teenagers 4 / “Pray for good reports from that the friends and relatives who attended the summer youth Slavko’s medical tests and that he invited to our Christmas activities camp in Montenegro, that they will stay free from cancer.” will come.” would grow in their faith and have courage among their friends.” 5 / Pray for the safe delivery 20 / “Please pray for the needy of the Christmas Shoeboxes families in Tirana, Albania who 28 / Maca Turner, Serbia: organised by Keynsham Elim will receive gift-filled shoeboxes “Please pray for the health of my Church and distributed among this Christmas.” family, Dunja, Sasa and Marko as families supported by Casa Grace, we walk with God.” Romania. 21 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Herzegovina: “Pray for Slavko 29 / “Pray for the ongoing 6 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: and the students as he teaches humanitarian aid visits and “Please pray for our Christmas at the Bible School in Sarajevo on services we provide in Sombor, outreach event and puppet Hermeneutics.” Serbia.” evangelism taking place in Veles, Macedonia during the Christmas 22 / “Pray for the Alpha Course 30 / Roumen Ivanov, period.” run at the Kosevsko Brdo church Bulgaria: “Please pray for a in Sarajevo, and pray that all who great response to the magazine 7 / Nikola Atanasov, Bulgaria: attend understand the gospel Leah and its testimonies of “Please pray for the unity of the and make decisions.” divine intervention; which will church in the village of Yasno be distributed widely before Pole.” 23 / Jovica Bacvanski, Christmas.” Montenegro: “Pray for our new 8 / “Pray that all those who converts to be brave but also gave their lives to Jesus in the wise as they share their faith with December 2016 Bulgarian village of Schishmanzi their loved ones.” will be strengthened by the 1 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Lord.” 24 / “Pray for the discipleship Herzegovina: “Please pray for all training of new converts in the children and parents who will 9 / “Pray that young families Montenegro as they learn to come to the puppet shows at our of believers in Bulgaria will be follow the Lord and share their church in Sarajevo, that they will protected and grow in the faith.” faith.” understand the gospel and take Bibles.” 10 / Besa Shapllo, Albania: 25 / “Remember in prayer the “Pray that God may give the two families who have returned 2 / “Pray for the impact of Mission Possible Albania team to the church in Podgorica after visiting families in Sarajevo the eyes and ears to understand being away, that they would with food parcels and sharing the needs of the people and that become faithful to the Lord.” the gospel, that by the end of we may be a great help to them the year some of them will be during this time.” 26 / “Please pray for the Christians.” finance and good workmanship needed to replace the roof of 3 / “Pray for the Christmas our church building in Podgorica, concerts and ‘Circle of Women’ Montenegro.” event in Sarajevo, that many non- Christians will attend.”

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 11 Prayer Diary

11 / “Please pray that the youth 18 / “Pray that the team at CASA 26 / Milcho Deyanov, Bulgaria: meetings be full of enthusiasm Grace, Romania who run the “Please pray for spiritual and also entertaining. Pray that sewing and computer class will breakthrough among the people the Spirit of God will be present inspire all the people who attend who are not saved.” and change their hearts so that the course with the hope to find a the youngsters may see the fruits job, and that they may find Jesus.” 27 / “Pray for the church in of faith in their lives. Pray that the Bulgaria and especially for those youth group may expand with 19 / “Pray for the protection of in ministry who battle against new members who love Jesus the CASA Grace team in Romania sickness and poverty.” and who love to serve Him.” as they visit families during winter, especially if the weather 28 / Artur Krasniqi, Kosovo: 12 / “Pray that the Mission is bad.” “Please pray for someone to Possible staff will be highly lead the work amongst the Roma motivated, experiencing inner 20 / Vance Golomeov, people in Vranjec, Pristina.” peace and joy and working Macedonia: “Pray for the seeds earnestly to renew and give of the gospel shared during the 29 / “Please pray for finance to a new dimension to their summer by the team from USA cover the rent of the Bible School ministries.” and the activities of the church in building in Pristina.” Shtip and Sveti Nikole.” 13 / “Pray that the Community 30 / “Pray for strength to Library and its various initiatives, 21 / “Pray for the team continue witnessing amongst activities and programs will grow visiting Macedonia from USA the Muslim population and for and become an important social- in our church from 3rd to 27th increased opportunities in those cultural centre to impact not only November as we share the gospel communities as Islam becomes youngsters, but also parents and in the street and run activities.” an ever increasing reality and the community in general.” force in Kosovo.” 22 / “Please pray for wisdom, 14 / “Pray for the Mission strength and health for the family 31 / “Pray for stability in Kosovo Possible Albania team to have of our partners in Macedonia, as the nation works towards full an amazing fruitful season at Vance and Tanja, their three independence.” Christmas. Let God guide each children and grandmother who of us to be humble, and full of is sick.” passion for God’s Kingdom.” PRAY FOR THE 23 / Daniela Atanasova, 15 / Monika Mahr, Romania: “As Bulgaria: Please pray for our CHURCH IN RUSSIA winter time appears pray for the work in the gypsy village of Please pray for many families supported by CASA Shishmantzi that developed as a evangelical churches Grace to have a warm house result of Harvest for the Hungry in Russia facing the and warm clothes for the whole food packages.” family.” uncertain impacts of 24 / “Pray for the children in the new anti-terrorism 16 / “Pray for all the needy the villages near Plovdiv, who law that restricts children attending school in will receive Christmas packs with evangelism and Romania and supported by CASA sweets, stationery, toys and warm missionary activity. Grace with counselling, school clothes.” equipment, transport, warm clothes, food and medical aid.” 25 / “Pray for the response of those who come to the Christmas 17 / “Please pray for the children celebration with food and the with disabilities supported by children’s Nativity drama in Dora at Kingdom Kids in Romania Plovdiv, Bulgaria.” to feel God’s love in their daily struggles.” Christmas in Russia

12 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 What’s going on in...

...Greece

ituated at the southern decades Nea Zoi has who are enslaved and most part of the Balkan reached out to children forced into what is called Speninsula in southeast and adults trapped in the ‘first profession’.” Europe, Greece has a prostitution offering care, Teams of dedicated population of 11 million information and practical volunteers walk the streets spread across its mainland support. Among its workers of Athens at night up to five and 150 inhabited islands. is TEN partner, Viorica Tataru times every week offering Greece has suffered as who works tirelessly among hot and cold drinks, a a result of the crippling vulnerable women in the smile, love and acceptance. burden of national debt red-light district. Nea Zoi also provide a and austerity measures, Young girls and network of support and and now grapples with older women are being referral for those seeking the additional crisis of forced, coerced and accommodation, food, 50,000 refugees who are exploited from at-risk clothing and an alternative stranded in the country. In situations. Dysfunctional lifestyle. the capital, Athens faces family backgrounds, Threads of Hope is a many problems arising unemployment, poverty, project set up in 2014 from the exploitation of deceptive offers of to offer training and refugees with a steep rise employment and sheer employment to vulnerable in prostitution, people- desperation can easily women. Using sewing and smuggling and drug lead to entrapment in craft skills, the project addiction. prostitution. makes a variety of stylish Among the many Viorica explains, “Since bags. Products are available humanitarian projects prostitution is legal in for purchase online. The working with the most Greece, brothels are open project offers discipleship vulnerable people in Athens for 24 hours, 7 days a week in the Christian faith, as well is the Christian organisation, and they become literally as training in literacy, book- Nea Zoi (New Life). For two prisons for many victims keeping and computers.

Please pray for Viorica and the work of Nea Zoi in Athens, and why not buy a hand-made gift for a friend or family member from the online store? www.threadsofhope.gr

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 13 News Updates TEN visit to N orthern Ireland The opportunity to visit Northern Ireland and meet up with supporters and church leaders came as a result of an invitation to exhibit at the Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention held from 20th–27th August. CEO Gerry Partridge was accompanied by volunteer Ambassador, Bob Northey who knew the Province well having lived there for 25 years.

ur exhibition stand was open each which Gerry gave an update on the work evening before and after the main and vision for Europe. Omeetings and we met several On our final Sunday, Gerry shared the supporters who well remembered us vision for TEN at Trinity Presbyterian from the days of Eurovangelism. Scores Church, Bangor and Bob Northey spoke at of Convention visitors showed genuine Lisburn Christian Fellowship, who already interest in our work across Europe, and support the work in Serbia. many new people signed up to receive This visit was part of TEN’s commitment regular news updates. We also made to reach out across the UK to engage useful contacts with other mission more closely with our supporters. We agencies. The evening speakers proved certainly hope to be back again soon in to be inspirational in terms of global Northern Ireland. mission. During the daytime we took the opportunity to meet individual church leaders and attended some of the seminars. It was TEN’s first time at Bangor Worldwide and many years since our last visit to Northern Ireland. We felt warmly welcomed, especially by our generous hosts at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bangor, who already support Harvest for the Hungry and also sponsored a special TEN Breakfast on the Saturday morning at Gerry Partridge at the TEN stand in Bangor

14 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 News updates People U pdate At their meeting on 28th July, Trustees expressed their deep appreciation to Toni Coulton for her significant contribution to the ministry of TEN through her role as a Trustee for the previous 13 years.

s many of you will have read in a recent edition of the newsletter, AToni and husband Eric became supporters of Eurovangelism many years ago, after hearing Dave Foster speak about the situation for evangelical Christians in Spain. Toni’s interest and response was not really surprising given her family links there. She readily enthused about the model of partnering with and resourcing nationals, together with the holistic approach that was clearly evident— meeting practical needs as well as helping the communication of the Gospel. Her zeal for this ministry over the years and her knowledge of the evangelical world— aided by her involvement with UCCF and subsequently heading up the work of Toni Coulton FESTIVE—made her an ideal candidate to join the Trustee Board. occasionally arise in any environment. As well as offering support in various The Trustees will miss her wise counsel ways to the ‘office team’ in Bristol, and trust that she and Eric will be Toni recognised the importance of blessed in their greater ‘free-time’, whilst good governance in an organisation continuing to serve the Lord in various such as TEN. She advocated clarity of ways and, in particular, praying for His responsibilities and was always ready Kingdom to grow throughout Europe and to ask pertinent questions, nor shirk especially in Spain! addressing those awkward issues that David Thomas, Chair of Trustees

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 15 Transforming Europe – One Life at a time H ow easy is Easyfundraising? Melanie Griffiths, TEN’s Supporter Relations and Funding Development Officer, shares her experience.

asyfundraising is a way to shop You are then taken to the retailer’s website online and raise funds for charity where you can purchase your goods in the E at the same time. If you’re like me usual way. That retailer will then give a and wary of online shopping, this short small percentage to the charity you have guide to Easyfund-raising may help. chosen with no additional cost to you. As someone who would rather visit All you will need to do is go to the High Street than shop online, I was easyfundraising.org.uk and register with a pleasantly surprised by the ease at which name and password, or simply login if you I could use the Easyfundraising site to are already registered. buy items from my favourite shops, and What is particularly surprising is the generate income for TEN at the same range of categories on the site. You can time. As we approach Christmas this is an give whilst booking a weekend break, excellent way of combining shopping and arranging home insurance, buying fundraising at no extra cost to you. electrical equipment or fashion, and lots At the moment, a handful of our more. The range of companies represented supporters are giving in this way and on the site is staggering! between them they have raised an So when you’re shopping on-line additional £68.55 so far for TEN. This is a this Christmas, why not do so via the brilliant start. Just imagine the potential Easyfundraising site? if instead of five supporters, 10 or more So, ‘How easy is easyfundraising?’ the were doing their regular shopping in answer is ‘Very’. this way. So how does it work? Say for example you are about to book a train journey and you would normally do this online via Collect Collect Trainline or another site; or you free donations free donations often shop on Amazon, or John for us every time you for us every time you Lewis online, instead of going shop online! shop online! straight to their website, you go to easyfundraising.org.uk, enter Transform Europe Now in the ‘search for a cause’ box and then easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten choose the retailer of your choice.

16 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 Collect free donations Collect free donations for us every time you for us every time you shop online! shop online!

easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten

Collect free donations Collect free donations for us every time you for us every time you shop online! shop online!

easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten

Collect free donations Collect free donations for us every time you for us every time you shop online! shop online!

easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten

Collect free donations Collect free donations for us every time you for us every time you shop online! shop online!

easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ten Transforming Europe – One Life at a time SUMMER CAMPS We give thanks to God for the Summer Camps that were run by our partners with the help of teams from TEN UK partner churches.

n July, Hillview Church in Gloucester sent their youth team for a week to Mission IPossible Bulgaria and ran camps in the villages of Pevtsite and Rozino. “Despite the poverty, the people were incredibly friendly and happy. The team sang songs with children, talked about God and his love for them, played sports, did drawing and colouring with them, and even got to share a big watermelon with them.” Keynsham Elim Church sent their Ignite Team of twenty to run back to back week-long residential camps in Oradea, TEN Summer Camps – Mission Possible Bulgaria, Romania in partnership with CASA Grace. Hillview Youth Team 2016 “The children and young people invited to Other churches that helped to run attend came from very needy situations. summer camps were Eyam Church in Seeing some of their homes and dire Derbyshire, who led a team to Alcala la situations reiterated why the team were Real in Spain, and Cairns Road Baptist doing this mission and who was at the Church in Bristol who sent a team to heart of it.” This was the 12th year that Mission Possible Albania. Keynsham Elim have run camps in Romania. In addition, our local partners, Tefik Another church team from Kinmel Bay Musoski in Macedonia, Erion Cuni in Church in North Wales travelled to Badicul Albania and Vladimir Cizmanski in Moldovenesc in Moldova to stay for 10 Montenegro and others also ran summer days in the church hall. They organised a activities for children. summer holiday club and provided hours We praise God for the enthusiasm and of fun, plus sharing from the bible and commitment of our TEN teams who fund- giving testimonies. “There were loads of raise, plan and organise activities and games, including water-filled balloons, freely give of their time to serve the work tug-of-war, and on the Sunday at church of God in some of the poorest nations two ladies were baptised.” of Europe.

If your church is interested in supporting the TEN team programme 2017 we would love to talk to you. More information can be found online at transformeuropenow.org/short-term-mission/

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 17 Transforming Europe – One Life at a time S haring the true meaning of Christmas A cross Europe Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year for our amazing partners, who will take every opportunity to practically and creatively share that Jesus is the reason for the season. Here are some updates on their Christmas outreach activities…

Moni ka, Casa Grace, Romania

“We will be joined by a team from Kingdom Kids programme. Keynsham Elim Church in early December, We aim to prepare 40 when we will personally visit many needy packages of items that will families delivering gift-filled shoeboxes enable the families we and praying with them. support on a monthly basis,

“We will have a Christmas party at our to have a Christmas lunch for Monika Rehabilitation Centre where we run the their entire family.”

D aniela and Nikola Atanasov, Bulgaria

“Last Christmas we prepared packages for time and resources for the children in two local villages; which made poor gypsy families with them happy! They were full of sweets, small kids. We hope we can stationery, warm hats, gloves, scarves, give away warm clothes, food socks and small toys. and some toys for the kids.

“Needy families were given food “We also intend to organize Nikola & Daniela packages thanks to the Harvest for the a celebration with some Hungry project. Out of this a new ministry food. The children will start preparing the in the church was started—services for Nativity drama and we will provide gift- the Bulgarians in the gypsy village of filled shoeboxes for them. We also plan Shishmantzi. Now we have a monthly to provide warm clothes and food for the meeting for them and we hope the impact poor elderly people in the village during of this ministry continues. the winter months. This is life-saving for “This Christmas we plan to spend more most of them.”

18 Transform europe now / NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2016 Transforming Europe – One Life at a time

Erion Cuni, Albania “December will be full of ministry in our “We hope to make the churches. Members will encourage their most of this opportunity as friends and relatives to come along to people are more open at our Christmas activities. They will also this time of year and more give out invitations on the streets. Last receptive and understanding year we visited 48 families in need and to what happens in our Erion & family distributed gift-filled shoeboxes; which Sunday services.” we plan to do again this year. Ru o men Ivanov, Mission Possible, Bulgaria

“Every winter we open the doors of the Pray for many children and soup kitchen for the most vulnerable their parents to come and children from large Roma families, who to hear the good news! We have very little food sources during these believe that a new revival in long cold months. Bulgaria can start from the

“We also hope to be able to give winter children! Roumen clothes and shoes to the poorest Roma “During all these Christmas children. Though their families have many activities we will be distributing our children, the clothes are not inherited evangelistic magazine called Leah; which from older children to younger ones. features testimonies of divine intervention Most families have no running water and in the lives of believers. We pray this sanitation and the clothes do not last a very magazine will reach many women who are long time because of the dirt. Muslims, bikers, drug addicts, prostitutes, “Children’s parties are also a great tool and those are seriously ill in the hospitals— for sharing the Gospel during this time. to prepare their hearts to meet with Him.”

Shalom Church, Plovdiv, Bulgaria Christmas Outreach Shalom Church, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.transformeuropenow.org 19 Church Partnerships – An inside look

gifts with a value, not just a price This Christmas, please help transform a life by buying an Essential Gift. Our latest Essential Gifts catalogue is packed with great gift ideas identified by our national partners as gifts that will make a lasting difference in their local communities. For a catalogue call us on 0117 961 5161 or visit www.transformeuropenow.org