Magazine October – December 2017 www.ten-uk.org

Evangelism In Europe » SKATERS IN SARAJEVO » CAKE GIVE-AWAY IN BULGARIA » EYESIGHT RESTORED IN MOLDOVA » ENGLISH CAFÉ IN MONTENEGRO » PRAYER DIARY Editorial By All Means

Our partners across Europe have had a busy Summer presenting the good news of Jesus Christ through a variety of approaches. Such is the passion to share that innovative methods range from laundry services to Luther celebrations, summer camps to scrumptious cakes and sport to spelling. In this magazine you will find a selection of reports that illustrate how TEN’s partners are using ‘all means’ to reach their communities with God’s love.

he apostle Paul wrote in his of a breakthrough as churches are letter to the of Corinth in enabled to run outreach programmes TGreece, ‘I have become all things and publicly proclaim the gospel. to all men, that I might by all means Your prayers and financial help are save some’ 1 Corinthians 9:19. It making a real difference in the lives appears that this evangelistic strategy of thousands who live in mainland continues to be applied in Europe and Europe. We are sending you our is proving most fruitful. 2017/18 Essential Gifts catalogue Evangelism often takes place in that we hope will inspire you. Could challenging environments where you help to meet the cost of practical evangelical churches are often gifts or sponsorship opportunities labelled as cults and treated with deep requested by our partners on behalf of suspicion. However, there are signs their communities?

Evangelistic literature in Bulgaria Weomlc e Contents Cake give-away 4 ive hundred years Bulgaria ago significant events Skaters in SARAJEVO happened in Europe that 5 F Bosnia and Herzegovina transformed this continent forever. First, Erasmus of Summer Camps 6 Rotterdam published his Bulgaria Greek which Evangelism Scores goals set a spark to the 8 Moldova of the Church. Through reading this New Testament, Martin Luther Church Laundry Service 9 discovered the amazing truth of a compassionate Moldova and gracious God and His free gift of salvation and Sight Restored righteousness, through faith and not by works. 15 Moldova Subsequently, Luther published his 95 theses which set the Reformation flame burning across Harevst for the 16 Hungry Launch Europe. In England, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Bristol Latimer joined the Reformation movement, but sadly in 1555 both paid the ultimate price of 17 TEN Visits Keswick martyrdom by being burnt at the stake in Oxford UK. Latimer’s dying words to Ridley were, “Be of good comfort, Mr. Ridley, and play the man! We 18 Impact Montenegro shall this day light such a candle by God’s grace, in England, as I trust never shall be put out.” English Café 15 Montenegro As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, let us thank God for those who gave Essential Gifts 2016 21 their lives for the transforming Gospel message Summary of Jesus, and free access to the . Please Reformation 500th continue to stand with us and our partners across 22 Anniversary Europe who keep the Reformation flame burning Bosnia & Herzegovina today by proclaiming salvation through faith. The TEN Office will be closed as follows: Your prayers and financial support are a massive • IPC Conference: encouragement to our partners, many of whom Monday 16th – Friday 20th October face persecution and opposition for the Gospel • Christmas – New Year: Monday 25th today. Together we are in partnership in the December to Monday 1st January Gospel. Thank you. TEN_Today transformeuropenow

Transform Europe Now Registered office: 1 Holdenhurst Road, Kingswood, Bristol BS15 1HL Tel: +44 (0)117 961 5161 Email: [email protected] Written and produced by the TEN team Gerry Partridge Design: Simon Petherick Graphic and Web Design

CEO Transform Europe Now Transform Europe Now (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: Viorel Regus with players at football evangelism, Moldova “ Transforming Europe – one life at a time One thousand Cakes Given away in Bulgaria Residents of the small city of Sevlievo, situated 175 miles east of the capital Sofia in Bulgaria received an unexpected surprise.

hurch leaders Plamen and Kremi faith in God and to speak about Christ’s Borisov, together with around 20 resurrection. It was very exciting for the Cmembers of Shalom Church, took members of Shalom Church and also the to the streets with banners and placards people of the city. Everyone who took announcing the part enjoyed the experience and the and sharing their Easter celebrations. event received further publicity in the Taking the church out into the street had local newspaper with a good report and never been attempted before and it took some photos. some courage. Usually, people would be invited to attend the church meetings, so this was something new in Sevlievo. The main focus of the church outreach campaign was to share the Good News and the church hoped to attract attention by giving away 1,000 small cakes at the town market. Along with each cake was offered a small brochure about the gospel. Several of the women also handed out flowers with a small card with the verse John 3:16 handwritten by children in the church. The children of passers-by also received special pamphlets. The reaction of the local people was one of surprise and disbelief; that someone would give them a cake and card for free. People were intrigued by the display of kindness and generosity and readily stopped to chat with church members. This provided the perfect opportunity for Top: Plamen Borisov with lots of cakes! the believers to share about their personal Bottom: Flowers and cards were given out.

4 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Reaching the unreached – one life at a time Sak ters in S arajevo Sarajevo Baptist Church, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hosted a team of skaters from Youth with a Mission’s (YWAM) Discipleship Training School. The ‘Calling All Skaters’ team stayed for the whole month of June at the Kairos Centre, led by Tomislav and Ledia Dobutovic.

ollowing some ministry preparation sessions, the team of skaters began Fto reach out to skaters in the city. “The team worshipped together in our church services also inviting new-made friends to the church. This group of young people have been totally unreached so far. Usually people do not like them much and they are not generally accepted by society. “Part of the team’s mission included the rebuilding of part of the skating park, just opposite the largest shopping mall in Sarajevo city centre. Several young men came to know Christ as their personal Saviour through this ministry. As a result, our church has been very excited and thrilled to hear the testimonies from their ministry. One young man from Sarajevo who had been befriended talked about his bouts of depression. He became interested in the message of Jesus Christ and as the conversation continued he finally agreed to pray ‘the sinner’s prayer’. “On one of the Sundays we had a special service and BBQ lunch outside the church building. Natan Dobutovic performed a special song using a traditional stringed tamburica. The YWAM skate team are planning to return to Sarajevo next summer for more outreach.” YWAM Skater

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 5 Transforming Europe – oREAneCH lifINGe a At NAa tTiImOeN MT UL I-ETHNIC CAMPS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH S ummer 2017

Summer Camp

July was ahead of us — we were hot and busy! We were so excited and fully expecting God to glorify His name once again among the children of Bulgaria. And He did!

e had two summer camps with Over 140 children joined us from one for children and the other for various towns and villages in Bulgaria and teenagers. Many of the children from various ethnic groups; from Gypsy, W Turkish, Bulgarian backgrounds, each were so keen to register for the camps that they had been calling us since the with a different mother tongue! These start of the year. Those who wanted to children live in a range of cultural and participate were many more than we social environments and with diverse could accommodate. living standards. Some live in apartments

6 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Transforming Europe – one life at a time

Summer Camp meeting Summer Camp Masterchef in big cities and others in Gypsy village heard their prayers and blessed us more shacks. We knew from the beginning that than expected! running multi-ethnic camps would be a big Attending the children’s camp we had challenge for us! That’s why the prayers 78 children aged 7–11 with six teachers from TEN supporters and the financial and eight teenage volunteer helpers. help from the Hillview Church, UK was so The teen camp was attended by 64 much appreciated. youths aged 10–17 with eight teachers Thirty-four children from Gypsy and four volunteers. The children had a backgrounds were invited by Mission most blessed, unforgettable time as they Possible to participate without a fee. joined in Bible study classes, dance and These children were from the villages photography workshops, a MasterChef where Mission Possible is running literacy workshop, football and volleyball and soup kitchen social programmes. In competitions. this way we made it possible for them Many new friendships were born and to leave their villages, some of them the children’s relationships and behaviour for the first time, and to stay at such a were very beautiful. Only the slight beautiful, clean and blessed place like our difference of their skin tone revealed their residential centre in Dobromirka. different ethnic backgrounds. We saw how It is 10 years since our friends from sweet the Lord’s presence was during the Transform Europe Now sent us a brilliant praise and worship time at the morning team of volunteers from the Hillview Bible study classes, how the children were church to help us repair our Dobromirka touched and filled with the , Home in the North of Bulgaria. The and repented, confessed their faith and Hillview mission teams that have desire to build up a strong relationship continued to visit us have always been with God. a real encouragement to us and have After both camps our hearts overflow become our friends and faithful co- with gratitude to the Lord for his workers in Christ. We are so grateful for faithfulness and our precious brothers and their support for this year’s camps. God sisters in the UK. God is so good!

Roumen Ivanov and the team of Mission Possible Bulgaria

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 7 Transforming Europe – one life at a time

E svangeli m scores goals in M oldova Sport presents a unique opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ and especially today as many high-profile sports men and women openly share their faith as Christians.

ootball provides a space where Viorel Regus, the Youth Minister of social, economic, cultural, and Gotesti Baptist Church has led the Freligious backgrounds are set aside football ministry for many years and now and stepping onto the football field has a youth team that plays in regional creates opportunities for new friendships tournaments across Southern Moldova. between Christians and non-believers. It These tournaments are coordinated by comes as no surprise to discover that in mission agency, Operation Mobilisation Moldova football is the country’s most and allow teams from various villages to popular sport despite wrestling being the compete against each other to become nation’s official sport. regional and national champions. The football ministry in Gotesti takes place twice a week on an artificial grass pitch close to Building of Culture. The outreach ministry is well received with an attendance of up to fifteen children who eagerly develop their football abilities, hear a message from the Scriptures, have a time of fellowship and play a short football match to close the training session. The youngsters not only learn from Viorel about football skills and teamwork but also hear about teachings from God’s word and understand what it means to live a Christ-like life. They often ask questions about the issues that impact their day-to- day lives. Football as a ministry and a means of evangelism presents an immense opportunity to share the gospel with people who have never heard of the love of Christ for them and their families. Football training in Gotesti Report by Matthias Spicer, TEN Intern

8 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Transforming Europe – one life at a time

Church to open a laundry service in M oldova We all love the feel and freshness of clean clothes and bed linen. But for many families struggling with poverty in eastern Europe, laundry is the last thing on their mind.

or some of the socially vulnerable families living in Gotesti, Moldova, Fhelp to assist with the washing is about to be offered for free from an unusual source. For a long time, the Gotesti Baptist Church, led by Ruslan and Larisa Telpiz, wanted to develop a project aimed at the village’s most needy people and vulnerable families. Earlier this year, Gotesti Baptist Church received some funding which enabled the church to purchase two washing machines, The new laundry room under construction with a third machine being donated by a The Tabitha project has been subject of church member who works elsewhere in countless prayers and dreams. A laundry Europe. The next step was to prepare a and wash room in the church grounds, room specifically for the project, complete opposite the church building, would mean with plumbed-in water and waste systems. church members could wash the clothes Workers, materials and additional finance of needy people, including children, are all needed to complete the project elderly people, the physically-disabled ahead of its launch this Autumn. and homeless people. There is a great The project is to be known as Tabitha, need for this service, and consequently it and will see church members washing provides an opportunity to serve people, clothes and bed sheets for people who offer friendship, share the good news lack this provision. The project name is of Jesus and to invite them to church taken from the biblical story of Tabitha meetings. This project promises to be in Acts 9; a fine example of a woman well supported, with many women in the who met the needs of neighbours and church family having a real heart for particularly those less fortunate. this ministry.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 9 You and Europe

Transform Europe Now works 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!

Contriesu we operate in include:

Oury pra er for Europe:

Heavenly Father, We are amazed at the many ways your As our partners go into all the world to love is shown to a hurting world. Each bring good news, we pray for your wisdom opportunity offers a reflection of the love to guide them, your watchfulness to protect shown when you sent your Son, Jesus Christ. them and your strength to sustain them. Thank you for touching the lives of so May your Holy Spirit continue to inspire the many children and young people at this churches across Europe to reach out into year’s summer camps. We praise you for the their communities with evangelical zeal and hundreds of people contacted in the streets compassionate care for your glory. and especially those who put their trust in Christ. Amen

10 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Prayer Diary Prayer Diary Ooct ber – December 2017

Otob c er 2017 10 / Pray for the church in 18 / Pray for the three- Pascini to be able to give warm day International Partners’ 1 / Tomislav Dobutovic, Bosnia meals three times a week to a Conference organised by TEN in & Herzegovina: Please pray for group of up to 25 children from Sofia, Bulgaria the follow up on over 20 students socially vulnerable families and from the summer English Course also to teach them from the Bible. 19 / Dragan Manev, Macedonia: who expressed the desire to know Please pray for our new church more about Christ. 11 / Pray that God would help the plant in the town Resen where we church buy a fridge and cooker for relocated to this summer. 2 / Pray for the Alpha course in the kitchen along with tables and Sarajevo starting in October and crockery for the church building 20 / Pray for Daniel and Marija for the salvation of participants. in Pascani, so we can cook meals as they start school in their new for the children. town of Resen, Macedonia. 3 / Please pray for financial provision for the Bible School of 12 / Pray for Fiodor as pastor of 21 / Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Kosovo as the students grow in the church in Pascani and that he guidance for our brother Ljupco knowledge and pray for God’s would know God’s wisdom and from Resen who plans to attend guidance. guidance. Bible School in Serbia. He is a ‘first-fruit’ believer in the church 4 / Please pray for the Bible 13 / Beredi Dusan, Serbia: plant. Institute and its students, the Pray for the work of the Rehab courses, the raising up of new centre for heroin addicts, for the 22 / Mirco Andreev, leaders and the encouraging of salvation of guys and girls and Macedonia: Please pray for the the current leadership. that all places will be filled. upcoming restoration conference in Skopje where many people are 5 / Pray for the future schooling 14 / Pray for finances and future expected to renew their faith in needs of Tomislav and Lidija’s son. sustainability of the Rehab God. Centre. In Novi Sad which is free 6 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & of charge for the users. 23 / Pray for the women Herzegovina: Pray for God’s who attended the recent ANA blessing on the Langham 15 / Pray that God will use the conference that was truly blessed Preaching Seminar level 1 in the team from America who will be by God. Mostar Bible School engaged in street evangelism and working with young people in 24 / Please pray for the meeting 7 / Pray for Slavko as he Novi Sad. among pastors for a renewal of facilitates the Langham Preaching the vision for church-planting in Seminar in Serbia, level 2. 16 / Please pray for our series of Macedonia. seminars and training for people 8 / Fiodor Parpalov, Moldova: from Serbia and further afield 25 / Marino Mojtic, Macedonia: Pray for unity to be restored in who work with drug addicts. Pray for the finances to complete the church based in the village of the purchase of the church Pascani. 17 / Pray for TEN’s speakers, building in Struga, Macedonia. staff and partners as they 9 / Pray for the children’s travel to Sofia, Bulgaria for 26 / Please pray for a dear sister ministry in Pascini following our the International Partners’ who is in need of an artificial summer camp and for volunteers Conference. arm that would cost in excess of who need help with their 20,000 Euro. education.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 11 Prayer Diary

Lidija & Tomislav Slavko & Fiodor Dusan Beredi Dragan & Biljana Nada & Mirco Bosnia & Sanja Bosnia & Moldova & Family Macedonia Macedonia Herzegovina Herzegovina Serbia

27 / Pray for the 50% finance 4 / Continue to pray for the 12 / Pray that the Lord would needed to complete the church building works at the new hospice give Light for the Nations church a property in Strumica, Macedonia. centre and for more supporters to new strategy to win the lost in the help with the project. city of Korçë. 28 / Gavril Covaci, : Pray for the Roma people being 5 / Hervin Fushekati, Albania: 13 / Besa Shapllo, Albania: reached in the villages of Andrid Please pray for the new students Please pray that God would and Priscot in Romania. enrolled at the International give maturity and wisdom for School of theology and the upcoming Mission Possible 29 / Pray for an indoor meeting Leadership. projects among the people of place with benches in the villages Bathore, Tirana. of Andrid and Priscot in Romania. 6 / Pray for added funds to support the double growth 14 / Please pray for the children 30 / Pray for funds to build of student places at the from Bathore who attend the a toilet block in the Roma International School of Theology ‘Miracle’ Bible Clubs. community of Vășad and food for and Leadership. the coming Winter. 15 / Pray that the Mission 7 / Pray for the church in Tirana Possible Albania team would be 31 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia to grow in strength and to be a filled with God’s love as they & Herzegovina: Pray for the blessing to the local community. serve the people of Bathore. Reformation Anniversary events taking place today in Sarajevo. 8 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & 16 / Pray for the members of Herzegovina: Pray for Slavko as the book club as they discuss he travels and speaks this week Christian books loaned by November 2017 at evangelistic events in Prague, Mission Possible Albania. Czech Republic and Bucharest in 1 / Marinela Murg, Romania: Romania. 17 / Erion Cuni, Albania: Pray Please continue to pray for the for the different programmes patients and families in the care 9 / Marinela Murg, Romania: now running in the Youth Centre of Emanuel Hospice that their Pray for the charity concert in Tirana and that the seeds of suffering may be alleviated. “Voices for Emanuel Hospice” eternal life would be planted. which will be organised on 2 / Pray for the clinical team at November 10th by Emanuel 18 / Please pray for the church Emanuel Hospice to be equipped Hospice in collaboration with plant in the town of Polican, with the resources they need as Emanuel University- Department Albania and the main services they respond to the needs of the of Music. that have commenced. patients. 10 / Marsel Firanj, Albania: 19 / Pray for the new men’s 3 / Pray for the managerial and Please pray for unity and a group in the prison who are administrative team of Emanuel growing sense of family at Light of studying Prisoner’s Journey and Hospice to be guided by God as the Nations in Korçë, Albania. that they will find Jesus, the Son they fulfil their daily tasks. of God. 11 / Pray for increased giving among the church members to honour God and support the work of the church in Korçë.

12 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Prayer Diary

Marino & Vesna Hervin & Sedika Marinela (EH) Marsel Besa Vance & Tanja Macedonia Albania Romania Albania MPA, Albania Macedonia

20 / Pray for God’s grace upon 28 / Pray that the social 6 / Please pray for the many Erion and Gentiana Cuni and their enterprises operated through people in Burlacu who have heard family and for divine protection the Art Story Shop in Moldova the gospel but remain far away as they minister each day. will attract increased orders and from the Lord. create more employment. 21 / Vance Golomeov, 7 / Slavko Hadzic, Bosnia & Macedonia: Pray for the new 29 / Pray for open hearts Herzegovina: Pray for Slavko as people coming along to the among the many beneficiaries of he speaks at evangelistic events church in Stip and for the children Beginning of Life in Moldova. in Slovenia attending the school. 30 / Pray for the team of social 8 / Pray for the speakers and 22 / Pray for the plans for a workers working with young attendance at Circle of Women new church building in Stip, people across Moldova as they outreach events in Sarajevo. Macedonia and for favour to be build healthy moral and spiritual shown by the authorities. values. 9 / Anatol Dunas, Moldova: Please pray for God to open 23 / Pray for the church in Sveti hearts in Larga where we have Nikole in Macedonia and for the December 2017 started to plant a new church. work of Krste and Marina. 1 / Danijel Mrsic, : Pray 10 / Two young people, Victor 24 / Pray for God’s protection for wisdom and guidance for the and Tatiana who have recently on the family of Vance and Tanja, elders at the Good News Church come to faith and been baptised. Ana, Stefan and Andrej and in Split. Please pray that they will grow especially at school. strong in God and be effective 2 / Pray for the house groups witnesses. 25 / Pray for the salvation and and outreaches taking place in healing of Vance’s mother who Split. 11 / Paul and David are the sons has suffered illness for more than of Anatol and are currently in the three years. 3 / Andrei Ghidion, Moldova: USA. Pray that they will follow Pray for the builders constructing God’s calling on their lives. 26 / Serghey Mihailov, the new Foster Family House in Moldova: Pray for the Burlacu and for the family and 12 / Pray for Petru and Leonida, Metamorphosis Programme run children who will live there. the house parents for children by Beginning of Life for single who will live in the family house mothers, teenage girls and 4 / Pray for the new home under construction through the victims of human trafficking. groups organised for people Transformation of Souls project. interested in the gospel in 27 / Pray for all those attending Burlacu, Moldova. 13 / Pray for the orphan children the Early Learning Centre and who will live with Igor and Tatiana especially for the Psychological 5 / Pray for God’s protection on in the recently built family house Art studio class. the Day Care centre, Speranta and in Cahul. upon all those using the facility.

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 13 Prayer Diary

Eva & Danijel Andrei Anatol & Nadea Erion & family Dessie & Anatoli Gavril Serghey Croatia Moldova Moldova Albania Bulgaria Romania Moldova

14 / Please continue to pray for 22 / Gavril Covaci, Romania: 30 / Pray for wise distribution the new, 100-bed camp building Pray for good health and strength of funds donated through TEN’s under construction and planned for Gavril and Aghi and for WinterHelp appeal. to be completed before the ongoing resources to support summer of 2018. their travel to the mission 31 / We praise you for all You churches. have done during 2017 through 15 / Pray for the financial our partners across Europe. provision to complete all building 23 / Erion Cuni, Albania: Pray projects undertaken by Emanuel for the poor and needy families Church in Cahul, Moldova. in Tirana during the Winter that the Lord will provide for them 16 / Erion Cuni, Albania: Pray through the cold months. for the Christmas activities in PRAY the Youth Centre and also in the 24 / Pray that the TEN staff WITHOUT church plants of Allias, Fushe team will be refreshed during the Mezez and Polican. Christmas holiday. CEASING

17 / Anatoli Yankov, Bulgaria: 25 / We thank You for the We invite as many Pray for believers to have a precious gift of your Son, the Lord of you as possible to greater passion for God and zeal Jesus Christ who makes all things for mission. possible. join us in prayer each weekday at 10am as 18 / Pray against spiritual attacks 26 / Pray for TEN’s trustees as the staff team bring of depression and apathy on they pray and make decisions these prayer requests believers in Shishtov. about the future of Transform before the Lord. Europe Now. 19 / Pray that God would raise Please encourage your up many more workers to help 27 / Give thanks for all the church to pray for Europe in with the work of the church in faithful supporters of TEN across these days and to make full Shishtov. the UK and further afield. use of the Prayer Diary.

20 / Pray for Bulgaria’s need 28 / Serghey Mihailov, Would you like to join our of economic development, Moldova: Pray for more openings confidential network of creation of more employment and for Beginning of Life across prayer intercessors? Contact increased salaries. public schools, gymnasiums and the office for more details. lyceums of Moldova T 0117 9615161 21 / Please pray for God’s provision for transport as our car 29 / Pray for financial support E [email protected] keeps breaking down with costly of the significant workload of repairs. Beginning of Life across Moldova.

Go online to read and share each day’s prayer request www.ten-uk.org/join-us-in-prayer Available on PC, tablet and smartphone

14 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 Transforming Europe – one life at a time

Ssight re tored in M oldova The arrival in Moldova of the Project Bartimaeus team of optometrists and ophthalmologists from Poland had been much anticipated.

ver since their visit last year, interest had grown in the local community Eof Gotesti and none more so than among the Baptist church congregation led by Ruslan and Larisa Telpiz who were to host the team. When Ruslan first met the team of Christian opticians he invited them to visit Gotesti and help meet the needs of local people struggling with eyesight problems. The volunteer team from Poznan in Poland are on a mission to reach people’s hearts with the gospel as they examine their eyesight and prescribe the correct glasses for free. Back in Poland the team raise Photo credit: Richard Nungesser awareness of their mission by speaking consultation and with a different attitude. at schools, universities and in local They were able to see by our behavior, communities. the care and love we had for them and Over the five-day mission in Gotesti, we were able to share the gospel. I was two teams of doctors carried out over also impressed by the team’s attitude 250 consultations in the Baptist church and touched by their love and patience building, each lasting around 20 minutes. towards each person. Some of the people The church members were involved in were old, others bad smelling, hard of all the aspects of this ministry, including hearing or giving wrong answers to their organisation of patient lists, and providing questions, but the opticians were always meals and accommodation for the team. full of compassion. Every person given a Everyone invited their friends, relatives prescription will return to the church in and neighbours, and priority was given October to receive their new spectacles. to the children from Day Care Centre and We prepare songs and a Bible message. their parents. Most of them haven’t heard a Christian Ruslan said, “I was surprised to see song or a Bible message in their lives. For people who once persecuted us for our that day we pray because they’re going to faith attending our church for a medical come for sure.”

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 15 Transforming Europe – one life at a time H arvest for the Hungry TEN’s Harvest for the Hungry fundraising appeal is celebrating 25 years and launched its ‘I WAS HUNGRY’ 2017 campaign at St Stephen’s Church in Bristol BS1 1EQ on Thursday 20th July.

ee Barnes, Priest-in-charge, welcomed everyone to St. Stephen’s, Lincluding trustees, ambassadors, staff and volunteers. CEO Gerry Partridge spoke of the early days of Harvest for the Hungry / Euro Aid, and interviewed two stalwart pioneers of Eurovangelism, Gary Cox and Derek Wade who recounted their experiences of delivering food parcels across Eastern Europe. He also thanked UK churches and individual donors for their generous support throughout the past 25 years. Harvest for the Hungry has raised over £2.6m in food donations and gifts of cash, enabling over 250,000 people to be fed. This significant ministry to the poor has enabled TEN’s partners to demonstrate the love of God and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with thousands of needy people. Gerry announced that TEN hopes to raise at least £25,000 over the coming months to enable the partners across Europe to bring food parcels to those living in poverty and to provide hot meals Derek Wade, Gary Cox and Gerry Partridge for children in dire need.

For more details of the 2017 appeal visit www.harvestforthehungry.org

16 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 HELPING TO SPREAD THE MISSION OF TEN TN E Returns to Keswick Convention

Each year TEN exhibits at one or more major Christian events to meet supporters and to raise awareness of the work in Europe. It had been some years since TEN had exhibited at the annual Keswick Convention.

he 2017 theme was “Captivated Bob reported, “What a joy to meet so – hearing God’s Word” to mark many visitors at the TEN stand and to Tthe 500th anniversary since the share about the work of TEN and of my Protestant Reformation and Martin recent visit to partners in Montenegro. Luther’s dramatic protest at the gates There were sign-ups to the TEN magazine of Wittenberg Castle Church. There was and E-news and interest shown in teams also an emphasis on the need to pray for and fundraising. Our give-away copies of revival in Europe, despite being such a TEN’s book of testimonies, Tenacious were great missionary sending continent during very much appreciated.” the last two hundred years, to bring the Melanie met some supporters, including church back to Biblical truths and values. Gordon and Anne Crompton from Hull, Keswick Convention attracted over and Melvin and Maureen Dover from 15,000 visitors during the three-week Penrith. She was invited to share about programme which was aimed at adults, TEN at the Tuesday early morning prayer youth and children. Representing meeting which focussed on Europe, and TEN in Week Two was Bob Northey, was surprised and thrilled to meet up with Communications Officer and in Week people that she hasn’t seen for 30 years! Three, Melanie Griffiths, Supporter “It was a privilege and a blessing to Relations & Funding Development Officer. meet up with faithful supporters from Each afternoon and evening, Bob TEN who have been actively involved with and Melanie were located at the TEN Eurovangelism/TEN over many years, and exhibition stand in the Basecamp on the a great encouragement to be invited to Rawnsley site. the prayer meeting to share about TEN and to see 30 people gathered to pray for our work and for mission across Europe.”

As a follow up to our visit to Keswick, we are hoping to support an event for Harvest for the Hungry’s 25th Anniversary in the Cumbria region this year. If anyone is interested, please contact Melanie Griffiths at: [email protected]

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 17 Reaching a nation with the gospel I mpact Montenegro

Impact Montenegro took place on July 2–9 in seven different locations of the small and beautiful nation of Montenegro, namely in the capital Podgorica, Tuzi, Niksic, Ulcinj and the coastal towns of Bar, Budva, Kotor.

Just some of the 150 volunteers who onducted under the auspices of the supported Impact Montenegro Pentecostal European Fellowship (PEF), Clocal leaders, including TEN partners, Jovica Bacvanski, Vladimir Cismanski and praise reports: Daniel Stracinski, described the summer outreach as being of historical significance. Impact Montenegro was a great Before dispatching the teams in encouragement for the local the various cities, training and prayer believers and will be beneficial for sessions were held at the University future projects in the nation. Hall in Podgorica, featuring inspirational messages by PEF Chairman Pelle Hornmark God gave favour with the (), PEF Executive Director Daniel cities’ authorities in the seven Costanza () and Tom Benigas (USA) towns covered. as well as practical workshops with Veera Hundreds of significant Hug (), Markku Ovaska (Finland) and conversations took place and many Stefan Ross (). contacts are now being followed up Beside the natural beauty of Montenegro “ by the local pastors and missionaries. with its total population of only 600,000 “ people, the teams were struck by The climax of this outreach week the extreme spiritual poverty. Local was the open air evangelistic evangelical leaders estimate the national concert held on Saturday night evangelical presence to be around 150 in one of the main squares of people, making Montenegro the least Podgorica, where hundreds of evangelized country of Europe. people had an opportunity to hear Clearly, this outreach was an opportunity the Gospel through music, drama, to speak words of life over spiritually dry testimonies and personal contacts. ground. Teams found that the people were usually quite cold, indifferent, and difficult The full cooperation between to approach. In spite of a rather hostile Balkan teams from Albania, Croatia, climate at times, the Lord touched many Kosovo and Serbia was very evident. hearts, including Muslims in the Albanian- speaking areas. Report by Daniel Constanza, PEF

18 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 INNOVATION IN THE BALKANS

Li teracy Evangelism in Mc a edonia Working with people who cannot read and write, and therefore are unable to directly understand the Bible, Dragan Manev started to work together with Literacy Evangelism International from Tulsa, USA on the preparation of two books using the Cyrillic alphabet for Macedonian people.

ur Macedonian team comprises Work on the books is well on the way myself, Dragan and my wife and the first half of the 72 lesson primer OBiljana, my TEN colleague Tefik will gradually introduce new letters. Musoski, along with Igor, Anastasia and Using these letters we write out words Svetlana. The USA team is led by Bob and with these words we create stories. Biederman and ably assisted by George The vocabulary is carefully controlled, and Martha Ort and Virginia Newton from otherwise the lessons become too neighbouring Bulgaria. difficult for the new reader. In lesson 12 The purpose of these books is to help we introduce the name of Jesus and have Macedonian people, who are illiterate, to a short story about Him in every learn their language and then move on subsequent lesson. to read the Bible for themselves. These We named these books ‘The Way to the books will not be the kind used to teach Light’. This title is also our prayer and hope young children to learn to read and write. that the people not only learn to read and The target group are the adults who never write but become able to read the Bible had the opportunity to learn to read and for themselves and come to know the Lord write and especially the large number Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. of Roma people resident in Macedonia. After both books are printed we will During the process of learning through start to train volunteer Macedonian these books they will discover the good believers to use these books with local news of Lord Jesus Christ. people.

Bob Beiderman (centre), George and Martha Ort (RH), TEN Partners, Dragan Manev and Tefik Musoski (LH) with Virginia Newton and Tefik Musoski (LH) Literacy Evangelism International team (USA)

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 19 TRANSFORMING LIVES - ONE LIFE AT A TIME

El ng ish Café in M ontengro English Café takes place at Mosaic Living Centre in Bar, Montenegro. It’s a place, where on a Friday evening from 6pm–9pm, local people of all ages can meet together to learn and practice the English language.

lasses are based on everyday topics TEN Partner, Daniel Stracinski reports, “The such as travel, sports and food and Café offers an opportunity for Christians to Cheld in a warm, friendly and relaxed meet, help and get to know people from atmosphere. The activity attracts people Orthodox and Muslim backgrounds who from different backgrounds and cultures, have never been to an evangelical church. including Serbians and Ukrainian refugees. “With music playing in the background, Facilitated by English-speaking volunteers participants are offered drinks and snacks from Operation Mobilisation such as Libby throughout the evening. A place to take part from far-away Barbados, English Café is a in games to help them feel comfortable, unique bridge between the community and before joining structured discussion groups, the local church. There is a great interest where they can freely share their opinions among young people in learning English. and experiences from life. “By building friendships some attendees have already begun to come along to Sunday meetings and some young people are already part of the church. One young man who regularly attends English Café now brings his friends along. He has become a devoted believer even he bring his parents to church. The growing church in Bar is eager to use all opportunities to engage Libby, Operation Mobilisation Volunteer from Barbados with the local community for God’s glory.”

“Thank God for Wi-Fi, smartphones and “I love that word ‘mosaic’,” says Natja. “It’s Google Translate!” laughed Natja Sachse a mirror of who we are as a group—such from the OM team in Bar, Montenegro. different people, from different parts of Every Sunday, up to 35 adults and 10 kids the world, but still the one God puts us all of diverse nationalities squeeze into the together like little puzzle pieces.” morning worship service at the team’s base, Many of the believers gathering on called The Living Room. The team is hoping Sundays have fled the war-torn east of that their meeting will soon be registered as . With evangelical churches being so a church and called Mosaic. rare in Montenegro, the Ukrainians arriving

20 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 ESSENTIAL GIFTS DONATED BY YOU AND DISTRIBUTED ACROSS EUROPE

Essential Gifts 2016 Thanks to the generosity of TEN supporters, our partners were able to purchase over 720 Essential Gifts valued at £13,400, as shown below:

» 100 Loads of Firewood » 90 Bags of School Supplies » 83 Items of Winter Clothing Mosaic Living Centre in Bar, Montenegro » 80 Blankets in Bar were glad to discover the OM worship services and share fellowship again. The OM » 69 Food Hampers team has already had to buy more tables » 55 Pairs of Socks and Shoes and chairs so everyone can have a seat. “It’s beautiful but challenging at the same » 54 Hygiene Packs time,” Natja said. “Many of our guests don’t » 39 Home Bundles speak Serbian, and we don’t speak Russian, so we need to be very creative to achieve » 31 translation and understanding. That’s where » 30 Healthcare Visits technology comes in so useful.” Many of these families from the Ukraine » 24 Farmyard Animals don’t know what their future holds or how » 20 Months of Soup their homeland may change. They are in Kitchen supplies Montenegro in a transition phase, and that makes it hard for them to commit to a » 1 Hospice In-Patient Unit church. “But God still loves everyone through us,” said Natja. “And that’s why we want to embrace the challenges God gives us. In a mosaic, there is always room for one more little part. Our wish is that God will bring many more pieces into our Mosaic.”

INTERNATIONAL PARTNER CONFERENCE SOFIA, BULGARIA

17 – 19 OCTOBER 2017 REACHING EUROPE FOR CHRIST

Please pray for all our partners

Daniel Stracinski, church leader, Bar

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 21 FROM REFORMATION TO TRANSFORMATION

Roef rmation 500th A nniversary City officials in Zenica, the fourth largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, have approved plans drawn up by TEN partner, pastor Dario Kapin of Zenica Bible Protestant Church, to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of Martin Luther and the start of the Protestant Reformation.

he religious affiliation across Bosnia Zenica and spoke for about 30 minutes, and Herzegovina currently stands at openly sharing his Christian faith and his Taround 50% Muslim, 30% Orthodox plans for a Day of Reformation. and 15% Catholic. Evangelicals represent On 11th September, Dario was also less than 1% of the population, so this given the opportunity to address a large unique opportunity for Dario to reach number of young people in the capital thousands of people is an immense city of Sarajevo, to present the evangelical achievement, for which we thank God. Christian faith and to explain the The recently elected city mayor, Mr Reformation heritage. On the same day, the Fuad Kasumović, agreed that a large Jewish community in Sarajevo interviewed Day of Reformation banner would be Dario for an article in their magazine, to commissioned and displayed at a prominent highlight this ground-breaking initiative. location. The eye-catching banner is now Please pray for a positive response by ready to be displayed and is expected to the media and for Dario, that throughout create fresh awareness of the evangelical the Autumn, God will enable many churches in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dario thousands of people to hear the truth of has already been a studio guest on TV the gospel.

Reformation banner to be displayed in Zenica

22 Transform Europe now / October – December 2017 GIVING TO THE FUTURE OF TEN’S MISSION IN EUROPE Would you consider leaving a legacy to TEN?

We are so grateful for the generosity and faithful giving of our amazing supporters over many years on behalf of TEN’s partners across Europe. Leaving a gift in your Will to a Christian charity is a wonderful way to ensure that your faith, love and compassion live on and reach out to future generations.

W e really cannot highlight enough how of thousands of families living in extreme much of a difference legacy giving makes poverty and almost one in five children to the ongoing work of Transform Europe are without basic essentials and live Now (Eurovangelism). Charitable gifts left at risk. to TEN in this way enable us to commit to Making or updating your Will with future church-planting work, to sustain your solicitor can be simple, inexpensive humanitarian aid programmes, to develop and ensures that your loved ones are vital education projects and looked after. It also makes certain transform many lives across that your wider wishes are Europe long into the understood and acted upon. future. Knowing that your estate As Europe faces a will be handled with the growing spiritual void kindness, compassion the need is immense. and certainty you have Evangelical Christians chosen, reduces worry represent only 2% and gives you the of the population. assurance of leaving There are also tens a lasting legacy.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our Supporter Relations Officer, Melanie Griffiths at the TEN office, for a confidential chat or to request an information pack and we will do our best to assist. Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0117 961 5161

+44 (0)117 961 5161 / www.ten-uk.org 23 Gift Catalogue 2017–2018

Call TEN for extra copies of the latest Gift Catalogue or visit our online store: tel: 0117 961 5161 web: www.ten-uk.org/essential-gifts