Saturday, July 16, 2016

Project Campaign Nick Vujicic, Slovenia

Nick in one of his 'love without limits' campaigns
The increasing chaos and violence in Europe evokes many emotions in all of us. We are often left with the question why these things happen, and maybe also with the question how we can prevent such things. On a larger scale it sometimes seems our prayers do not have that much effect... but that is exactly why it is so important to zoom in.

We are witnessing again and again how people's lives are changing for eternity. How criminal behavior changes into servanthood, how addiction must make room for freedom, how hatred turns into love. Time and again we can see that God changes people, when they are open to it and give Him permission. We know that radical change because of God's love is possible at an individual level, and that is exactly why we also believe in the transformation of towns, cities and countries!

My Brother's Keeper conference 2016
In Slovenia the 'My Brother's Keeper' conference was held last month, already for the 7th time in a row. More than 400 men, from countries that previously were at war with each other and hated each other, came together to seek unity, forgiveness and reconciliation. If that can happen, then everything can!

Pastor Steve Telzerow of International Christian Fellowship (ICF) in Ljubljana is one of the organizers behind these conferences. But there's more ... he's also very much involved in the organization of a major campaign with Nick Vujicic which will take place in Koper on 28 September 2016.

Nick will be joined by athletes and artists for a live program that will promote social values and challenge cultural problems such as bullying, discrimination, and teenage suicide in public schools. 3,500 students will be present and it will be mandatory for the remaining 80,000+ students to watch via the live broadcast. It is even possible to broadcast the event on national television. Why is this important?

People do not get violent or have destructive thoughts from one day to the other, it often starts at a young age and grows slowly. Nick will speak from his own life and faith experience and can always count on a huge positive response.

It takes quite an amount of money to organize this event and the live broadcast thereof. Several crowdfunding campaigns have been started and we will certainly do our best to help as well. We will do so out of our heart for the nations and based on the belief that love will conquer all!

All gifts, large or small, are welcome! Make your donation payable to: St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U and make sure to mention: STAND STRONG. Of course you can also give directly through GoFundMe, which is also fast, fun and safe.

Saturday, July 9, 2016

Project renovation kitchen Winiarczykowka, Poland

Greetings from Teen Challenge Winiarczykowka
A while ago we received a message from our Teen Challenge friends in Southern Poland. They had a visit from a government inspector. They received notice that they had to adapt the kitchen to modern requirements and to the number of residents, in order to keep the center open.

The kitchen was closed immediately until further notice. Well, what do you do with 17 residents and a number of staff members depending on that kitchen for the daily preparation of food?

The team and residents of Teen Challenge Winiarczykowka in Southern Poland are no strangers to Traveling Light. We have visited the residential home several times. We also have been able to help them quite a number of times with several projects, thanks to your generosity.

The center (which houses some men with addiction problems, but mostly elderly people that are not receiving care elsewhere) is run by volunteers and can only exist thanks to donations.

There is no fund for unexpected expenses like the renovation of a kitchen area. Unfortunately, we do not have the resources to immediately come to the rescue in such distress. And besides that, we have a lot of projects on our waiting list.

Anyway, after much talk, paper work and prayers, they have begun the renovation and remodeling of the kitchen. It is quite a project. In order to make the kitchen large enough two rooms must be merged, the laundry room must be moved, and an additional bathroom will be constructed at street level for the disabled residents.

Creative fundraising has taken on another level. The team is selling handmade items at markets and fairs and they have been contacting churches and donors for help. We would like to see this frantic episode come to a peaceful ending with government and residents being satisfied. So, we must help!

If you have a heart for renovations and/or care for the elderly :-) then please send your donation to St. Traveling Light, Papendrecht IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275, BIC: RABONL2U. Make sure to mention KITCHEN WINIARCZYKOWKA.