Friday, August 4, 2017

Project restart Teen Challenge, Croatia

Coffee with team Teen Challenge Croatia
We are excited about the fact that we now have contacts in Croatia. Most people will know this country as a favorite tourist destination, it's really beautiful!

But big cities, such as Split, are facing a considerate alcohol and drugs problem. That is why we are happy and thankful that a Teen Challenge coffee house will be opening soon.

Teen Challenge Croatia has a long history. In the nineties they operated two rehab centers (for men and women). In that time of war and post-war transition Croatia had an epidemic of addiction.

Croatia in Euope
Teen Challenge played a significant role in fighting this epidemic. Many young people have found the way of freedom. Due to several unforeseen circumstances Teen Challenge Croatia has not been active in the past ten years.

At the end of 2016, Hrvoje Sorić and Ico Matulić (among others) decided to start street work again. Both men have in the past experienced addiction. Hrvoje [pictured in the middle] was a heroine addict for fifteen years before God set him free. Ico [pictured on the right] was also addicted to heroine in his younger years.

Street work in Croatia
They both know the scene, the dangers and the desperation in the heart of an addict. In cooperation with the local evangelical churches and a team of now ten volunteers, they organize outreaches, share information and talk with people in the streets.

Their plan is to rent a small building where they can start a coffee house this fall. Ico's wife Jagoda is a social worker for the government and thus a valuable team member.

Coffee house location
Currently they are working hard on the translation of the Living Free curriculum in Croatian language. This is a series of group lessons used worldwide to help people become free from addictions and other life-controlling issues. The team wants to get started with a first group of students this fall. On their way to freedom!

We have said it often ... we are always glad to meet people who give heed to God's call to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. To extend a helping hand to people in need. We would like to support and help the new work of Teen Challenge Croatia. They will need approximately 2.200 euro for the translation and printing of the Living Free curriculum.

Gifts are welcome to IBAN: NL91RABO0118582275 BIC: RABONL2U St. Traveling Light in Papendrecht.

When in the USA, you can make your tax-deductible gift payable to EEO Inc. Make sure to mention: TC CROATIA.

Please, pray for the work of Teen Challenge in that country!