Jubilee “One Million Bible Thanksgiving Project.”

In celebrating fifty years of ministry, Mission Without Borders launches its “Jubilee Thanksgiving Project”. This exciting project has now commenced and we aim to flood our existing Field Countries with One Million Bibles to all age groups of society.Many believe that there is no longer a great need or an urgency to supply Bibles to Eastern Europe and China because it is now possible to print and acquire Bibles in these countries. However, althoughthey are available; many in our main target groups - the poor, abandoned, neglected and lonely - do not

have access to, or money for, the purchase of their very own Bible.We are thrilled to embark once more on this necessary and life-giving project of providing Biblesto those who really need God’s Word. The call to distribute One Million Bibles takes us back toour roots- to our foundational stone of providing parched souls with the nourishing Word of God.It was our Lord Jesus Himself who defended and pointed to this eternal truth concerning humankind:

that “man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

(Deuteronomy 8:3).

Furthermore, in speaking to the Prophet Isaiah of long ago, God tells us that His Word, which goes out of His mouth “…will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achievethe purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11).This was the vision that our Mission was foundedupon, and will continue to be built upon, for this and future generations that the Lord has called usto serve.Would you consider getting involved and perhaps sponsor a few Bibles.

We are able to print and place a Bible for just R50.00.

Contact Ron Lindeman 083 3906 858                        

 

The lives of the Prena family members - an Albanian family in our F2F programme - were like a convoluted maze, and they often felt that life was totally meaningless.  However, since some Christians from a local church started to reach out to them on a daily basis, both Besnik and his wife Sheqere have opened themselves to the Word of God and this has brought hope, joy and a new meaning to their lives.  

Said Besnik in a recent interview with M.W.B’s co-coordinator, “Although I have a Muslim background, I have never practiced the rituals of the Muslim faith.”  Sheqere is more of an introvert and, as she puts it, “I have never been to school and I don’t know how to read.”   

Their son, Sidoreli, is a regular attendee of the children’s programmes at the local church where he recently received the book; 101 Stories from the Bible. “I particularly liked the story about David, who defeated Goliath”, said Sidorel, “But I like all the Bible stories. It was the first time I had read them,” he said enthusiastically. 

It was encouraging when Valdet, the eldest boy in the family, asked for a Bible.  He now reads Bible stories to Sidorel, something they both enjoy, on a regular basis. “Through the lines of the Bible, I discovered the joy of learning why the Bible is the greatest book the world has ever known!” said Valdet, with an air of frankness. 

Through regular visits and systematic counselling, M.W.B. has given them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with the Bible, thereby allowing the Holy Spirit to speak into their hearts.  “The changes in the lives of these folk are a miracle!” said Pastor Gorrea, one of the leaders of the local church.  He continued,” generally speaking, because of their poor education and limited mentality, people out in the rural areas are conservative and somewhat fanatical; they are unable to make a distinction between faith and religion - thus reaching them with Christ is a tough, spiritual battle.” “Because of our frequent visits to this family, many encouraging changes have been made.  In the past we would see Besnik sitting in coffee bars all day long, but now he is rarely seen there and spends more time with his family.  Lately we’ve seen him working with his kids in the garden; cleaning the house, and carrying out other tasks - something which we had not seen previously.  When we visit the family they welcome us warmly and they listen intently as we teach from God’s Word.”  

The local church also encourages the family, offering them not only spiritual support, but material assistance as well - helping them to overcome their many difficulties and meeting some of their urgent needs. 

Sheqere expressed this in sincere words, “Mission Without Borders and the believers of the church have become frequent visitors and I am so pleased, because formerly we felt alone and abandoned and no one dropped by to see how we were.  I thank you for coming here to be with us so that we could receive God’s help through you”, she said, while continuing with the cooking on a very old smoky stove. “We feel that our lives are being lit by His light and we now realise that Jesus is beyond circumstances and His love exceeds our suffering and troubles,” said Sheqere. 

God also continues to work among other folk in this village as they learn that “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).  There has been a major change in their way of thinking and we trust that this change will continue and be transformed into a wonderful faith within them.  

 

 

In Bosnia Herzegovina, the number of folk struggling to make ends meet is increasing daily.  Many factories have been closed down resulting in hundreds of workers losing their jobs. The pattern of beneficiaries coming to our feeding centres for a meal has also changed.  Previously, those who came looked destitute; many were refugees or people who had been displaced.  Now, many of those arriving for a meal are people who previously had work and who were able to take care of their families.   

This year, the plan is for the campaign to bless and provide for as many as possible with the assistance of the local churches.  The whole of Bosnia Herzegovina will be covered with these precious parcels and even remote villages will be reached by church volunteers.  The campaign will reach the poor, the sick and families and individuals in difficult situations … as well as institutions that take care of such individuals.  

Refugees living in camps supported by the mission will also be able to experience joy and happiness through receiving these parcels. During a recent staff visit to the Zenica Community Centre, beneficiaries were asked to give their comments regarding our O.C.L. campaign.  Typically what was said: “We are happy to know that there are people who care for us and feel for us … it is such a blessing having them in our lives to support us during these hard times.  When we eat the food, we think of it as a blessing from God, knowing that He will bless all those who enabled us to have a proper meal.” 

The Rev.Enver is the pastor of the Zenica Evangelical Church.  When asked to comment on the campaign and how it impacted on the Community he said, “The majority of the church members are unemployed, so this assistance means a lot to them.  My mission is to encourage them with the Word of God, but other types of care and assistance, such as these parcels, are a real encouragement to them.  We look forward to this campaign every year, during the special time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. We hope and pray that the 2009 OCL campaign will bring relief and hope too many. We thank all those who contribute to this special campaign, but above all, we are grateful to God, who provides and cares for His servants.” 

The care extended to the abandoned elderly; to the families coming from remote mountainous areas in the north of the country and to the handicaped children introduced to us by the local churches, have created a warm and positive atmosphere of love and hope.   We’re often told by the recipients that the all embracing Christian love displayed through our ministry encourages them to diligently seek God, and to regularly apply sound Biblical principles in their daily lives  … I’m sure you’ll agree that at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about! 

 

“It is better to stay at camp than at home.”  Volodymyr Artyuh - 12 yrs. Summer is a great time for fun at M.W.B’s Christian Summer Camps.  This year, thanks to our sponsors and generous donors, over 4000 orphaned, and children from destitute families, had the opportunity to enjoy a short holiday in beautiful, natural surroundings. These camps not only bring joy, satisfaction and fun, but help in changing the lives of the children spiritually, emotionally and physically. It is a place where young girls and boys can get away from the daily problems, experienced in their institutions or families, and forget their unhappiness for a while. 

Volodymyr is one of the children who needed to get away from his daily struggles.  He comes from a family in which the father is addicted to alcohol and doesn’t provide and care for his wife and children. When he, with his five other siblings, knew their father had been drinking, they would either hide, or go to their grandmother’s house.  “It was not always like this,” says Volodymyr. “At first my father drank, but not much.  Later, he began drinking more and more and over time it became more and more usual to see him drunk.”  Volodymyr’s mother, Olga, is a Christian and regularly attends church - she always encourages her children to go with her.   This year was a particularly joyful one for Volodymyr; one of his dreams came true.  He attended a Christian Summer Camp for the first time.  He loved it.  Ten days away from home with stimulating games, kind and caring helpers and delicious food.  The “Berizka” camp in Alexandria Village, Ukraine is in a beautiful, forest site.  There is a large football field, a trampoline, a merry-go-round and other interesting things to keep the children active during the day. “It is much better to be here than at home,” says Volodymyr, “I have made nine new friends here and it is fun for us to play together during the day.  I also like the trampoline a lot. I could jump on it for hours if only the helpers would let me.”  “I like the Bible lessons too,” he continued. “These lessons taught me that I should love my father in spite of all his drinking and neglect.  Jesus loves us all and forgives our sins.  I began to pray for my dad and hope to see some changes in his life soon.”  Volodymyr’s camp leaders clearly see the difference that Jesus has made in his life; his dream now is to become a church pastor.There was an incident six years ago that devastated Volodymyr.  His younger sister, while playing with matches, inadvertently set a haystack alight.  The little girl was burnt to death.  After his sister’s death, Volodymyr began to hurt and offend his friends.  For no apparent reason he would start a fight and became characterised by his bad behaviour.  However, his Summer Camp experience has brought radical changes in his life.  The boy now understands that such behaviour is inappropriate and that as a Christian, he needs to be even tempered and obedient. “I decided to appreciate other children and God has now given me a lot of true friends,” said Volodymyr.  He has asked to be considered as a candidate for next year’s Summer Camp where he hopes to meet his friends again.

Mission Without Borders’ Field countries have a long tradition in ministry to children ..
One of the projects our beneficiary children and partner churches appreciate most is Summer Camp. We continue to witness the tremendous impact spending time in a Christian atmosphere has on children’s lives.  This once-a-year opportunity also serves to enhance the long-term ministry of the church workers to the children. In Albania, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Bosnia and Ukraine we work in close partnership with local churches in order to reach socially disadvantaged children from Christian families, as well as their friends. As Christians, we recognise the importance of ministering to children and teaching them the ways of God. The legacy of the communist past is largely a godless generation. A period of spiritual hunger was followed by the destructive influence of post-communist crises, bringing these countries into a state of moral confusion.  Abortion, divorce and juvenile crime; the absence of strong family units, spiritual guidance and moral education, are the issues faced today in the wake of the crisis. These factors will determine the future unless firm, positive action is taken. By providing Summer Camps, Mission Without Borders helps facilitate material, spiritual, emotional and educational changes in the lives of the children. For many years, Mission Without Borders has sponsored Christian Summer Camps organised in conjunction with local churches. In 2009, we are again working with churches and volunteers and have planned camps for over 3300 children and teenagers from institutions, and other camps for children from difficult, social circumstances. Our goals remain unchanged; revealing God’s love to the young and introducing them to Christ Jesus. By providing suitable recreational facilities, we will be taking the young people out of their depressed environment into an open and friendly atmosphere where they will be encouraged to express their personalities and develop new knowledge and skills. The camp programmes will be balanced and flexible and the children will take part in varied activities. Biblical truths and Christian values will be taught through interactive Bible lessons. Here, teaching and fun work together enabling the children to remember the most important principles. Various activities will be planned, according to the age of the participants. Crafts and games will further enhance the teaching and serve as a background for the building of true friendships between the children. The staff and volunteers will surround the children with love and care and will serve as an example of Christian attitudes and living. Please pray for the Summer Camp children as well as our staff and volunteers.

Getting Ready for Summer Camp

Romania

Moldova

Ukraine

Caring for the elderly requires patience, kindness and hard work … work specifically in providing spiritual, emotional and material support.  When the elderly are no longer able to care for themselves, they often become frustrated.  They are not so much worried about dying, but about their inability to do things; they also worry about loneliness.  Recently, two of our Ukrainian coordinators, Volodymyr and Yulia visited 81 year old Lidia D. “When we entered the house she exclaimed, ‘Oh, I’m so glad you are here.  Would you sing for me today?’  She was so excited by our visit that she put her hot meal aside and started talking to us.”   

Lidia lives in a small house in Sarny.  She used to work as a nurse in a local clinic.  She has a married son who lives in Zdolbuniv city, 115 km from Sarny, however, he hardly ever visits her.  Lidia suffers from Parkinson’s disease and finds it increasingly difficult to move her arms and legs.  She needs emotional and spiritual support more than ever now and needs to believe that someone really loves her and cares about her.  Volodymyr and Yulia fulfilled Lidia’s wish and delighted her by singing Christian songs to her. 

“I have worked with the elderly for four years now,” shares Volodymyr. “There are many grandmothers and grandfathers in Sarny  who live alone and are lonely, hopeless and disappointed.  What I have come to realise about them is that they need someone to talk to; to hear an encouraging word and to experience joy”. The emotional, spiritual and material support provided by Mission Without Borders helps these elderly people to feel joy and the love of Jesus Christ.  Each senior citizen has his or her own problems.  Some are unable to forgive their relatives.  Others are angry with their children and some are disappointed by life. “I try to do everything I can to encourage them and tell them that it is better to forgive; to be thankful and make peace with their children or relatives.  It is very important for us to be close to the elderly.  One day we’ll become senior citizens and who knows what difficulties we will face.  Our love and kindness can heal many souls and through us, God can change their hearts,” concluded Volodymyr. 

Have you ever wondered in what way a sponsorship could make a difference in the life of a sponsored child in Ukraine?           

                     … with your monthly support of R160.00p.m. we are able to minister to these institutionalised children in the following ways: 

Material  -  Health and Nutrition  -  Christian Ministry  -  Emotional Support  -  Bible Correspondence Course  -  Urgent Needs Each of these projects covers the basic material, educational, emotional and spiritual needs (S.E.E.M.) of the children and are supervised by our coordinators throughout the year: Health and Nutrition: Food:  The government subsidy given to the children’s homes for food is totally inadequate.  In the CRI program, supplemental items such as canned meat, milk powder, baby food, rice, vegetables, flour, sugar, pasta and soup mix are provided. Hygiene goods:  There is a great need for toiletries and cleaning agents in these homes.  Items such as detergent, disinfectant, tooth brushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and sanitary napkins are distributed through the CRI program. Medicines:  During the monthly Home visits, the coordinators take with a variety of medicines. These are essential for the treatment of intestinal worms and infections … multivitamins are also provided. Eyeglasses:  These are provided free of charge to all children living in a CRI-sponsored homes where required. Clothes:  New and used clothing and shoes are provided for the children whenever possible. Christian Ministry: Ministry to children in CRI homes and Christian Input classes:  Christian Input Coordinators work with local churches to ensure that Christian teaching takes place in all institutions. Volunteers from local churches visit the children’s homes on a regular basis to befriend the children and to share Biblical truths and Christian songs.  These activities are made available for all children who choose to participate. Distribution of Bibles:  Children’s Bibles are offered to children between the ages of 7 and 12 years, and Bibles to children between the ages of 12 and 20 years. Emotional Support: Visits:  All CRI homes are visited regularly by the local CRI coordinators.  During these visits the CRI coordinators take time to visit the staff as well as the children. The children are offered basic counselling and support facilities. Birthday Parties:  In the children’s homes birthday parties are planned for the children.  These parties are coordinated by the home Director and the CRI coordinator.  Special treats such as cake, cupcakes or sweets are supplied as part of the party where special activities are also planned.  Whenever possible, the birthday child receives a special gift.  Christmas and Passover:  Christmas and Passover parties are planned together with the Home Directors, coordinators and staffs.  Here the Children are taught about the meaning and significance of Christmas and Passover.  These parties provide a positive experience for the children. Bible Correspondence Courses: All sponsored CRI children are offered the opportunity to participate in a Bible Correspondence Courses. We presently have over 7000 participants in these courses. Urgent Needs: The CRI homes have different urgent needs that we respond to, either through Special projects, Gifts in Kind (GIK) or through available funds designated for urgent needs purchases.  

“Just as the hands of a painter are colored with the paint he works with, the same way, the soul of a person is filled the colour of the social environment he lives in” (E. Stanley Jones). The town of Victoria is situated 28 kilometers from the main city Lasi, near the Moldovan border.  It has a primary school for grades 1-8 and a school for tailoring and carpentry training.  Most of the inhabitants are affiliated to one of the two churches in the town; one being traditional the other evangelical. The first contact with this community was made through Mission Without Borders’ Operation Winter Rescue and Operation Christmas Love programmes.  At that time, MWB field employees, as well as some visiting sponsors, were touched by the shocking conditions under which the inhabitants were living. 

The village has an electricity connection, and recently it was provided with a water connection, however, these are not yet functional as they require additional funding for completion. The only source of heating this community therefore is wood …  which is also used for cooking.  Sewage is not available to all families, for the simple reason that they can not afford the installation costs, nor could they afford the monthly costs. Many of the inhabitants have serious material, educational and emotional problems clearly seen through a lack of interest in education, family abandonment, alcoholism, unemployment and lack of respect for generally accepted morals.  Although all the inhabitants struggle with basic daily needs, there is a great majority whose only income is the children’s allowances of 40 lei per child … less than R140.00 pm.  Agriculture and gardening is a source of living for a few of them.  With the rudimentary tools they have, they work on the patches of garden around their houses, but the vegetables they pick, mostly potatoes, are in such small quantities that they are not sufficient for proper family sustenance.   Aside from the lack of modern technology affecting their lives, agriculture is made more difficult by the scorching hot summers and cold winters accompanied by heavy snow.  The local church and authorities are eager to have MWB present in Victoria.  The local Evangelical church is open to having evangelism projects, children activities, etc. and the pastor is more than happy to work with folk from other denominations.  Also, the mayor of

Victoria has indicated that he’d welcome the intervention of MWB and already has a list of 206 of the most vulnerable families presently living on minimal social support.

 The following plan of action in response to the pleas of the church and municipal leaders has therefore been mooted: Spiritual: Evangelisation campaigns working together with the local church, including door to door visits and meetings for different target groups - children, women, elderly etc  Educational: Special Projects that enhance the education process - shoes and clothing for children who have to walk up to 10 kilometers to get to school; school bags and books; after school lessons and scholarships. Emotional: Teaching adults the importance of accepting and respecting moral values; creating prayer support groups for families experiencing domestic violence; giving attention to single mothers whose husbands have deserted the families etc. Material: Home renovations to improve the shacks many are living in, furnishing with decent furniture and providing domestic animals, agricultural tools and firewood.  Would you please pray for our possible involvement in this town, much will depend on additional finance to get the project off the ground!                                                                                                                                                                              

Millions of Ukrainians have suffered sever physical illness and emotional damage over the past 22 years. This, because of an experiment that went wrong at the number 4 reactor at the Chernobyl power station which caused a massive explosion which scattered tons of nuclear waste over most of the country.

They call the consequential physical illnesses, “Chernobyl Aids,”

The effects of what happened on the 26th April 1986 reflect on today’s population like never before. Parents and principals of Boarding Homes and institutions still speak about the disaster, and the aftermath, which according to scientists will take another 500 years to be neutralised. And they acknowledge that the quantity of required medication for the children increases every year.

Mission Without Boarders has a Special Project budget which it uses to assist the children in Child Rescue International Homes. Through the Health and Nutrition project, MWB supplies these institutions with medications to reduce and/or eliminate children’s illnesses, as well as prevent possible future medical challenges. The monthly medicinal distribution is assigned to the institutions with the most urgent needs.

Recently, the Mission supplied the Zaturci and the Pluzhne Boarding Homes with much needed dental supplies to the value of 4466hrn (R8000.00). It goes without saying that because of the high cost of medical supplies, many institutions are not in a position to examine and treat all the children experiencing dental problems.

The Kostopil Boarding Home also received medicines and vitamins during October. This is the month when the children are vaccinated … before the epidemic season starts. Vitamins and preventative remedies are what the institutions need most during this period of time …

The Berezivka Home also expressed their appreciation for the medicines that were delivered recently … especially the eyeglasses. “Autumn is a very stressful time for us. We are invariably short of medicine before the wave of epidemic comes. Thank you for stretching your hands in this very crucial time for us,” remarked their nursing sister recently.

MWB’s Ludmyla Voznuk, is responsible for the distribution of medical supplies among the Ukrainian institutions. This devoted lady has been working for the Mission for the past 11 years and is very aware of the medical problems and needs of the institutions in which MWB works. The institution’s nurses regularly consult with Ludmyla as she is a professionally qualified and experienced nurse herself.

We continue to assist thousands of institutionalised children living in Eastern Europe, where, thanks to the help of our supporters, we are able to provide a well-balanced ministry to these children who have such medical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Even before the recent global financial debacle, the International Monetary Fund had expressed great concern for the fate of the socially disadvantaged, and poor and needy in Eastern Europe. The prices of food stuffs and energy in Bulgaria - to name but one country - have now doubled and folk are having to spend half of their income on food, just to exist.

One third of Bulgarians live under the poverty line, meaning they survive on less than 184 leva (R1140.00) per month; 60 % of this budget is spent on utility bills, clothing and transportation. A household of four members needs 1884 leva (R11,932.00) per month in order to secure a reasonable living.

One of our beneficiaries of MWB’s Community Centre is Mrs. Solomah, who with her family, lived in Kiev, Ukraine at the time of the Chernobyl catastrophe.  Her husband was severely affected by the radiation and died shortly after the explosion.  Mrs.Solomah and her children’s health were also seriously affected so she decided to move to Bulgaria where her sister lived, and there seek medical help. Unfortunately, a year after their move, her sister also passed away.  Soon after this, her son was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis and for the past eight years he has been completely paralysed.  Her daughter, Henrietta, was recent diagnosed with a cyst on the brain and although she has undergone surgery, her state is worsening.  As all three are handicapped, Henrietta – at this stage - is the only one capable of visiting MWB’s soup kitchen to receive their meals.  There she also regularly attends the Christian meetings.  Given the family’s health issues, most of their social pension is spent on medications, leaving very little to sustain their bodies with food and other necessities.

The Solomah family will still need further support; food, warm clothing, warm blankets and heating during this severe 2009 Northern winter season - as are so many other Bulgarian families.

MWB continues, with the help of its faithful and generous donors to relieve the struggles of thousands of children, and hundreds of family units and elderly folk by providing regular supplies for their basic needs. What is more, we offer our beneficiaries a chance to overcome the poverty culture and mentality; to rise above their circumstances and get back on their feet through faith and hope in Jesus Christ.