Legacies play a crucial part in funding Mission Without Borders’ work. During the past few years, generous legacies have allowed us to meet some of the greatest needs of children, families and elderly across Eastern Europe.

Young people from the Krupnik community, Bulgaria, have big dreams. Dreams that a legacy could make come true.

“I’ve been wondering what special, God-given talent I have. I decided it could be the thing I enjoy doing most. For me, drawing, making designs for clothes and fashion are what I like. So the School of Textile and Design in Blagoevgrad would be the best place for me when I finish the seventh form, though my parents are not able to support me.” Asen (13)

“Biology is my favourite subject at school. I would really love to become a doctor and help people. Although it is impossible to even think about now, I dream of studying medicine at university after I finish school. If I do my part and study hard, I believe God will help me and use me to heal people’s bodies and souls.” Avgustina (15)

You can help us to fund a youngster’s dreams.

• Please consider including a gift to MWB in your will.

• If you have already made a will, but would still like to leave a legacy to MWB, you can make an addition or change it without re-writing your current will. This addition is called a codicil.

• Or you may want to give a lasting and meaningful donation to remember a loved one.

To talk things over or request our guide to making your will, please contact us now or phone 020 7940 1370.

Our Autumn Newsletter is now available.  You can read it on-line or contact the office on 020 7940 1370 and we’ll mail a copy to you.

Children with little hope gain skills for a better future as they learn about seeds.

Several children at the Razliv Home in Bulgaria are learning to care for newly donated plants. They are benefitting from Mission Without Borders’ (MWB) Seeds of Hope programme, which recently donated vegetable seeds, orchard trees and flowers.

The Home’s director, Mrs Lambeva, recognises that growing plants will give her children valuable knowledge, skills and a sense of responsibility. The new vegetable plots at Razliv Home are down to Mrs Lambeva’s timely appointment of a new carer at the Home. Violeta happens to be a qualified agronomist! And it was Violeta who organised the children to plant a vegetable garden, teaching them about agriculture.

From facts to fruit
Initially, Violeta doubted the children would take any interest in growing seeds. But she managed to get their attention by sharing curious facts. Did you know that there are over 10,000 breeds of tomatoes worldwide?

The children each took their own tomato seedlings, planting them on a small piece of land behind the Home. With the help of the local council, they ploughed up a separate piece of land to plant potatoes. Violeta is especially pleased with the fruit trees donated by MWB. She states that ‘Everyone has to plant at least one tree in their life.’

Each child at Razliv Home is now looking forward to harvesting their crops. The fruit of their labour will contribute to the Home’s kitchens and help save on food expenses.

We need more vital funds to support other Children’s Homes and families wanting to grow their own food.

Please donate today.

Twenty desperate families experience change and hope for the future through MWB Bulgaria’s Family to Family sponsorship.

‘Life has always been a struggle, but hope broke through during our darkest time.’ says Miglena, the mother of one of those twenty families.

Miglena and her husband, Yosif, have three children. After years of struggling to make end meet, Miglena says that ‘our fragile state was shattered; I was diagnosed with diabetes. I needed insulin injections to survive. But we didn’t have enough money for food, let alone medication.’

When Miglena and Yosif were enrolled in Mission Without Borders’ Family to Family programme, they were overwhelmed: ‘You can’t image what it means that people support us. I no longer live with the fear and tension that my health could suddenly deteriorate and I might not survive.’

Mingela now has health insurance and receives her insulin treatments.

She announces that ‘our sponsors changed our lives. During this difficult period, we’re assured there is someone we can trust . We’re calmer and happier. Your material and emotional support have made a tremendous difference in our circumstances. When all our hope was gone, you brought us joy.’

You too can make a massive difference in a family’s life:

Sponsor a family now.

Pray for Bulgaria’s Family to Family sponsorship programme.  
 

In 2007, we delivered an Operation Christmas Love parcel to Elena, 25, and her daughter Diana, 6.  Elena was too sick to work.  She was very dependent, passive and unstable.  The Child Protection Department was about to take Diana away. 

We invited Elena and Diana to the Community Centre run by MWB and local churches.  They received a daily hot meal, material help and encouragement. 
The change has been dramatic.

They attend Church.  Elena passed the Computer training at the Centre with excellent marks.  Elena is physically and emotionally stronger and has just started a job.  Diana is confident and doing well at school.

The local MWB Co-ordinator, Plamena Valkova, said,” The Elena that I met at the end of 2007 is very different from the Elena I know now – a responsible, determined and loving mother.  I believe that God is able to heal her completely”. 
These Seeds of Hope are beginning to bear fruit.

Seven new Community centres located on the premises of local protestant churches open their doors to poor elderly and underprivileged people offering a daily warm meal, Bible lesson and atmosphere of acceptance and compassion. Protestant churches in Bulgaria have long been defined by Bulgarian society as Christian cults. Over the past years church public initiatives have served to decrease the negative attitude however most people are suspicious when it comes to practicing Christians. The partnership under the Community centre program has enhanced the contacts with local authorities and served to build a positive image of the church in local communities. Please, pray for the partnering churches, for the pastors and their families – for protection, wisdom and fresh anointing. Pray for the churches to have the wisdom and guidance how to shine the light of Jesus Christ through various locally relevant actions. Pray for church congregations as source of volunteers for MWB projects; for people to be open and willing to serve God by supporting the joint ministries.
Pray for the Christian ministry coordinators to be able to respond to the needs of beneficiaries, to have grace in the communication and building of relationships, to have wisdom in the aspects of their ministry to the poor and neglected. May God inspire them to strive for the further development and diversification of activities in the centers.  We experience God’s grace and mercy every day as we see His action in the hearts of the 130 beneficiaries. We continue to pray for more open hearts to receive the Gospel, for transformed minds and changed life circumstances. Join us in prayer as we ask God to call His sheep and draw them to the local churches where they would find their place of belonging.