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Today involved a lengthy drive to visit a Home and a Children’s Centre.  They were worth the drive!

The Home’s Director had good connections within the Government and they received funding for educational “experiments”.  Basically the school would not have looked out of place in the UK.  They had many technical gadgets and the furnishings were good.  What they looked to the Mission for was Spiritual and Emotional support for the children.  It was good to see what was possible with suitable funding.  The Summer Camps and visits by Mission staff and local churches are obviously appreciated.

We were accompanied on our journey by the MWB Ukraine’s Puppet Team.  We were as enthralled by the performance of “The Treasure Hunt” as the children.  It was of a very high standard.

But it was followed by what was described by one of group as the highlight of the visit and the best thing to happen to her for years!  Our group was invited to take part in the distribution of the Mission’s 50th Anniversary Bibles to the children.  The Mission aims to send one million Bibles to Eastern Europe to mark its 50th Anniversary.  It was a huge privilege to be able to take part in the distribution of 100 Bibles today.

We moved on to a Children’s Centre which was in direct contrast to the Home in terms of buildings and material goods.  And yet the same love was shown and care given.  The Children came from poor and dysfunctional families 5 days a week.  They received a hot meal each day plus time to play, attend a Bible study and assistance with homework.  There was a computer training room and a sewing workshop  to provide vocational training.  We ate a late lunch at the centre and the food was magnificent.  This was followed by the children coming together to be entertained by the UK group inviting them to join in singing “if you are happy and you know it”.  It quickly melted the ice and the children responded by singing several songs to us.  It was a very special time. 

As we travelled back to Rivne, we reflected on what a special time it had been and we were definitely happy - and we know it!

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.