Overcomers - Mission Without Borders NZ
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Overcomers ANNUAL MAGAZINE OF MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS NEW ZEALAND
Mission Without Borders is an
From the Director's Desk
international network of Christians who
journey with the poor and
marginalised, bringing practical and Dear Friend,
spiritual support with hope of a better
future, enabling and encouraging
We live in uncertain times. Even in the past year, we have seen our
people to lift themselves out of poverty,
always sharing the hope that is found field countries hit by many deeply unsettling events. Floods,
in Jesus Christ. earthquakes, wars, refugees from within and without, political
upheaval, violent protests, corruption, and now worldwide the
Overcomers is published by Mission spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. It sounds rather like Jesus’
Without Borders NZ, a charitable trust words in Matthew 24 - the birth pangs before His promised return
registered under the Charities Act
CC37218.
as King!
© 2020 Mission Without Borders (N.Z.)
In the Easter season, we remembered God’s amazing solution for a
Contact Details: broken world: sending His Son to reveal God’s true nature and
Phone: 0800 469269, 09 309 6969 purpose for humanity and allowing Him to suffer a cruel execution.
Address: PO Box 56264, Dominion
Road, Auckland 1446
In His resurrection, we remember that despite all the uncertainties
Email: nzadmin@mwbi.org of our world, we have a loving God who will make everything right
Website: www.mwb.org.nz in the end.
Mission Without Borders NZ Our field staff, volunteers, local pastors and church members and
mwb_nz other committed followers of Jesus are passionate about sharing
the love of God with the needy, sick, despised and neglected in
Contributors/Photographs: their own communities. The needs aren’t diminishing, so as a
Elizabeth Wilks, Andrew Wilks, Mission we are committed to staying until our work is done.
Andie Davies, Liz Clarke, MWB staff
writers I also know that people like you are equally committed to doing
Design: Helen Mischewski,
whatever they can to help and make our work possible – by sharing
One Bite Design, Tauranga resources and talents and praying. Thank you so much.
Print services: Roe Print Services, So please enjoy reading how your help combines with others’ to
PO Box 78190, reach out and let God transform precious lives in our field countries.
Pegasus 7648
Bank accounts for online payments: We really appreciate you.
General donations and sponsorships
06 0185 0122206 12
Bibles and literature
06 0185 0122206 25
Cover Photo: Friends enjoying
NZ Director
Summer Camp, Ukraine
Overcomers magazine is published annually and distributed to everyone on the
Mission Without Borders NZ mailing list. Extra copies are available free of charge on
request for distribution to interested groups, such as church groups, craft and knitting
circles, schools and youth groups. Please ring 0800 469 269 (09 309 6969) to order.
2MISSION WITHOUT
MISSION WITHOUTBORDERS
BORDERS NZ
Our 60th Anniversary
While the world will remember this year for the
COVID-19 pandemic, the year 2020 marks a
milestone in the history of our mission
Sixty years ago, the Rev. Joe Bass and wife Lois,
responded to the cry of the persecuted church
Dear riends, was
under Soviet and Chinese communism and began
k to 19 0 when this ission e
raising funds from their garage in Arkansas, USA. When I think bac it started from one pa e of th
e
The initial response from Western Christians was founded, I reali a e a astor had to preach
th e o nly p e and
incredulity, as most did not know then that there ible
ye ar s e showed us this pa
from for 1 are issio n
were any Christians behind the Iron Curtain. But sayin , here frica, e ery
challen ed us,
ters A young Mykol
Mission newslet a Bohdanets,
within a few years, the name “Underground y land India, Examples of our
earlier UE now MWB Uk
ocieties in e er but there is no ission
raine Manager
, delivering m
edications, 19
Evangelism” became well known in Christian a
island of the se e are for otten We stand with
95
t
circles for smuggling Bibles and other help to ociety for u W e do not for et us lease pu
s
le as o
persecuted Christians across Eastern Europe and empty hands at we can
ds ibles, so th at plea the
China. o u r em p ty h an
into m th
wn people ro
and reach our o round an elism be an
er
With the fall of Soviet communism and associated ministry of nd
economic collapse, the mission became Mission resident, newsletter 1992
from ois as s,
Without Borders in the early 90s, its focus on reaching
the poor with material help and the Gospel. Many New
Zealanders remember the haunting images on our T
screens from the early 90s as the orphanages of
Romania were opened to worldwide scrutiny, and the
suffering of abandoned children under President donated Bibles, 1990
A Romanian Pastor with A priceless Romanian Bible in Communist times
The Berlin
God Behind the Iron Curtain
Ceau escu s failed social policies prompted many to Wall befo
re 1989
help. Some of our senior supporters today were our rst
child sponsors under our Child Rescue nternational
programme, reaching neglected children in Romanian, One e enin durin the late 19 0s, I had the pri ile e of listenin to a man who had
and later Ukrainian and Moldovan orphanages. suffered for his faith in a ul arian prison camp for 1 years What he said chan ed
my life fore er
Even now, many millions in Eastern Europe still live in
poverty, and for the poor, life can be desperately hard. immediately offered to help Underground Evangelism, a Christian organisation (later
One group that we still nd universally overlooked is the A Romanian orphan longing to be loved Mission Without Borders ) that was smuggling Bibles and Christian literature into the Soviet
elderly. n general, their healthcare has been seriously Union.
under resourced. We already reach out to large They provided me with lms some taken secretly behind the ron Curtain and began
numbers of elderly and disabled in Bulgaria and Albania raising awareness throughout South Africa of Christians being persecuted under communism.
and Romania. From this year, as resources permit, we
plan to expand our work among this older group. n 1982, was invited to visit two churches in East Berlin. We were told virtually nothing about
People matter to God, no matter what their age. times and venues, and no names were mentioned. asked how meetings were ever planned,
and the pastor told me, Oh, there is no dif culty with that, my brother, just inform the
Anything that we have achieved in the last 60 years we congregation that there will be a special meeting on a designated day, but don t tell them at
attribute to a strong sense of God s concern for a what time nor where it will be held. But the Holy Spirit leads everyone to the same venue at
hurting world. ou are a vital part of everything that is the precise time all except the security police, that is
being done, and so we are deeply grateful to you and
all our supporters through these 60 years for their Here experienced something that d often read about in the Bible but never really seen before the church in dynamic action, as
Many elderly are overlooked God always intended it to be What was common at both meetings was the immense measure of reverence and faith, clearly
faithful commitment to the work.
displayed and exercised That experience has inspired me ever since, and thank God for that pastor and his story.
by Ron Lindeman, MWB South Africa Director for 22 years
4 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 5
Supporting Survivours of the
i a n E a r t h q u a k e
Alban
Our sponsor s letter
comforted us that ni ht
When Stephen Young (CEO), Liz Waldy and Viorel Radu
from MWB’s International Office visited Albania in January,
they had the opportunity to meet a sponsored family in
Durres, who were made homeless in the earthquake.
Kevin and Garantina ou
tside their old apartme
Those seconds when the earthquake hit were the worst of my nt block
Overcoming t i c A b u s e
life, even worse than six years ago when lost my husband in
Dom e s
an accident. Garantina and her son evin,10, were at home
on the eighth oor of an apartment block when the earthquake
struck on November 26, 2019.
Fahrie and Arjana
t was the most terrifying feeling to think that might lose my
boy. grabbed him and snatched my purse, then stumbled
I was li in , but I was dead inside down eight ights of stairs, my head hitting the walls that
seemed to move towards me. felt nothing, only wanted to
Fahrie, (not her real name) and her two children from Albania recently joined our family sponsorship programme. She
keep my son safe. We were uninjured but in a state of shock
became suicidal after years of terrible physical, emotional and verbal abuse from her husband and his relatives who share
and disbelief, relieved to be outside.
their house. Sometimes the brutal beatings left her unable to move. Friends advised to stay in her marriage but that meant
keeping silent and enduring the violence. Like so many domestic abuse victims in Albania, Fahrie would spend her nights
When opened my purse later, found a letter from our
crying, knowing she had nowhere else to go. “I was living, but I was dead inside.”
sponsor who had visited us last year. always keep it with me ther
no one ever writes to me, so it means the world to me. Re et Kevin and his mo
MWB Directors me
We didn t have any money, so my husband started drinking heavily and gambling. He went to taly for work, but never sent money
reading this letter warmed my heart on that cold and terrifying
home. The physical abuse ended but was still terri ed of him, as he continued to insult and threaten me over the phone. Suicide
night.
seemed like the only option, and tried several times to end my life.
evin loves drawing and gave some of his pictures to the
One day was sitting outside our house, when a woman asked me, Do you need help quickly replied, es do . When rst
Mission s nternational staff. One shows the frightening
met Arjana, the Family Sponsorship coordinator, experienced love like d never known before. nowing nothing about me, she
collapse of the apartment block, with evin standing in front of
said, n spite of the situation you re going through, you can make it. God knows and cares for you. Those words touched my heart.
it with a sad face. The speech bubble reads, m homeless
now.
went to a Bible study and heard for the rst time that God loved us so much He died on a cross, even for me. The women prayed
for me and my family that day. The situation with my husband didn t change, but started to change. God strengthened my heart
Another drawing shows tents in a green eld. Stick gures with
and knew that had to choose life, not death. God is changing my children too, and know He even wants to bless my husband.
faces crying and frowning are scattered among them. evin, w
m praying for a miracle that one day we ll become a happy family. God used the Mission to save me from living in darkness and less no
his mother and others spent many nights there on the cold, ing: I'm home
death. Kevin's
draw
rough ground. Lying there, they watched thieves steal windows
“When I first met Fahrie, she was very from their apartment building.
discouraged, so the only way into her heart
was through God’s love. Now she’s The smile isn t back on my son s face yet and don t know
regained her self-respect and confidence what the future holds, but it s comforting to know there are
and works when she can to help her family. people out there who care and pray for us, Garantina shares.
For so many Albanian women their At present they are living in modest government
physical bruises and scars heal quite accommodation and hope to return to their home after
quickly, but the wounds of the soul are extensive renovation is done. Garantina is working part time
even more deeply felt and last longer.” and evin is doing school lessons online. What s certain is that
Arjana, Mission Coordinator Fahrie and her family earthquake victims
receiving seeds A women's meeting they feel supported and cared for, both by the team in Albania Temporary shelter for
and by their wonderful sponsors.
6 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 7
Persecuted for Converting
1.1 miLLion 4h3un
gry 13,000+ dead
Update on
0,000 chi
ldren wi
anity e
th traum
to Christi a i n
a
r
e d
k
u n d
U
w o
n
0 0+
r
0,0 700,000 elderly lost pensions
e
3
E a s t 50,000 homes destroyed
e called me a traitor for Mission Without Borders’ recent responses:
chan in my faith there were A huge thank you to all our supporters who so generously gave to our Ukraine War appeal in 2019. We were able to direct some of
threats, insults and opposition the funds to support Ukrainian families become self suf cient with agricultural equipment thereby freeing up funds for other work in
One man started cursin me Ukraine including among refugees in the West. n partnership with 16 local churches in Eastern Ukraine in the Donetsk and
Luhansk regions, we delivered 1,600 Christmas Love boxes in December 19, lled with essential food items, treats and Christian
and throwin stones nother literature. The Mission s nternational leaders are exploring how we can extend our reach further into this region.
time, some men called me
names I d ne er heard of Some of those we've helped
before
Olesya and family
Olesya and her three children survived without food or electricity until they could escape
from their home town and left without any possessions or money. At rst, stayed at a
came from a Muslim background, but only followed the rituals and observed the holidays. My grandfather and uncle were both friend s apartment and because didn t have any food, my children lived at an
mams. My relatives used to lie, curse and use bad language despite being supposedly religious, Sevda shares. orphanage. Now, we are renting a place which is using up nearly all of my small income,
Olesya shares. The local church is helping to support them. Her youngest daughter
grew up in poverty in Bulgaria and was married at 21 in an arranged marriage. Ten years later we d had three children, but our painted a picture titled Stop the war .
relationship was so bad wanted a divorce. At that time Sevda s sister and mother became Christians and they told her about
Jesus, and after reading the Bible Sevda also came to Christ.
Lyudmyla
She became passionate about sharing the Gospel and invited anyone she met to her home group. Because she spoke Turkish,
Lyudmyla, 82, has a daughter who is a military doctor and works at the frontline mobile
people were curious: she talked like them, but she was sharing a different God, a different faith. The home group grew into a new
hospital. She s doing her best to raise her granddaughter. When our town was badly
Turkish speaking church in partnership with the Mission.
bombed, everything was on re, and people literally jumped out of the windows trying to
The threats and insults didn t stop Sevda. People told my husband to stop me, and if he didn t succeed, they would beat us up escape. Fortunately, we had just enough money get away by taxi. Poorer people had to
and drive us away. We are Muslims and will not allow you to turn us into Christians, they said. As a result, my husband started to stay, and many died, she explains. Lyudmyla has never stopped trusting God, and she s
beat me, one night very badly. very grateful for any support she receives.
“But God is faithful, and He never abandons His work. One night my husband had a dream that he was badly wounded
and covered with blood and I carried him to hospital. At the hospital’s entrance, he saw an angel who touched his body
and all the pain and blood disappeared. Anna and Petro
Anna and Petro and their ve beautiful children live in extreme poverty in terrible living
Then he woke up in his own bed and in the doorway, he saw a dazzling angel enormous in size and shining so brightly conditions. Petro is addicted to alcohol and drugs and their eldest son suffers from
that he couldn’t look at him. The angel told him, If you don’t allow Sevda to work for Me, I will paralyse you.’ That was the arthrosis and kidney disease. The family sometimes joins a Bible study group run by a
turning point my husband immediately woke me up and started hugging me and told me about his dream. He said, pastor in an adjoining apartment.
Sevda, I will not stop you anymore, you can do whatever you want.’ Until the end of his life, he kept his promise and
even allowed the church to gather in our home for a couple of years when we had nowhere else to meet.”
She s now the pastor of a Roma evangelical church in what is
known as the Turkish Suburb , in the town of Gotse Delchev, Lyuba and family
Bulgaria. About 5,000 Roma people live here most are Muslim. Lyuba and her husband have eight children and the family s living conditions are terribly
poor. They are both alcoholics. Pastor Oleg and other volunteers from the church are
“Sevda’s been such a great help to us. Through the years doing their best to support the family, praying that their lives would become transformed
her church has also provided volunteers for the many by God s love.
activities that the Mission runs in the community.”
entsislav, Family Coordinator
Please keep praying for peace in Eastern Ukraine
“We continue to pray for our friends working with the needy in the East, that they would remain strong in the
Sevda with her youth group midst of witnessing such great suffering.” Mykola Bohdanets, MWB Ukraine Manager
8 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 9
S c h o l a r s h i p s t h e r s
H e a l i n g t o O
i n g t o B r i n g
Tra i n
Mark, 20, grew up in Western Ukraine, the eldest of seven
children. Now he’s in his third year of study at Rivne’s
Economics and Humanities University, training to become a
Psychologist.
While attending school, thought a lot about choosing the right
profession, one that would really help other people. By the time
was nishing school, the con ict in Eastern Ukraine had just
started, Mark explains.
Thousands of people died, and many other people were
physically and psychologically affected. t was a tragic time,
which unfortunately continues to this day. As a Christian have
the privilege of knowing the One who can heal broken souls and
minds. felt God was drawing my attention to these people.
Thousands of people in Ukraine are suffering from post
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are Ukrainian soldiers,
refugees, and families who lost friends and relatives. People
who survive the war nd it very dif cult to adapt back to normal
life. There s a huge need for specialists who can provide
counselling, therapy and treatment. Sofia holding her Bible
didn t know how to ful l my dream. Our family lives modestly
and my parents do their best to raise eight kids, but they don t
have the money to pay for university. Still, my father told me that
Mark nothing s impossible for God. m so thankful to both my parents
for their example of unlimited cheerfulness and optimism, Mark
shares.
For several years we ve been enrolled in the Mission s family
sponsorship programme and the Coordinator, Pavlo, knows us
What the Children Say
very well. One day he called me and offered me a scholarship.
was thrilled.
We re studying modern and secular psychology, but our
university stands up for traditional moral values, which is very
important to me as a Christian. Mark is still very young and
knows he lacks life experience, but he s strongly motivated by
his sense of purpose. m sure that in ten or twenty years
won t regret following my calling.
don t want to live for myself, want to make a difference in
people s lives. long to touch the souls of those who are
suffering and help bring healing. Christ is able to do this, and
want to be an effective tool that He can use.
Mark and his family
m really thankful to those who have given me the opportunity
to study. May God bless and reward you for your kind hearts
Mark adds.
10 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 11
W a i t i n g f o r a Sponsor
Children
Only a month helps change a young life forever
Become a sponsor today ring 0 00 2 or email us at nzadmin mwbi.org
i l d S p o n s o r s h i p
Ch thout the
Mission's help"
what I'd do wi
now
"I don't k
Like many others in Moldova, high unemployment and low wages have driven Catalin’s mother to go abroad in search of
work. She now lives in Moscow and visits only once or twice a year. Around ,000 children are growing up with one or Anastasia, 0, from Moldova is a Alexandru, 2, from Romania, Ionela, , from Romania, enjoys
both parents absent. They send money home, but their children feel a gnawing absence of their daily love and care. friendly, active girl who is doing well at enjoys the outdoors and learning new Science and learning languages. She
school. Even though her family s things. His family live in extremely has two younger siblings whom she
Catalin, 11, sits on the hill by his house and looks down the road into the valley and across to the horizon. He dreams that he ll see circumstances are very poor, Anastasia poor conditions, only surviving off the often looks after. Her mother deserted
his mother walking along the road, her smiling eyes full of love, this time returning for good. brings them much joy. State Child Allowance. the family for another man and her
father doesn t have regular work.
His father abandoned the family when Catalin was a baby, but fortunately, his grandmother has looked after him ever since. He
helps her with the daily chores. teach him how to look after himself in case something happens to me. Taking care of my grandson
keeps me going, even though my health is bad, she says sadly.
She s delighted that Catalin is enrolled in the Child Sponsorship programme. He s been given a bed, a mattress and a small table to
do his homework. don t know what d do without the Mission s help can t afford to buy clothes and shoes on my small pension.
Sometimes italie, the Mission Coordinator, brings us food. What a blessing and a relief for me Last Christmas remember how
happy Catalin was to unpack the Christmas box, showing me each item inside it.
Saturdays and Sundays are Catalin s favourite days of the week, when together with his best friends, osif and Nelu, he goes to the
church that the Missions partners with. There, he plays sports, does fun activities and has Bible lessons. He forgets about his
problems and how much he misses his mother.
When he comes home, he tells me all about what he s learned.
m not able to walk to church so m very happy to hear him talk
about it. t s great to see him having some fun with other
children and learning good things, she shares.
“Now, when we meet, I see hope and happiness on their
faces. In difficult situations like Catalin’s it can be so Maxim, 2, from Ukraine, has had Zoryana, 2, from Ukraine, lives in a Andrei, , is from Moldova. His
encouraging because we see first-hand how much our some learning dif culties and a speech State Home because her mum and mother s part time nursing work
work impacts people’s lives. Together with you, our defect. He lives in a State Home stepdad are alcoholics. She s a doesn t provide enough to cover their
supporters, the Mission is bringing joy and hope into the because of a dif cult family friendly, polite girl who loves craftwork, expenses. His dad is looking for work.
lives of vulnerable children in Moldova and throughout background. He s an honest, friendly music and dancing. She s a class He s a cheerful, active boy who loves
Eastern Europe,” italie, Mission Coordinator. Catalin and Vitalie
boy who likes to play sport and music. leader and wants to become a Maths and English
hairdresser.
12 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 13
s h i p C oo rd in a t o r Families Waitin
A Family Sponsor g For Sponsors
c h J o y !
So Mu Only a month helps change a family’s life forever
Cristina, our Family Coordinator (pictured), shares a normal day’s
routine as she visits sponsored families living in Mure , Romania.
We need four sponsors per family
Become a sponsor today ring 0 00 2 or email us at nzadmin mwbi.org
Together with Elena (pictured), a volunteer, we plan our visits. Most are
Roma families and their contact details can change, depending on their
work situation.
Sometimes we visit a family where the father is already drunk, even at
9am. f they can t afford alcohol, they ll drink ethanol based cleaning
products. Alcoholism is a huge problem. iolence and physical and
emotional abuse are other problems, creating emotional chaos for the
children. We encounter marriages and pregnancies at the ages of 12 or
13, abortions, in delity, a victim mentality and a lack of education.
Usually, they talk to us about the lack of jobs, insuf ciency of money
and food. We offer them practical advice, but their greatest obstacle is
lack of education. Many can t even write their name so the only jobs they
The Karalic family from Bosnia The Ognyanova family from Bulgaria The Palancean family from Moldova
can get are seasonal or temporary. They have a survival mentality, and
Herzegovina live in a small house is made up of a solo mother and her twin live together with a grandfather and
no long term plans.
which they inherited. t s not insulated boys. The father deserted the family two aunts. The father is currently
and gets very cold in winter. The father before they were born. Born prematurely, looking for work. He s a trained tractor
When we deliver a monthly food parcel, we teach them how to use it
is currently unemployed, but they re a they re susceptible to various illnesses. driver but hasn t received his licence
wisely so lasts longer. We explain that everything they receive is a
hardworking couple who want to They live in the grandparents house and only because he can t pay for it. His
blessing from God and to be thankful. Cristina sometimes faces hostility.
provide the best for their daughter. A only just survive with their help and the hobby is breeding pigeons. The mother
never visit families alone. Once, a family threw a bag of our in my
few years ago they lost their second State child bene ts. The mother would has completed a pastry chef course
face, shouting that they didn t need it. Others have cursed me. They can
child, which was a dif cult time for like to do a vocational course to help the and hopes to nd work.
become suspicious when take their photos until explain why need to.
them. family.
Often, they ask me to read the Bible to them as they are illiterate, and
pray with them. We encourage them to redirect their focus towards God,
who loves them and wants to help them with all their problems. When we
nish our visits, go home, do my paperwork, etc. but most importantly
pray for them.
The challenges in Cristina s work may seem overwhelming, but there are
many things that bring her joy. Having my husband involved (pictured
helping her) as a volunteer with me has brought us closer together. He
has such a kind heart and relates well to people.
After two years of working in this community, we re seeing small
changes in their behaviour which also brings us so much joy. The
children now say hello to us on the street. At our children s meetings, The Poleac family from Romania is a The Shkullaku family from Albania is The Yevchyk family live in Ukraine.
we ve taught them about good manners and greeting people. Families single parent family. The husband very poor and lives in a rented house. Two years ago the mother passed
are becoming tidier and there s less rubbish littering the streets. Often, abandoned the family to live with The father doesn t have a stable job away. The father is currently looking for
we ve organised rubbish collecting activities with the children, so it another woman. They live in a single but works as a construction labourer. work. Unfortunately, he and three of
seems to be working. room. There s no running water so the The oldest daughter started a nursing their ve children have medical
mother has to carry water from the course at University this year which her problems. They live in an old house
Recently, a mother has asked to be baptised. There have been neighbours. The daughter attends parents borrowed money for, but they and carry water from a borehole. They
tremendous changes in her life: the house is cleaner her children are kindergarten. The family s only income need ongoing nancial help so she can receive a very small social welfare
looked after better and she now goes to church regularly. is the small monthly State child continue studying. allowance.
bene ts.
14 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 15
New Zealand Activities
r an
r
SOUP
rais
Fund
Prayer t h i s u y
Visit from the Subject to government restrictions,
ost a mea 's uture
ue a Chi
Mission’s CEO, we plan to encourage regional prayer
Stephen Young meetings to grow prayer support for
what God is doing in Eastern Europe. re uireme
nts, of course
t COV
governmen
“My wife, Cathie and I had the real Further details will be provided in our Su ect to
pleasure of visiting supporters and the newsletters.
MWB team in New Zealand at the end hat is it
of February 2020. Being a Mission A More Than Soup fundraiser is a fun and simple way to fuel a child’s future in Eastern Europe.
working in 18 countries globally, it was
exciting to see how New Zealand o oes it or
supporters are contributing in prayer By inviting your friends to a meal and asking them to donate, you can feed children living in poverty who
and in financial resources to the work attend the Mission’s After-School programme. You decide the food to cook, who to invite and where to
we do in Eastern Europe. It was Leaving a Legacy eat. We promise to help you with a Host esource Pack to ensure your fundraiser is a success.
encouraging to meet many supporters Over the years the Mission has been
The money raised goes towards the Soup Kitchen in our after-school programmes. In partnership with
in the meetings Andrew and his team
had coordinated, to share our vision
2020 Supporters' blessed to be the recipient of
the local church, our staff and volunteers provide food and after-school activities for children five days a
and to field questions. Thank you to Tour generous gifts by our supporters in
their Wills. If you are interested,
week, so they don t have to go home to an empty house.
all who attended. It was also Planning for our tour in September- please contact us for our “Leaving a “It's really not too hard. We had fun and enjoyed being together” - A 2019 Host
rewarding to spend time with the October to Eastern Europe has been Lasting Legacy” brochure. We are
office team in Auckland without whom suspended due to the Coronavirus also happy to discuss your intentions,
we wouldn’t be able to connect you to outbreak. It has been postponed until if guidance is needed. “Everyone treats me well here. I'm
our work, so, many thanks to them 2021. Updates will be sent to those surrounded by children, whereas at home,
too. May God richly bless you in your who registered for 2020 and will be in I feel lonely and I don't even have a desk.”
generosity to the Mission. I look our newsletters. - Victoria ( ict r a o ri t o o a
forward to my next visit.”
- Stephen Young, UK. “When they first arrive, the children are
either quiet and withdrawn or they are
aggressive and rude. oon, their
un raisers behaviour changes. hey sto saying bad
words and being aggressive and begin to
o en u . It s beautiful what love, care, and
a good meal can do.” - i a a o t r
s !
I want to cook a meal to
Ye
fuel a child's future
Honey ordered through Margaret Wooden Teddy Bears handcrafted by Book for sale by Jocelyn Murray- Email adavies@mwbi.org or
Scott Auckland region only , ph. Traudel Sch nberger, Tokoroa. Each Currie. God’s Heart for the Poor. $17 visit mwb.org.nz/morethansou
021 0729 6. All profits go to MWB bear is 7cm tall and is custom named. incl. postage, with all proceeds going
you need to mention our Mission’s $ .00 each plus p h. to the Mission. To order, phone us on to sign u and receive a free
name . Ph. 07 8867282 or 021 2 6267. 0800 469269 or go online to Host esource ack.
All profits go to MWB. mwb.org.nz/Shop
?
16 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 17
20th Anniversary
Children and others in Romania and Bulgaria enjoying some of the 20 NZ gifts.
ig Than You to a those ho he pe ith
Operation Cover p over these years
Getting involved Preferred blanket size
For information on knitting patterns, local coordinators, gatherings or At least 0cm x 0cm. 7 strips measuring 160cm in length make
what is suitable, please contact: a blanket. Use size 8 (4mm) needles. Cast on 40 stitches and knit in
North Island: Liz Clarke, Phone 0 garter stitch (plain knitting) to 160cm in length. For the homeless,
South Island: Rose Wyllie, Phone 0 darker colours, heavier wool and even larger sizes are required. For
more information, please contact a local Coordinator.
Things Needed in 2020
Funds for shipping freight to Eastern Europe
Knitted items: We need your help to cover these costs. Each container costs over
16,000 all up so as a guide we ask for a donation of 5.00 per
Jerseys, cardigans, socks, 3 piece sets of hat gloves (or blanket. Payments of 5.00 or more qualify for a tax rebate receipt
mittens) scarf. nitwear for ages 2 years and above no (name and address are needed).
To order your copy of the book, contact babywear, please.
Liz Clarke, ph. 07 378 9171. Price 30. Blankets (or sewn quilts) large size only see Preferred
blanket size . Payments can be made:
in cash (to your local Coordinator)
Non-Knitted items: by cheque (Mission Without Borders,
PO Box 56264, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446)
Clothes and shoes for children aged between 4 15yrs.
by direct deposit or online banking payment to Mission Without
Clothes and shoes for adults.
Borders ANZ Bank account:
Hygiene items (soap, annel, stick deodorant, toothpaste,
North Island: 06 0185 0122206 04
toothbrush, hair comb or brush, hair ties).
South Island: 06 0185 0122206 05
Toys, stationery (exercise books, notebooks, pens, pencils)
Linen (sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, towels).
For the homeless: sleeping bags, warm men s trousers, jackets, Coronavirus Pandemic Update
jerseys, warm socks, gloves and hats, backpacks, disposable The needs in our eld countries are still very great.
shavers shaving soap. f we in NZ are asked to delay shipping this year s donated things,
we will accumulate and store them until we can safely ship them to
Rangiora celebration s cake, February 2020 ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW Romania for distribution.
NOT SECOND-HAND, PLEASE.
18 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS O ERCOMERS 2020 19Upda t e s f r o m o u r
M a n a g e r s
Field
Sarkis Ovanesyan, Bulgaria Dalibor Koji , Bosnia Herzegovina Tudor Lungu, Moldova
Greetings dear Greetings dear Greetings from
friends Friends Moldova
The Bible says, The 2019 was a fruitful 2019 has been a truly
Monika erimi, Albania old has gone, behold year, the Mission blessed year for all
the new is here making a huge the children and
Warm greetings 2019 is over and we families we ve been
impact in the lives of
are already in 2020. those we serve. working with. We
We re so grateful
Only Jesus makes Many families found have seen poverty
for your generous
people s lives new, work, overcame and hopelessness
support during 2019
that s why we re thankful for the Mission s ministry in which crises, their children received education, and some became defeated as we have provided children with regular nutritious
which enabled us to
we re God s co workers. independent, now able support their families. Most importantly, meals and support in their education.
accomplish so much.
Last year wasn t an The greatest problem in Bulgaria is not that it s the poorest we endeavour to develop quality relationships to share the
We have seen parents who only a few years ago were unable
easy year for our country in the EU, but that people s way of thinking hasn t gospel with them.
to provide for their families, become responsible, hardworking
country. The political changed in the last 30 years. Atheism inherited from the people. We ve seen communities changed and the good news
t s always an unforgettable experience to watch the children
instability around election time left the hopes of Albanians communist era has left its shadow on their minds and hearts. of the Gospel bring hope and joy during economic and social
nd friends and learn new things at Summer Camp. t gives me
shattered once more. dif culties.
Each year, more young people emigrate abroad in search of a peace knowing that because of the Soup itchens, the elderly
Albania, and Durr s, were badly damaged by the 26 November better life. Bulgaria has the highest ratio of Roma people in the and the sick are provided with a meal every day of the year.
We hope to continue this work so long as God gives us an open
earthquake. t shook the foundations of our homes but not our EU, compared to the rest of the population. door. To provide food, clothing and education to children in
Despite what the Mission achieves, there s still much need here
faith and thankfulness in Almighty God. That s why we focus on the education of these children and poverty. To help them experience joy at summer camps and
in Bosnia Herzegovina. Thousands of people continue to
young people by providing After School clubs and leave the country because they don t see any future. We work provide scholarships to capable students. To encourage
Last year we supported 320 families on our Family Sponsorship
scholarships. with those who are determined to ght for a better tomorrow. families on their journey towards independence. And wherever
programme, 28 of them became self suf cient. 25 young
Please pray for spiritual renewal and political stability in our possible to invite children and their parents to put their trust in
people received university scholarships. 585 children were Most of our young people found jobs after nishing their
country. the Lord. Please continue to pray for us.
given much needed school supplies and backpacks. 40 children vocational courses, especially in sewing. We also nished the
received educational support through our After School project. renovation of our community centre in Gotse Delchev which will our prayers and support for what we do here has been life
Even within our team, we said goodbye to a staff member who
Also, in partnership with two local churches, 140 people be well used. changing.
left to go abroad. We ve now employed a capable young lady
received a daily hot meal. saiah 58:6 8 (below)
Last year 11 families became self suf cient and 13 more will be who was once an MWB bene ciary herself to replace her. This
t is our hope and prayer that during this year God will use the soon. We continue to serve the most vulnerable, the disabled, con rms that God is doing miracles and we should never give
For everything, we say Thank you
Mission to help even more families living in poverty, and the prisoners and the homeless. Last year some Roma and up.
communities in other parts of Albania to support more children Muslim bene ciaries gave their lives to Christ. Please pray for m grateful to God for the privilege of working together with you
with learning dif culties to focus more on the lonely and poor new and dedicated volunteers to help us. as part of His extended hand here in Bosnia Herzegovina.
elderly and to raise awareness on social issues such as
Thank you friends, because with your valued support you are wish you a happy and blessed 2020.
violence towards women and women s empowerment.
making it possible for the new to happen in Bulgaria. May God “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every
Last year we accomplished so much with your help and we look bless you. yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to
forward to your ongoing support this year to reach out to even turn away from your own esh and blood? Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear then your righteousness
more. With our grateful thanks. God bless you will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.” Isaiah : - NIV
20 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS OVERCOMERS 2020 21I would like to partner with MWB to
Reach People for Christ in Eastern Europe
) My Gift - as easy as , 2,
Here is my gift to support MWB’s ministry wherever it is most needed (one off gift). Payment options below.
Amount: ______________________________ do not need a receipt
Or
I would like to partner in MWB’s ministry with a committed, recurring gift:
Where Most Needed: Monthly ________ rtly _________ rly _________
Sponsor a Child: please circle Monthly 45.00 rlty 135 rly 540
Alexandru Danilenco, Romania Mykola Bohdanets, Ukraine Sponsor a Family: please circle Monthly 45.00 rlty 135 rly 540
Greetings from Greetings to you all. would like to give a Gift in my Will to MWB please contact me
Romania
Looking back on authorise Mission Without Borders NZ to set up a committed, recurring gift on the 20th of the month due as indicated above, to be debited to
n 2019 God was 2019, would like to my credit card until further notice.
faithful to provide us express our sincere
with all the necessary gratitude and Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________
resources to bless appreciation to all our
the ones we serve. friends from around 2) My Details
Our country has the world who
suffered many drastic have supported our Title: Mr Mrs Miss Ms Dr Rev ___________
changes, but after the 2019 election Romanians are hopeful work throughout the year. Supporter No.: (if known) ______________________________
conditions will improve and that people won t want to leave.
Last year was a dif cult one for our people and we truly First Name: ______________________________________ Surname:__________________________________________
Please pray for God fearing leaders to care for this country and
its people. appreciate your faithful and generous support. The con ict in
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
the east of Ukraine, poverty, political instability and economic
Many times, we ve been told us how valuable our work has turmoil remain the primary challenges that ordinary people face ____________________________________________________________________ Postcode: ___________
been. Summer camp remains a favourite. The children get to here.
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________
spend an amazing time in an atmosphere they will never forget.
Then they go back to their families and tell them what they re So, we re asking you to continue to pray for our country in
learnt. 2020. We do not know what this year will bring, but we rely on
God and trust in His faithfulness and His mercy. ) Payment Options
We make sure the families understand how valuable education Payment Method
is for a better future. All the gifts they received at Easter, Throughout 2020 may the Lord s unconditional love and His
birthdays and Christmas brought lots of joy to the children and amazing grace keep on lling up our hearts and souls and may Option : Direct Credit Account Number 06 0185 0122206 12
their parents, who would never be able to afford them. His Holy Word remain the solid rock we stand on. Let His (Please use your name, supporter number and OV20 as the payer reference or email con rming these details to nzadmin@mwbi.org)
supernatural peace remain our most reliable shelter and His
Our regular deliveries of food, rewood, and other necessities enduring joy continue to be our wonderful solace in everyday Option 2: Cheque payable Mission Without Borders
bring a welcome relief to families. For many, we re the only life.
Option : Credit Card isa Amex Mastercard (tick one)
ones helping them. Warm clothes, shoes, backpacks and
school supplies enable the children to go to school. Many blessings to everyone and thanks again for your Name on card:__________________________________________________________
generous support.
n 2020 we plan to work more with the elderly who live alone Expiry date: _________ _________ Signature:_________________________________
and exist on their meagre pensions. We want them to know we
Card Number:
care about them and that they re part of a community. Please
pray for the success of this project. ou can also make a donation by credit card by phone (free) 0 00 2 or by visiting our website: mwb.org.nz
Please use account 25 for Bibles (no RD tax rebate)
Thanks so much for your valued support, we couldn t do it
without you God bless you.
PO Box 56264, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446
Phone: 0800 469269, 09 309 6969 Email: nzadmin@mwbi.org Website: www.mwb.org.nz
22 MISSION WITHOUT BORDERSThank You Phone: 0800 469269, 09 309 6969 Address: PO Box 56264, Dominion Road, Auckland 1446 Email: nzadmin@mwbi.org Website: www.mwb.org.nz
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