Travels with Vula, the Journey Continues…

Mark 12:31 “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Hello everyone!

This is Aunt Vula’s niece Irene again, filling you in on the last couple weeks. It’s been busy but very blessed.

With Gopi and Reni outside The Ministry Center Yastrebovo

Aunt Vula’s niece Christine arrived with her daughter Kendall and we packed up the car and all headed out to Bulgaria to meet with Pastor Gopi and his wife Reni who head up the ministry in Yastrebovo and the surrounding areas.

Children and moms in Pamukchii

We gathered together in the village of Pamukchii where the Macedonian Outreach has funded the construction of 31 wells, the building of a church, and the building of 7 1/2 (of the 14 planned) houses. As a reminder, these are the people who requested that the church building be built BEFORE any houses were built. The remaining houses are in the works. We had a time of dedication and worship in the church, and Phil spoke with the adults in the church while Christine, Kendall and I took the children outside to have a special time with them. Even with the language barrier (Reni our translator was inside translating for Phil), we were able to share some love and fun with the children. Afterward, some of the children wanted to share a song with us. Our hearts were so blessed to see all that God has done here. We’re so thankful to everyone for donating and being a part of blessing these dear families.

The whole group with the children in Yastrobevo after our time together

Vula with the children at the church on Sunday

Later that afternoon, we gathered with the children in Yastrebovo at the Ministry Center. We had a special day with songs, a Bible lesson, a craft, treats and lots of games outside. We had a great time with the children. It was so great to see so many of the children that are sponsored through the MO doing well! The next morning we spoke and shared at the church service and then the children had a Sunday school lesson and craft as well. It was a busy few days but we had such a sweet time with everyone.

At the pastor’s house with his family after our time with the Roma people

That afternoon we loaded everything back on the car and drove 5 hours to Skopje in N. Macedonia to have some time with Pastor Sokrat and his family. They minister unceasingly to the Roma children that live in an impoverished area in the outskirts of Skopje. We had some time connecting with the children the next day in their village, sharing, singing and playing games, and of course passing out wonderful snacks and treats! The children are so sweet and again we were able to see some of the kids that are sponsored through MO.

Some of our new Ukrainian friends

The day after we returned to Greece we were able to do a second give away of groceries and baby needs for the Ukrainian refugees in Katerini. It was wonderful to be a part of this again and so many remembered us from two weeks ago. We’ve made some wonderful new friends.

This is my first Balkans trip to see what MO is involved in with my own eyes. Like many of you, we and our church have supported and heard the stories and testimonies for years, but to see the work in action, to see the faces of the people and children in person, and to meet the wonderful ministry workers in these areas is amazing. My heart is overflowing and my husband Phil and I have been so blessed to meet and hug and get to know these wonderful people, and are so excited to see what the Lord has ahead. Next stop, Albania!