Dear Friends,
Paul and I have just returned from a week in Bulgaria and 2 weeks with Vula in Greece. We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to return and see our friends Gopi and Reni and also assist Vula with her widespread ministry in Greece and beyond.
It was a gift to see all the progress and near completion of the 14 houses in Pamukchi, Bulgaria. We are thankful for Gopi’s oversight in this large undertaking. Before it began there was no water or electricity and the families live in chicken coops. Now these families will have both safe homes and utilities! Besides overseeing the construction project Gopi along with Reni have been pastoring the church in Yastrebovo. It was good to spend time in the village and see some of the people we have come to know as family over the years. While we were there we were able to unpack some of the boxes that had arrived from Danville and also purchase school supplies for sponsored children. Thank you to the team who sorts and packs donated clothing each week. There were baby clothes this time that were perfect for a new baby that had just arrived this summer to one of the ladies in the village.
While in Greece we were kept busy with helping Vula make meals, visiting a small village church, unpacking boxes and distributing clothes. Vula continues to serve far and wide. One highlight was to visit a Roma village to distribute candy to the children. Their faces showed that they felt loved by this gesture with huge smiles. It amazes us to see how she remembers everything and keeps going! As a bonus the fig trees in the area were all ripening so I learned to make fig jam! Vula had many requests for fig jam while we were there!
Thank you Vula for letting us join you in Greece and partner with you in Ministry.
Barb and Paul VanMaanen
Volunteer teacher Christina with one of the students
4 Comments
Ilene Ferguson
September 21, 2023
Barb and Paul
So appreciated the report from your recent visit-to Greece and Bulgaria, especially about Gopi and Reni’s progress in Yastrebovo. Mike and I were there when sadly people lived in chicken coops. What has been accomplished to date is remarkable and so worthy of God’s praise. It is wonderful that you 2 were able to be of service with Vula this year.
Lyn Kern
September 21, 2023
It is such a blessing to hear of all the work that is being done in Bulgaria and Greece. Wonderful to see Gopi and Reni and the ladies arounds the table. It is such a treat to make Fig Jam with Vula, she loves it so much!
So thankful for all the donations to allow the families in Pamukchi to live in safety.
Blessings to all,
Paulette Britton
September 21, 2023
We met Vula so many years ago – 1999 maybe. Love supporting this ministry. They were buying a ministry house in Greece at the time and donors would be able to visit if in the area. Is that still a possibility. We should be going to Greece in the next year or so and would love to see what everyone worked so hard to put in place.
Love to Vula and all of the MO team!
Dawn
October 1, 2023
Thank you for serving and I know Vula enjoyed your visit and help! What a gift for everyone.
Write a comment: