Our time in Greece has been amazing. One of our most favorite trips was to North Macedonia. Arriving at the School/Church in Skopje, we met Sokrat, Lena, and Christina. Lena and Christina showed us around the school while Sokrat went to get the children. We were surprised to see that the school curriculum was the same that you would see in a US classroom. Learning numbers, days of the week, the weather, and the alphabet. Shortly thereafter, the two vans pulled up loaded with excited children. Every child was happy to be there and greeted us with huge smiles, fist bumps, hugs, and high fives. They were seated in the classroom and Christina and Lena had the arduous task of quieting the children down for the morning lesson. They joyfully sang their songs and even though it was in Macedonian, we recognized the songs – especially the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” which they performed enthusiastically. After the lesson, we opened up the bags and handed out the beautiful red stockings decorated with love by the NCL (National Charity League). Each child joyfully pulled out all the treasures – putting on the hats and gloves, and playing with the toys. They enjoyed pizza and soda. Afterwards, we all went to the ghetto to see where the children live. Our hearts were heavy to see what difficult circumstances they live in on a daily basis. Our eyes and hearts were opened in ways we did not expect. The children, with so little, found resilience and hope that surpasses all understanding.
Their needs are great, but our God is greater, and in the depth of their poverty they still find joy and hope because “the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Our prayers are with the children and families of North Macedonia.
– Cindy, Diane, Janet & Linda
Some of the children of the ghetto in Saraj, Skopje, N. Macedonia
The fun is beginning!
Three little adorable friends!
In their neighborhood!
Our new little friend!
Love in the Balkans
From Yastrebovo to Pamukchii
Skopje, Litochoro and Thessaloniki too.
We wandered with wonder, each step a new grace,
Each village and city a sacred place.
In quiet corners and crowded squares,
We met hearts that carry heaven’s prayers—
Gopi with wisdom, Reni with song,
Pantelis and Kristina, steadfast and strong.
Vlado and Benny, with kindness to give,
Pavle and Sokrat show what it means to live.
At the church in Thessaloniki, bold and bright,
Pastors gathered, beacons of light.
Their love is not loud, but steady and deep,
They comfort the broken, the lost, and the weak.
In every embrace, every tear that they dried,
The love of Jesus could not be denied.
Macedonian Outreach, with hands open wide,
Walks where the wounded and weary reside.
These saints press on through hardship and trial,
Their joy and their faith stretching mile after mile.
Thank you, dear Vula, for opening the door,
To stories and souls we’ll cherish evermore.
For the feast of your welcome, the warmth of your care,
For showing us Jesus was already there.
So we leave with hearts both full and stirred,
By lives that have preached without saying a word.
In the Balkans, we saw what the gospel can be—
Love poured out for “the least of these.”
Written by Glenn, Lisa & A.I.
We had the privilege of attending the dedication of the new homes that were built with the support of many generous donors of Macedonian Outreach. Upon arriving in the village of Pamukchii, we instantly felt the love of Jesus shining through the hearts of the people there. Despite the heartbreak of seeing so much need, and the frustration of all the difficult red tape they have to go through to get the homes finished, there was hope and joy in the faces of the children, and faithfulness of the adults.
During the dedication ceremony, we were encouraged by the worship music, the inspiring prayers and words from Gopi, Vula, Pandelis and Glenn Hammill. What a joy it was to hear the children’s laughter – “Where the laughter of children runs, there God is smiling nearby.”
It was a wonderful day that couldn’t have happened without all the hard work of so many, but especially Reni, who worked tirelessly organizing the event. With faith, we look forward to the time when all the homes will have electricity and the families can move in to their new homes. What a blessing that we were able to be a part of this touching celebration. We thank Vula for this wonderful opportunity.
Blessings, Diane, Janet & Linda 2025
Dear family and friends:
The annual Bake Sale for The Macedonian Outreach is coming up on Saturday, April 12th. Please come and invite others. Also, if any of you would like to bake something, please bring it by the house on Friday, April the 11th.
Thank you!
-Vula
Dear friends,
I hope that you will enjoy this video which was created by videographer Aaron Bowman.
Thank you, Aaron, for your time and expertise in depicting the history and impact of this ministry.
Blessings,
Vula