From: Pastor Gopi
The last 3 years have been extremely difficult for many families. First, Covid 19 has locked down a large proportion of working people, confining them to their homes. Many businesses went bankrupt and thousands lost their jobs. The last year 2022 passed under the motto of the war between Russia and Ukraine. The resulting inflation was so great that basic food items rose in price by over 100%.
In the village of Pamukchii, Bulgaria, we have been caring for more than 20 years for 13 families who are raising their children in extremely poor conditions. They live in former premises for chicken coops, at the end of the village, without electricity and drinking water in their homes. We are so grateful to Macedonian Outreach for supporting these families during this difficult period, providing them with one bag of basic food products each month.
During the years of ministry, we have become convinced that it is very difficult to share the Good News with people who are fighting for their survival. To speak about education when the table is empty and the children are hungry is mission impossible. That is why we are so blessed to serve together with Macedonian Outreach, because they understand this truth, and starting with a piece of bread, together we will build a working program to support children’s education.
Thank you, Macedonian Outreach
-Gopi
Dear family and friends:
I want to share with you a video about an answer to prayer that has been in the making for a very long time. For over twenty years I was praying for the Lord to help us house 14 families who had been living in old commercial chicken coops and a few years ago the Lord answered in His own very special way. House number eleven is in the making with only three more to go. Celebrate with us God’s goodness and faithfulness!!
-Vula
Dear friends and family:
As Christmas is almost here, I would like to share a video and a story with you that will warm your hearts. As you know, from the beginning we started helping the Ukrainian refugees in my home town. As Christians we know that it is better to give than to receive. Macedonian Outreach partnered with a small Pentecostal church in Katerini in providing food, clothing, bringing them together for fellowship and most importantly giving them the Word of God in their own language. Thank you all for helping provide the necessary funds to do all this every two weeks. May God’s blessings be yours and Merry Christmas to all!
Update of our sponsored children in Saraj, Skopje, North Macedonia
by our Director Sokrat
Summer has come to an end. School year has begun. Every year we have an event that has the purpose to give the children moral, social and spiritual support before their new journey in their next school class. Also provide them with the basic school supplies and some treats.
For most students, going from one grade to another is nothing special but for Roma children that is a big celebration. Nine out of ten children will drop out of school during the first two years. Due to the poor environment that they live in, education is not a priority or encouraged, thus our job to encourage and pray during the year is extremely hard and frustrating. Having no space to do our ministerial activities adds to that heavy load as well.
But despite all difficulties, the Lord blesses our ministry among Roma children. During the school year all our activities are held in the village under a small gazebo. Once again, we had created an event where more than 70 children had the opportunity to be inspired to start their new school year. Also, a lot of fun was planned. At that event, my wife gave them words of encouragement and introduced them to our guests Vula, Annie and Robert. Then, Annie gave a short Bible lesson based on John 8:12 with some amazing visual aids. The children loved it. The smallest ones saw and learned a new type of flower. After the lesson, we had a game in two groups. It was such a blessing to see children from all ages play a game with no problems. Then, Vula gave each child a new school bag with school supplies. At the end of the day we had snacks and chocolate. What an amazing day; we are so grateful to the Lord.
We are also grateful to the Macedonian Outreach for supporting more than 60 children and for taking care of their basic educational needs.
Backpacks for new school year
More backpacks with Sokrat and son Alexander
Vula and Elena with the children of Saraj
Annie from Castro Valley, CA teaches a Bible story
Children with their new backpacks
A group picture with our happy children