Hi there everyone!
Sorry we were unable to access the blog for our final few days. We arrived back in Belfast International Airport at around 11pm last night and were very pleased to see some family and friends at the airport. We are all safe and well, even though it seemed like a very long day of travelling and waiting around in airports!! I think we are all pretty tired and some poor souls from the team had to work today.
The last few days of the camp were really special and no-one wanted to go home when the camp finished on Sunday...In fact when we arrived at the church where the parents were collecting the children, some of the children were crying because they didn't want camp to be over. Later that evening we were told that some parents were amazed that their kids ran over to them, said a quick hello, and then went straight back to be with the camp leaders.
Many of the parents and children stayed for the church service. The kids sang their camp songs, performed the mime which we had taught them, and told the congregation about their favourite part of camp.
After church, our team and the Slovene leaders went for pizza and chatted about our experiences of the camp. We were so pleased to hear that at least ten children accepted Jesus as their saviour while at the camp, and that Zvonko, Dubravka & Metka (the organisers) thought the camp went extremely well and were very happy with our role in it...in fact they want us back next year!
On Monday we spent most of the day with Sebastian & Gloria, Metka (who is coming to NI in a few weeks time to study at Belfast Bible College for a year), Tina (who had translated for us many of the evening sessions at camp) & Anton (the teenager who took us on the boat trip on our second day in Slovenia). We had really enjoyable day with them, visiting Bled Castle, having Kebabs for lunch while giving them gifts, and then going to Ljubljana for shopping & cinema.
We spent Tuesday morning packing and had time to reflect on what we had experienced together, before heading to Austria for the flight home.
I think it's safe to say that we all had a wonderful experience over the past two weeks and have been so aware of the presence of God...seeing Him work in all sorts of ways. A huge thank you to everyone for praying for us and the work that is continuing to take place in Slovenia. It was a privilege to serve our Lord with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Slovenia and to see the difference Jesus has made in their lives and how His light shines in them and His love overflows from them to others.
We thank God for all He has done and is doing...and to Him be the Glory.
God Bless you all
Love Alice, Daniel, Elise, Heather, Julie, Stephen & Rachel
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
Wednesday, 15 August 2007
Greetings from Porec!
A lot has happened since our last entry...we've been to church and experienced a slovene worship service. Thankfully the preacher spoke in english so we understood that part. Our team shared in the worship by using mime put to the words of the song 'The wonder of the cross' which seemed to be received well. Monday we travelled to Porec in Croatia. Thankfully we seem to have left the rain in Slovenia behind!! The temperature is much warmer here too, though we're not complaining yet! Ourselves and the slovene team are staying with around 60 kids in a youth centre right by the beach. We have a packed schedule this week, getting up at 7.30am and joining the kids for breakfast outside at 8am. Then into very lively worship, memory verse, quiz and story, told by a very familiar looking Elisha complete with handmade beard. Beach time til lunch which is always a popular choice. After lunch its the English and craft slot in which our team is divided up between the two activities. We are responsible for teaching english, so we teach six groups of children who rotate between the two workshops. The craft that we were able to buy, thanks to the financial support of many back home, has been thoroughly enjoyed by the leaders and kids alike. First day of english class was good. We were teaching colours and getting to know the kids, and they were really enthusiastic which was encouraging for us.
The kids are really great, so loving and crying out for affection. Over half of them do not know Jesus as their saviour yet, so please keep praying that they will understand and receive Him.
Sorry for delay in update. Internet access is limited...but we'll try to keep in touch as much as possible.
Please keep praying for safety for all, unity in the team and God's love to be experienced.
Love and prayers
God Bless
Julie and Elise
The kids are really great, so loving and crying out for affection. Over half of them do not know Jesus as their saviour yet, so please keep praying that they will understand and receive Him.
Sorry for delay in update. Internet access is limited...but we'll try to keep in touch as much as possible.
Please keep praying for safety for all, unity in the team and God's love to be experienced.
Love and prayers
God Bless
Julie and Elise
Saturday, 11 August 2007
Saturdays update
Yes i know we missed out on friday but we couldnt get access to a computer.Yesterday we had awesome weather and were able to do a scavengers hunt with the teenagers,it went really well and the team were all able to interact ealsily with the slovenia teens. They seemed enthusiastic about speaking English which made it easy. We all then went out for dinner and got an incredible pizza,also it was a good opportunity to get to know the forjans.
Today we went to the capital of Slovenia,Lubijana,in the morning we got shown round by Sebastian.
In the afternoon we went to Glorias parents house were we met the rest of the team for the Croatia camp.We were taken aback at how friendly they were as they showed such a genuine interest in us and were so glad that we had come.
Thanks again for yours prayers,please continue to pray for the weather to be good next week and that everything will go as planned.
Yes i know we missed out on friday but we couldnt get access to a computer.Yesterday we had awesome weather and were able to do a scavengers hunt with the teenagers,it went really well and the team were all able to interact ealsily with the slovenia teens. They seemed enthusiastic about speaking English which made it easy. We all then went out for dinner and got an incredible pizza,also it was a good opportunity to get to know the forjans.
Today we went to the capital of Slovenia,Lubijana,in the morning we got shown round by Sebastian.
In the afternoon we went to Glorias parents house were we met the rest of the team for the Croatia camp.We were taken aback at how friendly they were as they showed such a genuine interest in us and were so glad that we had come.
Thanks again for yours prayers,please continue to pray for the weather to be good next week and that everything will go as planned.
Thursday, 9 August 2007
Thursday's Slovenia update
Last night, after a lovely tea, we headed back to our hostel in Bled. We had some free time and managed to suss-out a rather delicious pudding shop, can't have us running low on sugar! We had a team meeting for about an hour, we discussed our thoughts on the day, spent time in prayer and discussed what the Bible has to teach us about teamwork.
Today we felt much more at home, possibly due to the delights of heavy rain most of the day, (and we thought we'd escape that)! We headed to the Forjans around 11 where we planned our day with the kids. Unfortunately due to the weather we couldn't do a scavenger hunt as planned but brainstormed to come up with some fun indoor games. Our afternoon was spent helping the Forjans with a reunion of a past English camp. The kids we met were really friendly and more than willing to engage in English conversation which was very encouraging! It was great to see the good relationships that the Forjans have been able to form with the local kids in such a short time, you can really see God working through them.
We hope to meet with them again tomorrow, hopefully to do more outdoor activities so please pray for good weather and that we will continue to build up friendships with the kids.
Love and God Bless
Alice and Daniel
Today we felt much more at home, possibly due to the delights of heavy rain most of the day, (and we thought we'd escape that)! We headed to the Forjans around 11 where we planned our day with the kids. Unfortunately due to the weather we couldn't do a scavenger hunt as planned but brainstormed to come up with some fun indoor games. Our afternoon was spent helping the Forjans with a reunion of a past English camp. The kids we met were really friendly and more than willing to engage in English conversation which was very encouraging! It was great to see the good relationships that the Forjans have been able to form with the local kids in such a short time, you can really see God working through them.
We hope to meet with them again tomorrow, hopefully to do more outdoor activities so please pray for good weather and that we will continue to build up friendships with the kids.
Love and God Bless
Alice and Daniel
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
First two days of our Slovene adventure!
Well here we are in (partially) sunny Slovenia! Yesterday was our day of travel and all went perfectly smoothly, thankfully, without delays or problems! (Apart of course from some slight turbulence and a thunder and lightning storm upon arrival - what they say about the Irish bringing the weather with them really must be true!)
The Forjans collected us at the airport and gave us a really warm and friendly welcome to their country. We travelled up through the Austrian mountains in minibus and crossed into Slovenia in roughly an hour. Sebastian and Glorija brought us to the flat and made us feel right at home, we had dinner and chatted together about how God is using them in Slovenia. After having our tummies filled, we left for our youth hostel with Sebastian. We got our rooms sorted, unpacked and went on the hunt for some water feeling a bit dehydrated after our day travelling. Before bedtime we all met up to discuss how we were feeling now we had arrived, discussed our fears and concerns and prayed we would be useful in our work. We felt it important to thank God for guiding us and watching over us in our travels.
DAY TWO-
After a good sleep we woke at around eight and went for breakfast together at around 8.45. We then had some free time to explore the area. We walked for around five minutes and there we were- right at Lake Bled. We were immediately amazed at just how beautiful and tranquil it was. At 11 we met the Forjans and went on an hour long walk in the beautiful sunshine around the lake. Their friends have little boats at the lake edge and were kind enough to take us across to the island in the middle, so we clambered onboard (some of us more gracefully than others!) and climbed the 99 steps to the top where there was a little church and beautiful views.
Once back from the island we all had lunch together and the boys went swimming or rather jumping into the lake whilst the girls went for coffee or sat by the waters edge. Having time to talk to Glorija about her life and work in this country was a really worthwhile experience and it was good to spend some time chatting and having fun together. It is amazing to hear about the struggles of many people in Slovenia who become Christians as many come from Catholic or aethiest families who see Christianity as something bad or evil.
We then packed up our things and headed back to the Forjans where we write this blog! We are having dinner soon and look forward to beginning our work with the children tomorrow.
We really appreciate your prayers both for us and the people of Slovenia.
God Bless,
Elise and Alice x
"I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." John 15 v 5
The Forjans collected us at the airport and gave us a really warm and friendly welcome to their country. We travelled up through the Austrian mountains in minibus and crossed into Slovenia in roughly an hour. Sebastian and Glorija brought us to the flat and made us feel right at home, we had dinner and chatted together about how God is using them in Slovenia. After having our tummies filled, we left for our youth hostel with Sebastian. We got our rooms sorted, unpacked and went on the hunt for some water feeling a bit dehydrated after our day travelling. Before bedtime we all met up to discuss how we were feeling now we had arrived, discussed our fears and concerns and prayed we would be useful in our work. We felt it important to thank God for guiding us and watching over us in our travels.
DAY TWO-
After a good sleep we woke at around eight and went for breakfast together at around 8.45. We then had some free time to explore the area. We walked for around five minutes and there we were- right at Lake Bled. We were immediately amazed at just how beautiful and tranquil it was. At 11 we met the Forjans and went on an hour long walk in the beautiful sunshine around the lake. Their friends have little boats at the lake edge and were kind enough to take us across to the island in the middle, so we clambered onboard (some of us more gracefully than others!) and climbed the 99 steps to the top where there was a little church and beautiful views.
Once back from the island we all had lunch together and the boys went swimming or rather jumping into the lake whilst the girls went for coffee or sat by the waters edge. Having time to talk to Glorija about her life and work in this country was a really worthwhile experience and it was good to spend some time chatting and having fun together. It is amazing to hear about the struggles of many people in Slovenia who become Christians as many come from Catholic or aethiest families who see Christianity as something bad or evil.
We then packed up our things and headed back to the Forjans where we write this blog! We are having dinner soon and look forward to beginning our work with the children tomorrow.
We really appreciate your prayers both for us and the people of Slovenia.
God Bless,
Elise and Alice x
"I am the vine and you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing." John 15 v 5
Wednesday, 1 August 2007
WELCOME TO SLOVENIA!!!
One team returns just as another heads out. Check back regularly for news and prayer updates from the Portrush Presbyterian team who leave for Slovenia in the next few days. They will be working alongside the Forjans during their time there.
Please click on the link *"WELCOME TO SLOVENIA!!!" above for more information.
Please click on the link *"WELCOME TO SLOVENIA!!!" above for more information.
A safe return!!!
Well, the bags should be unpacked by now and the euros exchanged for good old sterling. The team to Kosova all safely returned late on the 21st July after a very entertaining taxi journey from Dublin airport all the way to Belfast (UlsterBus need to put on extra coaches!!).
Apologies for the lack of posting and we were shamed by our dutch team mates who at least managed 2 posts. But the busy schedule and less than great internet connection at the internet cafe got in the way. The team was busy, exhausting, tiring, hot, sweaty and hot but awesome!!
Despite the 40 degree heat the kids and teenagers turned out, the boys ended up playing 3 footie matches a day between 9am - 4pm: the precise time you are advised to stay in the shade. But the effort everyone put in was amazing and absolutely worth it.
Having been involved in the teams for the last 4 years it is fantastic to see how God is moving and using even the short term work for His glory. When i first started going out the two communities at Qyshk were very much divided - the villagers and the Romas. Year by year tensions have eased little by little but it was this year that i saw the greatest improvement. At the two teen clubs (one for girls one for guys) those from the Roma community came over and joined in with the village teenagers - without any problem or tension. God has answered our prayers in a mighty way. Just 4 years ago we could not run a separate club for the Roma's because of opposition.
Another highlight for me was in the teen guy group. George and the other guys covered the entire Bible in just 7 days, at the end the guys were left in no doubt what our beliefs our and there were tracts and information on the local church available if they wanted to take them (no pressure at all) - everything was taken!! Pray with us now for the young guys who took different pieces of literature.
That's it for Kosova 2007, now time to start planning for next year - roll on Kosova 2008!!!
Apologies for the lack of posting and we were shamed by our dutch team mates who at least managed 2 posts. But the busy schedule and less than great internet connection at the internet cafe got in the way. The team was busy, exhausting, tiring, hot, sweaty and hot but awesome!!
Despite the 40 degree heat the kids and teenagers turned out, the boys ended up playing 3 footie matches a day between 9am - 4pm: the precise time you are advised to stay in the shade. But the effort everyone put in was amazing and absolutely worth it.
Having been involved in the teams for the last 4 years it is fantastic to see how God is moving and using even the short term work for His glory. When i first started going out the two communities at Qyshk were very much divided - the villagers and the Romas. Year by year tensions have eased little by little but it was this year that i saw the greatest improvement. At the two teen clubs (one for girls one for guys) those from the Roma community came over and joined in with the village teenagers - without any problem or tension. God has answered our prayers in a mighty way. Just 4 years ago we could not run a separate club for the Roma's because of opposition.
Another highlight for me was in the teen guy group. George and the other guys covered the entire Bible in just 7 days, at the end the guys were left in no doubt what our beliefs our and there were tracts and information on the local church available if they wanted to take them (no pressure at all) - everything was taken!! Pray with us now for the young guys who took different pieces of literature.
That's it for Kosova 2007, now time to start planning for next year - roll on Kosova 2008!!!
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