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Bulgaria: The good news
In connection with the "shoebox campaign" in December 2023, children and young people from the communities of Speyer and Schwegenheim packed 622 shoeboxes so that these, along with food parcels, could be distributed to poor people in Bulgaria. The aim was also to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to the people.
One group served in a library in Tirene, giving a talk and distributing shoeboxes they had brought to the children. Afterwards, they visited poor families in their homes, also giving them shoeboxes and food parcels. A second group visited the church in Dondukovu, where they served with a sermon and singing. They then traveled to various children's and disability homes, sharing the good news and distributing the gifts they had brought. The following Sunday, the travelers split into three groups and visited the churches in Krivodol, Dondukovu, and Sofia. There, they served with singing and sharing God's word, and afterwards, they distributed gifts to the children.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/bulgarien-2/
Uganda: Mission trip and dedication of the community
In December 2023, a group from Germany traveled to Uganda. Upon arrival, they first made contact with the local people. The following day, they were able to cultivate fellowship more intensively and deepen their connection through Bible reading. The group also gained their first impressions of the region.
During the visit, wooden benches and shelves were built, and donated children's clothing was distributed to those in need. The classrooms were also repainted. Youth services were held with the local members, and an additional "Tabita Women's Day" was held for the women in the community center. Our members also served the local community through home visits. In January, a major, significant event took place for the local members: the dedication of the Seeta Lukinga Community Penecostal Church on January 7, 2024.
During the event, Joseph Sekajja was ordained as pastor and Pascal Mpoza as deacon. The newly dedicated church was warmly received not only by the local congregation but also by the local authorities. It was also a long-awaited and blessed day for our brothers in Germany. May the congregation continue to grow and flourish, bringing light to the region.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/uganda/
Disability support: Further operations needed
Slawik, a boy who is part of a large family of 14, suffered severe injuries last year from a projectile in a bomb explosion. Public support and financial assistance enabled him to undergo life-saving surgery. Now, Slawik faces another challenge, as he requires additional surgery on his hand. One of Slawik's fingers is misaligned, necessitating a surgical procedure to correct it. Furthermore, the tendons need to be treated to restore mobility to his currently stiff fingers.
Another important aspect of the operation will be improving nerve function, with the goal of restoring feeling to Slawik's fingers. These complex medical procedures are very expensive, placing a significant financial burden on the family. Therefore, Slawik's family is once again appealing for support. They express their deep gratitude for the donations already received, which have given Slawik a chance at life and recovery.
Learn more: https://cdh-stephanus.org/barmherzigkeit-fuer-schwerbehinderte/