This weekend we are having a three-day community event in Bitola, Macedonia. From the 17th-19th of May, 2012, there will be ongoing activities to reach out to the community on family and individual levels. A team of young people is coming in from Arizona State University and North Central University to help  our partner Brian Thomas assist the local Macedonian church in hosting their fifth event of this kind. Check back for details next week!

On the 12th of May, 2012, Convoy of Hope Europe hosted a community event in Zlatograd, Bulgaria.

Local organizations sent materials to help with the outreach, doctors and optometrists chipped in for medical checkups and well-known Christian singers from Bulgaria’s X-Factor equivalent show agreed to do an afternoon concert. At the concert a local folk dance group performed as well.

There were 100 volunteers from the 4 churches that managed the event. In a city of 8,000, 2,390 people showed up for the festival. The mayor was thrilled with the response and the professionalism of the event. We handed out 1,000 new testaments, children’s books and a Jesus film in Bulgarian among other things. Over 115 of the elderly attendants received blood testing for diabetes in addition to basic checkups and 127 people received eye examinations. We took 123 portraits, which will be printed and then delivered to the families’ homes over the next few weeks by the church members. Around 450 people returned for the early evening concert and service that night.

Though it rained before and after the event, we were granted a break in the weather all throughout so we could have an incredible day! Thanks to everyone who contributed.

Event Preview:
On May 12th – 13th 2012, COHEU will be holding a community event in Zlatograd, Bulgaria, which is a predominantly Muslim area. Lead by our local contact, Pastor Nicki, we will partner with three other churches in Bulgaria who are coming into the city to help out. The church in Zlatograd has only 15-20 people but also has a strong desire to impact their community for the Lord. There will be activities for children like face painting, music and clowns. There will also be food and other perks like free haircuts. Afterwards, 200+ food packages will be distributed to local families. We expect it to be a great time for all involved and appreciate your prayers!