World Vision and Gospel Light Worldwide are celebrating 10 years of working together with resident churches to bring age appropriate, culturally relevant youth Bible curriculum to the children in the Former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
The work extends beyond borders and branches of Christendom with significant projects in Albania, Armenia, Bosnia, Georgia, Romania and Lebanon. All work is done in cooperation with the indigenous Evangelical, Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic community of believers blurring denominational and national lines.
Gospel Light Worldwide President Marc Stein said, "It is truly amazing what can be done when all the glory goes to the Lord. The partnership with World Vision is a model collaboration that allows both of our ministries to individually do what we do best and collectively accomplish what could otherwise not be done."
The result is that children now have access to quality children's Bible material where there once was none. Over one million children in the Former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the Middle East have already experienced a life change using this curriculum and all partners agree that it is just the beginning.
David Robinson, World Vision International Middle East/Eastern Europe Regional Vice President, said, "This partnership has started a Sunday School movement throughout Eastern Europe. Our dream is for every child to live life at its fullest regardless where they live; and this relationship helps bring hope where there was none."
From the beginning, World Vision saw the partnership as a way to expand beyond relief work to a holistic ministry in the post-communist countries of Eastern Europe. Today, the programme has expanded into the Middle East and continues to extend beyond borders and tradition.
The partnership was the brainchildren of Gospel Light Worldwide co-founder Bill Greig II. Even before the fall of the Berlin Wall, Greig was passionate about reaching the children of the world but he had a special place in his heart for the former Soviet Union.
The original curriculum has been translated and culturally adapted from Gospel Light Publications' award winning Bible curriculum, founded initially by legendary Bible teacher Henrietta Mears. Then, skilled teams translate and adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of the resident church and community.
Teacher training is the final step providing consistency and quality. The ultimate goal is to create sustainability and to bless resident churches with complete control and direction.
