Thursday, April 8, 2010
...and the flowers bloom like madness in the Spring....
We have jokingly told people we moved to the UK from Florida for the weather...and have yet to be disappointed. We're a few weeks into Spring, the tulips and daffodils are everywhere...mowed the lawn this weekend past...getting a small veg garden ready...why then oh why did I have to scrape frost off the windscreen this morning!!!????
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Into the Great Wide Open
Here we are eight months into this adventure, and still loving it. Much has happened, and much of what we're doing has evolved into new areas of growth, learning, and a healthy dash of " and now for something completely different." We surely feel like clay in the hands of the Potter. But what better place to be? Each day truly brings something new.
Past updates have been stories of things in the works, or recent trips, or coming plans. This month things are a trifle different. Would you allow us to use this update for some prayer request? Thank you.
First: Your prayers for Next level Int'l would be appreciated. With the goal of being in all nations of Europe by the year 2020 before them, it will take more than just well-laid plans to make it a reality. Please pray for the staff, current and future, the church partner relationships, and wisdom, as NLI moves into new nations.
Second: On a personal note: Mary and I would also be most thankful for your prayers. We find ourselves being stretched and tested; physically, spiritually, and mentally. Mary is moving into some new areas of responsibility within the Kid's Ministry, and I am helping develop processes and ideas to help expand the ministry's reach into places like Moldova, Slovenia, and Albania.
Third: Outside of our work with the ministry, would you pray for our continued health, happiness, and marital stability. There are times where being away from family and friends can be a strain. We are happy, and we are still very much in love. But we are also only human.
If you are able to lift any of these requests in prayer, would you please let us know? And please let us know how we can join you in prayer for the needs in your lives.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
The journey continues.
Paul and Mary
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
We are also on Facebook and Skype.
PS. We'll be headed to the US in late June. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as we can.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Darkness on the Edge of Town
During the reign of a certain regime a number of government "pro-natal" programs were implemented in an effort to increase the population of a certain country. From the mid-1960's through the 1980's, women in this nation, regardless of their economic situation, were expected to have at least 5 children. These laws resulted in the birth of hundreds of thousands of children which the parents could not afford to feed. With no other choice, many parents were forced to abandon their children. So over the decades the governmental orphanages swelled to overcapacity.
What was once an ill-conceived government plan is now a living nightmare. At age 18 these children are now considered to be adults, and no longer responsibility of the government. With no life experience but that gained within the walls of a government-run orphanage, many of these now young men and women, are homeless, addicted to drugs, and living in empty derelict buildings and in underground sewers. Abandoned by their families, turned out onto the streets by their government, shunned by society, they are almost non-persons.
Yes, the story of this lost generation a tragic tale. But it is only one of so many, many stories. We could talk about a group of people, who are considered to be a scourge on society and so shunned, their true numbers are unknown. We could talk of the ethnic tension between between more than just neighbouring nations, but between neighbouring cities, and the neighbours next door. We could talk about the atrocities of ethnic cleansing and ancient hatreds. We could talk about not just decades of repression, more than just centuries replete with bloodshed, but millennia of tumultuous history, and yet just scratch the surface of what this area and its people are all about.
All these stories are from Southeastern Europe, or what is also called the Balkans. The lost generation belongs to Romania. The "scourge" is the Roma people, or gypsies, who could number from 4-14 million. The ethnic tension is between your choice of Albanians, Croats, Serbs, Romanians, Muslims, Eastern Orthodox, Western Orthodox, new order, old order, take your pick. As to the history of the region, you could blame today's problems on the Communists, The Ottoman Turks, The Hapsburgs, The Romans, The Slavs, or any other invader and/or occupier of this part of the world. You could point the finger for the regions political instability at the numerous treaties made and broken during any of the Balkan Wars, or the World Wars.
This would be a perfect place to quote some statistics, or cut and paste some poignant personal testimonies, all in an attempt to pluck your heart strings. But my intent isn't to create an emotional response, complete with some temporary guilt. I don't even want to use the desperation of this situation to subtlety ask for any kind of support. My only goal today was to open your eyes. To show you part of the world in where I now work. To do more than just identify the problems, but to share the potential for a mighty move of God.
There might be a shadow hanging over the Balkans, a darkness on the edge of town, but if this area was important enough for visits from Paul the Apostle, then God has something wonderful in mind. You now have a front row seat.
"That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans." Acts 16:9 (The Message)
The journey continues.
Paul and Mary
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
What was once an ill-conceived government plan is now a living nightmare. At age 18 these children are now considered to be adults, and no longer responsibility of the government. With no life experience but that gained within the walls of a government-run orphanage, many of these now young men and women, are homeless, addicted to drugs, and living in empty derelict buildings and in underground sewers. Abandoned by their families, turned out onto the streets by their government, shunned by society, they are almost non-persons.
Yes, the story of this lost generation a tragic tale. But it is only one of so many, many stories. We could talk about a group of people, who are considered to be a scourge on society and so shunned, their true numbers are unknown. We could talk of the ethnic tension between between more than just neighbouring nations, but between neighbouring cities, and the neighbours next door. We could talk about the atrocities of ethnic cleansing and ancient hatreds. We could talk about not just decades of repression, more than just centuries replete with bloodshed, but millennia of tumultuous history, and yet just scratch the surface of what this area and its people are all about.
All these stories are from Southeastern Europe, or what is also called the Balkans. The lost generation belongs to Romania. The "scourge" is the Roma people, or gypsies, who could number from 4-14 million. The ethnic tension is between your choice of Albanians, Croats, Serbs, Romanians, Muslims, Eastern Orthodox, Western Orthodox, new order, old order, take your pick. As to the history of the region, you could blame today's problems on the Communists, The Ottoman Turks, The Hapsburgs, The Romans, The Slavs, or any other invader and/or occupier of this part of the world. You could point the finger for the regions political instability at the numerous treaties made and broken during any of the Balkan Wars, or the World Wars.
This would be a perfect place to quote some statistics, or cut and paste some poignant personal testimonies, all in an attempt to pluck your heart strings. But my intent isn't to create an emotional response, complete with some temporary guilt. I don't even want to use the desperation of this situation to subtlety ask for any kind of support. My only goal today was to open your eyes. To show you part of the world in where I now work. To do more than just identify the problems, but to share the potential for a mighty move of God.
There might be a shadow hanging over the Balkans, a darkness on the edge of town, but if this area was important enough for visits from Paul the Apostle, then God has something wonderful in mind. You now have a front row seat.
"That night Paul had a dream: A Macedonian stood on the far shore and called across the sea, "Come over to Macedonia and help us!" The dream gave Paul his map. We went to work at once getting things ready to cross over to Macedonia. All the pieces had come together. We knew now for sure that God had called us to preach the good news to the Europeans." Acts 16:9 (The Message)
The journey continues.
Paul and Mary
Stay in touch via email: mary@going4the1.com paul@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Brothers in Arms
14 January 2010
0345...why is my alarm clock going off? Oh yeah, need to get showered and dressed, riding to the airport at 0400. Who's idea was this?
0450...at BHX waiting for flight to Amsterdam. Thankfully Burger King is opening soon. I wonder if they have Dr Pepper?
0610...off the ground and on our way.
0800...waiting in AMS for flight to OTP. No great deals in the duty free store.
1215...in the air and cruising towards Bucharest, Romania. It is going to be a long day...but full of potential.
1345...safely in Romania, but we have a 5 hour wait until our next flight. A ride from the airport to a Lebanese restaurant is arranged, very nice.
2030...one more flight. Should be Oradea in about 2 hours. I need a hot shower and a pillow.
2315...at the hotel. Awake now for almost 17 hours. No Dr Pepper. Why am I here?
Oh yeah, because about 18 years ago four teenage guys were acting as translators for someone from the UK. This person was traveling through some of the former Soviet nations searching for opportunities to help people either start or rebuild a relationship with Jesus.
That person was Ian Green, founder of NLI, and those 4 guys are now a pastoral team. Through knowing Ian, and the training available through NLI, they now lead an independent church of about 300 members here in Oradea. The church is about 6 years old and the pastors realise they are ready for some new challenges and growth. But they have an uphill battle. Communism may have fallen, but the mentality lingers. Life is ruled, decisions are made for you. This mindset is affecting their church and they seek to bring the freedom of Christ. They want church to be something you do, not just somewhere you go. They want church to be involved in the day-to-day lives of friends, co-workers, and neighbours. They want to be the kind of church that would missed by the community if they left. They want to be the church as Jesus intended.
It gets better. Have you ever been involved in a community outreach with your church? Did it involve seeking out the lost and lonely who live in the sewers and abandoned buildings of your city? Did it involve dealing with a group of people despised and mistrusted by almost everyone? You see, after the trip to Oradea we headed back to Bucharest and reconnected with one ministry who works with teens and another who works specifically with the Roma (gypsy) peoples. Two vibrant, blessed ministries, also looking for partnership to help increase their reach, not for their own glory, but for the Kingdom.
So, to answer my first question, this was God's idea, and I'm blessed to part of the ongoing work here in Romania. Yes there are logistics and funding and travel and processes involved. Yes there are staff members both here and across the world. But it all balances on the quality and depth of relationships. We are in this together, whether you are a financial supporter, a prayer partner, or a cheerleader, you are part of this. You share in the victories and the blessings. We've said it before, and we'll say it again....we're running on faith, but we're not running alone.
Stay true,
Paul and Mary.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
And so this is Christmas
Happy Christmas to everyone. In the midst of all the travel, shopping, more shopping, cooking, visiting, even more shopping, and the occasional Christmas Party that must be attended, we hope you have the time to reflect on the real reason for this day. (Subliminal suggestion: Turn off the phone, the computers, the game consoles, and make some popcorn, then gather as much of your family as you can and watch " A Charlie Brown Christmas")
So how is everyone doing out there? How has this year been for you? What's new on your planet? How have these past few months been? What are you planning for the next year as 2010 looms closer and closer? Have you been naughty or nice?
These last two months have been an interesting mix of work, life, and new discovery.
Mary and the kid's ministry team successfully hosted Kidshaper 2009. This is an NLI sponsored event created to share exciting and innovative ideas for kids ministry. Over 150 delegates, from England, Scotland, Wales,Ireland, and Australia, came together for 3 days to learn, share, and be encouraged. Kid's ministry is so sorely needed, this current generation has had the least exposure to the Word, and thus, the least knowledge of their purpose and the source of their hope.
I've been on a near vertical learning curve regarding the creation of plans to help expand the ministry's reach into a number of new nations. This is whole new ground for myself, and for NLI. Your prayers would be appreciated as we seek new contacts in such places as Moldova, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Plus, to keep me from going completely insane, I'm assisting with the production of NLI's yearly publication "The Dream". Needless to say, I'm not bored.
Looking forward to 2010;
Mary will be in Slovakia for Boost Tour, a two week,four city, traveling kid's ministry production. Not just a "flash in the pan" show, but a mix of preaching, fun, music, play,and prayer, held in conjunction with the local churches, as a way to reach kid's who have yet to hear The Good News of Jesus Christ. So if you're looking for something exciting to do next summer, contact Mary: mary.triller@nlieurope.com
Paul is in the midst of creating an Advocacy Programme to help raise awareness of the great need in the Balkans Region. This area is comprised mostly of nations carved from what was once Yugoslavia. Centuries of ethnic struggle and decades of Communist rule have left the current population stripped of identity, uncertain of the future, and nearly void of any knowledge of Christ. If you want to hear more about the Balkans, and how you can help, feel free to drop me an email: paul.triller@nlieurope.com
On the home front, we brought a little bit of America to the UK when we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with our neighbours. Mary actually found a small shop in Coventry that carries American products. Trust me on this, after what we paid for 2 cans of Libby's Pumpkin, those pies were great!!!!
We had the opportunity to visit Megan, Wayne, Alison, and Emily, in Nicaragua a few weeks ago. Megan had a great itinerary planned. We hit the beach, caught barracuda, went horseback riding, enjoyed a hike to a waterfall, saw countless fireworks, and enjoyed some wonderful grand daughter hugs and kisses. For those of you who don't know, Megan (our favourite eldest daughter) and her amazing husband are missionaries to Nicaragua. If you have a heart for the lost in Nicaragua I suggest you check out their website.
May 2010 be blessed beyond your wildest imagination.
Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers. We miss all of you.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay true,
Paul and Mary.
Stay in touch via email:
paul@going4the1.com or mary@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
So how is everyone doing out there? How has this year been for you? What's new on your planet? How have these past few months been? What are you planning for the next year as 2010 looms closer and closer? Have you been naughty or nice?
These last two months have been an interesting mix of work, life, and new discovery.
Mary and the kid's ministry team successfully hosted Kidshaper 2009. This is an NLI sponsored event created to share exciting and innovative ideas for kids ministry. Over 150 delegates, from England, Scotland, Wales,Ireland, and Australia, came together for 3 days to learn, share, and be encouraged. Kid's ministry is so sorely needed, this current generation has had the least exposure to the Word, and thus, the least knowledge of their purpose and the source of their hope.
I've been on a near vertical learning curve regarding the creation of plans to help expand the ministry's reach into a number of new nations. This is whole new ground for myself, and for NLI. Your prayers would be appreciated as we seek new contacts in such places as Moldova, Slovenia, and Kosovo. Plus, to keep me from going completely insane, I'm assisting with the production of NLI's yearly publication "The Dream". Needless to say, I'm not bored.
Looking forward to 2010;
Mary will be in Slovakia for Boost Tour, a two week,four city, traveling kid's ministry production. Not just a "flash in the pan" show, but a mix of preaching, fun, music, play,and prayer, held in conjunction with the local churches, as a way to reach kid's who have yet to hear The Good News of Jesus Christ. So if you're looking for something exciting to do next summer, contact Mary: mary.triller@nlieurope.com
Paul is in the midst of creating an Advocacy Programme to help raise awareness of the great need in the Balkans Region. This area is comprised mostly of nations carved from what was once Yugoslavia. Centuries of ethnic struggle and decades of Communist rule have left the current population stripped of identity, uncertain of the future, and nearly void of any knowledge of Christ. If you want to hear more about the Balkans, and how you can help, feel free to drop me an email: paul.triller@nlieurope.com
On the home front, we brought a little bit of America to the UK when we celebrated Thanksgiving Day with our neighbours. Mary actually found a small shop in Coventry that carries American products. Trust me on this, after what we paid for 2 cans of Libby's Pumpkin, those pies were great!!!!
We had the opportunity to visit Megan, Wayne, Alison, and Emily, in Nicaragua a few weeks ago. Megan had a great itinerary planned. We hit the beach, caught barracuda, went horseback riding, enjoyed a hike to a waterfall, saw countless fireworks, and enjoyed some wonderful grand daughter hugs and kisses. For those of you who don't know, Megan (our favourite eldest daughter) and her amazing husband are missionaries to Nicaragua. If you have a heart for the lost in Nicaragua I suggest you check out their website.
May 2010 be blessed beyond your wildest imagination.
Thank you for your friendship, support, and prayers. We miss all of you.
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay true,
Paul and Mary.
Stay in touch via email:
paul@going4the1.com or mary@going4the1.com.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
Thursday, November 19, 2009
The Two of Us
So here we are four months into this adventure, and a number of people have been asking the same question; some via email, or Skype, or over the phone, or even on Facebook. Regardless of the way it is asked, or how it is worded, it comes down to this, "How are you guys "really" doing?". It appears these updates have focused mostly on the what , or where or why, but too little on just us. (This might just be the most difficult update we've ever written) Here we go.
Paul: Can I just say "I'm fine" and be done with it? Because the truth is, I am fine. Is everything here 100% what I expected? Is this whole gig some Never Never Land experience? No and No. Yes, I miss our daughters and their families. Yes, it hurts to watch Alison, Emily, and Penny growing up via pictures and video chats. Yes, I miss Wing Night with the guys from Fusion Church. Yes, I miss bass fishing. I even miss driving on the right side of the road. But this is where I belong. This is where I need to be.
Please understand I am not trying to tout myself as some selfless hero. I'm just a man in a funny red sheet. I knew coming into this there would be a price to be paid. I knew there would be sacrifices. But at the end of the day I go to sleep with a peace like I've never known. I am here through the grace and support of so many wonderful people. I know there are prayers being said for me like never before. I'm happy. I'm challenged. I'm stretched. I spend every day with the love of my life.
I'm OK. Thanks for asking.
I've been so blessed with the experiences in my life ; being a mom, a Nana, a daughter, a friend, a sister and a sister in Christ, and now He is doing something greater and He has chosen to let me be a part. I keep praying every day that I am willing to be available for what He has in mind as well as keeping me from missing all my loved ones. In the meantime, I do ask you to continue praying for our transition especially as we enter the holiday season being so far away from the ones we love. Technology keeps us close, but hugs on Skype only take you so far. Thanks for being there for us and I hope you know we are praying for you and thank God for you each day. Love and miss you all!
We are running on faith, but we are not running alone.
Stay true,
Paul and Mary.
We are also on Facebook and Skype. We'd love to hear from you.
Paul and Mary Triller 202 Hospital Lane Bedworth UK CV120JY
Monday, October 19, 2009
Life in a Northern Town
Wow...after almost 20 years we're experiencing "cold" weather. We actually need to remember to turn on the heat, and close the windows and doors. We might have used the heater in our cars in Florida two or three times a year. Now it's every day!!! C'mon Spring!!!!
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