Final Task & Final Thoughts

Our final task in Bulgaria was to teach a two day leadership seminar for students at the Bulgarian Theological Seminary. As I understand it, the BTS is a group of three seminaries that operate under one organizational umbrella. This particular one was the Assembly of God seminary. We have taught for one of the others in the past.

Because of the need for everyone to work, the school has established week-end programs in a number of different cities around the country and instructors go to them instead of having students come live in Sofia and attended classes there, as they did in the past. Last March we taught in Plevin, this time in Plovdiv and next spring we will teach in Burgas, near the Black Sea.

The students range from young, college age people to very experienced pastors. It’s a good mix and makes for lively discussions. We use our own leadership material for these classes, not the Equip material.

We finished late on Saturday and then they drove us back to Sofia. Today was a rest day (sorely needed). Tomorrow we have a meeting in the morning and then we fly to London in the afternoon. Tuesday we will hang out in London and fly home on Wednesday.

As has happened so many times, God has opened another unexpected door here. We were able to connect with a couple that we have missed seeing for two or three years. It turns out that he is very involved with a large group of former and retired Bulgarian military and security force officers. My friend suggested that I go and meet with the president of this organization and he set it up. As a result of our two hour meeting, I have been invited to do an all-day seminar for them in March. They will be inviting members from all over Bulgaria. I don’t know how many might actually attend but it is exciting. Thanks to all of you who followed our blog and all of you who have been praying for us. We depend on all of you and we hope you have enjoyed the pictures and narrative. If you ever feel the call to start your own adventure in mission, you are welcome to go with us and get your feet wet. We can assure you, you will not get bored.

Plovdiv

Here are a few scenes of Plovdiv. This is the 3rd largest city in Bulgaria. Like all parts of Bulgaria, it has a lot of ancient ruins and lots of history. These were taken in the city square. Most of these cities have a central square with lots of shops and outdoor cafes. It is a great place to walk, have a coffee and people watch. That's our entertainment when we are here!

Equip 1-Perushtitsa

From Monday through Wednesday we taught Equip 1 in a Gypsy church in a small village not far from Plovdiv. The Pastor's name is Salcho and he is a very strong leader and an excellent role model. We have come here many times and we have formed an uncommon bond of friendship with these people. For us, coming back here is a pure joy. These people are so eager to learn, but more importantly, to APPLY what they are learning.

As is true of our other groups, as we get deeper in to the program, the group gets smaller. We expect that and it doesn't bother us. People weed themselves out of any challenging endeavor that is spread over time; look how many begin college in our country but never finish. So this is normal. The great thing is that the ones that stick are dedicated and serious about becoming better leaders. They are the ones we want!

This is fairly typical of most Gypsy villages. It was getting dark so it is hard to see it too clearly but hopefully you will get the idea; they have very little of the abundance we, and even most ethnic Bulgarians, enjoy. Yet, they still have joyful hearts and their hospitality is overwhelming and truly humbling.

More Scenes of Sofia

On Friday, October 14 we had all day to just walk around and relax before teaching that night so we took about a six mile walk down to the outdoor market. (It is probably just one of several but it is the only one we have seen.) Here are some of the things we saw.

Equip 1-Sofia

On Friday and Saturday, Oct 14th & 15th, we taught our third session of Equip 1 to the group in Sofia. Our host/partner/translator, Dinko Zlatarov was a littile disappointed at the low turnout. However, that's how it goes here. Sometimes people just can't make it. We hope more of them will be able to come next time. This group was VERY talkative and interactive. They ask very good questions and have good insights. This tells us that they are really "getting it".

Several of them had reports about teaching or using the material with other people, so we know it's spreading and that's the idea!

Gypsys

One of the things we always try to do is go visit some Gypsy families, take them food and pray for them. Their plight has captured our hearts.

The Gypsys (Roma people, officially) of Eastern Europe are one of the most wretched people groups on earth, not so much because their plight is unique, but more because it is virtually unknown. Nearly all of them have been run out of Western Europe. So, most live in squalor in the east. In the cities, they live in ghettos, separated from the ethnic Bulgarians. In the country, they live in abandoned villages that they have taken over. They often have no sewer, no running water, no schools for the children, no jobs and no hope. Because they are shunned by the people and ignored by the government, their opportunities to raise themselves out of their condition are very limited indeed. They need help!

The village we visited this time was near Stara Zagora. It was one of the better ones we have seen.

Stara Zagora Scenes

People often ask what Bulgaria is like. Here are some pictures of Stara Zagora, the small apartment where we stay when we are here, and our favorite restaurant.

Our apartment is on the top floor of the Bible College here. It quite comfortable and the price is great (free). We have everything we need, including about 150 channels of TV (with three or four in English)!

The restaurant is about two blocks away. As you can see, it is literally built around a Roman ruin.

Equip 1-Stara Zagora

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we were in Stara Zagora and taught our first of three different groups who are taking the Equip Level 1 Leadership Training. These people are old friends. We have been coming here for years. They are always so much fun to be with and they are always eager to learn.

Sofia Sights

Many have asked us what Sofia is like. I suppose the correct description is that it is a typical Eastern Europe big city. Nearly all of them are, like Sofia, a mixture of pre,during and post communist buildings. The pre communist buildings are often very beautiful, those built during communism are dingy and drab and recent buildings are nice and modern. Here are some pictures to give you the flavor.