By Rev. Mitko Marinov
Pastor and Field Worker in Bulgaria
As we approach the end of this year and the Christmas season, I’ve been reflecting on how God's hand has been upon everything we do. This year, working in the Kingdom field, I’ve witnessed God's love, hope, forgiveness, and power touching the hearts of the Bulgarian people. I am deeply grateful for the intercessors who stand alongside us, holding us in strong prayer.
In Varna, we continue our weekly gatherings, encouraging and uplifting people’s faith. Our message is one of hope: not to lose heart, but to keep running the race, holding fast to the faith in Christ, who is above all.
As 2 Timothy 4:7 reminds us: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."
Throughout this year, we’ve held several evangelistic events in different parts of Varna and Plovdiv, and the results have been incredible. People are coming to salvation! Muslims, after witnessing the transformed lives of their Christian friends through prayer, have begun confessing Jesus Christ as their Savior. There was a large crowd during one event when I shared my testimony and spread the good news of salvation. One woman, standing among those wanting prayer, raised her hands and said, “I have never felt so light before; it’s as if something heavy left me. I now know and believe that Jesus is greater than Allah and Islam.” Her words were powerful, and many followed her confession during the altar call.
To reach some of these events, we had to travel by car for about six hours, passing through the Balkan mountains with many winding turns. With our young daughter, we made frequent stops along the way. But it was all worth it, and the joy in our hearts remains, even months after these evangelistic moments.
One of the most touching moments this year occurred when a group of 20-30 people from a village near Plovdiv reached out, asking if we could pastor them. There was no church or Christian fellowship in their area, and seeing their faith and need, I couldn’t discourage them. So, we found a family who opened their home for church gatherings. They now meet there every Saturday evening. I try to visit once or twice a month, though it’s not close to our town. In the meantime, we continue our weekly online Bible reading and prayer time with our church in Varna.
In our own town, we met a lady who had lost her husband and whose children had left her. She was in desperate need of help. A few people from our church decided to visit her and bring some joy into her life. When we entered her home, we were struck by her poor condition—she was in a wheelchair, unable to cook or manage daily tasks. The women from our group helped her tidy her home, and we brought her some essential supplies. Expecting a simple smile of gratitude, she instead began to cry, saying, “I didn’t believe that there were still good people around.” We shared with her that it was the love of Jesus Christ in us that gave us the strength and hope to help her, and we reminded her that she needed Him now more than anything. Since she cannot easily be transported to church, and we lack the means to transport her, we visit her from time to time.
We continue to serve the people in the village of Kamenar, near Varna. The children there are growing and becoming more responsible. Last month, we distributed winter clothes sent by Kiril. However, the building we were using there suffered damage from flooding, with rain coming in through the roof and some walls collapsing. We are praying for the restoration of this place, where Syika, a local woman, has allowed us to meet with the children. We’ve supported them financially to help with repairs. We also took some of the children to church, hiring a van for transportation. Eli taught them some Christian Bulgarian songs and even how to make burgers. Every time we visit, they ask when we can come again or take them to church. However, with the cold weather, we are waiting for the repairs to be completed before we resume regular visits.
I hope all of this encourages you, and we would love to welcome you one day to experience the happiness, smiles, and love of the children and families we are serving here.
Thank you for your prayers and your time!
Comments