New Year in Bulgaria

Since my last blog, we have been in Nigeria, back to UK for Christmas, and now we are in Bulgaria with our family, and will soon be returning home. Since here, we’ve not only had a fantastic time with our son Craig, Milena and granddaughter Tegan, but also with the wider family of God.

We have worshipped with several Roma Gypsy churches – Roma worship is wonderful, a very different sound from western music, it’s more Indian – but the enthusiasm and joy with which they worship God is contagious. We simply sing in tongues, clap our hands and make a joyful noise and blend our voices and it all merges into a sweet smelling incense to the Lord.

We have also been entertained by several Roma families; great care and love has been given to us. It’s wonderful to meet so many new believers who have recently committed their lives to Jesus, been baptised and have a vision to see Jesus transform whole communities one by one. Amidst a people dominated by poverty and hopelessness, the joy and fresh hope among the believers is like a bright shining light and cannot fail to attract. Jesus is the only answer to transform hearts and then communities.

A couple of nights ago we worshipped in a crowded small building which stands alongside a half-built new church building. The place was packed with many unable to attend because of the lack of space; the cold making it impractical to stand peering through the door.

What a challenge? Here was a body of believers bursting out of their building, but still with the great need to see the provision of enough money to complete their partially built facility. Craig encouraged the people to keep asking the Lord for the provision to enable the next stage of construction.

There may be those reading this blog who would want to help – you can find out the details on Craig’s website – www.jutvari.bg. Go to the work of Sashco and Marusia and follow the links to the building project.

Earlier in our visit we met an ex-muslim believer who Craig had sponsored through school even before he had found Jesus. He thanked us for the support that had come from Living Waters Church and told us of his baptism. It was wonderful to see Jesus shining out of his dark Roma eyes – another brother in Christ.

We seek to be an encouragement to all we meet. We spent time talking to a friend whose teenage son had disobeyed him and had his ears pierced – much to his father’s disappointment. We heard of the strife and anger this had caused, but spoke of the importance of extending forgiveness and restoring the relationship. The issues needed to be worked through but the relationship was too important to allow an earring or two to break a family apart! A few days later in Church, the father testified as to how God had spoken to him; he acknowledged his over-reaction and asked his son to forgive him and sought restoration in the presence of the people. It was a courageous thing to do and has brought healing between father and son.

The whole culture of “taking offence” is a big issue in Bulgaria. Forgiveness is withheld and broken relationships are considered normal! We need to pray and ask that revelation will be received by the body of Christ to live in a Kingdom way.