Let's Roll Up Our Sleeves

We have been to the orphanage twice now, and it is never easy to leave. The most recent visit was yesterday with my dear friends Vlady Riachinov and Geri Donkova. The children greet us always with hugs and kisses and are in need of "good" attention. Ivet, the director was in good spirits yesterday and we discussed many things about the changes in the orphanage system in Bulgaria. Most of the changes seem good from afar, but without the core belief in Jesus, they chase only after the symptoms but not the problems. Our efforts continue to focus on the changes in the hearts of the children through the knowledge of the Master of change, Jesus.
To that end, we began the first bible study for the kids who have left Roman for living in the big city; Sofia. We held it in the apartment that we are renting for Nadia. We will use this apartment for many studies throughout the summer. Tuesday night, the kids learned something that is most difficult for them, having grown up in an orphanage. That is that the tongue is the most difficult part of the body to control. We discussed ways to practically apply this message to their lives today. Two of them said emphatically that they could not pray for someone who has hurt them. I am thankful for their honesty. One of them, Ivan, said that he has not yet given over his heart, but knows that Jesus is real, and is still "thinking". I love this; their ability to be transparent and to be genuine. To photo to the right is the kids preparing refreshments for the bible study.
In regards to the Bulgaria Child Project, Ivet, the director of the orphanage, has agreed to let some of the children be assessed this summer for scholastic aptitude and has even agreed to let them come into Sofia during the school year for special tutoring, to help bring them up to Sofia standards.
Blaga Popova, the director of Scripture Union in Bulgaria, has agreed to assess 2 of the children this summer and advises us to start slowly. I am in full agreement with this advice. She is involved with a similar program with an 18 year old girl from another orphanage, and has shared with us the difficulties of such an undertaking. That being said, we are encouraged and trust the Lord for the opportunities.
The two candidates that will be tested are Mariella, above, and Karina to the left. Both of them are smart and want to learn and have a desire to continue on with their education after the orphanage. Please be praying for this.
Both of these kids have a knowledge of their savior, and this will be a tremendous way not only to give them what they may need for later on in life, but also for the life to come. We will be praying for the right teachers, with a Christian background.
There is sad news on the Conie front. On Sunday, Conie went to a part of Sofia where there is a transition home for kids who have left orphanages throughout Bulgaria. This is where Conie had her start. Unfortunately, the bad guys know where this home is and were waiting for her. She has gone back with them, but I know that the conversation that Conie, Viktor and I had, resonated with her. We told her that we wanted nothing from her and that the only thing that the Lord wants is her heart. Please be praying for her. Although she is living in a very dangerous situation, we know that He is with her and will finish what He has started.
All for now, please stay tuned...

Small Unsustained Victory

Conie returned to Nadia's apartment yesterday, and it is abundantly clear that she wants to be freed of the lifestyle that she has been living for the past 3 years. She is ashamed of her behavior and is ready for change. We asked her if she would like to come with us to church on Sunday, and (тя каза да) she said yes.
We are organizing a weekly bible study at Nadia's apartment for some to the young adults from the orphanage who are now living in Sofia. Please be praying about this effort. It is important for them to understand what it means to follow Jesus. I am looking forward to these studies.
Another area of concern is for them to find jobs and begin to learn how to care for themselves. This sounds easy to us, but I am finding out just how difficult it is for them. They have been cared for their whole lives, and have always had their needs met by others.
I trust God for this and we will be patient with them as He is patient with us! All for now...чао за сега (bye for now)

The Battle Begins

Stefi's 1st birthday away from the orphanage was full of games and laughter, but later on that evening we were reminded of the battle that is being waged all around us.
The young girl in the photo, whose name is Conie (pronounced with a long O), is from the orphanage in Roman but has been walking the streets of Sofia since she was 16 years old. She is now 19 and has 2 children.
Our prayer that evening was for forgiveness and redemption. Conie desperately wants to change her ways and for a few days, stayed with Nadia, another girl from the orphanage, for whom we are renting an apartment.
Unfortunately, she left yesterday with an unidentified man in a car, without her identity documents. She hasn't been seen or heard from since. She has heard the gospel message from the beginning of our work here, but the enemy is active and keeps drawing her away. Conie is a child of God and we will not stop praying for her. Please join in with us as the battle rages on.

Stefi's Birthday

It's Sunday morning and a beautiful day in Sofia. We were in Roman yesterday for a few hours and it was so good to see the kids again. After a few hours in Roman, we loaded up Rosa, Stefi's sister and two of Stefi's best friends, Karina and Zoiya. Once in Sofia, they were treated to the Circus Balkanski.
We are anticipating an eventful day with all sorts of fun activities for the children. More later...

We're in Sofia now...it's going to be one of the hottest days of the year so far, but that won't distract us from the joy of going to Roman today to pick up some kids to bring in for Stefi's birthday party. For those of you who don't know the details, Stefi is the 11 year old (12 tomorrow) who was adopted by my dear friends, Viktor and Beny. We will bring in from Roman, her sister, Rosa, her best friend, Karina and her other best (I know this is a contradiction of terms) friend, Zoiya. Stefi is learning how to adapt to family life and even through the challenges, one can see the resolve and joy in her countenance. The Lord's hand is in this and a miracle is in progress! stay tuned...

On My Way

I had a great flight from Seattle to London. I left Seattle around 7PM and once in the air, I slept all the way. This is a first for me. The secret...work yourself to a frazzle 2 or 3 days before you depart, like I did. It works!
With much anticipation, I'll be leaving for Sofia tomorrow and on to Roman by the end of the weekend.
Today, the weather in London is much like Seattle's has been lately...grey and overcast.
Thanks for the ride, Harley!
Please be praying that the kids in Roman will hear and heed their calling! God is faithful and will finish that which He starts. What a great and comforting promise!
All for now...In His great love,
Mark