Sofia, Bulgaria

EastWest Logo
To Donate:  www.eastwest.org/PaunDonate
Sign Up for: Email Updates

As of November 2018, our team still needs $1000 in monthly support to be minimally funded and remain on the field. We are looking for 20 people willing to partner with us for $50 per month. As you read about our calling and mission, please consider partnering with us!

Until January of 2015 year my wife and I were missionaries in Pskov, Russia.  There we came alongside a local church and partnered in their ministry.

(Listen to the above audio for a more in-depth update)

In Pskov, our work centered around orphanages, drug & alcohol rehab centers, and youth ministry. Unfortunately, new legislation by the government forced us to leave the country.

In conjunction with our supervisor we decided to relocate to Sofia, Bulgaria – a Slavic country in Southeastern Europe that borders Greece and Turkey.

Bulgaria Total Population: 7 million
Bulgaria Total Protestants: 65,000

Ethnicities:
Bulgarian: 5.25 million (30,000 = .5% Protestant)
Roma: 300,000 (30,000 = 10% Protestant)
Turkish: 560,000 (95% Muslim)

The Roma (Gypsy) and Bulgarian populations are highly segregated. Of the ethnic Bulgarian population, less than one-half of one percent self-identifies as Protestant of any kind.

(Evangelism in a Slavic, Orthodox Context)

After evaluating the mission field, getting to know local churches in Sofia and missionaries around the country, we see several key areas of opportunity

Key Areas of Opportunity:

  • Church Planting: Initially in Sofia, with the goal of spreading around the country. (Read more)
  • Pastor Training: Travel to Roma (Gypsy) areas to train pastors in their communities who are unable to attend seminary.
  • Muslim Evangelism: Outreach to areas with significant Muslim  populations – Turks, Roma, and Pomaks. (Read more)
  • Sermon and Book Translations: Bring solid Biblical resources to the people of Bulgaria.
  • Internship program: Christian groups aren’t allowed on campus, so we’ll embed Christians on campus. (Read more)

Below are two recent sermons that I preached:

Every Christian’s Ministry

Invited by the King: Would you turn down a free invitation to a royal wedding?

Leave a Reply