We are coordinating with our Romanian and Bulgarian partners to share Christ in Bulgaria. Bulgaria celebrates a very ancient and rich history. The current state of Bulgaria is the result of the Russo-Turkish/Ottoman War of 1877-1878, after which it was given almost complete autonomy, emerging from centuries of Ottoman rule. In 1946, Bulgaria came under the Soviet-led Eastern Bloc and became a socialist state. After the revolution in 1989, Bulgaria transitioned into a democracy, composed of 28 provinces. Situated on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is a beautiful country with the rugged Balkan Mountains running west to east, bordered by the Black Sea on the east. The Danube River defines the border with its northern neighbor, Romania. Its population is approximately 6,500,000, the majority of whom reside in urban areas. The capital, Sofia, is the most populated city, followed by Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Bulgarians are the primary ethnic people group, constituting approximately 85% of the population. Turks are the second largest people group, followed by Roma. The country claims a mix of both western and eastern cultures. Eastern Orthodox Christianity is designated as the traditional religion of Bulgaria. Islam is the second largest religion, or about 10% of the population. Many of these people know very little about Jesus of the Bible, and they are curious and open to hear. The rural areas will tug at your heart because of extreme poverty.

The Lords tells us to minister to the poor. He also tells us to share His Gospel message with all people. This is what we are called to do in Bulgaria. Would you say, "Yes, I am ready Lord, send me!"