Ministry in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a country, which although is in Europe, and even in the EU, is in Eastern Europe and that refers to much more than just a geographical location. Being a post-communist country, it has challenges in spreading the Bible and faith. The atheistic communist regime alienated people from the Bible and the church and now there is a second and sometimes third generation that have grown up without the Bible. Combining this with a strained economic climate, people feel they are geographically in Europe but are still far away from it in the way that Europeans live. The Bible cause and the church has to overcome many other things that try to get people's attention.
Large numbers of children are in state run orphanages
and need to know God's love. The Bible Society distributes children's Bibles and other books with Bible stories. Often the Bible Society will collaborate with other Christian groups who are delivering clothes, shoes and food to the orphanages. The love of God is revealed through the books and demonstrated by the visits to the Children's homes.
Bible based discussions are organised for older children and puppet shows and drama are used with the younger children. Children growing up in these institutions do not receive the same attention as a child growing up in a family unit might, they crave attention and enjoy the times when the Bible Society staff are present with them. The input from the Bible Society staff and volunteers also helps the children to learn about moral standards from the Bible which are useful for future life.
